Midwest Live: Sunday 17U Game Recaps
10:20: Pure Prep 63 vs OSA Crusaders 48
A pair of Roosevelt guys were dominant in this one. Ethan Shafer was sizzling in the first half scoring 14 points and connecting on four 3s. And unsigned 2016 wing Gatdoar Kueth flashed a much-improved perimeter skill-set and dominated the glass en route to MVP honors. Kueth told me after the game he has D2 and JuCo offers, but is holding out a few more months to see if he can generate some D1 interest.
MVP: 2016 Gatdoar Kueth, 6’6 G/F (Roosevelt)
The graduated wing continues to exponentially evolve, particularly on the perimeter, where his handles are adept and his shot is fluid. He’s skilled enough to create offensively, plus tall and long enough to make a big impact defensively. He’s hoping for some D1 opportunities, but currently holds D2 and JuCo offers.
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11:25: Kingdom Hoops Red 57 vs Crossfire (MN) 62
In a double OT slug-fest it was Crossfire who was triumphant coming from behind against a spirited Kingdom Hoops Red squad. With the win Crossfire finished undefeated in Pool D and advance to the silver division championship against All Iowa Attack Black. Matthew Larson was sensational at times for KH, and he showed glimpses as to why he’s one of the most skilled guards in the state. Des Moines North small forward Dariq Myles was a menace on the glass, and was adept on the perimeter for KH. He’ll be an impact player at Des Moines North next season.
MVP: 2017 Dariq Myles, 6’5 F (Des Moines North)
It looks as though Des Moines North will reload rather than rebuild next season. Myles was leaping better than anybody in this game, and has a strong build that makes him a versatile threat; adept on the perimeter and able to bang with the big boys in the paint.
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1:25: Kingdom Hoops Elite 72 vs All Iowa Attack Red 50 (Gold Division Championship)
After Kingdom Hoops Elite rained in 10 first half 3s, there wasn’t much else Attack Red could do to get back into the game that ended with the 2-minute mercy-rule. It was 13-11 Attack early-on, but then Charley Crowley — who had a sensational weekend — kicked his game into high-gear and spurred a 19-2 run that more-or-less buried Attack. United Township (IL) point guard Trey Buchanan connected on four 3s and was instrumental in the win, and Austin Roetman showcased his versatility, leading Attack with 16 points. It was a dominant weekend for this supremely talented Kingdom Hoops squad, and they will be menacing while playing on the national circuit the rest of the spring and summer.
MVP: 2017 Charley Crowley, 6’7 PF (Valley)
The recently crowned 4A state champion churned out another stellar performance, and during a one-minute stretch in the first half he came away with two blocks, a steal and seven points. He’s positioning himself to pick up some offers this summer before starring alongside Quinton Curry next season for the Tigers.