Simpson Team Camp: Sharpshooters
Last weekend in Indianola, teams from all over the state assembled for the Simpson Team Camp. There were small schools, big schools and plenty of talent to be seen. Fresh faces and familiar ones were lighting it up, and there was no shortage of sharpshooters at the event, below we’ll highlight eight of the best snipers we saw.
Preston Thompson, 5’10 SG (Carlisle) — 2019
Carlisle duo Collin Lister and Trenton Beck were sensational in a rout of Clear Creek-Amana, but those two combined didn’t even hit as many 3s at rising senior Preston Thompson. He canned four 3-balls, and scored all 12 of his points from beyond the arc. It looks like he’ll have a much-increased role next season for the Wildcats.
Nolan Schwarting, 6’4 F (Clear Creek-Amana) — 2019
Even though his squad lost, Schwarting still shined. At first we had him pegged as an undersized big-man, but as the game against Carlisle unfolded, it became clear that he was a skilled stretch-four who could hit from anywhere on the floor. He did a lot of his damage in the paint, but hit a team-high three 3-balls, too.
Tyreke Locure, 5’10 PG (Des Moines North) — 2019
Although the elite point guard is not necessarily known for his shooting prowess, it’s definitely part of his game that makea him dominant. Locure has always been a good shooter, and has always been confident in his ability to hit from well beyond the arc. Sometimes he’s on, sometimes he’s not; against Valley, he was on, to the tune of five 3-balls, several of them from way deep.
Logan Reilly, 6’2 G/F (Atlantic) — 2019
There might not have been a more pure set jumper than Reilly’s on Saturday. His Trojans lost a close one to IKM-Manning, but this rising senior’s performance that game was the more eye-catching than anyone else’s. His six 3-balls were more than anyone hit at the Cowles Center on Saturday. The rotation on his shot is pretty, and the jumper is pure from this burly sniper.
Colby Keller, 6′ G (IKM-Manning) — 2020
The rising junior came out with guns blazin’ against Atlantic, and hit three 3s right off the bat, four total in the first half. That’s one less than he hit all of last year as a sophomore on the 15-win Wolves squad. His role should increase significantly next season.
Bowen Born, 5’10 G, (Norwalk) — 2020
It wasn’t his best shooting performance, but even when Born is slightly off, he’s still one of the better shooters in the gym. He hit three 3s in the Warriors loss to Fairfield, many of his attempts were tightly contested, tough shots. No matter where Born is playing, it’s always must-watch hoops. Nowalk will be just that the next two seasons.
Tyce Johnson, 6’1 G (Indianola) — 2020
This Indians junior-to-be was one of the more intriguing prospects of the day. He’s long, skilled and has a great feel for the game. His jumper was one of his many strengths, as evidenced by his three triples. Look for Johnson to have a breakout junior season next winter.
Jon Shaner, 6’1 SG (Valley) — 2019
Valley is again going to be very good next season, but they’ll have a lot of big shoes to fill at the guard spot. Last winter, there were four or more steady and reliable senior guards that found their way into the regular rotation, it looks like Shaner might be a guy to help fill that void. He hit two 3s in the Tigers’ win over North.