Eastern's Lyonell Gaines is one of the top prospects in Region Seven. Now the 6-foot-4 forward is looking for a place to play in college. I caught up with Gaines and spoke with him about his recruitment.
Gaines averaged nearly 14 points per game this past season, as he helped lead the Eagles to a 21-9 record.
"The summer ids going pretty good," Gaines said. "I'm just trying to get better. I'm struggling with my shot right now, so I'm working on that."
Gaines is spending the summer working on his game. He wants to develop a more consistant outside shot, so he is working on his outside shot, as well as his ball handling skills.
"This summer I'm working on my three point shot," Gaines said. "I'm really working on my ball handling too. I'm going to play guard at the next level, so I want to improve my handles."
Gaines doesn't hold any scholarship offers right now but several schools are showing interest. He hopes that will change with strong performances in AAU events.
"I've gotten a lot of stuff from Furman," Gaines said. "I'm getting stuff from Butler, Morehead State, Tulane, Xavier, Marshall and Western Michigan. No offers but I hope that will change soon."
Eastern had a very successful season in 2009-2010. They came up a little short in the Region Seven tournament against Ballard but they have several Division I prospects returning. Gaines hopes his team can make a run a state championship.
"My goals for this season are to average a double-double, make it to state and win a state championship," Gaines said. "I think we have the talent to do that. The 7th Region is tough but I think if we can win it, then we have a chance to take state."
Along with Gaines, Eastern also return Remy Abell, Kameron Woods and Arman Marks.
Photo by Michael Johnston
