Director’s Cut: Iowa Edition
As the first half of the grassroots season comes to a close we wanted to touch base with programs directors and coaches to see how things went during April and May. These articles aim to provide updates on the teams as well as under the radar players or the kids who are on track to have a big July.
Team Name: Beyond Ball 24k
Mid-Season Update:
This is the first year Coach John Lamb has had a 17U team with Beyond Ball and the guys have been really competitive. This group is setting a great foundation for years to come as the future of this program looks really bright. The biggest struggle for this team during the year has been size but that isn’t unusually for newer programs, everybody needs a big. Watch for this group to take even more strides forward in July.
Under the Radar Players:
• Lathan Brandt – 6’6 F – great build, body for a 4-5 at this level but plays like
a 2 or 3, can stroke the ball from the outside
• Sam Glynn – 6’4 F – high IQ kid that knows how to get his shots off, high
upside kid
• Logan Sharp – 6’8 F – kid that not a lot of people know about but will be a steal
at the next level, kid that is still learning and growing
Where can you find them in July?:
July 13-15: Summer Jam – Chicago,IL
July 20-22: Nike Summer Championship – Columbus, OH
July 25-29: Las Vegas Classic – Las Vegas, NV
Team Name: Kingdom Hoops – Mosley
Mid-Season Update:
A really enjoyable first half for Coach Mosley and company. Coming off of a championship at the Kings of the Court event, this Kingdom Hoops squad is eager to get back to work in July. This crews success starts in transition and maintains through constants pressure throughout the game. This group could turn some heads during their events in July.
Under the Radar Players:
• Derek Emelifeonwu – 6’4 G – only been in the states from Australia, handles the
ball at a high level, strokes the ball and can facilitate
• Nathan Johnson – 6’7 F – reclassified to 2019, doing a year of prep school, a
kid that can shoot the ball and can jump into the next level of D1 basketball offers
• Aguek Deng – 6’8 F – can step out or lead a fast break, still learning and
growing every single day, a guy that needs to be seen by programs
• Kylan Smallwood – 6’4 F – flat out scorer that can play outside or bang on the
block, D2 interest drawing
Where can you find them in July?:
July 12-15: Next Level Invitational – Mequon, WI
July 19-22: Hardwood Classic – Lawrence, KS
July 25- 29: Las Vegas Classic – Las Vegas, NV
Team Name: Team Iowa Red – 17U
Mid-Season Update:
Here is a group that has seen significant growth in every event they have been in. While the squads overall record probably sits around .500, Coach Nicole Rowland says her kids are selfless and just want to see others succeed. Team Iowa Red seems to always be competitive and right in the game as time winds down. Coach Rowland said if there is one thing her kids need to improve on it is how to finish games, something that could help them win a bunch of games in the back half of the season.
Under the Radar Players:
• Ross Snitcker – 5’8 G – undersized guard that is not afraid to take it to the rim,
basketball IQ is off the charts, can definitely help a team at the next level
• Emmaunel Rowland – 6’2 G – super long/athletic kid that offensively has
a high celing, defensively he is a stud, next level guy
• Dymonte Hawkins – 6’0 G – intense defender that gets after guys, leads
the charge defensivley, can polish things on the offense end but there
are flashes of brilliance
Where can you find them in July?:
July 11-15: Adidas Invitational – Indianapolis, IN
July 19-22: Hardwood Classic – Lawrence, KS
July 25-29: Prep Hoops Summer Challenge – Chicago, IL
Team Name: Team Iowa White – 16U
Mid-Season Update:
This 16U squad from Team Iowa is a group that plays really solid team basketball. A group that is guard heavy but play bigger than they are with their physicality and IQ has made them successful during the first half. Coach Donnie Dobbs said he really enjoys this group of kids and the roster if full of kids that can find a home at the next level.
Under the Radar Players:
• Jake Beckmann – 6’0 G – very high IQ kid, runs the show on both ends of the
floor, needs to put a little weight on but could play at the division 2 level
• Will Henricksen – 6’0 G – super crafty point guard that can score at will,
high IQ kid
• Nick Hansel – 6’4 F – defends the opponents best player, rebounds a high level
and on offense has a great mid-range game
• Davis Wagner – 6’2 G – freak athlete that can jump out of the gym, been a
suprise this year on offense
• Brady Klahn – 6’3 G – unlimited range on the offensive end, can D up on the
other end, could be a great snag for a college program
• Jacques Plummer – 6’3 F – division one defender, offense game is gaining
progress
• Jamare Thurmon – 6’1 G – will fight through any contact, one of the more
physical kids you’ll see in AAU
Where can you find them in July?:
July 11-15: Adidas Invitational – Indianapolis, IN
July 19-22: Hardwood Classic – Lawrence, KS
July 25-29: Prep Hoops Summer Challenge – Chicago, IL
Team Name: Iowa Cornsharks
Mid-Season Update:
This Cornsharks squad looks a little different this year as their are some new faces on the roster. Coach David Morris said this is a team filled with great kids that are extremely coachable but the best part is their love for defense. Hoping that their energy will fuel to some offensive firepower this group is excited to see what they can accomplish in July.
Under the Radar Players:
• Mike Barker – 6’2 G – most improved kid from day one to the end of May, great
athlete that can explode past defenders, can get things going from the outside
• Logan Peters – 6’3 G – defends at a high level and gives full effort every time
he is on the court
• Ben Heeren – 6’6 F – a kid that can play inside out, deadly shooter for his size
still learning how to take advantages of mismatches
Where can you find them in July?:
July 13-15: Midwest Summer Shoot-Out – Ames, IA
July 19-22: Hardwood Classic – Lawrence, KS
July 25-29: Prep Hoops Summer Challenge – Chicago, IL
Team Name: Iowa Dynasty
Mid-Season Update:
With a team full of multi-sport athletes this Dynasty squad has not been full strength for the most part of the year. When all together this group may be undersized but they use that to their advantage and play through their guards. A crew looking to space the floor and attack off the dribble can be dangerous in the half court because if any sort of help sinks in on the drive the team is loaded with shooters waiting for a kick out to knock down.
Under the Radar Players:
• Donte Aldrich – 5’7 G – gives you everything you want in a guard, doesn’t back
down from anyone
• Iziah Poulsen – 6’2 G – plays with energy and fire, great defender
• Jacob Kline – 5’10 G – an extra coach on the floor, shoots the ball well, gets
things going in waves
• Ry Threlkeld-Wiegand – 6’1 G – shoots the ball at a high level, enjoys doing
the little things, great glue guy
Where can you find them in July?:
July 13-15: Midwest Live – Omaha, NE
July 20-22: Battle of the Arch – St. Louis, MO
July 25-29: Prep Hoops Summer Challenge – Chicago, IL
Team Name: Martin Brothers
Mid-Season Update:
A group that has been on a bit of a roller coaster during the first half of the season with their highs and lows. Losing a few close games in the early go has made this team grow together and improve. Coach Hank Huddelson said his guys are eager to get to July and see what they can get done.
Under the Radar Players:
• Trey Hutcheson – 6’6 W – had a big summer so far, D1 schools are keeping
a close watch on this kid, can score the ball in a variety of ways, nice feel
for the game
• Derek Krogmann – 6’7 F – left handed big that wants to have his back to the
basket, gets a things done on the defensive end
• Wes Dreamer – 6’6 F – polishing up things on the perimeter, has the ability
to post up, D2 kid that has his best basketball ahead
Where can you find them in July?:
July 11-15: Next Level Invitational – Mequon, WI
July 18-22: Summer Jam – Mequon, WI
July 25-29: Hardwood Classic – Lawrence, KS
Team Name: SW Iowa Select
Mid-Season Update:
A perfect example of a smaller program that competes every year. This is a team of kids who just love to play basketball and don’t care who they are playing. Coach Shawn Darrington knows that when one of their guys plays well or succeeds other programs will be calling and the kid will most likely go, he has absolutely no problem with that as he truly wants what is best fit for the kid. However, Coach Darrington goes out and finds another kid that can step in, do the little things and help the group succeed.
Under the Radar Players:
• Hunter Hendricks – 6’0 G – played well early on, multi sport kid that excels at
everything he touches, kid that grinds on both ends of the floor
• Jared Gast – 6’4 F – hard nose kid that loves to do the dirty work, super
coachable kid that leads on the floor
• Nolan Benak – 6’2 G – shoots at a high level, type of kid that will do whatever
you ask of him
• Robbie DeArmond – 5’10 G – didn’t see a whole lot of time during the high
school season as he was behind an all-state guard but has blossomed in the early
part of the AAU season, a kid that could come on during July
Where can you find them in July?:
July 6-8: River City Tipoff – Omaha, NE
July 14-15: College Development Weekend – Bellevue, NE
July 19-22: Hardwood Classic I – Lawrence, KS
July 26-29: Hardwood Classic II – Lawrence, KS
Team Name: Iowa Barnstormers – 17U
Mid-Season Update:
With all that has gone on with the Barnstormer program over the last year the way that these kids have responded and played together is a true testament to the character of these guys. Through everything including losing a top 50 prospect in the class of 2019, Patrick McCaffery, this group has qualified for the Adidas Gauntlet Finale in July. Coach KC Schmitt couldn’t say enough great things about his guys and can’t wait to get back to work in July.
Under the Radar Players:
• Gage Malensek – 6’1 G – potential low major kid that has played at high level,
colleges should be all over this kid come July
• Noah Carter – 6’6 F – a force that can play inside out, colleges see his listed
height and get nervous but can flat out produce, will be a highly valuable piece
at the Divsion 1 level
• Tyrese Nickelson – 6’2 G – an absolute stud offensively, a kid that can make
it rain from the outside or attack you off the dribble, D1 JUCO’s should be
all over this kid, future Division 1 player if academics continue to increase
Where can you find them in July?:
July 12-15: Adidas Finale – New York, NY
July 18-22: Adidas Summer Championships – Orange County, CA
July 26-29: Hardwood Classic – Lawrence, KS
Team Name: Iowa Barnstormers – 16U
Mid-Season Update:
A group with a similar story to the 17U group in that these kids have shown their high character and strong play throughout the year. Playing in a really competitive division in the Adidas Gauntlet this Barnstormers squad just missed qualifying for New York. Some of the guys are new to the programs and still meshing but Coach Jamie Pettigrew says he sees his guys taking big strides forward.
Under the Radar Players:
• Donovan Williams – 6’4 W – long athletic guard that shoots the ball at a high
level, has the ability to defend at a high level, a high major prospect that is
blossoming this spring and gaining tons of interest
• Bowen Born – 5’11 G – a guard that may look undersized but plays so much
bigger than he his, an offensive machine that can score at all levels, has
grow greatly on the defensive end, potential high major when it’s all said and
done
• Ty Anderson – 6’5 F – leader on the floor, toughest guy on the floor every game
as he has no fear, can score on the block with ease, mid-range game is growing
• Will Berg – 6’8 F – stretch type that can spread the floor and be an option on the
outside, learning how to be more consistent but high ceiling kid
Where can you find them in July?:
July 11-15: Adidas Invitational – Indianapolis, IN
July 18-22: Adidas Summer Championships – Orange County, CA
July 26-29: Hardwood Classic – Lawrence, KS
Team Name: Sauk Valley Magic
Mid-Season Update:
A squad that has only played in two tournaments and has one runner up finish. This group is still learning to play with each other and Coach AJ Sharp has already seen growth from just two events. The more these guys are on the court together in July the more successful they will be.
Under the Radar Players:
• Dylan Leaf – 6’0 G – combo guard, super athletic kid that wants to play
downhill
• Nate Paul – 6’2 W – can get to rim and finish through contact, flat out
scorer
• Caleb Barnett – 6’0 G – strong physical kids runs the show on offense,
lead team numerous times in scoring
Where can you find them in July?:
July 11-15: Next Level Invitational – Mequon, WI
July 18-22: Summer Jam – Mequon, WI
July 26-29: Sunflower Showcase – Kansas City, MO
Team Name: Iowa Prep Red
Mid-Season Update:
Iowa Prep Red has progressed and taken steps forward in every event they have been apart of this year. A motion based squad that is lead by solid guard play loves to get out and run on teams, a few quick buckets in transition can get this group rolling. Coach Tim Schuring is pleased with the growth he has seen in his guys so far and expects more of the same in the second half of the year.
Under the Radar Players:
• Hunter Snyder – 6’2 G/F – really bouncy kid with a nice stroke from the outside
• Carter Cuveiler – 6’5 F – stretch four that can step out but can work on the block
as well
• Michael Sweeney – 6’0 W – shooter that is really tough, come on strong as of
late and could make a nice recruitment push in July
• Codey Hicks – 6’4 F – undersized big but strong and bouncy, needs to improve
outside shot but effort is never an issue
• Trevor Boge – 6’3 F – athletic wing, will play more of a role in high school next
season but has improved greatly this spring
Where can you find them in July?:
July 13-15: Summer Slam – Sioux Falls, SD
July 19-22: D1 Summer Classic – Minneapolis, MN
July 26-29: Hardwood Classic – Lawrence, KS
Team Name: Iowa Mavericks
Mid-Season Update:
Great example of a squad that lacks size but makes up for it with guys buying in to the little things. A guard loaded team that loves to push the ball on offense and get out and pressure on defense has taken huge steps in the early part of the year. Coach Trent Gosnell said that the jump that his guys have made from day one to now has been amazing to see. A team that could make some noise in July.
Under the Radar Players:
• Willie Guy – 5’10 G – solid all around guard that is super coachable, size may
make coaches question but makes up all doubts with his play
• Marshawn Carroll – 6’2 G – potential wise this kid is off the chart, if he can put
together a good July he could turn some heads in July
Where can you find them in July?:
July 11-15: Next Level Invitational – Mequon, WI
July 18-22: Summer Jam – Mequon, WI
July 25-29: Fab 48 – Las Vegas, NV