Independent Top 10 team preview: No. 1 La Lumiere

Video: Breaking down the Independent Top 10
Lakers hoping for signature season after reaching final at Dick's Nationals in 2016.

1. La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.)

Head coach: Shane Heirman (50-6 career record, third season)

2015-16 record: 27-4, No. 6 final national ranking



PLAYERS TO WATCH

Franklin Agunanne (6-9, Jr., F) ... Played last season at St. Louis Christian Academy in Missouri

Grant Beucler (6-2, Jr., G) … Quarterback on La Lumiere football team

Brian Bowen (6-7, Sr., G/F) … Top 25 prospect in Class of 2017

Tyger Campbell (6-0, So., G) … Top 50 prospect in Class of 2019

Isaiah Coleman-Lands (6-0, Sr., G) … Sports offer from Creighton



Jacob Epperson (6-11, Sr., C) … Native of Australia

Jaren Jackson (6-9, Sr., F) … Committed to Michigan State

Jordan Poole (6-3, Sr., G) … Committed to Michigan

Paxson Wojcik (6-3, So., G) … Son of Gonzaga assistant coach Doug Wojcik

Kevin Zhang (6-8, Jr., F) … Top 200 prospect in Class of 2018 STORYLINES

* While there are plenty of intriguing newcomers at La Lumiere (Epperson, Jackson and Poole), it's the mainstays in the backcourt that provide much of the lofty optimism. Bowen and Campbell were driving forces behind last year's run to the final at Dick's Nationals. It's hard to see that duo being anything but special for the Lakers this winter.



* Circle the date Jan. 7 – that's when preseason Independent Top 10 No. 1 La Lumiere takes on preseason High School Top 25 No. 1 Sierra Canyon in a game that should have major national implications at the Spalding Hoophall Classic in Massachusetts.

KEY DATES

Dec. 10 – vs. Westbury Christian (Houston, Texas) @ Hoophall West

Dec. 15 – vs. New Albany (Ind.) @ ESPN Tip-Off

Dec. 20-23 – Chick-fil-A Classic

Jan. 7 – vs. Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) @ Cancer Research Classic

Jan. 16 – vs. Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) @ Spalding Hoophall Classic



Look for an expanded preview of La Lumiere Nov. 15.