Grassroots Preview: Iowa Dynasty

As part of our grassroots preview series, Iowa Dynasty program director Nate Meints helps us break down his high school level teams. Below you’ll find an overview for the 15-17U teams, the rosters for each group and a schedule of where they’ll be playing throughout the spring and summer.

17U

Overview: "We are excited for this group of guys to get underway. There are six guys on this team that have played together for 3+ years, so the familiarity and understanding of how each plays is already in place. This group will be a little undersized outside of the center position, however our quickness and ability to shoot the 3 will negate some of the lack of height. The strength of the team is undoubtedly the ability to shoot the long ball, with four guys shooting over 40% in the high school season, including Dante Eldridge’s 47% for Iowa City West. We expect to see a fun, uptempo style of basketball that will maximize the number of possessions we have each game."

Tony’s thoughts: Dante Eldridge is the clear headliner here after putting together a strong season for the 4A runner-up Trojans. He’s a lightning quick guard with extended range, and if he’s able to prove that he can play effectively with the ball in his hands a lot this summer, he could generate some interest. The really intriguing player to watch here will be City High big man Jeremy Kambomba, who is playing as an unsigned senior. The 6-8 big is incredibly raw, but he’s a fantastic athlete and has improved immensely in the last year or so. He’ll be a player that NAIA, JuCo and Division III coaches will want to keep a close eye on, because he’s loaded with potential.

16U

Overview: "This group is one that has played together for a few years now, and returns seven of 10 guys from last year. Out of all of our teams, these guys seem to just mesh together whenever they step on the floor. The willingness to work and lead as a group has been fabulous. This team is full of guys that are consistently showing up early to practice and leaving late. They also have become fantastic leaders within our program for our younger groups. The unselfishness, coachability and IQ are undoubtedly the strongest characteristics this group possesses. We are looking forward to a successful season!"

Tony’s thoughts: Andre Brandon Andre Brandon 6'6" | PF Iowa City Liberty | 2020 State IA is one of my favorite young players in the state, loaded with potential and the ability to score inside and out. The improvement he’s made from the first time I saw him at the Dynasty Fall League (September 2016) to now is unbelievable. At 6-6, he’s capable of handling the ball (although that’ll certainly need to keep improving at the next level), and he’s able to make plays for himself and teammates with the ball in his hands. He’s a creative finisher around the rim and has a nice mid-range game as well. He’s in for a big summer and is a player that Division II and NAIA coaches will be interested in.

15U

Overview: "This is probably the most naturally gifted and experienced 15U team we’ve had as a program. There are five players on this roster that played in some capacity at the varsity level for their 3A/4A high school teams last season.

The most intriguing characteristic about this team is the flexibility and versatility they offer both offensively and defensively. We feel like we have the personnel and ability to play both a big, physical lineup, or to go smal ball and out-run teams.

Due to conflicts with other activities, we have four guys who will be playing part-time throughout the season. In addition, Bo Gryp, Byron Benton Byron Benton 6'0" | CG City | 2021 State IA , CC Withrow and Julian Jordan will also play up with our 16U team rotating on a tournament by tournament basis."

Name	Height	School
Keon Agee	5-6	Iowa City High
Cody Schroeder	5-6	Iowa City Liberty
Ira Hazeltine Ira Hazeltine 5'11" | SG Liberty | 2021 State IA	5-7	Iowa City Liberty
Bo Gryp	5-8	Iowa City Liberty
Brock Reade	5-10	Clear Creek Amana
Mike Potter Mike Potter 6'2" | SG Clear Creek-Amana | 2021 State IA	5-11	Clear Creek Amana
Byron Benton Byron Benton 6'0" | CG City | 2021 State IA	5-11	Iowa City High
Andrew Tauchen	6-1	Iowa City West
Graham Goering	6-1	Iowa City West
Aidan Terrill	6-1	Iowa City West
CC Withrow	6-2	Clear Creek Amana
Jack Keller	6-3	Iowa City Regina
Lucky Harrington	6-5	Iowa City High
Julian Jordan	6-6	Iowa City West

Tony’s thoughts: I don’t know much about this group yet, but I do know that Liberty’s Bo Gryp is one of the best shooters I saw during the high school season, regardless of class. He has a lightning quick release and extended range. Julian Jordan is an intriguing young big man prospect who needs to learn to play hard routinely, but has a lot of ability and potential. I’m looking forward to seeing this group at some point and learning more about this roster as a whole.

Schedule (all teams)