Prep Hoops Top 250: Top Underclassmen (Part I)
The annual Prep Hoops Top 250 took place in Des Moines on Saturday afternoon. Throughout the week, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best players in the gym, in a series of articles breaking down the top…
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Continue ReadingThe annual Prep Hoops Top 250 took place in Des Moines on Saturday afternoon. Throughout the week, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best players in the gym, in a series of articles breaking down the top scorers, defenders, passers, etc. In this article, we take a look at some of the top freshmen and sophomores we saw on Saturday.
2023 Dallas Bear (Cedar Falls)
Probably the most talented underclassman in the gym on Saturday, Bear already stands 6-5 and has guard skills to go with his long, lanky and athletic frame. He looks like a player who hasn’t even come close to hitting puberty yet, so watch out, because he could still be growing. He needs to add a significant amount of strength to his frame, as most freshmen in high school do, but he’s incredibly skilled. He handles it well, passes it, can get to the rim and he can really shoot it from deep. His jumper has a bit of an odd side spin on it, but he knocks them down. He has a chance to become a nationally ranked prospect down the line as he continues to mature physically. He will provide versatility on both ends of the floor, and is just the next in line of a long line of talent coming through Cedar Falls.
2022 Lucas Lorenzen (Okoboji)
Lorenzen put up big numbers as a freshman for the Pioneers last season, averaging 15.4 points and 8.7 rebounds, and he showed why he put up those types of numbers with a big showing in Des Moines. The 6-3 wing showed off a much better looking shooting stroke than the 31.9% from 3 he shot last season, routinely knocking down open looks from the arc, both off the dribble and the catch. He showed the ability to create his own shot off the bounce, getting to the rim or pulling up for a mid-range jumper, and he can post up against smaller defenders. He’s an excellent rebounder with a nose for the ball on both ends of the floor. A solid all-around player who contributes on both ends, Lorenzen is going to put up massive numbers for an Okoboji team that should be much improved this season and could have a say in the Siouxland.
2023 Kade Benjamin (New London)
The first thing you need to know about this youngster is that he’s already wearing size 15 shoes. The 6-4 forward is still pretty raw as a basketball player, but with his size, and projected growth, he’s going to be a big kid with the ability to protect the rim, something he’s already capable of doing. He runs the floor fairly well, and while he’s a work in progress on the offensive end, he has the raw skills to become a solid stretch-4 and rim protector down the line.
2023 Blaise Porter (New London)
Another talented freshman from New London, Porter has the looks of an immediate impact guard for the Tigers. The 5-11 guard is well built and quick, and has does a nice job changing speeds when he has the ball in his hands, utilizing that change of pace to get by defenders. In addition to his pace changing, he’s a good ball handler with a killer crossover, and he’s an effective finisher at the rim already, and that will only improve as his left hand continues to develop. He’s a solid on-ball defender with quick feet and quicker hands, and he should turn himself into a lockdown defender as he keeps growing and maturing. The future is bright in New London, and Porter and Benjamin are the reason why.
2023 Traijan Sain (Cedar Rapids Washington)
The 6-5 wing from Cedar Rapids was strong on both ends of the floor on Saturday. He showed a good looking stroke from the arc, knocking down 3 after 3 with his feet set on the catch. He has good size and length, and he’s a good athlete as well. With his athleticism and length, he’s a switchable defender, and he does a nice job of contesting shots without fouling. He needs to add a lot of strength to his frame, as all freshmen do, but he competes hard on the glass on both ends of the floor, and while his handle isn’t elite, it’s good enough for him to lead the break when he pulls down a defensive rebound.
2022 Jevin Sullivan (North Polk)
Holy growth spurt, Jevin. Now listed at 6-3 after being listed on QuikStats at 5-11 last season, Sullivan has really grown and started to mature physically. He’s noticeably bigger in the shoulders and upper arms, and that added strength has really helped him finish around the rim more effectively. He’s a knockdown shooter from deep with a smooth release and extended range, and his added size and length really helps on the defensive end as well.
Other top underclassmen written about in other articles: 2022 Noah Allen (Newton) [Written about in Top Shooters article], 2024 Joe Bean (Cedar Rapids) [Written about in Top Defenders article], 2022 Austin Hilmer (North Linn) [Written about in Top Scorers article], 2022 Ian Duffey (Lewis Central) [Written about in Top Big Men article], 2022 Trey Lewis (Johnston) [Written about in Top Passers article]