Lawson is a 6'2 power forward, and is the daughter of former Boilermaker Kay Tucker. Tucker came in with Lin Dunn's 89-90 freshman class with Tricia Cullop, Carol Madsen, Tina Humm and Stacey Carney. Purdue fans may remember Kay Tucker's defensive prowess, possessing great hands as well as being an exceptionally good shot blocker in a 6'0 frame. Dani Lawson plays high school basketball for girls basketball powerhouse Hathaway Brown, an all-girls private school outside Cleveland, Ohio.
The 2015-16 season brought a new head coach and a surprising run to the OHSAA Division II state semifinals. Hathaway Brown started the season 5-0, lost its next five, and finished the regular season 12-10. The Blazers also lost starting forward Christina Passerell during the five-game losing streak after she tore her ACL. Hathaway Brown then went on a tear in the OHSAA tournament, including coming back from a 10-point deficit to take down No. 1 St. Vincent-St. Mary, and putting away Great Lakes Conference champion Elyria Catholic (24-4) by six. In the state semis, Ottawa-Glandorf held Hathaway Brown (17-11) scoreless in the fourth quarter, turning a 37-40 deficit at the end of the third into a 51-40 victory. Lawson finished the game with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Her junior averages were 14 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 2.2 blocks.
Her sophomore campaign brought more team improvement and a final record of 11-14. Lawson averaged 11.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.9 steals per game.
Despite the team's 2-22 record in 2013-14, the team boasted senior Beth Brzozowski, who will play for the University of Pennsylvania, and two freshman Division I prospects in Lawson and 5'9 teammate Christina Passerell. Hathaway Brown reached the OHSAA Division II state championship game in the seven previous seasons, and had won an OHSAA record-setting five straight state championships prior to the 2013-14 rebuilding season.
Lawson plays summer ball for the Toledo Thunder. Also on her summer squad are high school teammate Passerell, and University of Michigan 2017 commit Brelynn Hampton-Bey. Lawson verbally committed to Purdue at the Purdue Elite Camp on June 16, 2014 over early interest from Toledo, Xavier, Vanderbilt and Princeton. Plans to major in Pre-Med.
Purdue head coach Sharon Versyp..."We’re very excited about Dani’s versatility. Her body is an incredible asset to her game and she uses it well, in addition to a very high skill level and outstanding footwork. Her post moves are very well developed for her youth." (PurdueSports.com, November 9, 2016)
Hathaway Brown head coach Michael Coreno..."Dani’s skill set really impresses me. She handles the ball well, has a nice jump shot from 15 feet and can also knock down the 3-pointer. She has the all-around the game." (Lima News, March 8, 2016)
Ottawa-Glandorf head coach Troy Yant..."Lawson can do a little of everything. She reminds me of a three in college. She’s not a true post player, who can just post up. She can do a lot of things." (Lima News, March 8, 2016)
Scouting report from ProspectsNation..."Purdue commit Dani Lawson of Beachwood, Ohio, showed her ability to score and rebound in the lane today in a win. The 6-2 post for the Toledo Thunder is a problem for defenders to keep off the glass." (July 26, 2015)
Scouting report from Blue Star scout Mark Lewis..."2017 Dani Lawson’s resume isn’t familiar to many outside the Midwest. At 6-2 she’s got a solid build and good mobility on both ends of the floor. She’s confident with the ball around the rim and reads defenders effectively before attacking. The Shaker Heights, Ohio resident is also a factor without the ball in her hands. Lawson cuts hard both off screens and on simple basket cuts. Additionally, she’s a solid asset freeing up teammates setting some physical and well thought screens of her own." (May 2015)
From the Toledo Thunder website..."Dani Lawson (2017) of Cleveland, Ohio from Hathaway Brown High School is an exceptional post player. Lawson at 6-1 has a very high basketball I.Q., rebounds the ball well, and finishes on a consistent basis. Lawson has a huge up-side." (Toledo Thunder, May 1, 2014)
Date Day Time Opponent
---- --- ---- --------------------
11/05/15 SAT 11:00A @ Wadsworth (Scrimmage)
11/16/15 WED 5:15P @ Solon (Scrimmage)
11/19/15 SAT 10:00A Mentor (Scrimmage)
Gary West Tip-Off Classic (Reynoldsburg HS)
11/26/15 SAT 1:45P Bishop Watterson
Journey to the Tourney (Lakota West HS)
11/27/15 SUN 10:30A Glen Este
11/30/15 SAT 7:00P @ Archbishop Hoban
Art Turner Memorial Tip Off (Paul VI Catholic HS)
12/03/15 SAT TBA TBA
12/04/15 SUN TBA TBA
12/10/15 SAT 2:30P @ Magnificat
12/17/15 SAT 6:30P Saint Joseph Academy
12/21/15 WED 7:00P Elyria
12/23/15 FRI 3:30P Chillicothe
12/28/15 WED 6:30P Villa Maria (Erie, PA)
12/30/15 FRI 6:30P Twinsburg
01/03/16 TUE 6:30P Toledo Rogers
01/07/16 SAT 2:30P @ Saint Vincent-Saint Mary
01/11/16 WED 7:30P @ Massillon Perry
01/18/16 WED 7:00P Cleveland Central Catholic
01/21/16 SAT 2:30P @ Lake Ridge Academy
01/25/16 WED 7:30P @ Euclid
01/28/16 SAT 3:30P @ Ursuline (Youngstown)
02/02/16 THR 7:00P Cornerstone Christian Academy
02/04/16 SAT 7:30P @ Wadsworth
02/08/16 WED 7:00P Gilmour Academy
02/11/16 SAT 7:30P @ Canton McKinley
TBA TBA TBA Sectionals @ TBA
TBA TBA TBA Districts @ TBA
TBA TBA TBA Regionals @ TBA
TBA TBA TBA State @ TBA
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