ROCK Spring Classic: Saturday’s Best
Michael Duax Michael Duax, 6’5 G (Martin Bros 16u) The Dubuque Hempstead sophomore is a legit 6’5 guard and has plenty of bounce to pair with the tremendous height; needless to…
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Continue ReadingMichael Duax, 6’5 G (Martin Bros 16u)
The Dubuque Hempstead sophomore is a legit 6’5 guard and has plenty of bounce to pair with the tremendous height; needless to say, Duax has been all over the rims this weekend in Madison. His ability to get it and go has been on full display and he can rebound exceptionally well from the guard spot. On a team chock full of stars, Duax shines the brightest.
Craigeory Mills, 6’5 PF (Iowa Mavs 15u)
We never really know what to expect when we’re seeing the 15u guys for the first time in the spring. Mills was a guy we knew nothing about, but he didn’t waste any time making his presence felt in Madison. The Cedar Rapids Kennedy power forward is a big dude, yet agile, and was effectively defending the perimeter at times in our viewing of him. He was good around the rim, and showed adept left-handed scoring ability.
Gabe Burkle
Gabe Burkle, 6’6 C (Martin Bros 15u)
The best word to describe this Cedar Rapids Prairie freshman is workmanlike. Burkle was the best player for Martin Bros 15u during an impressive win over Bay Area Cyclones, a game where he dominated the paint to the tune of a game-high 20 points. He controlled the glass and proved to have a knack for just getting things done.
Jamari Smith, 6’4 SG (Iowa Barnstormers Black 16u)
Twice we saw this heady 6’4 shooting guard play, for two different teams (also Dubuque Intensity), and both times he was the best player for his team. His shooting ability is an obvious strength, he made eight 3s in the two games we saw him, but it’s his rebounding and awareness as a passer that really sets him apart. Smith likes to grab a rebound and without hesitation find a streaking teammate for a bucket, which in AAU ball happens a lot for those like Smith who are aware enough to make it so.
Austin Hilmer, 5’10 PG (Iowa Barnstormers 15u Black)
One Hilmer, Jake, has moved on and another one is now starting to make his mark on the Iowa high school hoops scene. There’s no denying that Austin is cut from the same cloth as his older brother, he used savvy and plenty of ability to burn Wisconsin Swish for 14 points and a whole slew of assists.
Cooper DeJean, 6′ G (Martin Bros 16u)
After the monster sophomore season he just put together at OABCIG, we were curious to see how DeJean’s game might have improved over the last year, it has immensely. He’s a big-bodied guard, but still gets up really well, and he has long arms, rendering him a terrific rebounder. He was absorbing contact exceptionally well at the rim and finishing through it. His passing was on point.
Jadin Johnson
Jadin Johnson, 6’3 G (Martin Bros 16u)
Johnson is widely regarded as one of the premier prospects in his class, his size, athletic ability and penchant for getting to the rim are big reasons why. One knock on the Council Bluffs Lincoln sophomore has been his jumper and shooting efficiency, today, the 3 was dropping and the efficiency was off the charts. If he can master that part of his game, watch out.
Caden Stoffer, 6’3 G (Iowa Mavs 16U)
He was the best player for a Mavericks team that was hanging tough with a very good Wisconsin Sharks squad, and then he sustained an apparent ankle injury and had to leave the game. Prior to the injury, he was showcasing an ability to get to the rack and score at will, in addition to hitting from deep. When he went down, the Sharks’ lead swelled. Stoffer is one of several Cedar Rapids Prairie up-and-comers that should lake the Hawks formidable for years to come.