CIML Video Scouting: 2023 Wings

Thanks to the fantastic video quality of the YouTube streams that CISNtv puts out, we were able to get caught up on several CIML teams during the holiday break. We checked out Ames, Ankeny, Centennial, Johnston, Lincoln, Marshalltown, Northwest, Roosevelt, Southeast Polk, Valley, and Waukee, and we’ll be posting some scouting reports on players from each of these teams over the next few weeks to help fill the basketball void. In this article, we’re taking a look at 2023 wings from the aforementioned teams.   [caption id="attachment_1356612" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/Pryce-Sandfort-crop-591x388-1640894408.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1356612" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/Pryce-Sandfort-crop-591x388-1640894408-300x197.png" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Photo: Sean Bock <a href="https://247sports.com/player/pryce-sandfort-46097292/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">247Sports</a>[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="956868" first="Pryce" last="Sandfort"] (Northwest) The top-ranked player in the 2023 class, Sandfort has been outstanding in his starring role for Northwest early on this season. In their win over Centennial, he had 25 points on 8-15 shooting (2-5 3P, 7-7 FT) with 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. A long 6-7 wing, he’s a heady defender who positions himself well and who uses his length effectively to contest shots and get into passing lanes. Offensively, he’s an elite shooter with extended range, a quick release, and excellent form on his jumper. He keeps his elbow tight, has a picture-perfect follow-through, and a nice high release on his stroke. The next step in his development will be tightening up his handle, which will only make him a more dangerous offensive weapon when he can create his own shot at a higher level. Unlike some star scorers, he’s also a willing passer who sees the floor really well and has a high IQ. It’s easy to see why Sandfort has turned himself into a national recruit. [player_tooltip player_id="1240092" first="Henry" last="Manning"] (Northwest) A 6-1 off-ball wing, Manning has a quick release on his jumper and good form with a tight elbow and excellent elevation. He moves well off the ball, finding spaces in the defense to get his shot off, and he did a nice job scoring from the mid-range, getting the ball into his shooting pocket, and using good footwork to help create space for him to get his shot off. He keeps the ball moving and doesn’t force anything. With his shooting, he’ll be a valued small-school prospect over the next few years. He finished with 14 points and 3 assists while shooting 5-8 from the floor. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/92-Kaidan-Ivory-crop-2172x1427-1640894141.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1356607" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/92-Kaidan-Ivory-crop-2172x1427-1640894141-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1067655" first="Kaidan" last="Ivory"] (Waukee) A 6-3 wing who can play both with and without the ball in his hands, Ivory is a solid ball-handler and decision-maker who looks to push the tempo when he can. He’s a good athlete who competes on the glass and looks to lead the break after pulling down defensive rebounds, and he does a good job absorbing contact around the rim and finishing through it. Only around 13% of his field-goal attempts this season have come from behind the arc, as he’s much more comfortable and confident attacking close-outs and getting to the rim, where he’s a creative finisher with either hand. [player_tooltip player_id="1167706" first="Lucas" last="Lueth"] (Ames) An extremely long 6-7 wing, Lueth was a strong piece for Ames last year as a sophomore with his defensive abilities, utilizing his length to jump passing lanes, defend multiple positions, and contest shots. He’s doing the same things this year but has really improved as a shooter, which makes him an intriguing prospect to watch. Last season, he shot 28% from behind the arc. In the Little Cyclones’ win over Waukee, he shot 4-6 from behind the arc, showing a smooth, high release, and good rotation on his shot. He’s shooting 55% from 3 so far this season, and while he’s probably not that good of a shooter either, his form looks better, and he looks much more comfortable as a shooting threat. He has excellent size and length, and if he’s even a 40% 3-point shooter, he’s someone that college coaches will certainly be interested in. Clay Wright (Ames) Wright moved to Ames from the United Kingdom a few years ago and is finally getting a chance to prove himself with the Little Cyclones. A 6-7 sharpshooter with a lightning-quick release, he does a really good job using ball screens to free himself and get some space to get his shot off, especially going to the left, which is perhaps a bit unusual for a right-handed shooter. He has dealt with an injury that has limited his effectiveness a bit, and he’s getting accustomed to a different role, but as he continues to get acclimated with his teammates and more comfortable, he should become a major contributor for Ames. A player with the size, length, and shooting that Wright possesses will be a player worth keeping an eye on. [player_tooltip player_id="1240090" first="Nathan" last="Ruisch"] (Johnston) A 6-4 wing who moves well off the ball, Ruisch scored 8 points (3-7 FG, 2-5 3P) with 5 rebounds and a block in the Dragons' win over Southeast Polk. He has a quick release on his jumper and is ready to shoot on the catch. Playing alongside Lewis and Kramer, there aren't a ton of shots to go around (averaging 5.5 attempts a game), but he has taken full advantage of his opportunities, knocking down nearly 40% of his 3-point attempts so far this season. [player_tooltip player_id="1167719" first="Riley" last="Edwards"] (Southeast Polk) Edwards, a 6-3 wing, has emerged as one of the best scorers in 4A this year, averaging 21.3 points a game. He exceeded that output in their loss to Johnston, going off for 27 points on 11-21 shooting (5-12 3P), 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. He showed the ability to shoot it at a high level both off the dribble and the catch, getting the ball into his shooting pocket quickly and elevating into his shot. He has good size and doesn't have any issue getting his shot off, and he did a nice job using his jumper to open up the rest of his game, getting to the rim as well as hitting a few two-dribble pull-up jumpers when the defender closed out hard. [player_tooltip player_id="1167669" first="Prince" last="Jallah"] (Marshalltown) Jallah has taken his game to the next level this year for the Bobcats, averaging 19.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.7 steals while shooting 64% from the floor. An athletic and long 6-1/6-2 wing, he has really improved his ball-handling and playmaking abilities over the last 18 months. He is able to routinely beat his defender off the dribble and get into the paint, where he is a great finisher, but has also improved as a passer. In the 'Cats win over Roosevelt, he showed some playmaking ability out of the high post, catching and facing, then attacking the rim or finding open shooters in either corner. He also showed a willingness and the footwork needed to post up smaller defenders and score on the block. He had 21 points (including a very impressive putback tip dunk) on 10-13 shooting to go with 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal. [player_tooltip player_id="1167733" first="Jamison" last="Patton"] (Roosevelt) Patton's future is on the gridiron, an athletic 6-3 dual-threat quarterback/athlete who holds offers from Iowa, Iowa State, and Nebraska. But he's an impressive player on the hardwood as well with his ability to attack the rim and finish. He has excellent body control around the rim and can finish with either hand, and he plays really well in the pick-and-roll game, turning the corner tight and getting to the rim routinely. His length and athleticism allow him to be a solid on-ball defender, and he showed some good awareness on both ends of the floor as well, finishing with 15 points (6-13 FG), 3 rebounds, and an assist.