Intriguing Prospects: Southeast Polk 56 vs Marshalltown 41
Pleasant Hill — It was a big win for Southeast Polk, who not only got 2019 started off on the right foot, but beat a red-hot team in the process. Marshalltown had been the best surprise in the CIML so…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingPleasant Hill — It was a big win for Southeast Polk, who not only got 2019 started off on the right foot, but beat a red-hot team in the process.
Marshalltown had been the best surprise in the CIML so far this season, coming into this game winners of six of their first eight games. Southeast Polk, on the other hand, was losers of six of their first eight. But big games from brothers James and Sam Glenn, and a monster game from big-man Malichai Williams propelled the Rams to a nice home win.
Marshalltown was up early in this one, and led by six at the end of the first quarter. But the rest of the game belonged to Southeast Polk, especially in the third quarter, when Williams got a tough bucket in the paint and then moments later James Glenn canned a monster 3-ball with 1:20 left in the quarter; that put the Rams up nine. That was the big moment in the game, and the Bobcats never threatened after that.
Williams was sensational for the Rams, they have a bright future with him in the paint, he scored a game-high 14 points. Marshalltown had no one in double figures. Bobcats senior Jacob Smith, who was averaging 19.4 points coming into the game, was held to just six.
Team Scoring
Marshalltown — 15 11 7 8 — 41
SE Polk — 9 16 17 14 — 56
Individual Scoring
Marshalltown: Bennett O’Hare 8, Austin Shomo 8, Will Van Buren 8, Jacob Smith 6, Armonniey Thomas 5, Sunday Arou 4, Gok Arou 2
SE Polk: Malichai Williams 14, James Glenn 12, Sam Glenn 11, Daniel Hackbarth 10, Dominic Caggiano 7, Fred Johnson 2.
The Prospects
Malichai Williams, 6’6 PF, 2021 (SEP)
Considering we knew nothing about the lengthy and aggressive 6’6 big-man coming into the game, there’s probably no one here that left a bigger impression than he did. He led all scorers with 14, and was active and tough on the boards. He’s got a lean frame right now, but when he fills out, he could emerge as one of the better big-men in Iowa.
Sam Glenn, 6’2 G, 2019 (SEP)
He just keeps getting better, and tonight, despite being out-shined by others at times, it was clear to us that he was the best player on the floor. He’s bigger and bouncier than ever before, and plays the game with the right fundamentals. He’s one of Iowa’s best unsigned seniors.
James Glenn, 5’10 G, 2021 (SEP)
A slow start gave way to a blistering finish for the young guard, and the future is bright for not only the Rams but for this skilled and sharp sophomore. His savvy is noticeable and almost too good; he blasted an unsuspecting teammate with a pass that would have been a dime if caught, but was instead fumbled.
Dominic Caggiano, 6’3 G/F, 2021 (SEP)
Yet another sophomore on the Rams who excels with the varsity, Caggiano was great last season as continues to be a driving force for Southeast Polk. He was good down the stretch when the Rams were working to ice it. And defensively, he’s as versatile as they come, big, strong, long and quick enough to hang with guards.
Daniel Hackbarth, 6′ G, 2019 (SEP)
He’s the glue guy for the Rams, a player who is tough, smart, patient and poised. He’ll never settle for a bad shot, and despite showing he can hit the 3-ball when he beat the the third quarter buzzer and buried one, he was always eager to get closer to the rim, where good things tended to happen.
Jacob Smith, 6′ SG, 2019 (Mtown)
We were interested to see the senior guard, who after averaging 8.2 points per game last season, has erupted to average 19.4 per game this coming into this game. He was off, though, tonight, and finished with just two field goals and a season-low six points.
Will Van Buren, 6’3 F, 2002 (Mtown)
This was the most impressive player on Marshalltown tonight. He’s a big guard or a tough skilled forward, however you want to look at it; regardless, he’s a versatile, confident and tough junior who has the ability to can a 3-ball (we saw his nice stroke in warm-ups), or get dirty in the paint.
Armonniey Thomas, 6′ G, 2022 (Mtown)
The freshman is having a breakout rookie season with the Bobcats, and coming into this one, he was fourth-best among Class 4A frosh in scoring. Tonight he showed to be a fast and athletic guard who finished well at the rim, he’s shifty, which helps him get there. We’ll keep a close eye on the up-and-coming prospect.