PH Top 250: Team 8 Evaluations
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The annual Prep Hoops Iowa Top 250 Expo took place in Grimes on Sunday afternoon. Throughout the next few days, myself and Jeremy Brooks will be running through some of the standout performers from the event, and providing full evaluations…
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Continue ReadingThe annual Prep Hoops Iowa Top 250 Expo took place in Grimes on Sunday afternoon. Throughout the next few days, myself and Jeremy Brooks will be running through some of the standout performers from the event, and providing full evaluations of every player in attendance. This article will take a look at each player from Team 8.
Preston Daedlow Preston Daedlow 5'8" | PG Tipton | 2024 State IA
Preston Daedlow Preston Daedlow 5'8" | PG Tipton | 2024 State IA
Despite being one of the smallest players on the floor, Daedlow competes on the glass and isn’t afraid to play downhill and attack the rim for finishes. He moves really well without the ball in his hands, catching his defender sleeping a few times with backdoor cuts for easy layups. He has a quick release off the catch and plenty of range, and he’s a capable ball-handler and playmaker who sees the ball well.
A 6-1 combo guard, Trilk showed the ability to play with and without the ball in his hands. He moves well without the ball and does a good job of running to the corner in transition to get a corner 3 off, showing a quick release off the catch. He handles the ball and sees the floor well, and he does a good job keeping the ball moving on that end of the floor. He showed some strength on the defensive end as well, battling against bigger players in the paint and moving his feet when defending on the perimeter.
Bunde played really well on the offensive end during the game that I caught for this group. A 6-1 guard, he showed the ability to play with the ball, operating well in ball screen actions. He turned the corner tight and was able to get to the rim for a few finishes, finishing through contact. He also showed a quick release off the catch and good off-ball movement to find open spaces in the defense. He contributes on the glass, especially on the defensive end, and does a good job looking to push the tempo after pulling down a defensive board.
Highlights
Coney is a skilled three-level scorer who can create his own shot as well as just about anyone in the state. With his combination of size, length, and ball-handling, he’s able to get to his spots pretty much whenever he wants. He’s at his best when he’s playing downhill and getting to the rim, as his shot is still a bit inconsistent, but if he can add a consistent jumper to his arsenal, he could be a deadly offensive weapon. He rebounds well on both ends of the floor and can be a good defender when he’s engaged.
Becker still has a ways to go in terms of physical development, as he’s pretty thin which can get him pushed off his spots occasionally, but there is a good amount of talent here and if he’s able to start filling out, he could be really good. He looks to dunk on you when he’s attacking the rim, and his long, lanky frame is good for contesting shots and getting into passing lanes. He showed some ability to create off the dribble and has a good looking stroke from the arc.
Highlights
Like his twin brother Jackson, Tyson is a long, athletic 6-5/6-6 combo forward who can do a little bit of everything for you on the defensive end. He uses his length to contest shots and compete on the glass, and he’s able to move his feet pretty well on the defensive end as well. He’s a patient finisher around the rim, using ball fakes to get the defender into the air and then finishing, and he has some bounce. He showed some ability to handle the ball and create looks for himself and his teammates.
Highlights
Preston Blanchett Jr Preston Blanchett Jr 6'4" | SF Cedar Rapids Jefferson | 2024 State IA
Preston Blanchett Jr Preston Blanchett Jr 6'4" | SF Cedar Rapids Jefferson | 2024 State IA
Blanchett was a new name for me and he made an impact, especially on the offensive end of the floor. He’s a big, well-built 6-2/6-3 wing who showed a smooth jumper, especially off the dribble. He has a high release on his shot, which when combined with his size, makes it difficult to contest. He can finish through contact and will rebound on both ends of the floor.
Eskildsen was really good on both ends of the floor on Sunday, using his 6-6 frame to score and create in a variety of ways. He’s strong and is able to finish through contact, can stretch the floor with a smooth stroke, handles it pretty well for a combo forward or big wing, and has really good court vision. He has good passing instincts, excellent footwork, and soft hands. On the defensive end he communicates well and is able to bang with bigger, more athletic players in the paint and contest without fouling.