Prep Hoops Expo: Team 8 Evaluations

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evaluating every player from Team 8 at Iowa's Prep Hoops Expo on October 4 in Des Moines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/10/prep-hoops-expo-team-5-evaluations/">Prep Hoops Expo: Team 5 Evaluations</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/10/prep-hoops-expo-team-6-evaluations/">Prep Hoops Expo: Team 6 Evaluations</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/10/the-iowa-expo-eliots-first-team-all-expo/">The Iowa Expo: Eliot's First Team All-Expo</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2976396"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e66b17abb41"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the smaller players in attendance, [player_tooltip player_id='2976396' first='Tayvian' last='Ripperger'] didn't let his lack of size take him out of competing with other players not only larger, but older than him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a quick jab-step, Ripperger got defenders on their heels, and he used his quickness and vision to find open shooters and runners in transition. Ripperger made one or two "wow" passes in the open court, finding teammates for layups. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1765505"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e66b17abbb1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">My Expo MVP, [player_tooltip player_id='1765505' first='Parker' last='Berns'] was the best all-around player in Des Moines over the weekend. As I stated in placing Berns on my First-Team All-Expo, he is"A lead guard that can handle the rock, shoot and make open or contested threes with regularity, distribute the ball to rack up assists, get downhill and attack the basket and so much more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With body control and poise to make shots at all three levels, contort his body to score at the rim, find shooters on the perimeter and do all the little things — fight for rebounds, run back in transition defense and block a shot, poke steals away — Berns is a dream starting point guard for almost any team in the state."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2973386"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e66b17abbfd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of just two Nebraskans in attendance, Trey Mooney will now be on my radar for Prep Hoops Nebraska. A wing that can defend, Mooney is a smooth, long hooper than can take and make open shots in the mid-range on offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Using his length on both sides of the ball, Mooney creates separation between he and his defender at the rim and finishes with soft touch. Defensively, he uses his length to deter opposing ball-handlers from getting into the paint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2419840"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e66b17abc7b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the higher ranked players in 2027, [player_tooltip player_id='2419840' first='Cayden' last='Larson'] showed why on Saturday in Des Moines. As one of the taller players in attendance at 6'8", Larson showed ability to create near the basket. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With good footwork and keeping the ball high and away from his defender, Larson scored with some of the best bigs in attendance, using soft touch around the rim. With the ability to step out and shoot it, he helped space the floor for his team, too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2272195"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e66b17abcc9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2272195' first='Keane' last='Jorgensen'], like Berns made my First-Team All-Expo at the guard position. As I previously wrote about Jorgensen: "A quick lead guard that limits mistakes, can create for himself and makes others around him better, Jorgensen was another top guard in attendance on Saturday..</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jorgensen added an attack-first mentality that served his team in his ability to get defenders on his hip on the way to the rim and finish with either hand. A lefty, Jorgensen's quick release as a shooter and fast first step made him an even more difficult guard for opposing defenders. That same speed helped him defensively."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2125403"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e66b17abd0e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2125403' first='Sam' last='Ralston'] doesn't possess the type of body that makes one think "Oh, he's a basketball player," but he uses his physical tools to his advantage on the court. A junior this year, Ralston is on the thicker, muscular side and he uses particularly well on the defensive side of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Physical without fouling, Ralston has a strong base and upper body that allow him to switch onto bigger offensive players and hold his own. Offensively, he found back door cutters for layups and can make open threes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2921207"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e66b17abd51"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A speedster in the half court, [player_tooltip player_id='2921207' first='Cooper' last='Baumgart'], guard from Clarinda liked to use his quickness to get to the rim when he saw an open lane on Saturday. He used that same speed to get out ahead in transition, giving himself opportunities to get easy layups in the open court. With a fast first-step and the ability to finish with either hand, opposing defenders have to respect how he attacks the rim, and that leaves him open for jumpers, too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2786701"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e66b17abdb2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A sophomore that has <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/09/class-2a-5-2027-2028-players-who-could-break-out-in-2025-26/">a chance to break throug</a>h for Central Lyon this season, [player_tooltip player_id='2786701' first='Aric' last='Austin'] showed flashes of being exactly what the Lions need this coming winter if he can put it all together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition to being a 6-foot-4 athlete (which never hurts at the 2A level), Austin can shoot the rock and can take it to the hole. On one particular play, he caught the ball at the right elbow, turned a corner, went to the bucket and finished through contact. With potential as a defender, too, Austin could be the guy for CL sooner rather than later. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2116043"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e66b17abe14"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A long wing on the rise for Johnston, [player_tooltip player_id='2116043' first='Joshua' last='Jenkins'] is a long wing that showed bits and pieces of what he could be this winter for the Dragons. Athletic and a quick mover, Jenkins can create for himself off-the-dribble, using his long legs to create separation between he and his defender to get shots off. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If he can make a step-back shot with regularity and continue to develop as a ball-handler for Johnston, Jenkins will be incredibly difficult to defend this season. Defensively himself, Jenkins' length is of note, and his athleticism only makes him a tougher defender to matchup with. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2617531"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e66b17abe5a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Left just off my First-Team All-Expo, [player_tooltip player_id='2617531' first='Miles' last='Nuzback'] was a late addition, and a welcome one for Team 8. Another weapon for Regina alongside [player_tooltip player_id='2523886' first='Ben' last='Wade'], Nuzback was one of the more fun players to watch on Saturday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sneaky athletic and bouncy, Nuzback was always in attack mode. Moving off ball, driving toward the basket and finishing with either hand, and making a couple gorgeous passes in transition, the junior was uber impactful for Team 8. All things considered, the group of talent played well together on this squad, and Nuzback was a key part of it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->