Midwest Live! (Omaha): Friday Standouts
Joseph Strako Joseph Strako, 5’9 PG (Kingdom Hoops Red 17u) Perhaps the best surprise of the day was this Dowling Catholic rising senior. Strako was one of the more skilled players we saw on Friday evening, in terms of his…
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Continue ReadingJoseph Strako, 5’9 PG (Kingdom Hoops Red 17u)
Perhaps the best surprise of the day was this Dowling Catholic rising senior. Strako was one of the more skilled players we saw on Friday evening, in terms of his ability to shoot it, handle it and his court-vision/passing combo. He was also playing tough on-ball defense, and proved to have a high basketball IQ on both ends of the floor. He poured in six 3s and scored a game-high 22 points against Iowa Barnstormers West.
Tyler Johnson, 6’4 SG (Kingdom Hoops Navy 17u)
This past spring, Johnson was easily one of the most consistent shooters we saw from Iowa on the grassroots scene, and although he’s cooled off a bit from deep, at least in our past couple viewings, he’s still been able to take his game to new heights. His ball-handling ability has improved greatly, he looks very comfortable with the ball in his hands now. The Norwalk shooting guard could even be classified as a combo-guard now maybe.
Gore Puot, 6’3 G (Kingdom Hoops Navy 17u)
What was most impressive about this Des Moines North wing is how quick he gets off the floor. His bounce is some of the best in the state, and when he gets an opening, Puot knows how to use that explosiveness and get to the rim. He could be a guy that puts on a show for Polar Bears fans next season.
Keyton Moser
Keyton Moser, 6′ G (Iowa Barnstormers West 17u)
This small-school product isn’t going to blow you away with speed or athleticism, but he plays the game the right way, shoots it well, and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. We first saw Moser with Boyden-Hull down at the state tourney in March, he was impressive then. And Friday night, he impressed again, scoring a team-high 17 points in a win against Kingdom Hoops Red.
Jackson Louscher, 6’2 G (Iowa Barnstormers West 17u)
Another guy who we saw for the first time on Friday night, Louscher, a South O’Brien rising senior, did well to standout. He’s got the size and quickness to get to the rim effectively, and scored all of his buckets from inside the 3-point line. Louscher averaged 20.5 points and shot 50% from the floor last season for the Wolverines. He did make 30 3s as a junior, too.
Michael Alexander, 5’7 PG (Iowa Barnstormers Black 16u)
A Burlington point guard, Alexander is usually the smallest guy on the floor, but every time we see him he makes a big impact. Friday night he was making the best impact with his passing ability. When Alexander is on the floor, the team did very well. He’s also an athletic finisher at the rim, and despite his size, can get to the rack and score it well.
Jaxon Heth
Jaxon Heth, 5’9 G (Iowa Mavericks-Cleveland 17u)
This Cedar Falls rising senior was absolutely feeling it from deep — and we mean deeep — in the first half of the Mavs impressive win over Minnesota Heat. Heth was firing away with confidence, and rightfully so, his four first half 3s barely hit the bottom of the net they were so pure. Defensively, he was also impressive, his quick feet and high motor are a certain assets on that side of the ball.
Caleb Delzell, 6’7 SF (Iowa Mavericks-Cleveland 17u)
Truman State coach Jeff Horner was in attendance to check out this big and versatile forward, which he offered earlier this spring. Delzell was primarily plying in the post for the Mavs, but he’s capable of handling it and shooting it, too. What he did best today, though, was pass. He was poised and creative when finding teammates for open looks, especially fellow big-man Lucas Hayes. Delzell is a rare player, and will have a big season with Camanche next season