Coach Walz and his staff added another top 50 player to an already talented 2022 recruiting class. The 6’3 post player out North Raleigh Christian Academy, by way of Raleigh, NC committed to the University Of Louisville today. Imani Lester becomes the third commit in the class, she joins Nyla Harris and Alexia Mobley.
Lester held offers from some of the nations top schools, schools such as: North Carolina, UCONN, Duke, Mississippi State, Florida, Florida State and N.C. State (her father, Avie played basketball for the Wolfpack in the 80s).
L's up! ❤ pic.twitter.com/F8mw3ECDAS
— Imani Lester (@imanilester32) June 29, 2021
Imani is already a 1,000 point scorer in her school, in fact she accomplished that in her freshman season. In her junior season, Lester averaged better than 16ppg, 12rpg, 4bpg, 4apg and 2spg.
Louisville has landed their defensive anchor of the future. Imani averaged over 4 blocks a game and altered countless others during the course of a game. I’m not saying she’s going to be Kylee Shook back there, but she’ll definitely look to make up for the loss of Liz Dixon as she graduates next year. Of course no defensive possession is complete without grabbing the defensive board. With over 12 boards a game, it is safe to say that Lester controls the boards. Lester is also a very good at initiating the break with her outlet passes.
Louisville will be getting a very strong and athletic post player. Lester is very very good post. She’s a strong finisher in the post and has a nice soft touch around the rim. Imani also has a nice array of post moves and counters in the post. Imani is a player that will demand a double team in the post.
Lester is a real physical presence on the court. Standing 6’3 she isn’t than just a post player, Imani has a nice repertoire of 1v1 moves on the perimeter to get to her shot off. Her offensive game is constantly improving. Coach Lester (Imani’s dad) once said that he had Imani working on her guard skills even though she was taller than the other players and it really shows. There are times in a game you’ll see Imani comfortably bringing the ball upcourt to initiate the offense.
The two sport athlete (volleyball) is a huge addition to the class of 2022. She will definitely push current players: Olivia Cochran, Ramani Parker and Sydni Schetnan for playing time. Imani’s athleticism and skillset is really going to help her battle for playing time, the fact that she’s already a good passer is only going to benefit her at this level and the next. Great job by coach Walz and his staff on landing another top 50 recruit and almost guaranteeing UofL another top 10 recruiting class.
