Kings of the Court: 15u Preview
After more than a month of following Iowa teams around the Midwest, we’ll get a chance to stay home this weekend and catch some of the state’s best talent right here in Des Moines at the always-entertaining Kings of the…
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Continue ReadingAfter more than a month of following Iowa teams around the Midwest, we’ll get a chance to stay home this weekend and catch some of the state’s best talent right here in Des Moines at the always-entertaining Kings of the Court. The Iowa Gym Rats tournament will be held at Kingdom Courts Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon, we’ll be there for a good portion of it. Below, we take a look at the 15u field; what to expect and who to watch.
Teams to Watch
Iowa Mavericks-Elgin – The guys from the Iowa Mavericks’ top squad have been very active this spring, and as a result should have one of the more well-gelled units at the event.
Pure Prep 9th – Electric Johnston point guard Trey Lewis leads the charge, and we expect the Central Iowa-based team to have additional guys emerge as top prospects this weekend.
Kingdom Hoops Navy – Perhaps the favorites to win this tournament, the top Kingdom Hoops squad features Johnston’s Jacob Runyan, who started all season with the Dragons’ varsity and has takeover capabilities.
Beyond Ball 24K – We got a look at this talented squad last weekend in Minneapolis and were thoroughly impressed. It’s not just that one of the nation’s best eight-graders, Omaha Biliew, plays with them, but there’s a strong cast of talent surrounding him.
Top Prospects
Omaha Biliew
Omaha Biliew, 6’7 F (Beyond Ball 24K)
Not just one of the best eighth-graders in the country, but the big and fluid forward will be hands down the best player in this tournament, despite playing up a grade against older guys. The future Dowling Catholic product will be worth the price of admission.
CG Mills, 6’4 PF (Iowa Mavericks-Elgin)
The Cedar Rapids Kennedy freshman is a big-bodied post who does well to man the post offensively and defend multiple positions on defense. He moves well for his size, and is big enough to dominate the paint.
Trey Lewis, 5’8 PG (Pure Prep)
A dynamic young point guard, Lewis is one of many impressive Johnston guards coming through the ranks. He’ll provide some razzle-dazzle and makes Pure Prep’s 15u squad a sure threat to win this thing.
Jacob Runyan
Jacob Runyan, 5’8 PG (Kingdom Hoops Navy)
We’ve already gotten several looks at this Johnston point guard, whether it was last winter as the starting point guard with the Dragons’ varsity, or this spring with this Kingdom Hoops squad; each and every time his steady play and deliberate approach impresses.
Mason Morrow, 5’11 PG (Betond Ball 24K)
Omaha Biliew will headline the Beyond Ball 15u unit, but this freshman Valley point guard is the go who makes things go for the Beyond Ball group. He’s got a high motor and offensively probes the defense well.
Steven Kramer, 6’3 G (Kingdom Hoops Navy)
The Johnston Dragons land another freshman on this list with this rangy wing, Kramer has proven top be a key scorer for the top Kingdom Hoops squad, and can get his points in a multitude of ways, including off the bounce.
Zach Erwin
Zach Erwin, 6’3 G/F (Iowa Mavs-Elgin)
Erwin headlines the Iowa Mavericks’ top squad and uses a versatile set of skills along with some good size to make him one of the more dangerous offensive threats in this field.
Jevin Sullivan, 6′ G (Beyond Ball 24K)
A North Polk product, Sullivan is a combo-guard who excels from beyond the arc. He’s got some seriously deep range, opponents will want to guard him out to 25-feet.