Iowa Top 250-Expo: Team 5 Evaluations

Competing at the 2023 IA Top 250 Expo were 90+ players, separated into 12 different teams. As well as being a scout in the building for the day, I was also a coach on Court 3. I had the privilege of coaching Team 5, a handful of times throughout the event, giving me an inside look as to what each player excels at individually and what they need work on moving forward. I will be listing each player by their jersey number assigned at the event (for video purposes if someone wants to look back on BallerTV), name, current height, current position, & the high school they are currently attending.   Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!   #405 - [player_tooltip player_id='2204880' first='Kannon' last='Still'] - 2024 - 5'8 - PG - Marquette Catholic High School   [player_tooltip player_id='2204880' first='Kannon' last='Still'] is a fast thinking and quick handling point guard out on the court. On Sunday he was a constant provider for his team when it came to assists and scoring the ball. Still is a hard worker on both sides of the floor, who doesn't take any plays off. I would say he works on defense, just as hard as he works on offense. I'm curious as to how Still's upcoming high school season will go but for himself as a competitor, he should be able to be a constant producer at Marquette Catholic.   #410 - [player_tooltip player_id='1423351' first='Tysen' last='Devries'] - 2024 - 5'9 - PG - Pella Christian High School   Tysen De Vries may only be 5'9 in height but this man is a bulldozer out there. He has the ball on a string and is very witty in tight spaces with the dribble. Once he gets downhill against any opponent, it's going to be a tough to time slow him down. Not to mention that he is STRONG for his size. De Vries has a simple but physical and efficient game. He is someone that you can trust with the ball in their hands, in big moments to make the right choices. As a coach, it is something you love to see.   #412 - [player_tooltip player_id='1759934' first='Hakeal' last='Powell'] - 2025 - 5'10 - PG - Prince Of Peace High School   One of the smoothest operators on the floor on Sunday at this event was [player_tooltip player_id='1759934' first='Hakeal' last='Powell'] and when I say smooth, I mean SMOOTH. Powell is a 5'10 point guard that can create at a steady rate for himself or his teammates off of the dribble. He has the ability to step back and hit deep shots over taller defender if they happen to switch and he is smart enough to understand when it's time to pass the ball to a teammate and move away. Powell was the MVP for his team in 2 of their 3 games on Sunday. He was a constant on the floor at all times and he really stood out over most.   #470 - [player_tooltip player_id='1720208' first='Brenton' last='Hoard'] - 2025 - 6'2 - SG - Keokuk High School   Talk about a lengthy shooting guard, that knows how to get into his shot and you are speaking of [player_tooltip player_id='1720208' first='Brenton' last='Hoard']. Hoard is about 6'2, with what is seeming like longer arms. He is a guard that can do a little bit of everything but how he gets into his shooting motion is his best ability. He is someone who knows his space and when/how to load up for a jumper, in the area he is in. If he is overplayed, his length helps him get to the hoop off of 1 or 2 dribbles, usually ending the play in a nice finish. I'm assuming Hoard will see the floor a good amount this winter and when he does, teams better tag him coming in or it could get ugly quick.   #479 - [player_tooltip player_id='1797393' first='Payton' last='Policky'] - 2025 - 6'3 - SG - AC/GC High School   Another player that is a "hand down, man down" type shooter is [player_tooltip player_id='1797393' first='Payton' last='Policky']. Policky shoots first and asks questions later. To the opponent, Policky's shot may not look fundamental but boy does it go in a lot. I remember the first time I had the privilege of coaching Policky at an event like this and he was unbelievable at the catch-and-shoot part of the game. He does have length to get down hill quickly if he is overplayed but that only happens once he makes a shot or three before hand. On Sunday, Policky definitely made his mark shooting the basketball.   #484 - [player_tooltip player_id='1587376' first='Cole' last='Beinborn'] - 2025 - 6'4 - SG - Pleasant Valley High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1587376' first='Cole' last='Beinborn'] is going to be a name you hear quite often over the next two years at Pleasant Valley High School. Beinborn is tall, lengthy, and a born hooper. He has great touch on the ball, with a next level ability to shoot it at a high and steady rate. He is very good off of the catch or the dribble at letting it fly, while being big enough to score over small opponents who might want to match up with him. The skill, size, and knowledge of the game is all there for Cole. If he can go out this season, be put in the right situation, and take advantage of his opportunities, he will have some colleges reaching out real soon, if they haven't already.   #485 - [player_tooltip player_id='2204860' first='August' last='Anderson'] - 2025 - 6'4 - CG/SF - Indianola High School   I'm not sure how to label [player_tooltip player_id='2204860' first='August' last='Anderson'] after seeing him on Sunday at the Top 250 Expo. Anderson does a little bit over everything. Literally. He handles if need be, he can score in the post or mid-post on mismatches, he rebounds over alike sized opponents, and he gets on the ground for loose balls every chance he can get. He has a high motor and it never seems to slow down. His size does give him a natural advantage and I think everyone will see that in his production this winter but we will just have to wait and see.   #490 - [player_tooltip player_id='1499008' first='Nathan' last='Stroud'] - 2024 - 6'5 - PF - Mount Pleasant High School   One of the most athletic players at this event was Nate Stroud of Mount Pleasant High School. Stroud stands at around 6'5 with the muscle mass to go along with it. He is a versatile player, that is continuing to become more versatile, every time I see him. He has the ability to post up and score over either shoulder going over bigger defenders, he can catch at the elbow and knock down a midrange pull up or drive to the basket for a thunderous dunk, or he can step out and hit a three if given adequate time. This is another player that all the intangibles are dedication are there. This season is going to be a big one for him at Mount Pleasant and I think he will make the most of it.   #491 - [player_tooltip player_id='2204891' first='Ryland' last='Ubben'] - 2024 - 6'5 - SF - South Hamilton High School   [player_tooltip player_id='2204891' first='Ryland' last='Ubben'] has some potential in this game. His natural height of 6'5, mixed with his lengthy arms and skill shooting the ball, all equal out to a college basketball player but I need to see a little bit more. Ubben had some nice numbers last high school season but I think this winter could be his best one yet. His square up ability on the catch is impressive. He understands that if a player is standing away from him by even a foot, he is going to be able to shoot over them with how his shot is set up. After he makes a few of these, he shows a pump fake and the defender bites, leaving himself with a wide open run at the teeth of defense. All in all, there is a lot of promise here when you account for his size and ability.

Competing at the 2023 IA Top 250 Expo were 90+ players, separated into 12 different teams. As well as being a scout in the building for the day, I was also a coach on Court 3. I had the privilege of coaching Team 5, a handful of times throughout the event, giving me an inside look as to what each player excels at individually and what they need work on moving forward. I will be listing each player by their jersey number assigned at the event (for video purposes if someone wants to look back on BallerTV), name, current height, current position, & the high school they are currently attending.