Midwest Live! Saturday standouts, Part II
COUNCIL BLUFFS — It was a busy day Saturday at the Iowa West Fieldhouse for Midwest Live! in which a number of players from Iowa teams stood out. To read some notes on how players fared, click here and here, or to see TJ Rushing’s standouts, click here. Below you’ll find the players that caught my eye.
Dymonte Hawkins, Team Iowa Red (Cedar Rapids Jefferson)
6’0, G, 2019
Hawkins just wouldn’t be denied on the offensive glass. He’s an excellent leaper with strong length that simply had a knack and an instinct for ball-hawking on the boards. He high-pointed the ball and played with a great motor that allowed him to best bigger players for rebounds. An impressive day.
Logan Rashid, Iowa Pump ‘N Run Gold (Fort Madison)
5”7 G, 2019
Having a point guard play with speed and pace is a necessity these days, and Rashid executed that to perfection. He was always on attack, pushing the ball up the floor with purpose and drive every time he got the ball in his hands. What’s even better is he was able to do it responsibly and without recklessness, pushing things to the limit but not beyond it. It was excellent point guard play.
Derek Emelifeonwu, Kingdom Hoops – Mosley
6’3, PG, 2019
Another point guard who caught our attention, Emelifeonwu handled himself with aplomb Saturday. He’s got great feel for the game, especially for getting his teammates involved. His game is designed to set up others, a not insignificant trait for a point guard. He’s got great handles, strong vision and an ability to put pressure on defenses without going overboard.
Adam Jackson, Kingdom Hoops – Stinson
5’9, PG, 2019
Jackson was superb offensively Saturday. There were times when he was even dominant. There never seemed to be a time when he couldn’t get exactly what he wanted – which more often than not was a shot right at the rim. There was no stopping him thanks to his quickness and speed combined with some really nice handles that allowed him to carve up defenders – not just the primary on-ball defender but helpers as well.
Cliff McCray, Showtime Hoopers (Sioux City West)
6’3, PG, 2019
McCray has plus-athleticism and plus-skill, both of which he deploys expertly. He has a nice feel for the game and knows when to get his and when to set up his teammates. He’s the guy that makes the Showtime Hoopers go. He’ll get lots of attention from college recruiters this spring and summer.
Nathan Johnson, Kingdom Hoops – Mosley (Waukee)
6’7, F, 2019
Formerly a 2018 prospect, Johnson is reclassifying to 2019 and slated to attend Hargrave Military Academy in the fall. He’s certainly a talented player who some athleticism and skill. He runs the floor well and finishes with strength around the basket. Defensively, he uses his feet well to get position and keep it.
Jared Mattley, Kingdom Hoops Elite 1 (Papillion, Neb.)
6’1, PG, 2020
Mattley was without a doubt the best 2020 player I saw Saturday. He did just about everything well, but nothing as good as shooting off the dribble. He connected from 3-point range, mid-range and at the bucket off the bounce. His use of a strong crossover to create space that went right into a quick-release 3 (that found nothing but net) was one of the highlights of the day.