Lawson Could be Another Star

Arness Lawson 2025 PG Columbus

The Buckeye Prep Report has a long and rich history of profiling young up and coming basketball players, and we believe Arness Lawson (5’2/PG/2025/Columbus) has a chance to be a star.  All ready blessed with quickness and an advanced skill set for his age, Lawson has a chance to be elite!  From what we’ve seen so far, Lawson is super aggressive, and although he can get his own shot, he’s most comfortable as a playmaker and getting his teammates shot opportunities.

We first caught a glimpse of him late this summer ballin with Coach Jason Bates’ All-Ohio Red squad, and we could not have been more impressed with the young floor general. Although he’s surrounded with a load of talent, including Jason Bates Jr. (4’8/PG/Pickerington), Jahmeel Wakeel (5’2/SG/Columbus) and Mikell Murphy (5’5/PF/Columbus), Lawson sticks out from the pack. When he excelled out our elite Showcase last month, where he made the all-star game then proceed to grab Top 5 honors, our initial thoughts about his talent were confirmed.  Right now, and it’s still very early, we have Lawson ranked among the top 10 in Ohio’s class of 2025.  That’s not all, as we found Lawson’s name on a respected national list as well.

Based on our conversation with Coach Jason Bates, it’s clear he loves Lawson’s contribution to his team.  “He’s explosive, is a do it all type of player and can score with the best of them,” said Bates. “Arness’ IQ is sky high and he really makes his teammates better,” continued Bates. Bates is also really impressed with Lawson’s defense.  “He’s a one-man press; we put him out front on our press and on the other team’s best player,” Bates said. “He’s also humble and affects every aspect of the game,” offered Bates.

The fact Lawson often plays up a grade with All-Ohio Black’s 2024 team would explain the mature feel to his game.  This winter, you can catch Lawson in action either in the COBBA League (Central Ohio Boys Basketball) with Probound or at the very competitive Barnett Recreation Center.  In addition to basketball, Lawson also runs track and plays flag football.  As we have done for over 18 years, we will track Lawson’s career over the next several years, and we fully expect to continue feature his progress and development.