Gilbert Basketball Showcase: Top Performers

<p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/03/Manny-Hammonds-crop-2786x1829-1615315783-crop-507x333-1615315795.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1147291" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/03/Manny-Hammonds-crop-2786x1829-1615315783-crop-507x333-1615315795-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a>2022 [player_tooltip player_id="962674" first="Manny" last="Hammonds"] (Grand View Christian)</strong></p> <p>Hammonds didn’t have his usual high-efficiency scoring game for the Thunder in their win over Roland-Story, but he showed his ability to score from all three levels, knocking down three 3-pointers with a clean, smooth release. He has a really nice mid-range game and he gets great rotation on his shot, which helps him get some friendly rolls on occasion. He had a really solid game as a distributor, dishing out 6 assists, showing impressive court vision. He’s able to put a lot of pressure on the defense even when he isn’t scoring because he can get to the rim at this level pretty much whenever he wants, and he has shown a willingness to not only absorb contact and finish around the rim but also find open shooters on the perimeter after the defense has collapsed. </p> <p><strong>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="1367400" first="Josh" last="Sanderson"] (Grand View Christian)</strong></p> <p>Sanderson has become known around the state because of his passing, putting up impressive assist numbers while limiting turnovers. While Hammonds and Baucum were held to a combined 8 first-half points on Saturday, Sanderson stepped up, knocking down four 3-pointers in the first half, showing a quick release and extended range on his shot. He moves well off the ball but is at his best when he’s creating for others. This was a big scoring game for him, putting up 17 points on 6-12 shooting (5-11 3P) to go with 4 assists and no turnovers. </p> <p><strong>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="1239871" first="Luke" last="Patton"] (Roland-Story)</strong></p> <p>A 6-4/6-5 power forward who had the unenviable task of being matched up against an athletic 7-foot shot-blocking machine, Patton performed admirably on both ends of the floor, showing his ability to stretch the floor by knocking down three 3-pointers with good form. He is a strong, physical player who doesn’t shy away from contact in the paint, competes hard on the glass, and he runs the floor well. He finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Norsemen. </p> <p><strong>2022 [player_tooltip player_id="682288" first="Jacob" last="Runyan"] (Dallas Center-Grimes)</strong></p> <p>Runyan transferred to DCG from Johnston and has been a major asset for the Mustangs in their backcourt. He's a high-level facilitator who sees the floor extremely well and loves to get others involved. He rarely hunts his own shot, but he's a very capable scorer who doesn't force anything. He's an excellent ball-handler and decision-maker who limits mistakes, he finishes well around the rim with either hand, and he's a capable 3-point shooting threat. He finished with 7 points and 8 assists in the Mustangs' overtime win, showing composure and leadership throughout.</p> <p><strong>2022 [player_tooltip player_id="1235016" first="Justin" last="Terry"] (Gilbert)</strong></p> <p>An active big man who runs the floor, finishes around the rim, and can protect the paint on the defensive end, Terry had a strong showing on both ends of the floor, finishing with 20 points (8-12 FG), 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in Gilbert's win over Webster City. He does an excellent job getting out in transition and beating his defender down the floor for easy buckets, and showed the ability to step out and knock down an occasional jumper. </p> <p><strong>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="1367401" first="Jaime" last="Grossoehme"] (Webster City)</strong></p> <p>A 6-1 lefty sharpshooter, I was excited to see Grossoehme play after looking at his eye-popping shooting numbers, and he didn't disappoint, finishing with 18 points on 6-14 shooting (5-10 3P) and 4 assists for the Lynx. He has some length and he moves really well off the ball. He has a smooth release on his shot and keeps his elbow tight, getting good rotation on his shot with a nice follow-through. </p>