Scouting Reports: Iowa City West vs City
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IOWA CITY, Iowa – Seventh-ranked Iowa City West played host to rival City High Friday night in front of a large crowd and a kicking pep band here at the Trojans’ gym. The home team rallied in the fourth quarter…
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Continue ReadingIOWA CITY, Iowa – Seventh-ranked Iowa City West played host to rival City High Friday night in front of a large crowd and a kicking pep band here at the Trojans’ gym. The home team rallied in the fourth quarter for a 68-57, come-from-behind victory heading into the holiday break.
Here’s a rundown of players who stood out in this contest:
Koch has impressed me the two times I’ve watched him this season. While he’s still a marksman from the outside, he’s improved his all-around game. He gets to the basket more regularly when defenders attack him on the perimeter. His handles have taken a step forward. Koch showed in this game that he can defend on the ball against quick guards as well. He led all scorers with 25 points Friday
Highlights
Like most nights, the state’s top 2025 recruit received a lot of attention Friday. The double-team arrived as soon as he got the ball on the low block. He’s recognizing it quicker this season and acting quickly to find open teammates. He continues to be a force defensively in the paint as City found out when trying to get to the rim. He netted 15 points Friday playing within an offense that saw four different Trojans score in double figures.
The sophomore has impressed me more each time I’ve seen him. He was raw as a ninth-grader, but you can tell he’s worked on sharpening his skills. The lefty has smoothed out his shot and strengthened his handle with his right hand. He’s physically stronger, which helps him operate on the low block and in finishing at the rim. He’s a strong, versatile defender. He scored 17 points and grabbed a team-high six rebounds Friday.
Earl, the son of former Iowa Hawkeye and NBA big man Acie Earl, continues to advance his game on both ends of the court. He can score and defend on all three levels. He takes advantage of his length and deep understanding of the game to make the right play more often than not. He contributed 10 points and helped the Trojans lock down defensively against their rival.
Jameer James Jameer James 5'10" | PG City | 2024 State IA
Jameer James Jameer James 5'10" | PG City | 2024 State IA
James came into this contest with his shooting arm ready to go. He knocked down 4 of 8 attempts from behind the three-point arc, propelling the senior to 14 points. His long arms help him fire away over defenders contesting his jumper. He also shows good lift on his shot and a handle to shake the defense. He will pull it down and drive when he sees that as his best option. His lateral quickness makes him a solid on-ball defender.
I look forward to watching Wright play. He’s a consummate, two-way point guard. He locks down on the ball defensively and handles the ball expertly. He shows excellent form on his jumper and can blow by defenders who get too close. One of his best traits is an ability to change speeds with the dribble. He netted a team-best 15 points in this game.
Sutherland represents City’s lone post presence, making him important on this night when going up against McCaffery. Sutherland held his own on both ends of the court. He can operate on the low block but also displays a nice face-up game. He’s a willing and able passer. He does work on the glass, sharing the game-high with seven rebounds Friday. He added six points and a lot of muscle.