Battle at the Lakes: Iowa Players to Watch (16U)
G Noah Hart, Iowa Barnstormers
One of the players who is taking advantage of the broken finger of Barnstormer teammate Patrick McCaffery, Hart has gotten off to an exceptional start to the grassroots season, scoring in bunches and playing very well on the defensive end. His mid-range game has been a revelation this spring, showing the ability to stop and pop on a dime, in addition to his prowess from the arc that has always been present. He’s a facilitator when he needs to be, can go get a bucket when he wants, and is a heady player who rarely makes mistakes. On the defensive end, he’s very solid both on and off the ball, routinely displaying the ability to diagnose a play and position himself where he needs to be. He competes on the glass at a high level for a guard as well. Few players across the state have helped themselves over the last month as much as Noah Hart has.
SF Trey Hutcheson, Iowa Barnstormers
Another player taking advantage of the McCaffery injury, Hutcheson has been displaying a much improved face-up game, something that had previously been an inconsistent part of his game. He’s routinely knocking down 15 footers, and as opponents have to step out to respect that, he has the ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim, where he scores at a high level. He’s a great rebounder on both ends of the floor, and an improving presence on the defensive end.
PF Derek Krogmann, Iowa Barnstormers
The highest ranked 2019 in attendance this weekend from Iowa will be this gifted 6-7 power forward from West Delaware. He’s ranked No. 4 in our 2019 rankings, and holds an offer from North Dakota. He has great length, possessing a nearly 7-foot wingspan, which allows him to block and alter shots, and gobble up any rebound that is remotely within his vicinity. He runs the floor extremely well, establishing good early position and burying his defender on the block. He has a variety of moves and counter-moves on the block, with the ability to go over either shoulder and score with either hand. He’s a hardworking farm kid who plays tough and is as consistent as they come.
PG Jake Hilmer, Iowa Barnstormers
The No. 6 player in our 2019 rankings, Hilmer is a lightning quick lead guard who does a great job facilitating the Barnstormers offense, he rarely makes a poor decision with the ball and does a great job keeping the ball moving on the offensive end. He has the ability to go into attack mode as well, with a nice floater game, and his quickness allows him to get all the way to the rim, where he is a creative finisher. He’s an above-average shooter from the arc, but where he really thrives on the grassroots circuit is in his ability to set up others. He’s a gifted passer with excellent court vision, and a sound decision maker who could potentially end up at a low-major Division I level. If not, he’s a guy Division II coaches should be all over.
SG Keegan Murray, Team Iowa Red
One half of the dynamic Murray twins, Keegan had the better sophomore season for Cedar Rapids Prairie, averaging 9 points and knocking down 44% of his 3s. He has above-average length, great range and a smooth, consistent release on his jumper. As he continues to add strength and develop his all-around offensive game, he’ll become a force.
SG Kris Murray, Team Iowa Red
Like Keegan, Kris has good length and the ability to get hot from the arc. Both boys have quick releases and extended range. The only major difference between the pair is that Kris is a lefty, and Keegan a righty. Both are smart players with high basketball IQs, and they’re just starting to come into their own as players.
PG Trey Hinote, Iowa Cornsharks Select
This 6-1 point guard leads an under-the-radar Cornsharks group with his ability to score from all three levels as well as play a role as a distributor. He’s a good ball handler and perimeter shooter who makes winning plays for his team.
G Mason Porter, Iowa Pump n Run Black
The highest ranked non-Barnstormer in the field from Iowa, Porter is ranked 14th in our current 2019 rankings. He’s a big, physical combo guard who excels scoring at the rim. He does a great job using his handle and strength to get into the paint, and he has the upper body strength and athleticism to finish at the rim against bigger bodies. He competes on the glass, can step out and hit the occasional 3, and makes an impact playing off the ball on the defensive end.
PG Max Duax, Tri-State Steam
Another in a long line of Duax boys, Max is the next one to make his way through the Hempstead pipeline. He was one of the leaders of a good Mustangs sophomore team this past winter, and is looking to make an impact on the grassroots circuit now. He’s a good ball handler and facilitator who can also get into the paint and finish around bigger defenders. He’s a capable shooter from distance, and has the quickness to make an impact on both ends of the floor.