Midwest Basketball Club Showcase Standouts
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The Midwest Basketball Club Showcase brought many of the Columbus based Midwest Basketball Club teams as well as 3SSB teams from the program. In this article, we’ll break down the standout performers from Sunday’s action at Westwood Fieldhouse. Landon Vanderwarker…
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Continue ReadingThe Midwest Basketball Club Showcase brought many of the Columbus based Midwest Basketball Club teams as well as 3SSB teams from the program. In this article, we’ll break down the standout performers from Sunday’s action at Westwood Fieldhouse.
The most productive player on the 17 U 3SSB squad on Sunday, Vanderwalker was active on both ends of the court. Scoring early and often in the paint, Vanderwalker used his frame, patience and pivots to create space to score at the rim. When Vanderwalker gets to the paint off the bounce or crashes the offensive glass, he can shoot a high percentage. Combine that with Vanderwalker knocking down some time and space jumpers and his efficiency was high on Sunday. The main skill improvement I’d like to see from Vanderwalker is being more confident using his left hand on drives and finishes, that will help him be even tougher to stop in the paint with his strong frame and solid touch at the rim.
Highlights
One of the top 17 U performers in the gym, Roberts really competed on both ends of the court better than I’ve ever seen. Grabbing offensive rebounds, attacking the rim with force and playing above the rim. The way Roberts played on Sunday was indictive of his talent level that is Division I worthy. The highlight of the day was when Roberts attacked off the bounce and dunked all over a defender. Hoping to see some consistency from Roberts with this level of play throughout the spring and summer, if this becomes his true level then he’ll see a spike in recruiting interest.
My first time watching Hoerner, who put up monster stats in the GWOC this winter, was impressive. A big who is physical and uses his frame to create space in the paint. High IQ as well, Hoerner knew how to move without the ball and make himself available. When he caught the ball, he was patient and made the right decision on whether to pass or shoot. Just a kid who flat out knows how to play, I think Hoerner will attract a lot of Division II and NAIA level programs to see a Midwest Gold 17 U team with a handful of scholarship talent.
One of the elite shooters in the gym on Sunday, Davis caught fire from beyond the arc. When his feet are set, Davis shoots a high percentage out to 25 feet. There was a stretch where Davis hit like five 3’s in a 10-minute span on Sunday. Struggling a bit to create for himself off the dribble, Davis was at his best when he’s set up by one of his guard teammates like Colin McClure Colin McClure 5’10” | PG Dublin Coffman | 2025 State OH or Amare Spiva Amare Spiva 6’1″ | CG Pickerington Central | 2025 State OH . If those two can attack and draw help defense, Davis will shoot a high percentage from the field. Another prospect who is sure to attract scholarship level programs to check out Midwest Gold 17 U.
Showing why he’s drawn interest from high major programs, Smith was one of the leading scorers from Midwest 16 U 3SSB on Sunday. We know that Smith can knock down shots from the perimeter but he also found success attacking off the bounce against shorter wing defenders. His ability to play on the perimeter with his size makes him a mismatch against teams that can’t match the height that Midwest 16 U 3SSB can boast. If Smith plays how he did on Sunday during live period sessions, expect his list of high major programs to offer to rise.
Midwest Basketball Club – Benson 16 U impressed me on Sunday. Their team has a lot of shooters, some solid bigs and Henry was the engine of the offense. Making plays for others, Henry created off the bounce and did a nice job looking to set up his teammates first and score on the side as well. Hitting some tough shots on the perimeter as well, Henry had a complete performance on Sunday. I expect this grassroots team to win a lot of games this spring and Henry could be a breakout star in central Ohio as a Junior.
Highlights
The last prospect featured in the article, Sims played hard and scored efficiently in the paint on Sunday. With good length and physical tools, Sims used his size advantage to get offensive rebounds and score in the paint. Delaware Hayes returns a lot from their core but the two seniors they graduate had good size and physicality, if Sims develops this summer, he could slide into a role as a forward for the defending regional champions in Columbus.