Battle at the Lakes: Iowa’s Sunday Standouts
2018 AJ Green, 6’1 PG, Iowa Barnstormers (Cedar Falls)
It’s simply unbelievable some of the shots this kid creates and makes, and it’s about time he starts picking up some high-major Division I offers. His handle and jumper are both off the charts, and he’s able to dominate a game – like he did for the first three/fourths of his team’s competitive loss to Wisconsin Playground Warriors.
2019 Derek Krogmann, 6’6 PF, Iowa Barnstormers (West Delaware)
Krogmann was good all weekend during the 15U Barntormers’ march to the championship. What is most striking about the big-man is his immense length – rumored to be 7-foot-1. His rebounding ability is key for his team, and he’s capable of putting the ball on the floor to get buckets. He could become a Division I prospect.
2017 Nick Finney, 6′ G, Shoot It! (Pella)
Quickness and shooting are his strengths, and he recently made a top-100 debut in the 2017 rankings after showcasing himself at the state tournament in March. He’ll be even more key next season on a Pella squad that reloads.
2017 Jake Eilers, 6’5 G/F, Iowa Dynasty (Cedar Rapids Prairie)
Even the casual fan who I was talking with in the stands — a grandfather from the opposing team — was impressed with Eilers. He’s a lengthy and tall wing, with a pure stroke, who makes great passes aided by good vision.
2017 Marshon Yarbrough, 6’1 G, Iowa Dynasty (Iowa City West)
This kid was off-the-charts good considering we had no idea about him coming into the weekend. What originally caught my eye was his high-flying breakaway slam — well above the rim. He also showcased some blow-by ability and was a pivotal playmaker in general. He’d have been a starter who starred nearly anywhere else in the state last season.
2017 Ryan Van Wyk, 6’6 SF, Shoot It! (Pella)
Tony Roe and I both agree that this kid continually gets better with each passing weekend. He’s the best player on a stacked Shoot It! squad, and is a tough match up for any team out here. Van Wyk is a long, lean, strong, and skilled wing who attacks the hoop well, and can rip boards and block shots on D.
2017 Donavan Holterhaus, 6’5 SF, Shoot It! (Pella)
Like his Pella teammate Finney, Holterhaus also recently made his debut in the top-100 of the 2017 rankings. He’s a tall wing who can hit the deep ball, and flashed some defensive prowess when he cleanly blocked an attacking guard’s shot in a Sweet 16 game. He’s a kid who won’t post huge numbers, but could certainly be an impact player at the next level.