As one of the leaders of Lawrence High’s boys basketball team, Anthony Bonner is used to getting attention from opposing defenses. Now he’s also caught the eyes of some Div. I colleges.

Bonner, a 6-foot-2 junior guard, received his first scholarship offer, from Colorado State, before his sophomore year. Since then, he has picked up an offer from Missouri State, and he’s hoping to add some more schools through the next year.

Bonner went on an unofficial visit to Wichita State on Jan. 18 and watched the fourth-ranked Shockers beat Indiana State, 68-48.

“It was great. It was real nice there,” Bonner said. “I’ve also visited Colorado State, Northwestern, Iowa and Missouri State. It picked up this summer and I’m looking forward to it picking up even more this coming summer.”

Bonner, who averages 16.1 points per game, has teamed up with sophomore Justin Roberts for one of the top backcourt combos in the state. Florida Gulf Coast University watched Bonner play at a Lions home game earlier this month.

“It’s a great feeling to know that I’m on some people’s radar,” Bonner said. “It also motivates me to work harder so I can get on more people’s radars.”

Although Bonner wouldn’t say one school is ahead of the rest, he’s enjoyed meeting players and coaching staffs on his visits.

“I’ve been impressed by all of the schools I’ve visited, impressed with the coaches,” he said. “I like the Colorado State location a lot. That was my first visit, so that was real exciting. It’s been great.”

Bonner said he will probably wait until the beginning of his senior year before making a decision. He’s looking to find the right fit, including an offensive and defensive system that suits his skill set.

“I think the key word right now is potential,” Lions coach Mike Lewis said. “Everybody who watches him sees what he can be when he’s 20 years old. He’s not only a good junior right now, but they’re also looking at down the road — when he’s in college and settles in their weight room program and what he could be then. That’s why he’s such an intriguing player at the moment.”

Just in his time at LHS, Bonner has shown improvement on the court and this season has taken a bigger role on offense for the Lions (10-2).

“Even from last year to this year, not only physically with his athleticism and the weight he put on, but his confidence and overall skill set is getting better and better,” Lewis said. “He’s shooting the ball better. He’s got better court awareness. He’s still got a long way to go defensively, and he’d probably be the first one to tell you, but he’s been really good for us.”