Battle at the Lakes: TJ’s Iowa Standouts
2019 Cliff McCray, 6’1 PG (Showtime Hoopers)
We knew based upon the strong and efficient numbers he posted last winter as a sophomore that he was likely very good. We were right. In our first look at the athletic lead guard, we were impressed with his understanding of the game, and especially with the extra gear he has, both in transition and in the half-court. He’s one of Iowa’s best point guards.
2018 Lucas Duax, 6’2 PG (Tri-State Steam)
He’s quietly becoming one of Iowa’s best point guards, and he’ll continue to rise in the next installment of 2018 rankings. He’s a sharpshooter with well above average handles and plays the game smartly. Look for him to possibly lead Dubuque, Hempstead to another state tourney appearance next winter.
2018 Keith Johnson, 6’5 F (Tri-State Steam)
One part of one of the very best duos in Iowa high school hoops, Johnson and Duax not only play on the same high school team, but on the same grassroots team too. His squad won the Gold Division in Minneapolis last weekend, and Johnson’s ability to snare boards on both ends of the floor and also score routinely at the rim was a big reason why.
2018 DeSean Foy, 6’2 G (Showtime Hoopers)
He showed out in a big way the game we went too on Friday night, notching a game-high 22 points and doing it in a variety of ways. He was sniping from deep, and getting to the rim. Foy averaged 7.0 points per game last season for Sioux City West — expect that number to rise considerably next season.
2018 Marco Balderas, 5’8 PG (Cornsharks)
Slick, savvy and skilled, this South Hamilton point guard has a potent combo of tangibles that make him one of the most fun players to watch in Iowa. He’s mastered the running floater off the glass, which is a very difficult shot to put in, and sees the floor better than nearly anyone in Iowa.
2019 Trey Hinote, 6’1 G (Cornsharks)
When his team needed him most, Hinote produced. He notched seven straight points in crunch-time during a win over TC Finest, and he did it while connecting on a triple and notching two buckets in the paint. Hinote is a patient and smart player with a nice handle, and also one of the state’s best shooters.
2019 Hayden Passemore, 6’5 F (Team Iowa)
One of the best surprises of the weekend, I had heard of Passemore, but never see him play. He was utterly dominant during a Team Iowa win on Saturday afternoon, and uses his athletic 6-foot-5 frame to get to the rim and finish at a high rate. Passemore and Trey Hutcheson will be a formidable duo the next two seasons at Linn-Mar.
2019 Kris Murray, 6’3 SG (Team Iowa)
A prolific scorer and especially adept shooter, Murray uses immense length to make the game look effortless. He snares rebounds on both sides of the floor, seemingly coming out of nowhere, using his wingspan to snatch the ball before opponents have a chance. Shooting is his best strength, but passing and basketball IQ also make him a special player.