ROCK Spring Classic: Sunday Game Recaps
17U (8:00 am): Iowa Intensity 72 vs Wisconsin Playmakers 42
After losing 66-65 last night to Fundamental U-Grey, Iowa Intensity had to win this morning to win Pool H, and they had to win big. And in exciting fashion they did just that. The guys from east-central Iowa knocked down 10 first half 3s, 17 in the game, en route to a 30-point mercy rule beat-down of the previously unbeaten squad from Wisconsin. Zaine Leedom was very good, netting three 3s and finishing the game with a two-hand slam; he scored a team-high 17 points. Grinnell guard Ethan Mitchell notched five triples in the win, and Garrett Sturtz scored 14. This very impressive Intensity squad will play in the Platinum Bracket against Fundamental U-Black at 10:20; win, and they’ll advance to the Elite 8.
17U (10:20): Iowa Mavs Purple 57 vs Hoop Avenues Elite (IL) 63
For most of this Platinum Bracket first round match up the Mavs were playing smart, in control, and with the lead. But late in the second half the athletic Illinois squad finally got over the hump and captured a lead that they would not relinquish. Niles North point guard Dravon Clayborn was a fine point guard for Hoop Avenues, and was a load to handle; he was just one in a stable of atheistic and tenacious guys on the Hoop Avenues roster. Griffin Clark was as good as his superb junior season at Prairie would have indicated, he finished with a team-high 13 points, and proved to be one of the state’s most skilled guards. Big-man Luke Empen put in a workmanlike effort, making an huge impact on both sides of the floor, he finished with nine points and three blocks.
17U (12:40): Iowa Barnstormers 78, Hoops Avenue Elite (IL) 65
A somewhat sluggish first half gave way to a brilliant second half for the Iowa Barnstormers’ oldest group, and they advance to the Platinum Bracket Final Four after a relatively easy win over one of Illinois’ top teams. It was Elijah Hazekamp who got things going early for the ‘Stormers, the Bishop Heelan small forward was doing it from everywhere while netting 12 first half points. Then Wisconsin product Joey Hauser and Iowa’s top-ranked prospect Joe Wieskamp took turns dominating the second half. Wieskamp poured in a game high 25 points, and was very impressive in doing so. Hazekamp finished with 16 and Hauser notched 12.
16U (1:50): Iowa Mavericks Orange 68 vs Ray Allen Select (WI) 56
The slipper still fits for the Iowa Mavericks Orange, that’s the program’s second squad (Purple is first), and they again played a wonderful game to get by yet another opponent in Madison. A pair of Davenport Central wings each showed themselves well in this one, Dontrel Wommack and Keyshawn Pegues each scored 13 and should both be impact players with the Blue Devils next season as juniors. Oelwein’s Dom Robertson was again the best player on the floor, and continues to utterly impress this weekend, he also dropped 13 points. With the win the Mavs advance to play the Iowa Barnstormers in a Platinum Bracket semifinal match.
16U (4:10): Iowa Prep 46 vs Wisconsin Dynasty 54
In the Select Bracket final, Iowa Prep fought hard but came up short against a team that was more athletic and skilled. Iowa was much bigger than Dynasty, in fact, this Prep team may be one of the biggest — if not the biggest — in the state, going 6’9, 6’9 and 6’6 in the post. But the Wisconsin squad had a bevy of quick and skilled guards that made tough buckets with regularity. Iowa Prep’s Josh Ollendieck was the team’s leading scorer, notching 17 in the loss, that’s especially noteworthy because he’s a 2020 playing up a level. He’ll be a standout at Cedar Falls for years to come.
17U (5:20): Iowa Barnstormers 67 vs Young & Reckless 38
This was a rout from the tip thanks in large part to AJ Green’s red-hot start. The 6-foot-2 Cedar Falls point guard hit four 3s in the first six minutes of the game, forcing the Illinois squad to overplay him, and then he did a splendid job at finding his teammates for open looks. Green dominated the first 10 minutes of the game, and the ‘Stormers built a huge lead, demoralizing their opponent and subsequently cruising to the mercy-rule (and running clock) win. This ‘Stormers squad was this dominant even without its best player, 6’8 Wisconsin product Joey Hauser. When Hauser plays this team made it very clear: that they will be one of the country’s best teams this summer.