Mid-Term Report: Iowa Mavericks Black

The travel team circuit is at the midway point of the season, so we thought we would take a look at some of the top 17U teams from around the state and see how they have performed and where they will be later on this summer.

Iowa Mavericks Black (18-7)
Results so far:
Knickerbocker/Cornshark Shootout: 5-0 (Champions)
Pump-N-Run Spring Showcase: 0-4
Mid-America Classic: 4-1 (Runner-up)
17U AAU: 4-1 (Runner-up)
Spiece Memorial Day Run-N-Slam: 4-1

Upcoming events:
Schoolers Summer Classic
Next Level Invitational
Chicago Summer Classic
Nike Main Event

Key players: Tayler Bontrager, Andrew Wirth, Kyle Rodgers, Alex Vogel

Say What… Who are these guys? Seriously, most people would guess that the Attack, Barnstormers or Martin Brothers would have strong seasons going up against top regional and national competition, but the Iowa Mavericks? Well, say what you want to about these guys but they have gone out and taken care of business this spring. They have yet to have a signature win over a big program, but they have beaten all others. From all accounts, Taylor Bontrager and Andrew Wirth have been deadly from behind the arc almost all spring long. If these guys get hot they can beat anyone. Looking ahead, the team faces a very tough schedule. We will find out how good these guys are in the coming weeks.

Last Words… Nobody expects these guys to keep up their wining ways, but if they can even come close they will solidify their position as one of the top teams in Iowa.

Mid-Term Report: All-Iowa Attack Red

The travel team circuit is at the midway point of the season, so we thought we would take a look at some of the top 17U teams from around the state and see how they have performed and where they will be later on this summer.

All-Iowa Attack Red (16-11)
Results so far:
Swish & Dish: 2-3
Real Deal in the Rock: 3-1
String Music Showcase: 3-3
Jayhawk Invitational: 5-0 (Champions)
Sabes Invitational: 1-2
Festival of Teams: 2-2

Upcoming Events:
Manhattan Classic
Next Level Invitational
Chicago Summer Classic
Summer Jam
Hoops City
Price Chopper

Key players: Branden Stubbs, Zach McCabe, Donivine Stewart, TrayVonnWright

Say What… The Attack hasn't lived up to the hype so far this spring, but did manage to get into a groove in Kansas City when they rolled through the field at the Jayhawk Invitational capturing the title there. The #1 prospect in the country, Harrison Barnes, was probably the biggest reason for their success in KC as he was very good all tournament long. Reports say that McCabe has also been playing very well for the Attack as he has had to be the "go-to" guy more often than not since Barnes has missed time to play with Howard Pulley. From the way it looks McCabe better get used to it because it appears Barnes has left the Attack program! Without Barnes, this is still a talented team who is capable of winning a lot of games. TrayVonn Wright is with his third team in as many years, but is playing well in his new surroundings. Also, don't forget that these guys also have a nice prospect from Illinois, Donivine Stewart, running with them this summer. If this group can gel they will be tough to stop.

Last Words… Did Barnes quit because of a busy schedule, because Howard Pulley is better, or because of a falling out with Coach Sullivan??? No matter the reason, it's just too bad Barnes won't be playing for an Iowa team as it would do nothing but help improve outsiders view on the talent within our borders.

Mid-Term Report: Iowa Barnstormers

The travel team circuit is at the midway point of the season, so we thought we would take a look at some of the top 17U teams from around the state and see how they have performed and where they will be later on this summer.

Iowa Barnstormers (18-8)
Results so far:
19U AAU: 2-1 (Champions)
Badger City Classic: 3-2
Pump-N-Run Spring Showcase: 4-1
Spiece Hensley Memorial Classic: 3-2
Mid-America Classic: 5-0 (Champions)
Nike Eagles Invitational: 1-2

Upcoming Events:
Next Level Invitational
Chicago Summer Classic
Nike Main Event
Price Chopper

Key players: Quincy King, Isaac Gardner, Nate Buss, Rasham Suarez (2011)

Say What… This team has been somewhat of a surprise considering they lack the star power that others have. That said this group of kids have quietly put together a nice run so far this spring. Suarez was reportedly very good in helping to lead the team to the semifinals at the Pump-N-Run Spring Showcase. Then at Spiece, Gardner used his marksmanship to help the team to a solid run before running into a Boo Williams team laced with all sorts of D-1 talent. Then, Buss performed well in being named all-tournament at the Nike Eagles Invitational. So, it appears these guys are taking turns with the hot hand. They have a pretty tough road ahead of them, but if they do well they can finish with a bang!

Last Words… King has been slowed by a bum ankle, but we hear he's back to 100%. If this kid learns to manage the game and play hard at both ends he can attract some D-1 interest this summer.

Mid-Term Report: IBCA Select

The travel team circuit is at the midway point of the season, so we thought we would take a look at some of the top 17U teams from around the state and see how they have performed and where they will be later on this summer.

IBCA (9-6 overall)
Results so far:
Knickerbockers/Cornshark Classic: 3-3
IBCA Classic: 4-1 (Champions)
17U AAU: 2-2

Upcoming Events:
Mr. Basketball Minnesota Showcase
Dakota Showcase
Price Chopper

Key players: Bryce Irlbeck, Brock Dagel, T.J. Van Dyke

Say What… This program is a shadow of what it used to be in years past. However, they have kept it going and still have a few nice players. This year, they won their own tournament and have been competitive in other events. They have some tough events on the schedule, so if they can finish strong it will be really good summer for them.

Last Words… Rumor has it that IBCA might have Marcus Heemstra play with them this summer. That would be huge for them.

Mid-Term Report: Martin Bros.

The travel team circuit is at the midway point of the season, so we thought we would take a look at some of the top 17U teams from around the state and see how they have performed and where they will be later on this summer.

Martin Brothers Select (13-10 overall)
Results so far:
19U AAU: 1-2
Real Deal in the Rock: 3-2
Spiece Hensley Memorial: 3-3
17U AAU: 5-0 (Champions)
Manhatten Classic: 1-3

Future Events:
Rumble in Bronx
Hoosier Shootout
Chicago Summer Classic
AAU Nationals

Key players: Tyler Putz, Cody Ingle, Doug McDermott, Jordan Dykstra

Say What… It wasn't long ago that this was clearly the top program in Iowa. However, that was then and this is now. This year's team might only be the third best team in the state. That said, they still went out and dominated a watered down 17U tournament and have also competed quite well against some very good national competition. From all accounts, McDermott has been nothing short of spectacular. This kid gives this team a chance to win almost any game they play. Iowa State recruit, Jordan Dykstra, has also had some nice moments this spring. The road ahead has some tough competition, but if these guys can get on a roll they can finish the summer in impressive fashion.

Last Words… Freshman phenom, Marcus Paige, suited up for the 17U tournament and performed well. Don't be surprised to see him join this group on a more regular basis this summer!

Weekend Recap- May 2-3, 2009

Last weekend was a great weekend for AAU action! Two of the biggest spring tournaments in the Midwest... the Jayhawk Invitational and the Spiece Hensley Memorial... were held, and the top Iowa AAU programs were in attendance.

We've been able to hear how many of the teams in action fared over the weekend, but we know many of you reading were in attendance at one or the other... please feel free to add results that we missed, or comment on what you saw!

On another note, I wish all tournaments posted their results and brackets like Spiece Fieldhouse, the National AAUs, etc. It makes it really fun to follow the Iowa teams along and see how they do.

Jayhawk Invitational

Harrison Barnes put on a show, and lead the All Iowa Attack to the 17U crown. Zach McCabe also looked very solid hitting jumpers and being able to get some work done inside too. According to Scout.com, Barnes lived up to the hype of being named #1. The AIA knocked off KC Pump-N-Run who had won the event 4 previous times. They beat Compton Magic and Atlanta Celtics to get to final. Of note... most of the Kansas University men's basketball team came to a game to show Barnes some love! Harrison was selected as the MVP of the tournament, and Zach McCabe made all-tourney.

We haven't heard how the 16U and 15U Attack teams did at the Jayhawk, but we know they had two teams playing at each age division last weekend. Hopefully, someone can fill us in.

Spiece Hensley Memorial

The Barnstormers 17s won their pool, going 2-1 but winning the tie-breaker. In tournament play, they beat Randolph Boys Club (WI) in the first round, only to meet a loaded Boo Williams squad with several ACC committments in the Sweet 16. They kept it close, only being down 1 at the half, but Boo Williams pulled away at the end. They finished 3-2.

The Martin Brothers Select 17s went 1-2 in their pool, which put them in the Silver (consolation) bracket. They made the most of their time out there, though, and won two tournament play games to make it to the Elite 8 of the Silver bracket, before losing a close game to a very good Michigan Hurricanes team. They finished 3-3.

The Barnstormers 16s won their pool, finishing 3-0, including a forfeit over the Michigan Hurricanes, who didn't show up on Friday night. They advanced to the all the way to the Final 4 of the tournament, beating the Milwaukee Spartans, Florida Elite, and Spiece Indy Fast Break, before losing to the eventual champions, Indiana Elite, in the semi-finals. They finished 6-1.

The Martin Brothers 16s went 2-1 in their pool, finishing in second place after a tough opening loss to the Illinois Titans. They lost in the first round of the Gold bracket to the Peoria Irish, who made it to the Sweet 16. MB 16s finished 2-2.

The Martin Brothers 15s had a great tournament, finishing 3-0 in pool play and advancing to the Final 4 of the tournament with wins over the Playground Warriors (WI), Full Package (IL), and the Illinois Warriors, before losing to the Spiece Indy Heat in the semis. They finished 6-1.

The Barnstormers 15s went 2-1 in their pool, advancing to the Gold bracket, but lost in the first round of tournament play to the Grand Rapids Storm, who went on to the Final 4 of the tournament. They finished 2-2.

IBCA Classic

We haven't seen results from the IBCA Classic yet, but the IBCA 17s and 16s were involved, as well as the Western Iowa Knickerbockers and Iowa Cornsharks. If anyone knows what happend in Fort Dodge last weekend, let us know!

Bound 4 Glory Invitatonal

Bound 4 Glory also hosted their own tournament in Cedar Falls over the weekend... we haven't seen any results yet from that.

We'll update the article as soon as we hear how everyone did!