2019 PJ Rundquist, 5’9 G, Iowa Mavericks (Wapsie Valley)
Great build but with a big athletic frame, Rundquist was clearly a cut above the rest Saturday evening at Augsburg. He is first and foremost a scorer with a knack for getting buckets, from deep or from blow-by. He’s also active and effective defensively. After averaging 20 points per game as a freshman, he’s on track for a very special high school career.
-TJ Rushing
2017 Max Smith Dahos, G, Iowa Dynasty (Cedar Rapids Prairie):
A very smart point guard, Smith Drahos knows when to make the extra pass and when to assert himself on the offensive end. He’s a clever finisher at the rim, using his body position and excellent ball control to find unusual angles to get buckets. Opportunistically crashes the offensive glass to solid results.
-Travis Hines
Hunter Strait, 6′ PG, Iowa Elite 16U (Cedar Rapids Washington)
Though his team was shorthanded and over-matched against D1 Minnesota Friday night, Strait looked like he belonged against the supremely talented squad. He was making plays and getting to the hoop, and his handles were on point as usual. He caught the attention of several staff writers from other states. Strait should be getting some serious D1 looks right now.
-TJ Rushing
2018 Elijah Hazekamp, G/F, Iowa Barnstormers (Bishop Heelan): Hazekamp was fantastic in transition, running the floor with purpose and finishing efficiently. Defensively, he battled against bigger players but held his own in the post to help his team to victory.
-Travis Hines
2018 Joe Wieskamp, G, Barnstormers (Muscatine): Picture-perfect jump shot. Recognizes when to attack the rim – isn’t overly reliant on his range. Smart finisher around the rim, able to go around length and contests even when help comes. Not necessarily an above-the-rim athlete, but certainly could see him develop that skill as he’s athletic and long enough that he does it occasionally.
-Travis Hines
The Iowa Hawkeye commit continues to turn heads at this tournament, like he’s been doing for close to two years now. Known as a shooter in the past, he is still that, but so much more. He rebounds extraordinarily well from the guard spot, and his post scoring is as good as any big out there. He’ll burn you with buckets from all three levels, and should be a future star for the Hawks.
-TJ Rushing
2018 AJ Green, 6’1 PG, Iowa Barnstormers (Cedar Falls)
What a player. We knew he was becoming a superstar after his performance at the state tournament in March, but he continues improve and subsequently dazzle. He’s a legit 6-foot, maybe 6’1 with shoes on, and his ability to create his own looks in uncanny. The thing is, when he gets that space he’s a knock-down shooter from 10-20 feet. It was especially eye-opening to see his adeptness on defense. He’s a complete player; looks like a high-major kid to me.
-TJ Rushing
Midrange jumper off the bounce that was lethal. A very good post entry passer, putting nice touch on the delivery. Quick hands on defense. Shot in rhythm from 3-point range in transition. Establishing himself as one of the premier prospects in the state.
-Travis Hines
2017 Bailey Basala, 6’6 SG, Iowa Barnstormers (North Scott)
He was as impressive as anyone on the ‘Stormers tonight, and it’s evident he’s worked hard to continue and improve his perimeter skill-set. He flashed some blow-by ability early in the game, which is a nice addition to his repertoire. He was also creating open looks for teammates, and attacking fearlessly while finishing well at the rim. He looked like a sure-fire D1 prospect.
-TJ Rushing
Canned a corner 3 while catching and rotating hips on the catch and in the air to get square. Hit a corner 3 under major contest and duress. Comfortable pushing after a rebound. Little righty hook from the middle of the paint that was effective.
-Travis Hines
2018 Rhett Darland, 6’3 SG, Iowa Cornsharks (Clarion-Goldfield)
Thick off-guard who moves well off the ball and has a quick release on the catch. Shows extended range with good form from the arc, has the ability to shoot off the dribble and is a solid rebounder from his guard spot.
-Tony Roe
2017 Kelvin Miller, 5’11 PG, Iowa Barnstormers (Davenport Central)
He could be the best leaper in Iowa, and that’s saying something with the likes of CIML stars Jal Bijiek and Douglas Wilson in the mix. Miller is only 5’11, but was soaring above the rim during warm-ups, dunking with ease. In the game he skied for boards on both ends of the floor and showed an improved skill-set, most notably his ball-handling.
-TJ Rushing
Explosive leaper. Mid range jumper that he used consistently. Lots of hangtime when going at the rim. Extremely quick with a nice handle that he can knife through the defense with his size and speed. Quick release on shots from distance.
-Travis Hines
2019 Patrick McCaffery, 6’8 G/F, Iowa Barnstormers (Iowa City West)
The more I see of McCaffery, the more I like. He’s not flashy, but he plays smart, and plays well within the offense – you can tell he’s a coach’s son. His great height and length allow him to see over defenders and make passes other can’t, also allows for high-percentage short to mid-range looks off the dribble.
-TJ Rushing
Very good height and length. Does not hesitate to put the ball on the floor, liked to utilize a spin move off the bounce. Came from nowhere on the weakside to block a shot. A very, very impressive young prospect.
-Travis Hines