- Indiana
Praying Mantis: Lowell (Ind.) Red Devils’ Chris Mantis heating up, drawing D-I attention
Lowell boys hoopster Chris Mantis is about to blow up big time this winter as a college recruit. He’s rising fast in scouting circles.
Coming off a terrific offseason on the camp and AAU circuit, where he showed off his fundamentally-sound skill set and newfound physique, the sly 6-foot-6 junior combo guard is primed for another major campaign ripping nets for Red Devil Nation. Scouts are already saying he’s worthy of “diamond in the ruff” status for a loaded Class of 2021 in the state of Indiana.
Just last month, Mantis earned his first two Division I scholarship offers from Ball State in nearby Muncie and Incarnate Word out of Texas. Miami (OH) and Indiana State are reportedly showing interest and Butler and Purdue are keeping tabs, monitoring his progress.
Mantis brings diversity to any backcourt he’s a part of. Last season, he dotted the stat sheet for 20 points, four dimes and eight boards per game, shooting 45 percent from 3-point range. He hit the weight room hard in the spring and packed on 20 pounds of muscle to his frame. He’s grown eight inches in the past two years and has improved greatly on defense and in his ability to finish strong at the rim.
Can you say UPSIDE?
Lowell plays in the Northwest Crossroads Conference and is looking for its first sectional title in 27 years with Mantis at the helm of the Red Devils on the hardwood. Mantis’ older brother Nick is a redshirt freshman guard at Cedarville University, a DII program in Ohio.
— SCOTT M. BURNSTEIN
