Sports

Harlem’s Lawton picks Maine, realizing lifelong dream

Shaun Lawton saw himself as a Division I player.

It didn’t matter that he didn’t have any offers after helping Long Island Lutheran to the New York State Federation Class A title or even after a solid summer on the AAU circuit with the Long Island Lightning.

Rather than go to a Division II school – the Harlem native had a few options – he opted to do a postgraduate year at Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut.

“A lot of people said I shouldn’t go to a prep school, go Division II,” he recalled. “I chased my dreams.”

And after a stellar season at PSA, he achieved them. Lawton verbally committed to Albany on Friday, choosing the America East program over Norfolk State.

“I had a lot of doubters and naysayers coming out of high school [saying] I wasn’t good enough to play Division I,” Lawton said. “I kept working hard. That fueled me to prove people wrong, It’s satisfying. It’s a dream come true.”

Lawton, a Harlem native chose Maine because of the relationship he developed with the coaching staff and his comfort level with the school. He envisioned himself fitting in there during his visit in late March. He also has a friend on the team, Bronx native Xavier Pollard, who hosted him on his visit.

“It was a great connection. Coaches were great, they were straight forward,” he said. “They told me early minutes were available, but I have to come in and work for them. I like that. I don’t want anything handed to me.”

The 6-foot-4 combo guard figured prominently in PSA’s 20-9 campaign. He averaged just under 16 points per game, led the team in steals, was second in assists and scored 29 points in an upset of national prep powerhouse South Kent. Lawton’s only weakness, PSA coach Tom Espinosa said, is his perimeter shot, though he has improved in the area.

“It worked out for both of us,” Espinosa said. “He was our toughest kid, our best practice player. He brought a lot to the table. He fills the stat sheet. He’s going to bring a lot to Maine next year.”

Lawton can’t wait. He always said belonged on the Division I level, through a solid career at Long Island Lutheran, with the Lightning and then this year at the Connecticut prep school. After patiently waiting, taking a chance with an extra year of school, he’s finally gotten the opportunity.

“It’s a lifelong dream,” he said. “I proved all those people wrong.”

zbraziller@nypost.com