5 Best: Waterloo vs Columbia
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Tuesday night PHI traveled to Waterloo to check out two of the better prospects in southern Illinois. Columbia made a late run, but it wasn’t enough as Waterloo got the win 53-49. We examine their play along with other standouts…
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Continue ReadingTuesday night PHI traveled to Waterloo to check out two of the better prospects in southern Illinois. Columbia made a late run, but it wasn’t enough as Waterloo got the win 53-49. We examine their play along with other standouts in 5 Best: Waterloo vs Columbia!
Alex Stell Alex Stell 6'9" | C Waterloo | 2025 State IL (Waterloo – 2025)
Stell is a 6’10” true five man that has a big body that really knows how to play the game. Excellent at using his body and knowing how to position himself to gain the advantage. Started off getting on the offensive glass for a put back. Then worked his way down from the elbow for a hook shot. Mixed in a mid-range jumper and slip to the hoop on an out of bounds play. Seals extremely well on the block and has an excellent hook shot with touch. Very sound footwork and is light on his feet for his size. Volume rebounder in his area who snatches them at the highest point. Pin point passer was picking the defense apart like Jokic on several occasions hitting cutters for scores when facing the basket beyond the arc. Also throws really good outlet passes that were consistently on the money. Went for 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 dimes. Made another strong case that D1s should be getting involved.
Caleb Yochum Caleb Yochum 5'10" Waterloo | 2024 IL (Waterloo – 2024)
Yochum is a scrappy senior point guard that lived in the lane. Sweeping layups, spinning floaters, reverse layups, and pull ups from the mid-range. Finished with 16 points.
Rodrigo Lopez Rodrigo Lopez 6'8" | C Waterloo | 2024 State IL -Tercero (Waterloo – 2024)
This big man caught our attention early in the season and was a force once again in this game. The 6’8” strong bodied five man consistently garnered deep post position over and over again where he used touch to finish on hook shots and layups. Got to the line where he shoots it well and is a solid rebounder. He had 18 points. Can see a small college looking at this big man.
Sam Donald Sam Donald 6'8" | PF Columbia | 2025 State IL (Columbia – 2025)
The other top junior prospect we attended this game for was Donald. At 6’8” he has good size and athleticism. We see him as a face up four at the next level. He played primarily on the perimeter for Columbia as more of a wing. Known as a knock down shooter he hit two threes including a key one late to get his team within a bucket along with a crisp mid-range pull up. Overall though the jumper wasn’t falling and he forced quite a few contested shots in this game. Would have liked to see him be more aggressive putting it on the deck and getting to the rim or posting up for some quick hitters. He did show that once in the open floor going coast to coast for a bucket. Skilled prospect with a clean stroke and plus athleticism. He had 14 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal.
Hayes van Breusegen (Columbia – 2025)
Excellent game for this 5’10” point guard. He lived in the mid-range hitting them over and over and over again. Defenders seemed to give him space and he rose up for it knocking in at least five of them. Also mixed in some acrobatic layups in an 18 point outing.