Iowa Scouting Report: Linn-Mar vs. Cedar Falls
In what may go down as the game of the year around the state, a game-winner from A.J. Green in overtime sent Cedar Falls to the state tournament with a 76-74 win over Linn-Mar on Tuesday night.
The game featured a pair of outstanding performances from two of the best guards in the state, as Linn-Mar’s Jordan Bohannon and Cedar Falls’ Green went back-and-forth for much of the second half, each answering the others’ bucket.
Cedar Falls held a double-digit lead for much of the first three quarters before a late run by Linn-Mar made it a six-point game heading into the final frame. From there, Bohannon took over, scoring 16 points in the fourth quarter to help send the game into overtime.
Overtime was a back-and-forth affair, eventually sitting at a tie game with 13 seconds to play. That’s when A.J. Green’s magic happened (video of the game-winner embedded below).
Cedar Falls (19-4) was led by A.J. Green, who had 31 points. Tra’Von Fagan added 21 points and 11 rebounds, and TreyShawn LaBeaux added 19 points and nine rebounds. The Tigers advance to the state tournament, where they’ll be the No. 7 seed and play second-seeded Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln at 6:35 p.m. on Wednesday.
Linn-Mar ends their season at 17-6. Jordan Bohannon scored 44 points in his final high school game. Beau Klostermann added 12 for the Lions.
A.J. Green sends Cedar Falls to state with this game-winner. #iahsbkb pic.twitter.com/mBdX8mdzHX
— Tony Roe (@tonysroe) March 2, 2016
Scoring
Cedar Falls | 12 | 17 | 20 | 11 | 16 = 76
Linn-Mar | 12 | 8 | 23 | 17 | 14 = 74
Individual scoring
Cedar Falls: Green 31, Fagan 21, LaBeaux 19, Johnson 4, Alexander 1
Linn-Mar: Bohannon 44, Klostermann 12, Brandt 9, Printy 5, Murphy 2, Phillips 2
Cedar Falls player evaluations
PG A.J. Green (6’1″, 2018) — The kid was born with ice water in his veins. Every single time Bohannon made a big shot to give Linn-Mar a lead, Green would come down and hit a pull-up jumper to tie it or give the Tigers the lead right back. He’s silky smooth, a fantastic shooter off the dribble, has good handles and is a very good passer. He’s able to dominate a game either scoring or facilitating, and he’s got range well beyond the high school line. With two more years left to develop his body and skill set, he’s going to have a slew of offers on the table by the time the college decision comes. Great shooter.
F TreyShawn LaBeaux (6’3″, 2018) — Another sophomore, LaBeaux was a big-time difference maker in this game with his quickness and athleticism. He’s dynamic on the glass, with great “hops” and a quick first and second jump. He gets off his feet very well and moves well laterally on the defensive end. He came out of nowhere on two different occasions for a big block from the weakside. Offensively, he showed the ability to score from anywhere on the floor but was at his best with the ball in his hands headed downhill towards the rim. He’s got a very quick first step and finishes well at the rim. With his combination of length, quickness and athletic ability, he’s just scratching the surface on what he could become.
PF Tra’Von Fagan (6’7″, 2016) — The multi-dimensional forward battled foul trouble for much of the night but was dominant when he was on the court. He handles the ball well for a forward of his size, runs the floor extremely well and can score from just about anywhere on the floor. He has good footwork in the paint, with the ability to finish at the rim with either hand and a variety of post moves. Rebounds at a high level, can be a disruptive force on the defensive end and is a good athlete with a high basketball IQ. Understands where to position himself on both ends of the floor. Will be a good get for whatever Division II program snags him.
SG Isaiah Johnson (6’2″, 2017) — Aggressive off-guard who does a nice job attacking the rim. He needs to continue improving his strength, which will help him finish better in the paint, but he does a nice job staying in attack mode constantly. Competes on the glass on both ends of the floor and is a solid on-ball defender.
Linn-Mar player evaluations
PG Jordan Bohannon (6’1″, 2016) — Bohannon ends his high school career with a 44-point effort, showcasing his all-around offensive abilities in the process. One of the state’s best shooters, he hit a number of 3s from behind the NBA line, both off the dribble and the catch while coming off screens. He also put the ball on the floor and got to the rim where he finishes well. The Iowa commit didn’t end his career the way he wanted to, but he was fantastic in this one.
GF Beau Klostermann (6’4″, 2016) — Showcased good footwork on the interior to score around the rim, and he’s capable of taking his game out to the arc. Smooth lefty with a solid all-around offensive game.
SG Jared Printy (6’5″, 2016) — It wasn’t a good shooting night for the Western Michigan commit, but he’s got the looks of a very good perimeter shooter. He gets good elevation and rotation on his jumper, can shoot off both the catch and the dribble, and moves well off the ball, using screens.
SG Jordan Brandt (6’0″, 2016) — Big effort player with the ability to stretch the floor from deep. Plays hard on every possession, battles on both the offensive and defensive glass, and has the ability to make plays for his teammates by putting the ball on the floor.