Prep Hoops’ Midwest Cup: Top 2018 Guards (Part 2)
T.J. Rushing
Will McIntire, 5'10 SG (Pump N Run Black 17U)
This kid was absolutely sherdding nets all weekend for his squad, and in a game on Saturday he reportedly notched 12 3s. We went to check him out the following day and he hit five of six from deep. He could be a zone-buster for Iowa City High next season.
Tate Hebrink, 6' G (Minnesota Rise 17U)
With a strong and athletic build, this Minnesota product was certainly one of the best players on the 17U title team. His coach cited him as the best player for the Rise during the weekend. Hebrink has an uncanny ability to get to the hoop and create contact, and the Austin junior was living at the line -- and hitting -- all weekend
Caleb Cresswell, 5'10 G (Pump N Run Black 17U)
Again this Fort Madison scoring guard shined when we saw him; he always does. Small, but with a nice handle and lethal jumper, he's a leader on the court and will light it up this coming winter for the Bloodhounds.
Jackson Brannan, 6'1 G (Team Iowa 17U)
What bounce this Ankeny Centennial product has. He skies for rebounds and came away with one of the more athletic blocks I've ever seen at the high school ranks in a loss against Pump N Run. Offensively -- aside from skying for boards -- he's an adept shooter, and when granted the opportunity, will nail a jumper.
Eric Milewsky, 5'11 PG (Cornsharks 17U)
We've always loved this kid's game, and as it continues to evolve, it's becoming clear that this Urbandale point guard could become of the best in his class by the time next winter rolls around. He's best at getting to the hoop, and is able to finish in creative and athletic ways.
Marco Balderas, 5'7 PG (Dynasty 17)
A well established top point guard in Iowa's 2018 class, Balderas' skill-level and basketball savvy is off the charts. His floater off glass is his signature shot, and he makes it at a high clip. His flashy style of play is always under control, and always serves a purpose. NAIAs and D2s should be inquiring.
Ethan Mitchell, 5'11 SG (Intensity 17U)
His clutch gene was showcased in an emotional win over a talented Martin Bros 17U squad in pool play. The Grinnell sharpshooter helped eliminate Martin Bros from championship contention with some late-game daggers from deep, two of them in the final two minutes.
CaRondis Harris-Anderson, 6'3 G (Martin Bros 17U)
If the Martin Bros were to have won that emotional game over Iowa Intensity, Harris-Anderson would have been a big reason why. When his team needed buckets in the second half, he was there to get them, and he notched 13 second half points nearly willing his team to the win. His jumper has come a long way, and his clutch-gene is as intact as ever.
