Hardwood Classic: Saturday Standouts (Part I)
2019 Patrick McCaffery, 6’8 SF (Iowa Barnstormers 16U)
It’s as good as we’ve ever seen the coach’s son play, and that’s saying something, considering he’s already our top-ranked 2019. In a first-round game against Round Rock Dream Team (TX), McCaffery came off the bench and promptly scored 14 straight points in no time at all. He’s as smart of a player as there is, never forces, and is tall and skilled enough to be dominant. ,
2020 Jaxon Smith, 5’8 PG (Kingdom Hoops 15U)
We’ve seen this kid more than most other 2020s up to this point, and he always stands out. What he lacks in size he makes up for with athleticism and hoops IQ. He’s a major play-maker on both sides of the ball, and his combo of instincts and athleticism make him an elite level defender, both the on the ball, and especially in passing lanes. He’ll be a gem for the Ankeny Hawks the next three seasons.
2020 Romanique Hellems, 6’2 SF (Kingdom Hoops 15U)
This was our first viewing of the Des Moines Roosevelt rising sophomore, and he did not disappoint. Big and athletic with a nice degree of skill to his game, there’s a lot of upside here. He’s still a bit raw, but when he learns the game more, watch out. He’s got all the tools to be a standout in the CIML for years to come.
2019 Trey Hutcheson, 6’5 SG (Iowa Barnstormers 16U)
Hutcheson making this standouts list is about as surprising as the Barnstormers making a Sweet 16 run in this tournament. That’s to say, it’s not surprising whatsoever. He’s become one of the best shooters in the state, with one of the prettiest strokes. And when he misses, we’re surprised. More D1 offers should be coming in for the sharpshooting Linn-Mar junior-to-be.
2019 Hosea Treadwell, 6’1 SG (Kingdom Hoops 16U)
Again, this Des Moines Hoover guard was impressive. We saw him earlier this spring in Council Bluffs at a team camp, and he was scorching there. Again he was hitting often today, sometimes from very deep. He’s grown considerably over the last year, and could be the zone-buster for the Huskies the next two seasons.
2018 Darius Moore, 6′ G (Showtime Hoopers 17U)
Another Sioux City West guard to keep an eye on. We’ve written plenty about Cliff McCray and DeSean Foy this offseason, but Moore is a guy who could also make some waves next season for the Wolverines. He’s a defensively stout and athletic combo-guard, who’s an adept ball-handler with plus vision. He didn’t shoot much today, but he certainly did a nice job of finding his open teammates.
2018 Elijah Hazekamp, 6’6 SF (Iowa Barnstormers 17U)
Perhaps one of the more taken for granted players in the state, Hazekamp was and always is an impressive combo-forward. He leans towards small forward, and at 6-foot-6 could certainly play that position at a Division I school. But he’s stronger than he looks, and bangs in the paint just as well as he plays from the perimeter. Mid-major schools should be taking interest in the Bishop Heelan rising senior. As of now, he just holds a North Dakota offer.