Hardwood Classic: 15U Iowa Preview
With one last live period left this offseason to showcase themselves, it’s Lawrence, KS at the Hardwood Classic where these Iowa teams have decided to converge. Tons of college coaches from all levels were in attendance last July at the very same event, and this year should be no different.
Below you’ll find the teams’ pool play schedules – those games will be played Thursday and Friday. We’ll be there Saturday morning for the start of bracket play, and then again for Championship Sunday.
5 Players to Watch:
Tyreke Locure, 5’9 PG, Kingdom Hoops Elite
Iowa’s 2nd-ranked 2019, Locure was absolutely sensational during the regular season last year as a freshman while leading the state in steals and assists. He’s continued to torch opponents all spring and summer, and has turned many heads in the process. Locure is the premier Iowa player in this field.
James Betz, 6’6 F, Kingdom Hoops Elite
A great compliment down low to Locure’s razzle-dazzle in the back-court, but Betz is so much more than a presence in the paint. He’s provides bounce and skill on the perimeter, and could bury five triples or slam as many dunks during any given game.
Trey Hinote, 6′ PG, Iowa Cornsharks
This is a kid who was mostly unknown before we saw him play early in the spring; it was very clear right away that he was a cut-above-the rest. He mixes high skill with some nice savvy, and specializes in getting into the paint – where he can find cutters that you wouldn’t know were there.
Mason Porter, 6’2 G, Pump ‘N Run Black
This New London product was one of the most prolific freshman scorers in the state last season, pouring in 16.6 points per game. But he also ripped down 9.3 boards per game. We’re looking forward to seeing the versatile 2019.
Lino Malual, 6’2 G, Kingdom Hoops Elite
Another young Des Moines North talent who will make the Polar Bears fun to watch for years to come. Malual is a very bouncy guard with some nice quickness who glides to the hoop. And with his high school mate Locure running the show, he should be open for his fair-share of 3s, that he can adeptly knock-down.
The Teams:
Kingdom Hoops Elite (Pool A)
Thursday: 5:15 PM vs Michigan Mustangs
Friday: 8:00 AM vs Quad City Elite (IL)
AEFS (Pool E)
Thursday: 3:05 PM vs Lincoln Supreme White (NE)
Friday: 8:00 AM vs Minnesota Basketball Academy
Kingdom Hoops Red (Pool F)
Thursday: 6:20 PM vs Minnesota Basketball Academy
Friday: 1:25 PM vs Lincoln Supreme White (NE)
Iowa Cornsharks (Pool I)
Thursday: 4:10 PM vs Nebraska Bison Gold
Friday: 1:25 PM vs Tulsa Hawks
Showtime Hoopers (Pool J)
Thursday: 3:05 PM vs KC Spurs Silver
Friday: 8:00 AM vs North Dakota Phenom (Quist)
Iowa Pump ‘N Run Black (Pool K)
Thursday: 2:00 PM vs MOKAN Select
Friday: 9:05 AM vs South Dakota Attack
Team Iowa Red (Pool L)
Thursday: 6:20 PM vs OZ Elite (KS)
Friday: 2:30 PM vs Team Juice Basketball Foundation (TX)
Iowa Prep (Pool M)
Thursday: 7:25 PM vs Rockford Five-0 Shelton (IL)
Friday: 10:10 AM vs North Dakota Phenom (Henderson)
Team Iowa Navy (Pool N)
Thursday: 3:05 PM vs Oklahoma Wolfpack
Friday: 2:30 PM vs KC Elite
Team Iowa Silver (Pool O)
Thursday: 4:10 PM vs OSA Crusader Crouch (NE)
Friday: 2:30 PM vs Rockford Five-0 Wynn (IL)
Iowa Pump ‘N Run Gold (Pool P)
Thursday: 7:25 PM vs Team Penny 14U (TN)
Friday: 9:05 AM vs Springfield Hawks (MO)