Players Putting Up Numbers This Memorial Day Weekend
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This weekend I saw a lot of players from the state of Iowa have memorable weekends on the court all around the United States leading into Memorial Day. Below I just want to highlight a few of those guys out…
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Continue ReadingThis weekend I saw a lot of players from the state of Iowa have memorable weekends on the court all around the United States leading into Memorial Day. Below I just want to highlight a few of those guys out there working hard and seeing results because of it.
Luke Winkel Luke Winkel 6’1″ | PG Ankeny Centennial | 2024 State IA had a massive weekend for his EYCL Kingdom Hoops 17U team. Winkel had his full arsenal on display as he was dishing out crafty assists, knocking down tough shots, and most importantly helping his team win the game a majority of the time. Winkel is a special talent. A player who works hard and really tries to max out his full potential at whenever he is doing. It’s to no surprise that he ends the spring season off with a bang, leading into high school ball this June.
Highlights
Matt Darbouze
Matt Darbouze
Matt Darbouze put together the most consistent weekend out of his Iowa Prep 17U Platinum team while averaging around 11 PPG and 7 RPG. Darbouze is an interesting prospect who I think can get a lot of attention going into his senior year. He has good size, above average muscle mass, athletic ability overall, some hops, and nice touch on the ball. Not to mention that he is pretty solid from about 15ft out as well in the mid-post. His high motor and effort on both sides of the floor stood out this weekend. If he keeps this up, there is no way that some schools out there don’t reach out before the high school season tips off this winter but only time will tell.
I wrote about Trey Hughes Trey Hughes 6’2″ | SG Liberty | 2024 State IA coming into the AAU season and how he was a player to watch out for. I’m happy to say that he is having one heck of a spring for the Iowa Barnstormers 17U Gold team. Most games he is a leader in scoring, a consistent presence on the glass, and an above average defender. That was on full display this weekend in the desert when Trey was lighting it up from deep and attack the basket once people over-played his jump shot. I’m not sure what kind of interest Trey has from colleges at the moment but this kid can score. He is a sniper from deep and if he sees one of his first shots go in, it could be a long day for the defense.
Nathan Stroud Nathan Stroud 6’5″ | PF Mount Pleasant | 2024 State IA has really come onto the scene this past season and from the looks of it, it doesn’t seem like he is going anyway anytime soon. Stroud, a 6’5 power forward, put on a display this weekend all over the court for his Iowa Prep team. He averaged around 14 PPG as well as recording some games with double-digit rebounds. I would have to say his highlight of the weekend though was when he dunked on his defender in the open court who tried to go up for a block with him. It didn’t work out so well for that defender. This play just speaks to the aggression and athleticism of Stroud when he is near the hoop. I’m interested to see how this all translates to the high school floor during summer ball in June. If he keeps up with everything he is doing, he could be one of the most dominate power forwards in the 3A class next year across the state of Iowa.
Highlights
Logan Porter Logan Porter 6’3″ | SF Winterset | 2026 IA has been doing his thing this spring and really coming together as a player. Porter, a 6’3 small forward, is morphing somewhat into a combo guard in front of our eyes. Meaning, he is sharpening up his shooting ability from deep and his handle when he has to dribble with a defender pressuring him out on the perimeter. This weekend his Waukee Jam team won the Midwest Basketball Showcase. Porter showed off that he is a well rounded player who can impact the game in more ways then just scoring. This summer I’m excited to catch a few games while he competes with his Winterset high school team. They have a few players that can really light up the score sheet and hoop. Now they just have to put it all together and let it ride.