Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Reading, PA (Future150) -- If you're a fan of Pennsylvania high school basketball, you already know the story. Current Miami (FL) freshman guard and future NBA draft pick Lonnie Walker capped a fantastic high school career by leading the Reading High Red Knights to their first state championship last March, creating a buzz that hadn't been seen at the PIAA level in quite some time in the process. Well, now the Red Knights are ready to start the next chapter, and junior point guard Wes Butler is determined to be the leader of new look RHS.
The starting point guard on that championship squad, the 5'11", 160-pounder quietly had a fantastic season, filling the stat sheet regularly, while having some of his best games in the Red Knights biggest games.
During this past AAU season playing with Team Final Red & Reading KTB, he showed takeover ability on the offensive end, giving a preview of what may be in store this winter. He capped a huge fall season by showing out at Future150 East Coast Camp, where he put on an absolute show in the all-star game, scoring 30+ points and leading his team to a win. The lockdown defender and high IQ guard is as tough as they come, and he's now focused on defending a state title.
"I want to win the York Tip Off Tournament, our Christmas tournament, our division, distict & states," he told Future150.
"I'm working on improving my game on a day-to-day basis while looking to obtain a scholarship offer from a school where I can thrive both academically and in basketball."
Naturally a quiet kid off the court who puts as much time into his school work as he does improving his game, he seems to flip a switch when the lights come on. A highly competitive guard, he's an extension of his coach on the floor.
Naturally, he's the son of a coach in former Reading High girls' coach Wynton Butler, who won three county titles himself from 2001-2006. His mother, Tonya, ran track at Albright College in 1990 and 1991. His brother Wynton Butler II played for the Red Knights and was part of the team two years ago that made the state semi-finals. His cousin, Hershey Walton, shined on the football field at RHS before playing at Temple. If you're noticing a theme, it's that his family is part of the athletic fabric in Reading, both at the high school and college level. He knows that it's now his turn.
"I'm strongest at being a floor general and handling the ball. I'm improving as a shooter, and I have good vision, speed & defensive skills, and I'm lifting weights to improve my strength."
A no-brainer division two prospect who should be attracting heavy interest from the PSAC this winter, once the Red Knights start surprising people this season, you'll know why. It's Wes Butler's turn at Reading High.
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