Boys’ basketball: Valencia’s Jackson is the real deal
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Valencia’s Lonnie Jackson, a 6-foot-3 junior guard, should no longer be considered just a scorer. He’s going to be one of the top guard prospects in the Southland next season.
On Thursday in an Adidas Super 64 tournament game at Rancho High, he scored 18 points for the Double Pump 2011 team that lost to the Nashville Celtics, 85-77. He also played defense, scored on a drive and demonstrated how far he has come.
‘He’s a much more complete player,’ said Simi Valley Coach Christian Aurand, who is coaching Double Pump this summer.
Jackson has already shown he can shoot and score from three-point range. Now he’s working on his ball-handling skills and his strength. He’s only 163 pounds, but when his strength improves, beware.
‘I’ve been in the weight room,’ Jackson said.
Jackson’s father, Lance, was a standout guard for Woodland Hills Taft. Jackson is starting in a backcourt that also includes junior guard Josiah Turner from Sacramento, a highly regarded player who had 23 points.
Aurand coached against Jackson last season and has concluded, ‘I think he’s going to be outstanding.’
Jackson figures to be a Pacific 10 Conference guard.
-- Eric Sondheimer in Las Vegas