Someone asked me recently about Luke. I have watched only 2 HS games mainly due to early commits who aren't really committed and because you have to pay for his home games online. Here is what I know Mt. Vernon is ranked 2nd in class 4A they are 8-1 having got completely blown out at home by #1 Fishers. Luke leads his team in every category except blocked shots and FG% he only shoots 56% LOL, 18.7 points per, 6.7 rebounds, steals 1.9, free throws 88%, 3pt percentage 50% which is even more impressive considering he is always double teamed, assist 35 total in nine games, rebounds 60 considering he is a 6'1 combo guard impressive. These are Braden Smith number in HS. I said I only watched 2 HS games, but I have seen countless Indiana Elite games. I can 100% tell you Painter mentioned Braden more than once in recruiting him. For me I cannot help but compare him to Mr. Smith. He isn't the passer, but he pretty much checks all the other Smith boxes for me. Much like Smith he is a smart player who will exploit any and all weakness you may have. Unlike Smith Luke looks to score first and pass second. This maybe because he shoots 56% and his teammates know it. I view him as a second ball handler not a PG only because he is so offensive minded. And because I really like Antione West JR as the future PG. His pressure on the ball and attacking the basket are " Slightly" better. West looks to pass much, much more often than any recruit I can recall. I don't know how, but Whitmer has a 6-3 record. I will watch them again tonight if I can stomach watching that #3 mess up over and over. IMO they are not a good team. Mt Vernon on the other hand isn't as good as their loft ranking; they have Luke and not much else. I would sum up Luke by saying he is a hybrid Smith/Loyer he shoots like Fletch and manages the game like Smith. We got a good one here. And before you beat me up for ever daring to compare anyone to a generational player like Smith, I will just say you're right.
