Conrad Liebowitz is 6-foot-9. Solomon Hainna is 6-foot-8. Both are playing such outstanding basketball at Crossroads that college scouts have noticed.
Liebowitz is averaging 20 points and 12 rebounds per game. Hianna produces 15 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocked shots.
Looking beyond the statistics, both seniors demonstrate the skills necessary to play at a Division 1 college. Liebowitz has grown four inches and smoothed out his offensive game since playing for Crossroads as a freshman, and Hainna is an athletic forward who can fill a lane on a fast break and guard the basket with such authority that opponents better beware of him before going in for a layup.
Crossroads had two other Division 1 prospects last season, but 6-foot-5 guard Merrick Ross transferred to a prep school in Florida and 6-foot-4 forward Robert Allen transferred to Centennial High in Compton.
As Crossroads Coach Kevin Jackson develops new talent around the big men, they continue to make an impression on college talent seekers.
After Crossroads defeated New Roads on December 16 by a score of 71-29 the two players were asked if they would stay on the court a few more minutes to pose for a photograph with the Mirror’s Margaret Molloy. They did so, and then told me which schools have the most interest in them.
Both have heard from Hawaii, among numerous others. Hainna said he’s also considering Pepperdine. Liebowitz has looked to the east and has an interest in Brown and Lafayette.
Against New Roads’ smaller team, the Crossroads game plan was to constantly work the ball inside to Liebowitz, who scored 25 points. Hainna didn’t start on this night but quickly made his presence felt when he came into the game after six minutes.
The Roadrunners took care of business with such success that plenty of time remained for others to get in some quality time.
The group included 6-foot sophomore guard Luke Shmuger, who was scheduled for junior varsity duty this season until a backcourt shortage resulted in his promotion to the varsity. Shmuger scored 13 points.
Junior forward Chester Lindley is 6-foot-5 and fits nicely into the frontline.
With Shumer’s emergence and the return of senior Daniel Sussman, who had been out with an injury, Crossroads has an opportunity to be competitive in the tough Olympic League.
