Iowa Scouting Report: Cedar Rapids Xavier at Iowa City West
Lohaus scored 16 for the Trojans In a matchup between a pair of highly ranked teams, it was Class 4A No. 3 Iowa City West that controlled throughout, leading from wire-to-wire in a 72-55 win Saturday night over Class 3A…
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Continue ReadingIn a matchup between a pair of highly ranked teams, it was Class 4A No. 3 Iowa City West that controlled throughout, leading from wire-to-wire in a 72-55 win Saturday night over Class 3A No. 2 Cedar Rapids Xavier.
West scored the first four points of the game, and took an 11-3 lead just three minutes into the game, prompting a Xavier timeout. Northern Iowa commit Tanner Lohaus scored seven of his 16 points in those first three minutes, in just his second game back after missing seven weeks with an ankle injury.
Xavier kept the game within single digits for much of the evening, but West was able to pull away late en route to the 17-point win. The Saints were playing without 2018 PG Matt Mims (11.7 points per game), who missed his second game with an ankle injury.
Xavier (13-4) was led by Mitchell Burger, who scored a game-high 21 points (17 in the second half). He was joined in double figures by Jackson Joens and Max Techau, who each had 11.
West (14-3) was led by Connor McCaffery with 19 points and eight rebounds. Tanner Lohaus had 16, and Wali Parks added a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Devontae Lane and Patrick McCaffery each added 10 points for the Trojans.
Cedar Rapids Xavier player evaluations
G Mitchell Burger (5’10”, 2016): One of the top scorers in the MVC, Burger got off to a slow start from the field, but came alive in the second half. His perimeter shot wasn’t falling for much of the game, so he attacked the rim and displayed the ability to finish through contact. He’s a good ball handler with the ability to pull up and shoot from anywhere, but he’s a streaky shooter. Defensively, he takes a few too many chances but can be a menace playing the passing lanes.
GF Jackson Joens (6’4″, 2018): The combo wing flashed a nice mid-range game, putting the ball on the floor a number of times before pulling up and showcasing a smooth jumper. He gets good elevation and rotation on his shot, and has range out to the arc. With his size, he has no problems getting his shot off, and he moves well off the ball to create openings for himself as well. His shot off the bounce has improved tremendously.
F Ryan Stulken (6’7″, 2016): The lanky combo forward showed a knack for pulling down boards, grabbing 11 rebounds in the game, being an active force on both the offensive and defensive glass. A long, athletic forward with the ability to score both inside and out, he’s a capable player with the ability to potentially guard the two through four spots at the next level with his length and lateral movement. He’s got long arms, moves his feet well and understands defensive positioning.
PF Max Techau (6’7″, 2017): Although he didn’t make a shot from behind the arc, Techau showed the ability to shoot from the high school line with good form. He’s very good around the rim, showing the ability to score with either hand in the paint with good footwork and touch. A long, athletic post, he runs the floor well and rebounds on both ends of the floor. Used his length to alter some shots on the defensive end.
Iowa City West player evaluations
GF Wali Parks (6’4″, 2016): There is never a better athlete on the floor than the Indian Hills commit. Nobody in the state gets off the floor faster than he does, with a ridiculously quick first and second jump. He’s become more assertive this season, willing to take his defender off the bounce and get to the rim, where he finishes as well as anyone. A plus athlete with the ability to defend all five spots at the high school level, and at least three spots at the next level. His jumper still needs work, but he’s an active player on both ends of the floor with playmaking abilities.
G Devontae Lane (6’1″, 2017): Lane’s perimeter jumper wasn’t falling in this one, but his mid-range game was solid, showcasing a nice floater game, along with a solid understanding of how to use the glass. A physically strong combo guard, he’s capable of handling the press and getting to the rim, and he has very good court vision. He’s got a natural feel for the game and is capable of taking the game over without scoring – both with his passing and his defensive ability. Needs to become a more consistent shooter to thrive at the next level.
F Tanner Lohaus (6’7″, 2016): In only his second game back from injury, Lohaus showcased a little bit of everything in his repertoire. The Northern Iowa commit knocked down a pair of shots from behind the arc, showed the ability to “rip and run” and made plays out of the high post in halfcourt sets. A high IQ player, he’s got a great understanding of where his teammates will be and moves very well off the ball. He’s still working his way back from an ankle injury, so his lateral movement is still a work in progress, but he showed some on-ball defensive ability in a pair of possessions against Burger, one of the toughest guards in the MVC.
GF Patrick McCaffery (6’7″, 2019): There’s a reason McCaffery is regarded as the top 2019 prospect in the state, and one of the top prospects in the country. He’s incredibly long, athletic and has a solid feel for the game. He’s becoming more comfortable at the varsity level with each game, becoming more aggressive and willing to showcase his natural ability. He can stroke it from the arc, can defend multiple spots on the defensive end and is a plus-athlete who can make plays that most players have no chance at producing. The future is very bright for the younger McCaffery.
PG Connor McCaffery (6’6″, 2017): McCaffery has established himself as arguably the best all-around player in the state, regardless of class. He’s capable of running an offense and setting up his teammates, taking over as a scoring guard, or combining the two and playing the high-level combo guard slot that he fills with this group. The Iowa commit has a much improved perimeter stroke, is a high-level rebounder from his guard position and sees the game an action before most other players on the floor. He’s a treat to watch.