Trapper basketball adds local product

Lovell basketball standout Jeff Lewis was announced as the latest member of the 2011 Northwest College men’s basketball recruiting class. Lewis officially signed his letter of intent with the Trappers last week.

“Jeff is one that we’ve been talking to and really had committed to him,” said Trapper head coach Andy Ward. “He had committed to us verbally a while back. We have a real good feel for what he brings to the table.”

Lewis, a 6-foot-4 player, who saw considerable time in the paint in high school, will likely see his role shift further away from the basket in college. Ward noted Lewis could see time at a variety of positions to help out the Trappers.

“He’s definitely what people would call a ‘tweener for the college game,” said Ward. “He’s a kid that played inside in high school, but will probably get moved out a bit more in the college game, and he understands that.”

Ward noted one of Lewis’ strengths was his willingness to do what was needed to assist the Trappers on the floor.

“He’s willing to do the things he has to in order to make sure the team is successful,” said Ward. “His basketball IQ is very high. He has a really good understanding of the game. He’s a kid that makes the players around him better when he’s on the floor. He doesn’t hurt you.”

Lewis was a Class 2A all-state selection this past winter. He helped Lovell to a third-place finish at state as a senior after his team finished as the 2A consolation champion in 2010.

As a Trapper, Lewis will reunite with former teammate Jonathan Wakelin. The 7-foot-2 Wakelin redshirted with Northwest College last season and will play as a freshman this winter.