Every team needs their outstanding player, and for Andover’s Boys Varsity Basketball squad Coleman Lyons ’03 fits that mold perfectly. The six foot three, 190 lb PG from Georgia has done wonders for the Boys Basketball team. Described as the “bread and butter” of the team by coach Leon Modeste, Lyons’ addition to the team this year has propelled the team to a series of successful showings en route to an 8-12 record this season. Prior to joining the Big Blue, Lyons lived in Georgia and played for the Marist School of Atlanta in an exceedingly competitive inner-city league. He also played on various travel teams throughout the state. Lyons cites his family and friends as his prime game-time supporters. “My biggest supporters are without a doubt my family as well as few very close friends. They have made a tremendous impact on me and helped me grow as a person and player throughout the years. My younger brother and sister are both high school basketball players and we helped each other become better players throughout the years.” With such a solid fan base pushing him through his fourteen years of basketball he has been able to go far with his talents. Another part of his basketball upbringing has been his coaches. Lyons has great respect for those who have taught them and strives to learn from their invaluable experience. “My coaches have all had a great influence on me. I have been fortunate thus far to have all great coaches. Throughout the years I have been able to take certain lessons from different coaches and instill them in myself to further develop my style of play.” Lyons’ plans for college have not completely gelled over yet. When questioned about his basketball future he responded “As of now I am planning on college basketball next year,” stated Lyons regarding his basketball future. “However, I have not made any decisions or commitments. I am still weighing my options and will hopefully make a decision in the next couple weeks.” Lyons has demonstrated the most skill on the scoring front. Coach Mo said of him “He can score from both the inside and the outside and he’s obviously one of the most prolific scorers our school has ever had.” His effect on the team has been uplifting. Not only has his skill put many points up on the board, but his mentality has also been of great help. Coach Mo stated, “He’s a quiet leader, he works as hard as anyone. He’s made the kids around him better and as we got used to him we became a better team.” Great things can be expected from this rising basketball star, and Saturday’s game at Exeter will surely be an apt showing of his basketball prowess.
