Midwest Crossroads Showcase: 2029's That Shined Pt. 1

Normal West hosted one of the NCAA live events over the weekend. I was in attendance checking out over 40 teams from the showcase. In this article we'll take a closer look at some of the incoming Sophomores who had impactful weekends for their teams.    Checked on Kennedy during team's first game of the weekend and he was sound throughout. Gets it done in a variety of ways through scoring, rebounding, and creating for others. Possesses plus bounce at the rim with hang time. Attacks with confidence for good reason. Changes directions on a dime and can get into shot selection with an opportunistic feel. Also displayed shooting ability on multiple catch and shoot three's while spacing accordingly. Will be a tough out through career.     Next up Raiders guard that impacts as a scorer and playmaker. Dynamic handler who possesses creativity off the bounce while navigating traffic. Works well in transition phase and keeps eyes up for pitch a heads or quick decision making once extra defenders come. Efficient finisher in ½ court and in primary break phase. Finished through contact for an and1, converted on challenging baseline angles and can hit floaters over more size on feathery touch. Defensively active in passing lanes and on the ball to help create turnovers. A 2-way player with sufficient activity level that will fill role as a true lead guard.     One of the most athletic 2029's I saw this weekend. Smooth and skilled wing that operates positionless at times with a matured feel for game. Made multiple takes to the hole for conversions on tough angles. Comfortable operating amongst multipole defenders while nearing the hoop. Displayed excellent feel on the block for a post up and then spin move jumper from 5 feet with hangtime. Has bounce as well while running down a fast break and blocking it from behind. Plus wingspan. Stock will continue to rise here.     A skilled forward that consistently helped make winning plays in teams Tuesday morning contest. In the ½ court setting scores it efficiently on off ball movement or tough finishes in traffic. Has ability to catch face and then attack. Rim runs and works well in transition opportunities. Utilizes length in multiple phases. Created for teammates with patience and seeing the floor for correct reads. Smart verticality building a wall with plus length. Ability to impact both ends with continued upside.     Had not seen Garcia play since last summer around this same time and it was great to watch how his skill has really come along. Impressed with his ability to catch within 5 – 15 feet with poise and confidence. His size and mobility gives him great shot selection opportunities and he was making the most of them through this entire weekend. Jumper looked fundamentally smooth from mid range. Can also consistently finish in pNr situations and on the block. Defensively protects the rim with length. Tallied him for at least 4 blocks in team's morning game on Saturday. Will project with continued upside.     A fast paced combo guard who thrived in transition and consistently pushed for tempo throughout team's Saturday morning contest. Turns defensive rebounds and turnovers into quick offensive opportunities. Showed vision in ½ court while making smart drive and dish reads to teammates. Stretched floor late in game to knock down a deep 3 ball to help extend lead. Defensively pressures with long lanky frame while having a knack to guard on ball. Impacts with plus energy and pace.

Normal West hosted one of the NCAA live events over the weekend. I was in attendance checking out over 40 teams from the showcase. In this article we'll take a closer look at some of the incoming Sophomores who had impactful weekends for their teams.