Midwest Live!: Saturday Morning Standouts
2018 Logan Hoffman, 6’3 F (Iowa Pump ‘N Run 17U)
A skilled post first and foremost, Hoffman flashed some nice footwork and nice touch around the rim. He’s undersized for a big, but can step out and hit a triple with a smooth fluid jumper. The Tipton junior notched a team-high 13 points in his team’s win over Wisconsin Academy.
2018 Jocoa Kerschen, 6’2 SG (Iowa Pump ‘N Run 17U)
Rangy wing was quiet until the end of the game, but then he hit an ice-cold triple with under two minutes to play to give his team its first lead of the game. When he misses you’re surprised, and it’s never by much.
2018 Caleb Cresswell, 5’9 PG (Iowa Pump ‘N Run 17U)
One of the more skilled ball-handlers there is in Iowa, he’s short, but has a nice build and uses his weight well to guard taller opponents. Despite bigger build, he’s very quick and moves well with the ball. The Fort Madison junior is a savvy lead guard, and tough to boot.
2018 Shamaree Tomkins, 6′ C (Iowa Cornsharks Select 17U)
It’s amazing how much he can produce in the paint with such little height. He was unstoppable at times in the game we saw today, using his broad frame to create just enough space to get off clean looks around the rim. He’s more of a football prospect, but he’ll put up some numbers for Roosevelt next winter.
2018 Eric Milewsky, 5’11 PG (Iowa Cornsharks Select 17U)
There were a couple of occasions where he had jaw-droppingly good plays; one was when he lost his man with as good of a spin-move as I’ve ever seen at the high school level, the other was when he split two defenders in the backcourt with a behind the legs dribble, then raced the length of the court for a bucket. Bravo, Milewsky.
2018 Derrick Diggins, 6’2 G (Team Iowa 17U)
Again this Cedar Rapids Kennedy standout was dazzling at Southeast Polk High School. He was going up against one of Minnesota’s most athletic teams, and went toe-to-toe with everyone that came his way en route to 21 points. His explosiveness — both with leaping ability and first-step — is some of the best in Iowa. He’ll likely be due for a bump in next month’s new rankings.
2018 Caleb Davis, 6’2 G (43 Hoops)
The Cretin-Derham Hall guard led his team with 12 points in a Sweet 16 win over Team Iowa. He was showcasing a versatile skill-set predicated on athleticism. His jumper is pure, and he’s got some nice range with it. Furthermore, he’s adept at getting to the rim, where he finishes well.
2018 Deundra Roberson, 6′ G (43 Hoops)
Probably the most electrifying athlete I’ve seen yet at this tournament. He’s only 6-foot (with shoes on), but when he gets a fast-break he wrecks the rim. His great quickness and aggressive nature make him intimidating defensively, and he jumps passing lanes well, which leads into the violent jams.