Hamilton High School is coming off an 18-11 record from this past season (2011-2012) - reaching the second round of the state playoffs, before losing to Pinnacle HS (65-57).
As a result of the high school season, head coach Kevin Hartwig saw the emergence this season of 6-foot-1, 155-pound junior point guard Nate Walker. While the Huskies were very well-balanced this past season, Walker emerged into a very integral part of the Huskies' attack.
Walker averaged modest numbers this season, but was very well balanced in his efforts - averaging 7.7 points, 3.8 assists and 3.7 rebounds per/game. Walker shot 47% from the field this season, and pumped in a season high of 10 assists in a 63-36 win over Vista Grande HS.
Walker had the basketball in his hands a lot last season, and developed into the the team's premier point guard. Alongside 6-foot-1 junior guard Michael Garcia (9.1 ppg), the Huskies will return an experienced senior backcourt next season that saw good success as juniors.
Walker is a developing college prospect for the future as well, as he has very good quickness as a player and is able to make plays for himself and others off the dribble. He is able to get into the lane effectively and finish plays, while also having a good overall feel for the game, which allows him to make players around him better. A very competitive player, Walker plays with a purpose and looks to win - a nice attribute. He has a very good handle of the basketball and is fundamentally sound as a player.
Walker also has a good overall ability to shoot the basketball with range and has a quick release on his shot. A solid three-point shooter, as he continues to become more consistent from long range, he will be able to set up his ability to blow past defenders off the dribble.
Walker is also a good overall defender and has excellent lateral quickness with a good overall motor. I see him able to become a lock-down defender with continued focus in the future, which would make him a much more attractive prospect.
Walker is a player with very good upside as a player and has the potential to become a much better prospect in the future, as his best years are well ahead of him. As he continues to mature physically, look for this young man to blossom, as he is a great looking kid that possesses a great attitude on and off the floor.
Look for Walker to have a big senior season for the Huskies next season, and develop into a serious college prospect with continued hard work over the next year, as he has all the physical tools.
Keep an eye on Nate Walker for the next high school season and in the future - I definitely will be.
Walker is also a very accomplished student - carrying an amazing 4.375 CUM GPA.
