Midwest Live (Omaha): Standouts Part I
2020 John Steffen, 6′ PG (Iowa Mavericks Purple 15U)
Within just a few minutes of game action, this Linn-Mar product had executed several basketball plays that were eye-catching. There was the vision and thread-the-needle passing, then he canned a corner triple, and he flashed some nice speed and acceleration with the ball in his hands, able to blow by defenders and finish at the rim.
2020 Joseph Lilienthal, 6’6 C (Iowa Mavericks Purple 15U)
This guy is huge, like tall and big, and he takes up a lot space in the paint. Unlike some other guys with sheer size, this Durant product flashed some nice coordination, and a determination to make plays. As he continues to develop his skill-set, and we think he can, Lilienthal could become one of the more impactful bigs in the state.
2020 Jake Schockemoehl, 5’11 G (Iowa Mavericks Purple 15U)
This kid is a smooth operator, and his mid-range J is a great example of that. He’s got the handle and basketball savvy to play point guard proficiently, and his jumper is precise enough to play the shooting guard position adeptly. When he splashes in a triple, the net erupts; Steph Curry does that too.
2018 Grant Johnson, 6’8 F (Kingdom Hoops X 17U)
It would appear Johnson is in full transition mode with his position. He’s been classified as a power forward, or even a stretch-four in the past, but he’s listed as a 6-foot-9 small forward in the roster book. He was playing plenty out on the perimeter when we saw him, and even took his guy off the dribble once and got the bucket.
2018 Jack Trudo, 6’1 G (Kingdom Hoops X 17U)
He was sensational when we saw him, and scored a game-high 19 points in a loss to Pump N Run Black. The Van Meter product was scoring from all three levels, and was particularly crafty around the rim. He canned two 3s to show is range and could be the X-factor for a Bulldogs squad that will be considered among a few serious 2A state title contenders next season.
2018 Jocoa Kerschen, 6’4 SG (Pump N Run Black 17U)
Agian, Kerschen makes a standout list, and like he did last weekend in Des Moines he was flashing an ability to can 3s with regularity, and he nailed six of them in the game we saw. What separates him from other sharpshooters is his ability to drill 3s in crunch-time, when his team needs them most.
2019 Carson Crile, 6’4 C (Pump N Run 16U Black)
We were curious to see what Criles’ game was about, after-all, he did average a double-double with 3A Fairfield last weekend. What we saw was a lengthy and athletic post, both of which more than make up for his lack of height at the post position. He netted a game-high 16 points in the game we saw, and will be a big-time player the next two seasons in southeast Iowa.
2019 Bryce Barnett, 6’2 G (Pump N Run Black 16U)
Another Iowa City Regina guy makes this list (Kerschen the other), and the Regals could be very good next season. Barnett showcased some tight handles, and an ability to can mid-range Js and triples. He has a nice hesitation dribble in his repertoire, and showed some toughness to boot.
2020 Sayvion Armstrong, 5’8 G (Sioux City Bombers 15U)
One of a slew of Sioux City East products who were showing out with the Bombers Saturday evening, Armstrong’s game is predicated on speed and quickness. He uses elite quickness to get to the hoop, and though he’s just 5’8, he has developed an ability to score in creative ways, some of his buckets at the rim were magnificent.
2020 Jacob Maxey, 6’6 C (Sioux City Bombers 15U)
A big, tough and gritty post from Sioux City East, Maxey could come in and make an impact next season as a sophomore with the Black Raiders. He’s a fiery competitor, and brings a valuable spark to his team. Most of his buckets came from teammates setting him up under the rim. As his skill-set develops, he’ll be one to watch in northwest Iowa.