Best of the Midwest: Player Evaluations 16U Part I
6-1 G Zachary Seaman (Iowa Pump n Run 16U/Iowa City Regina) The off-guard was in constant attack mode for Pump, routinely getting to the rim, and when he gets into the paint, he does a nice job of shielding the…
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Continue Reading6-1 G Zachary Seaman (Iowa Pump n Run 16U/Iowa City Regina)
The off-guard was in constant attack mode for Pump, routinely getting to the rim, and when he gets into the paint, he does a nice job of shielding the ball from the defender so they can’t block it. His constant attacking got him to the free throw line quite a bit, where he proved to be a very good free throw shooter, getting good rotation on his shot. He’s got a solid mid-range game, showcasing a nice variety of floaters to finish over bigger defenders. On the defensive end, he’s a solid on-ball defender who moves well laterally. When playing off the ball, he has a tendency to take too many chances at jumping passing lanes, something that burned Pump a few times.
6-4 F Logan Hoffman (Iowa Pump n Run 16U/Tipton)
An undersized four, Hoffman showed off his ability to score both inside and outside in Pump’s win over Wisconsin Swish. He’s got a nice looking stroke all the way out to the high school line, and also has the ability to establish position on the block and use his strength and solid footwork to finish in the paint. He’s a very good rebounder, making excellent contact on his box outs, and he’s got good hands. He sets solid screens, and is a threat to either finish on the roll or pop out and take a jumper.
6-3 SG Jocoa Kerschen (Iowa Pump n Run 16U/Iowa City Regina)
An off-guard with good length, Kerschen is primarily a threat from the arc at this point in his career. He moves well off the ball, finding spaces in the defense, and he’s a very good perimeter shooter with a quick release. His length helps out on the defensive end, where he was able to come from the weak side on post-ups and get a few blocks.
6-6 F Johnathan Herrick (Iowa Wolves 16U/Boone)
Herrick showed a dynamic offensive skill set in scoring 23 points for the Wolves in their win over Nebraska Express United. He’s got the ability to score at all three levels, but is at his best in the paint, where he’s got good footwork and the ability to finish with either hand off a variety of moves. He’s got good hands and is a solid rebounder. He stepped out and hit a few shots from behind the arc, displaying good form. He’s got the ability and vision to make plays out of the high post, either by putting the ball on the floor or making the right pass. On the defensive end, he does a nice job positioning himself, especially off the ball, and has good awareness, stepping in to take a few charges.
6-6 SG Luke Appel (Iowa Wolves 16U/Marshalltown)
A big wing, Appel is fantastic on the glass, using his size and strength to bang with bigger bodies on the interior. He’s a threat to “rip and run”, and is a good passer in transition with good court vision. He moves fairly well on the defensive end, and his size and length allow him to guard a number of positions.
5-8 PG Marco Balderas Jr. (Iowa Wolves 16U/South Hamilton)
A tiny point guard, Balderas has some traits to his game that help make up for his lack of size. He’s strong with the ball, and his low center-of-gravity allows him to absorb some contact as he penetrates. He’s got a nice floater game, with the ability to get the ball over bigger defenders with either hand, and he’s got some creativity in him. He’s a good ball handler, an excellent free throw shooter and is capable of knocking down shots from the arc. He’s the type of player who wants the ball in his hands late in the game. He’s able to make plays for others or for himself, and he’s a clutch shooter down the stretch.
6-9 C Cade Moritz (Iowa Wolves 16U/Norwalk)
The young big man had a great showing for the Wolves in their pool play win over Nebraska Express United. He runs the floor very well, has the ability to finish at the rim with either hand and does a great job keeping the ball high on rebounds. He needs to continue adding strength to his frame, and must keep developing his footwork, but there are plenty of tools here to be excited about. He’s agile, is capable of switching onto a ball handler in pick-and-roll situations, and blocks shots on the interior. The next in a line of big men to go through Norwalk, Moritz has a chance to be really good.
5-11 SG Tyler Cooney (Iowa Wolves 16U/Dallas Center-Grimes)
Cooney proved to be a top-notch shooter in the Wolves pool play win, knocking down five 3-pointers. He’s very good in catch-and-shoot scenarios, moving well off the ball to find spaces in the defense. He’s got a quick release and extended range.
6-3 GF Blake Clark (All-Iowa Attack 16U/Dowling Catholic)
A wing shooter with decent length, Clark showed a nice ability to shoot from the arc, particularly good in catch-and-shoot situations. He moves well without the ball, has a quick release and showed the awareness to attack the rim, taking advantage of when the opposition started to close out on him hard.
5-10 PG Marcus Miller (All-Iowa Attack 16U/Dowling Catholic)
Miller may have been my favorite player from Attack’s 16U team this weekend. He’s a vocal leader on the defensive end, calling out screens and directing traffic. He moves well laterally when playing on-ball, making the ball handler turn when he picks up full court, and slowing dribble penetration in the halfcourt. On the offensive end, he showed an aggressive mentality, attacking the rim often.