Hello! As you may have known these past couple of months, I've been working with high school student-athletes from all over the country on my website for media coverage. From player profiles, interviews, or even as a supporter away from the site, it has been an honor to inspire and work with many hard working prospects. My newest project, "Senior Spotlight", is an honor to this year's senior class as they have finished out their high school basketball career, set to graduate and move on with their lives. Whether that be playing basketball in college, another sport, continuing their academic careers, entering the armed forces or taking on jobs right away out of high school. This is my senior sendoff to the prospective athletes that I have worked with or got a chance to see play during this crazy year of a season. Here is Shawn Lewis Jr of Central Dauphin East High School.
Shawn Lewis Jr is a 5'7" Point Guard from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Shawn is a high level playmaker who can run a high octane offense, knocks down the three with accuracy and makes everybody around him better with his leadership. He's currently a senior at CD East High School and has committed to Penn State Mont Alto to continue his basketball career at the next level. In his senior season, Shawn averaged 14 points, 6 assists and 1 steal per game for the Panthers. I first seen Shawn pick up a basketball when we were in elementary school. I attended my first basketball clinic ever at Hard2Guard which is a basketball training program created by his dad, Shawn Lewis Sr. I don't remember much of it as it was almost 10 years ago, but I just remember that my arms hurt so much that day from so many pushups. This was the first time that I was introduced to REAL basketball training and it was so brutal that it had me thinking about life and it toughened me up as a player. But getting back on topic, I remember Shawn being that small, chubby kid with a wicked handle and I thought to myself, "That kid is going to be a star one day." My predicament came true. I have been blessed to follow Shawn's progression over the years through his Dad's training, Class Acts days, his couple of years at Susquehanna Middle, High School games leading up to this point. You get the idea. Shawn has been a role model of what it means to be Hard 2 Guard and has embraced the process along the journey. Big Lew has done a great job with mentoring him, being a great influence on his life and for getting him to where he is now. I believe that Shawn will thrive at Mont Alto academically and athletically as he will be taking on college basketball and the challenges that come with it. Nothing the East product can't handle though. Shawn can succeed through anything that he puts his mind too.
I asked Shawn several questions in this project. The Mont Alto recruit provided some really great answers!
SHAWN LEWIS JR Q&A
When did you first start playing basketball?
"I started playing basketball at 3 years old. My dad was a coach and trainer before I was even born so I was always around the game. Once I was able to dribble a basketball he kept it in my hands."
Describe your game.
"I am a true point guard who feels better making a good pass than making a shot. I pride myself on always making the right play. Although, when I need to score I score at all 3 levels."
Why did you decide to choose Penn State Mont Alto to continue your student athlete career at the next level?
"I decided to commit to Penn State Mont alto when I took my visit there. The campus had a real family environment, it wasn’t too big which meant less distractions which is perfect for me. Also Coach Schenzel really showed his interest in me taking the time out to come see me play and talk with me regularly. Lastly they were already a winning problem so it just made the most sense."
How would you describe your time at Central Dauphin East High School?
"My experience at East high was great I made a lot of relationships with my peers that I feel will last beyond high school. Most of my teachers truly had my best interest and really got to know me as a person and build a bond with me."
How was the experience of being a part of the Central Dauphin East Basketball program?
"Being apart of East high's basketball program for 4 years shaped me to who I am today. I had to fight through a lot of adversity here, but I wouldn’t have wanted to play for any other school. Every single year my teammates became more than just my teammates over the course of my 4 seasons. Without my brothers helping me fight through the challenges I faced, I don’t know if I would be saying I graduated from East."
What are some takeaways from your senior season?
"My senior year as a whole was not what I expected of course. I would have loved to have a regular senior year. Having a shorten season with no fans at our games was something that definitely disappointed me. We had great support from my peers at East high, having them at games this year would have been special. Although, I am grateful that I even got the chance to play my senior year due to the conditions we are in with the pandemic."
What are your plans moving forward?
"Moving forward I plan to do one thing and one thing only which is prepare myself. Whether it be mentally or athletically, this summer my main goal is to prepare myself for the next level. That's means staying in the gym all summer working on everything Coach Schenzel needs me to prefect. Also preparing my self mentally for what I will experience in college."
Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation that you have for people?
"There’s always going to be someone that is doubting you or counting you out. Learn to hear it but don’t listen to it. Use it as motivation because your achievements feel so much better when you proved so many people wrong by achieving them!"
Shawn Lewis Jr, CD East High School Class of 2021
Favorite photo right here! (Shoutout to RISE Sports HD)
Some members of the 20-21 East High Basketball program feat. 2020 standout Amyr Fox.
Shawn Lewis Jr, CD East, 2021 Penn State Mont Alto Commit
Shawn Lewis Jr. - Class of 2021 (PG) 2019- 2020 College Coach Ready Reel
OTHER LINKS ON SHAWN LEWIS JR
CD East’s Shawn Lewis Jr. makes his college pick https://www.pennlive.com/highschoolsports/2021/04/cd-easts-shawn-lewis-jr-makes-his-college-pick.html
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