Prep Hoops Live: Scotty B’s Friday Notebook

<p>The largest live period event during the NCAA second live period opened up on Friday night.  It was a great night of games and we examine what we saw here in <strong>Prep Hoops Live: Scotty B’s Friday Notebook</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Iowa Barnstormers 16U Close Late Over LA Broncos as Three High-Majors Shine</strong></p> <p>This was quite a game as a trio of potential high-major prospects put on a show.  It was close throughout, but the Iowa Barnstormers held on late to win 67-58 over the LA Broncos.  Early in the game it was all about Kareem Earl for the Barnstormers.  The 6’5” shooting guard is a feathery perimeter shot maker that nailed four of them early in the contest.  Plus spot up threat that especially likes the corners.  Can handle it with some creativity and was solid defensively in a 19 point outing.  Their other 2024 star Caden Wilkins is a big and strong wing that had a low scoring first half but still contributed with his defense, rebounding, and passing in the paint.  Then in the second half he took over.  Scored from all three levels including threes, post ups, mid-range, and aggressive takes.  He had the play of the night on a massive one handed slam over two guys.  Finished with 21 points.  Five man Asher Wade is a well built post that provided some physicality up front, finished on dump offs, and screened for 10 points.</p> <p>The LA Broncos have a super star talent in Trey’Dez Green.  The lefty power forward presents tremendous size, strength, and skill combination.  Game is a little like a Julius Randle.  Can take it off the defensive glass and go end to end for scores.  Takes from the mid-post in the half court and has a sound post game especially with his hook shot.  One of the best rebounders on the PHC as he is super physical snatching them in traffic and protects the rim.  He had 22 points on the night.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Team GRIII 17U Duo Have Massive Nights in Win Against Chicago Lockdown</strong></p> <p>It was a new player and a vet of Team GRIII that led the way for them in their 70-63 victory over Chicago Lockdown.  Early on it was all about the game of face up four Mason Jones.  Just joined this group last week and he looked much more comfortable.  Started off hot and never looked back.  Dropped in mid-range jumpers, quick takes off the bounce, and was nimble finishing around the hoop.  Super active defensively getting a few steals and swatting shots.  He had 22 points.  In the second half it was all about AJ Lux.  The 2023 rangy wing was on fire from three hitting five triples in the first six or so minutes of the second half.  Quick and fluid shot release that projects well to the next level.  Went for 20 points.</p> <p>Chicago Lockdown never gave up in this one despite the sharp shooting in the second half of Lux.  Marist point guard Lierre Collier showcased his shot making in the first half along with solid playmaking in a nine point outing.  Playing with Lockdown has really helped him.  Johnsburg shooting guard Dylan Schmidt is a plus shooter with toughness and some athletic pop.  Like the little things that he does as he had 7 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Illinois Bears 17U Win OT Battle Against Gateway Knights</strong></p> <p>Both teams were shorthanded in this one with limited benches, but it was a real fun contest between southern Illinois and St. Louis.  The Illinois Bears won in OT 55-50 after a crazy sequence that sent it to the extra session.  Carterville duo Caden Hawkins and Kade Lustenberger were the point providers for the Bears.  Hawkins is a smaller point guard that can really shoot it and brings toughness scoring in transition and makes smart plays.  He had 21 points.  Lustenberger is a lanky small forward with solid size who has a sweet looking shot from three and pulling up for baseline jumpers as he went for 14 points.  McKendree commit and Trenton Wesclin lead guard Grant Fridley only scored 3 points but he grabbed 10 boards and completely controlled the game like an orchestra leader from the point guard position with his passing and vision both in the half court and transition.</p> <p>For Gateway Knights we came away very intrigued with 6’6” Parkway West small forward Brady Kuehl.  Plus size on the wing with the ability to create his own shot on sweeping layups, straight line takes, and mid-range pull ups.  He had 12 points.  Their point guard Christian Hughes from Kirkwood is a tough as nails 2023 leader that lived in the lane and regularly made trips to the line while directing his group netting 20 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Middlesex Magic Captures 17U Victory in Tightly Contested Game vs Iowa Barnstormers</strong></p> <p>This was a super high level basketball game as the Middlesex Magic held on to win by three.  Shooting guard Andrew Mitchell was excellent for Middlesex.  Athletic and wiry two guard that is wired to score.  Got to the bucket over and over again where he scored on acrobatic layups at such a high clip.  Creative ball handler that got wherever he wanted whenever he wanted.  Their combo guard Dajon Burton is a smooth guard that was aggressive with it making plays off the bounce while also mixing in a three.  Alexander Penders on the interior gave them some toughness rebounding with the ability to step out and knock in a shot.</p> <p>The Iowa Barnstormers 2023 star Dallas Bear was excellent.  The 6’8” face up four can beat a team in so many ways.  In this game he was most effective working in the mid-range.  He drained some jumpers but was at his best putting it on the deck for scores winning on drives.  Combination of physical tools and skill are very intriguing.  Continue to be such a huge fan of what Da’Shon Fisher does.  Strong bodied shooting guard that plays with so much physicality and impacts the game with his toughness and energy.</p>