Prep Hoops’ Midwest Cup: Top 2020 Guards
Avery Mellman, 5’8 PG (Beyond Ball 15U)
Perhaps the best surprise of the weekend was this Mason City sophomore-to-be. He was torching the Martin Bros during the 15U final, and notched 20 on them with blow-by quickness and an ability to create and make very tough shots. He was jaw-droppingly good at times, and will definitely be featured in the upcoming 2020 rankings.
Nick Pepin, 5’9 PG (Martin Bros 15U)
If it’s passion and determination you’re looking for, then Pepin is the guy for you. He’s a fiery competitor, and wears his heart on his sleeve. With an adept outside shot and a flare for the dramatic, he was catching our eye all weekend – including a dime to Cedar Falls 2021 Chase Corbat to win the 15U title.
Easton Darling, 5’10 G (Martin Bros 15U)
We wrote about him last week, and again he was impressive this weekend. The Winterset sophomore-to-be is one of the more athletic guys in his class, but can drill a jumper too. Darling had a huge second half in his team’s title game win over Beyond Ball.
Bryce Coppock, 5’9 G (Tryon Gym 15U)
This kid averaged 16.2 points per game with the varsity as a freshman, so we knew we had to check him out. He’s small, but extraordinarily skilled. His hesitation dribble and ability to shoot off the bounce is Curry-esque. And when he misses, it’s certainly not by much.
Tyler Johnson, 6’2 SG (Tryon Gym 15U)
He had a special game when we saw him, dropping a 30 spot on Wisconsin Playmakers’ 15U squad. The Norwalk off-guard has an array of offensive moves that he uses to get off shots from all over the court — the 3 was dropping with regularity, and the mid-range too.
Jack Johnson, 5’10 SG (Beyond Ball 15U)
Yet another young Valley standout, Johnson was showcasing some serious shooting ability in a narrow championship loss to Martin Bros. His range is seemingly unlimited, and he certainly lets it fly with confidence: rightfully so. Valley has so many young weapons.
Isaiah Johnson, 6’2 G (Martin Bros 15U)
Another guy, like Darling, who we wrote about after last weekend at Kings of the Court. But whereas last weekend it was his speed and leaping ability that caught our eye, this weekend it was his ability to score in crunch-time and to will his team to a title game win over Beyond Ball. The Waterloo West sophomore-to-be scored 10 second half points in that win.