Hardwood Classic: 16U 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:
Nathan Johnson, 6’6 SF, Kingdom Hoops Elite
With some big bounce and an ever-improving skill set, Johnson has established himself as one of Iowa’s top 2018s. His much-improved defense makes him a two-way threat. He’s big enough to help out in the post, but he’s projecting to be a perimeter player at the next level.
Hunter Strait, 6′ PG, Team Iowa
Maybe no other player has rocketed up the rankings in the past year more than Strait. He’s grown a bit, and is a superbly skilled point guard, which is highlighted by slick handles and great vision. Strait can shoot the ball too, and has shown an ability to shoot it well off the bounce.
Zaine Leedom, 6’5 SF, Iowa Intensity
He’s the best player on one of the surprise teams of the offseason. Leedom will sky for dunks and will knock in the deep ball too, and his ability to take guys off the dribble should not be overlooked. He should be getting some scholarship consideration right now.
Ryan Miller, 5’9 G, Iowa Prep
This kid is small but very skilled, and has the kind of intangibles — IQ and savvy — that just can’t be taught. He’s tenacious on the defensive end, and has blow-by ability offensively. He’s one of the best small-school prospects in 2018.
Camden VanderZwaag, 6’3 SG, Kingdom Hoops Elite
Quickly emerging as one of the state’s elite shooters, there have been games this spring and summer where it seemed this good-sized sharpshooter did not miss once. He’s got some great range to pair with his pinpoint precision. He should blossom into a superstar at Johnston next season as a junior.
The Teams:
Kingdom Hoops Elite (Pool A)
Thursday: 4:10 PM vs ET21 Buckeyes (IL)
Friday: 2:30 PM vs Team Portis Wings 15U (AR)
Kingdom Hoops Black (Pool F)
Thursday: 3:05 PM vs SSA Elite (KS)
Friday: 9:05 AM vs SW Minnesota Stars
Iowa Intensity (Pool G)
Friday: 8:00 AM vs KC Spurs Silver
Friday: 2:30 PM vs MBA Flight (MO)
Kingdom Hoops Red (Pool L)
Thursday: 2:00 PM vs Have Ball Will Travel (KS)
Friday: 11:15 AM vs Rockford Five-0
Iowa Cornsharks (Pool N)
Thursday: 8:30 PM vs OSA Crusaders Porter (NE)
Friday: 3:35 PM vs Minnesota Phenom
Kingdom Hoops X
Thursday: 5:15 PM vs Kansas Cagers
Friday: 10:10 AM vs St. Louis Prospects
Kingdom Hoops White (Pool P)
Thursday: 11:15 AM vs Queen City Cavs (MO)
Friday: 4:40 PM vs Game Changes Blue (OK)
Showtime Hoopers White (Pool Q)
Friday: 10:10 AM vs Oklahoma Power
Friday: 4:40 PM vs KCMO Knights
Team Iowa Blue (Pool R)
Thursday: 8:30 AM vs Neb. CSS 16U (NE)
Friday: 4:40 PM vs Kansas MTXE
Iowa Pump ‘N Run (Pool S)
Thursday: 8:30 AM vs Tulsa Hawks
Friday: 2:30 PM vs North Dakota Phenom West
Showtime Hoopers Black (Pool T)
Friday: 11:15 AM vs KC Elite
Friday: 6:50 vs Oklahoma Primetime Black
Iowa Prep (Pool U)
Thursday: 2:00 vs MOKAN Select
Friday: 9:05 AM vs Team Juice Basketball Foundation (TX)