Howe: 7 Players Who Impressed Me Before Break

’23 Iowa City (IA) Liberty wing Da’shon Fisher. (Rob Howe/PrepHoops.com)

Rob Howe

December 28, 2022 @ 07:05 PM

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Even though the weather wasn't always cooperative, I caught some good games before heading into the holiday break. It set up excitement for the remainder of the hoops season in the state.   Here's a look at seven players who impressed me when I watched them in person:   [player_tooltip player_id='1376687' first='Jake' last='Benzing'], '24, Wing, Solon - Of all the guys I watched so far this season, Benzing may have surprised me the most with his improvement from last year. He filled out his frame, allowing him to stress defenses on all three levels. He jumps well and boasts a very complete game. His shot is picture perfect. I'm excited to see him continue growing as a player. I think there's a pretty nice ceiling here.   [player_tooltip player_id='1171662' first='Holden' last='Arnaman'], '24, PG, West Branch - Like Benzing, Arnaman's game as grown since last season. He's sharpened his skills and become more physical. He handles the ball well with both hands and sees the floor well in the half court and on the break. He shoots it well from the outside and can score off of dribble penetration. He's a willing and able defender on the ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='1381414' first='Jack' last='McCaffery'], '25, Wing, Iowa City West - I'm not breaking any news that McCaffery is one of the top players in the state regardless of class. What impressed me was how he's worked hard on his game and improved. As a freshman, he deferred to teammates. Now, he understands how to get his while also making his teammates better. His handle has improved, he hits the glass harder and can score from anywhere on the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='1288867' first='Da'Shon' last='Fisher'], '23, Wing, Iowa City Liberty - I'm surprised Fisher isn't receiving more interest on the recruiting trail. Some high-end junior colleges are looking at him. And perhaps that's the best place to start in proving the doubters wrong. Fisher can get to the basket at will with quickness and power. He possesses excellent athleticism and jumps out of the gym. Maybe college coaches are unsure of his position at the next level. His position is being a productive player.   [player_tooltip player_id='1558745' first='Samuel' last='Mbingazo'], '26, C, Iowa City High - It's easy to dream on this freshman's potential. He's raw but flashes some serious upside. He shows a nice touch on his shot with both hands around the rim. His length allows him to control the paint on both ends of the court. He's agile, athletic and runs the floor very well. He does a nice job anticipating double teams and finding open teammates when it comes.   [player_tooltip player_id='2325496' first='Michael' last='Martin'], '24, CG, Iowa City Regina - The Regal junior displays a smooth game with good length for a guard at this level. He can play point guard with an ability to break down defenders with either hand and locate open teammates. He shoots it well from the deep, in the midrange and when attacking the rim. He's a good defender and rebounds well for a guard.   Jayce McHugh, '24, SF, West Liberty - McHugh is a long, bouncy athlete who fills up the box score. He's crafty around the rim with an ability to shoot with both hands. He hits the boards hard on both ends of the court. He handles it well, and works hard to get up and down the court. He produces steals and challenges shots on defense.

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Even though the weather wasn't always cooperative, I caught some good games before heading into the holiday break. It set up excitement for the remainder of the hoops season in the state.