Justin Sharp Shootout: Player Evaluations Part I
Ray Miller, Davenport Central 5-11 PG Ray Miller (Davenport Central/2017) — We’ve always known that Miller is a freak athlete, but his all-around game is really developing nicely. He showcased his freakish athleticism with a two-handed put-back dunk over a…
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Continue Reading5-11 PG Ray Miller (Davenport Central/2017) — We’ve always known that Miller is a freak athlete, but his all-around game is really developing nicely. He showcased his freakish athleticism with a two-handed put-back dunk over a pair of defenders, but where he was most impressive on Saturday was within the half-court offense setting, where he used his developing ball handling and athletic ability to routinely get into the paint where he was able to either score, draw contact, both, or distribute to a teammate. With a quick first step and improved handle, he’s tough to keep out of the lane, and he’s a very good finisher when he gets there.
6-3 GF Dakota Soenksen (Camanche/2017) — The long, rangy wing had his full offensive arsenal on display, showing the ability to shoot from the arc both off the catch and the bounce, as well as the ability to get to the rim. He’s got long strides and his ball handling is developing, allowing him to add more to his attack. He’s got the ability to make an impact on the defensive end and on the glass with a long wingspan and athleticism.
6-5 F Dylan Hundley (Camanche/2017) — Much like Soenksen, Hundley is a long combo forward with the ability to score from anywhere. He’s a bit more comfortable on the block than Soenksen is, but a majority of his scoring comes off of penetration or his jumper. He’s strong on the glass and is a capable defender. Both Hundley and Soenksen should be on the radar of area D3s.
6-4 PF Landon Hermsen (Dubuque Senior/2019) — He’ll be a role player for the Rams, but he showed a nice ability to score at the rim. He’s not afraid of contact and did a nice job finishing through it on a few occasions. He showed a good stroke at the free throw line, some evidence that he could potentially extend his range out to the 15 foot area. He’s a physical banger in the paint despite not looking terribly strong. He should have a nice season as a rebounder and hustle-point getter for Senior.
6-4 GF Louis Craig (Iowa City High) — A lengthy wing player, Craig may have been the biggest revelation of the afternoon. He knocked down five 3s in the Little Hawks’ win, showing a quick release off the catch and range well beyond the arc. After knocking down a couple, the defense closed out quicker and harder, allowing him to get into the lane where he showed a nice floater. With lots of scoring, particularly from the wing, gone from last year’s team, Craig could make a major impact.
6-3 PF Chuck Johnson (Iowa City High/2017) — Johnson has always been a strong rebounder despite being an undersized four, using his strength to bully his way to the ball on both ends of the floor. He has been working on developing his range, and it showed in the viewing I had, as he knocked down a free throw line jumper and then stepped out and hit one from the arc, showing good form and rotation on each. He also put the ball on the floor from the top of the key, getting to the rim and dropping off a nice pass to a teammate for an easy layup. He’s still an undersized four, but as he works to extend his range, and keeps his physicality on the glass, there should be a spot for him at the next level.
5-10 PG Dae Dae Hickman (Iowa City High/2019) — Hickman is a kid I’ve liked since I saw him in the Iowa Dynasty fall league last September. He’s a quick, playmaking guard with a good handle and the ability to play in the pick-and-roll. He’s capable of getting to the rim or shooting from the arc, and he’s a solid defender when he’s engaged. He’s got great lateral movement and quick hands, allowing him to really apply pressure on the ball handler. He needs to continue to get stronger, but the future is bright for half of the future City High backcourt.
5-10 PG Antonio Turner (Iowa City High/2019) — Turner is another kid I’ve liked going to the Dynasty fall league, but he may be a little more physically ready to contribute at the varsity level. He was on fire in their win over Clinton (IL), knocking down a number of 3s, both off the bounce and the catch, in the first half. He took advantage of that in the second half, routinely getting past his defender and getting to the rim, where he displayed some creativity with his finishes. He’s got a quick first step, plays with some change of pace ability and can play off the ball as well. Strong showing for both Little Hawk guards.