Show Me Showdown: Friday Night Recaps
On the opening night of the Prep Hoops Circuit Show Me Showdown, I was out at MICDS. There were only two games on the schedule and I was able to see a 16U game and a 17U game. Tomorrow, I will be back at MICDS all day long and will be seeing a ton of 16U teams. Below are recaps of the two games that I was able to see tonight.
7:00 (16U) — Hoop Smart Basketball (42) vs. Iowa Dynasty (41)
Josh WatsonThis was a very slow starting game as both teams were playing pretty sloppily. It could have been because one quadrant of the court was consumed with the sun from the outside, but alas they started to play much better once we got into the second half of the game. This Hoop Smart Basketball team has some really intriguing players that can really play basketball. Josh Watson is a slick moving guard with the speed and handles to blow by you. At times he was out of control and turned the ball over, but as the game got further in I could tell he was making better decisions with the ball. An interesting prospect to keep an eye on due to his sheer quickness and toughness. Another guy on this Hoop Smart squad who was intriguing was Dre Doyne. Doyne is a 6’6-6’7 wing who just oozes with athleticism. He’s best as a driver/slasher going to the rim and with added strength could be a very good small ball stretch post. Threw down a big dunk in transition and has the ability to play above the rim. For the Iowa Dynasty team, CC Withrow hit a few key shots to pull the game back to even after Hoop Smart had a dozen point lead in the second half. Withrow is a kid who can knock down those outside jumpers with ease and did so in this game. Grayson Tyler had a very solid game as he was getting to the rim well. While the shots weren’t really going down for him, he was being tough and showing a burst of speed.
8:05 (17U) — KC Pacers White (57) vs. Iowa Dynasty (68)
Grant LewisIowa Dynasty used some late shooting from their guards to grab the win. Johnny Joens was on fire all game long and it just seemed like if he was shooting it, the ball was going to go in. He’s a smaller combo guard who can really fill it up off the catch, but can also be a dynamic leader of the offense. I was really impressed with what he showed today. Max Lampe played tough on the interior and was just out muscling guys on the interior of the floor. I really liked his poise and ability to finish. He’s a strong and heady player who was getting what he wanted at the rim tonight. For KC Ballers White, Grant Lewis played a stellar game. He’s a strong post who is kind of a tweener with the ability to play both on the wing and in the post. He was doing work down low in the paint and no one could stop him. He’s a super intriguing kid who had a great game. Guard Blake Gordon was also impressive using his instincts to score the ball and find the open man. I loved how Gordon let the game come to him rather than force it at all.