Film Room: Coaches, Check Out These 24s – Part II
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Film Room Part I IOWA CITY, Iowa – I attempt to see as much live basketball from around the state as I can each year. However, there are too many good teams and players around here to see in a season.…
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Continue ReadingIOWA CITY, Iowa – I attempt to see as much live basketball from around the state as I can each year. However, there are too many good teams and players around here to see in a season.
With that in mind, I’ll spend some time this spring and summer watching highlight tapes and writing up reports. Remember, highlight tapes are good, so if you’re a prospect don’t only rely on media outlets who produce mixes. Please include defensive clips, too.
Here’s the latest installment of the series:
Jake Benzing Jake Benzing 6'2" | SG Solon | 2024 State IA , SG, Solon – The 6-foot-3 junior wing brings a well-rounded game. He shoots well from the outside, can work the post against smaller defenders and can finish at rim off dribble penetration. He averaged 17.7 points in ’22-23, shooting 46.1 percent on three-pointers and 84.6 from the foul line. His long arms help on defense and in rebounding.
Jack Miller Jack Miller 6'0" | PG Jesup | 2024 State IA , CG, Jesup – Miller (6-1) is within his shooting range when he enters the gym. He should not be left by his defender…ever. It led to him averaging 26.0 points per game as a junior. He shot 37.6 percent on 170 three-point attempts and hit 81.2 percent from the foul line. He’s more than a shooter. He sees the floor well and chips in on the backboards.
Reggie Postel Reggie Postel 6'1" | SG North Polk | 2024 State IA , CG, North Polk – Postel (6-1) led the Comets in scoring at 13.0 points per game this past Winter. While he can score on each level, he is a fundamentally-sound player that contributes all around the court. Crafty can carry a negative connotation, but it shouldn’t with Postel. He maximizes his ability and produces. His outside shooting form is technically sound, and he handles it well with both hands.
Marty Blakey Marty Blakey 6'5" | SF Kennedy | 2024 State IA , F, Cedar Rapids Jefferson – Blakey does most of his damage around the rim, as evidenced by his performance at the Prep Hoops event in September. He’s undersized for the forward position from a height standpoint, but he’s solidly built with good power and use of both hands at the basket. He runs the floor well and finishes through contact. He shows a promising 15-foot jumper and could raise his stock more if he can extend his range. His form is pure.
Will Hodges, G, Aplington-Parkersburg – Hodges moved from Cedar Rapids Washington to A-P before this past season, when he helped the Falcons make it to the regional final. He also shows potential on the gridiron, and football might end up being his best sport. He’s no slouch on the hardwood, however. His 3.7 assists per game ranked second best for A-P in ’22-23. He has a knack for contributing wherever his hoops team needs him. He’s athletic and displays a smooth shooting form. He’s a lockdown defender who can check multiple positions.
Haiden Hardy, G, Clear Creek Amana – The 6-foot-2 Hardy led a young Clippers squad in scoring for ’22-23 with 12.6 points per game. He ranked second in rebounding (5.0 RPG) and assists (2.7 APG). I was in the gym for CCA’s game against a strong Indianola outfit this winter. I like how he runs a team and handles the ball. He also looks like a strong on-ball defender with his mix of strength and quickness.
Jamarion Readus Jamarion Readus 6'3" | SG North Scott | 2024 State IA , G, Davenport Central – Readus (6-3) stands out as a two-way guard. He can handle the ball but also operate off of it. There’s a fluidity to his game, and he has a good sense of when to drive and when to shoot a jumper. His shooting motion is smooth but a bit deliberate. His long arms and quickness help him as an on-ball defender and someone dangerous in the passing lanes.