#HardWorkSZNKickoff Superlatives: Name on Map

It was a great weekend of hoops in Council Bluffs, Iowa at the #HardWorkSZNKickoff for the Midwest region of the PrepHoops Circuit. Time for us to review what we saw in Scotty B’s Superlatives! Here are the prospect that Put Their Name on the Map! These are players that we had not seen before that left a lasting impression with their play. PG Reggie Whitaker (HIT 15U) Whitaker is a slick ball handler that got where he wanted to make things happen for his team. Worked well in the pick and roll as well as just winning straight off the bounce. Finished with athleticism at the rim on a regular basis. Like the projectability in this young guard from Hope Academy.   SF Logan Bryant (HIT 15U) Bryant is another projectable prospect from that same Hoops Intensity 15U group. Might not have had the most production, but we like his size at 6’3” with a frame that should allow him to continue to grow.   PG Trey Keizer (HIT 15U) Keizer was the floor general for the HIT squad. He knocked down perimeter shots and played with a high basketball IQ throughout.   PF Jalen May (Inspired Athletes 15U) May is out of the Dakotas and this 6’4” forward was really good. He might not pass the initial eye test with a big body and being an undersized post, but this kid gets stuff done. Carved out space inside to score, put it on the deck, and hit jumpers with ease.   PG Antonio Hughes (Illinois T-Wolves 16U) The Illinois T-Wolves 16U squad is stacked, but a couple new names emerged from that group. Hughes is a 5’10” point guard from Oswego East that is a pesky defender and can hit an open three. PF Daine Hanson (Illinois T-Wolves 16U) Hanson was a major physical presence inside! This 6’7” power forward was a beast on the offensive glass mauling his opponents on the interior. Garnered deep post position on touches inside.   SF Jaden Terrell (Team RWA 16U) Terrell put his name squarely on our radar with his play at the 16U level. The Wheeling High School small forward is a lefty that has a long and lanky frame. Slashed with his long strides and showed potential on a three point shot. Best getting to the cup right now.   PG Caleb Horton (Team RWA 16U) Horton also broke out for RWA’s 16U group. The Kenwood product had been a name we had heard about, but hadn’t seen much. He made a statement with his play. Slick lead guard that can shoot it well from three. Works well in the pick and roll. Got to the rack with ease where he made acrobatic layups and floaters.   SF Ryan Sucha (Team RWA 16U) Sucha is the next Lincoln Way East wing in line. Good size and this kid has a solid skill set to match. Showed toughness and perimeter shooting ability.   SG Connor Barrett (Iowa Mavs 16U) Barrett played for the Iowa Mavs, but is actually from Fulton High School in the western part of the state of Illinois. This 6’1” shooting guard was lights out from three displaying a fluid and consistent three point shot.   SF Jerry Deng (BBA Force 15U) Deng is another out of state prospect that jumped off the floor at us. The 6’5” wing has projectability along with skill. Rebounded well from his wing spots and has so much upside!   SF Tyler Van Eekeren (HIT 16U) This was one of the biggest surprises of the event. We saw the Benet 6’5” wing at a practice a couple weeks ago which made us take notice, but wow was he impressive over the weekend. Like this kid’s build combined with skill set and athletic ability. He can shoot it, gets out in transition, blocks shots, and crashes the glass with force.   PF Akoi Akoi (South Dakota Attack 17U) While his teammates Mors and Busch got most of the attention over the weekend we came away intrigued with Akoi. Long and lanky four man that flashed some skill hitting a three, sealing in the high low, and defended well on the wing. Schools that recruit the Dakotas take notice!   PG Myles Leavy (Illinois T-Wolves 17U) Leavy is a tiny point guard who shot lights out for the Illinois T-Wolves over the weekend in the game we saw. Quick off the bounce.   SG Marquel Brumfield (Illinois T-Wolves 17U) Brumfield is a power player at the two guard spot. Built with strength at 6’5” he is great at getting to the cup where he finishes well through contact. Both he and Leavy are from Metea Valley.   PG Julian Price (Illinois Huskies 15U) Price had a breakout game on Friday night against the Iowa Mavs. The Hyde Park High School 2022 prospect is dynamic in the open floor making plays in transition. He netted 16 points in the second stanza alone.   PG Selvonte Williams (Illinois Tigers 15U) Springfield Southeast continues to produce guards in bunches. One of the next in line could be Williams. The 6’1” lengthy guard displayed a skilled game over the weekend.   PG Cam Cleveland (Team RWA 15U) Cleveland is the younger brother of Leo’s star the last few years Fred Cleveland. There are a lot of similarities here with his ability to shoot it from deep along with his playmaking in the open floor!