TJ’s 10 Who Impressed on Sunday (Part I)
Zaine Leedom (2018), 6’4 SF, Iowa Intensity 17U
It’s been well documented that this East Marshall wing is one of our favorite prospects from the 2018 class, and he did noting to shake our confidence in him this weekend. The long and bouncy junior scored a game-high 17 points in an Iowa Intensity win over Wisconsin Playmakers, and was doing it from everywhere on the floor; including a jam to seal the win and three 3s.
Ethan Mitchell (2018), 5’11 SG, Iowa Intensity 17U
He was one of the participants in Iowa Intensity’s showstopping 17 3-pointer performance early Sunday morning. Mitchell rained in a team-high five 3s in that game, a win over Wisconsin Playmakers. It was one of the better shooting performances we saw this weekend.
Garrett Sturtz (2018), 6’2 G, Iowa Intensity 17U
As usual, Sturtz was impressive. And if he didn’t make this list it would have been a shocker. He netted 14 points in that early AM win over a good Wisconsin squad, connecting on three triples and impacting the game in a variety of ways with his great length and feel. I’d imagine some D2s will get involved with him by summer’s end.
Griffin Clark (2018), 5’10 PG, Iowa Mavs Purple 17U
He was one of the main reasons I wanted to get to a Mavs Purple 17U game ASAP, and the highly skilled guard did not disappoint. He is very quick with the ball in his hands, and makes great decisions on nearly every possession. Also, he’s a sharpshooter and can score with the best of them. His reverse lay-in through heavy traffic that rolled in during a narrow loss to Hoop Avenues was jaw-droppingly good.
Tyler Kelley (2018), 6’5 SF, Iowa Mavs Purple 17U
I first saw this big wing at the state tournament last month in Des Moines hoopin’ for West Delaware. That team was very post-oriented, and rightfully so with the likes of Derek Krogmann and John Nagel. But he was able to be more aggressive in Madison yesterday, and was effective in doing so. Big but coordinated, his athletic build is slender but strong. When he takes it to the hoop he goes hard, and he puts it on the floor well. He is certainly a scholarship player at the next level.
Peter Timmerman 2018), 6’6 SF, Iowa Mavs Purple 17U
Another guy who I was eager to see, Timmerman, like the rest of the Mavs, did not disappoint. A big and strong wing, he can step out and hit a 3-ball and is just as adept at banging in the post. He’s one of the most college-ready players in the state, physically. And will almost certainly have some scholarship options before too long.
Luke Empen (2018), 6’6 C, Iowa Mavs Purple 17U
I was blown away with the impact this workmanlike post made on the game against a supremely athletic Illinois squad. Empen himself is not overly athletic, but he plays with a tenacity that more than makes up for that. He was blocking shots with regularity, mostly due to smart timing, and used his big frame to bang through smaller opponents in the post.
Joey Hauser (WI 2018), 6’8 SF, Iowa Barnstormers 17U
What can I say; he’s one of the best high school players I’ve ever seen. He’s a legit 6’8 but is fluid and skilled. He’s an above average leaper, and has the ability to dominant the glass when needed. When he lost his defender baseline with a slick and swift spin and got loose for a wide-open jam, that’s when is was very clear that this kid is more than a cut above the rest, he’s special. Wisconsin, Marquette, Michigan State and Iowa are all in on him; wherever he goes will get a superstar.
Dravon Clayborn (IL 2018), 6′ PG, Hoop Avenues 17U
We don’t write about out-of-state guys often, particular when they play on non-Iowa squads, but this kid from Illinois was fantastic. His handle was as tight as anyone I saw in Madison during the weekend, and he uses is purposefully to get to the hoop where he is a tremendous finisher. His jumper, though seldom used, looked quite capable. Defensively, he was outstanding; using great quickness to stay in front of his man, and he has as quick of hands as I’ve seen at this level. I spoke with him briefly after the game, he has no offers and some D1 interest. It’s time to get involved with this Illinois 2018.
Elijah Hazekamp (2018), 6’5 SF, Iowa Barnstormers 17U
This guy was outstanding during the weekend, and particularly on Sunday. He’s becoming more and more comfortable as a true wing, rather than combo-forward, and his jumper is all the way there. When he shoots a deep ball, you expect it to go in. He’s stronger than he looks, and athletic, able to bounce and bang with high level competition in the paint. He has one D1 offer right now from North Dakota, and should see several more roll in this summer.