Midwest Live: 10 Who Impressed Saturday (17U)
Ryan VanWyk, 6’5 SF, Shoot It! (Pella)
He was sensational, especially during a furious second half comeback against Attack Black, displaying adept perimeter skills and an ability to both put the ball on the deck to score at the rim plus bang in the post with thicker posts.
Landon Torneten, 6’5 G/F, SW Iowa Select (CB Lincoln)
Emerged as one of the stars of the day by using great length to impact game in a variety of ways. He was shooting well, blocking shots, and rebounding on the offensive end. He’ll be an impact player with the Lynx next season.
Connor Kasperbauer, 6’4 SG, All Iowa Attack Red (Ankeny Centennial)
I was told he was shooting lights out in the morning game, and he continued that trend in the afternoon win against KC Pacers Blue. What made his sharpshooting even more special was that it came at a critical juncture, when his team took the first lead of the game.
Max Techau, 6’7 PF, All Iowa Attack Red, Xavier
Continually gets better and better, this stock-riser was the premier big-man for Attack during its afternoon win against KC Pacers Blue (especially with Austin Roetman gone for prom and Grant Kramer leaving due to injury in the second half). Long arms, tenacity on the boards, and soft touch around the rim make him a special player.
Kolby Molinsky, 6’2 PG, All Iowa Attack Red (Carroll)
The always-steady guard was just that this afternoon. He was the leader on the floor and made plays with savvy and hustle. His handles are a strong suit, and his shot will always make an opponent nervous. He should have some offers by summer’s end.
Ben Juhl, 6′ G, Kingdom Hoops Elite (Des Moines Christian)
A gem off the bench for possibly the best team in the tournament. Juhl is perhaps the biggest stock-riser in 2017 due to his lethal shooting and supreme quickness. The lethal lefty had a fantastic season with Des Moines Christian and has carried that momentum into his 17U campaign.
Charley Crowley, 6’7 PF, Kingdom Hoops Elite (Valley)
An unsung hero for Kingdom Hoops Elite, he scored 10 second half points and took control at one point, scoring at will from the paint and connecting on a slew of free-throws. He’s calm and patient with the ball around the basket — a trait that’s rare, especially at the high school ranks.
Chuck Johnson, 6’4 F, Iowa Dynasty (Iowa City High)
It appears that he’s an undersized post, but his immense length and ability to stretch the floor with his jumper make him a more versatile threat. He was 0-0 from deep during the high school season, but he hit his only 3 attempt in this game and knocked-in an 18-footer at one point too.
Max Smith-Drahos, 6′ G, Iowa Dynasty (Prairie)
A great scorer who is the type that quietly just gets buckets. He was certainly the high-scorer for Dynasty in their late-night loss to Next Level Elite (KS), and he’ll have a big senior season with Cedar Rapids Prairie.
Ryan Trainier, 5’11 PG, Iowa Prep (West Delaware)
Slick handles and a quick crossover make this West Delaware guard striking. He was shaking-and-baking all morning in a Iowa Prep loss to Crossfire (MN). He dazzles with his handles, and assists almost as well. He could be a top point guard in 3A next season.