Prep Hoops’ Midwest Cup: Top 2018 Guards (Part 1)
Garrett Sturtz, 6’2 G (Intensity 17U)
What an unbelievable weekend this Newton guard put together. He was already the most polished player we had seen, even before he notched 34 of his team’s 50 points in a narrow title loss to Minnesota Rise. Sturtz is as poised and under control as any player in the state, and his pump-fake is utilized to perfection. He told me on Sunday that he’ll play with the Iowa Barnstormers this summer.
Luke Vaske, 6′ G (Martin Bros 17U)
This Norwalk guard was sensational the one game we saw him, showcasing his elite ability to score while notching buckets at all three levels. His outside shooting was precise, and his range was deep. Vaske — a fringe D1 prospect — scored a team-high 23 points in a tough loss to Intensity.
Matt Mims, 5’11 PG (Martin Bros 17U)
Already with a North Dakota offer in tow, it may not be too long before others schools add to that list. Mims is as quick and controlled as any guard in Iowa, and certainly one of the better point guards in the Midwest. He set the tone early in the game we saw, scoring his team’s first seven points. Then he became a distributor before again scoring late to nearly will his team to a win
Parker Badding, 6’1 G (Tryon Gym 17U)
What an unbelievably improved player, Badding has always been a solid guard, but it appears he’s made the leap to one of 2018’s best shooting guards. He grown some and is able to create his own looks. He shoots it well of the bounce, and hits from all over the court. The Kuemper product scored 16 points in the first nine minutes of the game we saw.
Cooper Ross, 5’9 G (Tryon Gym 17U)
A dynamic scorer with some sharpshooting ability, this Carroll senior-to-be could be one of 3A’s best scorers next season. He’s got some slick handles to go with the shooting ability, and could become a scholarship-level player.
Sam Auen, 6’2 SG (Tryon Gym 17U)
Another Kuemper product, Auen and Badding will make up one of the more formidable backcourts in the state next season. Auen has some decent size and a fluid stroke from deep, he could be one of Iowa’s most prolific 3-point shooters next season.
Hunter Strait, 6’2 PG (Team Iowa 17U)
Though the Ankeny Centennial point guard wasn’t as proficient as we’ve seen him in other instances, it was still clear that he was a cut above the rest. His vision and passing are mesmerizing at times, and his ability to create a jumper for himself is among the best in Iowa. D1s should be inquiring.