Jack Drew always had the talent to play basketball at the college level.
The Notre Dame High School senior just needed someone to draw it out of him, give him a little guidance and direction.
Enter former Notre Dame and Southeastern Community College standout Gavin Kies.
Kies, joined the Notre Dame staff this year, coming alongside head coach and father Dan Kies.
Gavin Kies did some extra work with Drew, showing him what it takes to succeed at the next level.
Mission accomplished.
Drew recently was offered to walk on to the SCC men’s basketball team, the winningest program in NJCAA history.
Drew, a 6-foot-3 guard, is looking forward to the challenge of playing for SCC coach Lorenzo Watkins.
“I am good friends with Mason Watkins (Lorenzo’s son). I played with him in open gyms the last few years,” Drew said. “I know Coach Zo saw me play with him. It’s a very physical, very fast, very intense game. I’m excited for the opportunity to keep playing at the college level.”
Drew, the class valedictorian, will have his schooling paid for through academic scholarships. He always has put academics above athletics and it has paid off.
Drew is a sharp-shooter who also has the height to get to the rim. He was a perfect complement to Shay Stephens as one of the top guard tandems in the state last season for the Nikes.
Drew averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game and shot 51.6 percent from the field. He was a first team all-conference pick and helped Notre Dame to a 19-5 record and a berth in a Class 1A substate final, coming up just short in a loss to North Linn.
Drew credits Gavin Kies with helping him get prepared for SCC.
“Gavin was the biggest influence on me,” Drew said. “He told me what I need to work on. He told me I really had to push myself to get better every day. He told me to make sure I didn’t just get up shots, but make them good reps, Just getting up shots isn’t good enough.”
Drew will join an SCC team which is a perennial contender for the Region XI championship and a trip to the national tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Drew knows that Lorenzo Watkins is a very demanding coach. Defense, rebounding and hustle are a top priority.
Drew is ready for the challenge.
“I need to put on some weight, just get bigger. And I need to work on my speed, especially from side to side. At that level guys close out fast,” Drew said. “Last year I went to every home game. I always love the atmosphere there. It’s going to be fun. A lot of people come to the games and the team has had a lot of success. I am going to have to work my way up to get some playing time.”
