Kristin’s 5 Pack: 2023’s
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I am making a correction from the article I wrote yesterday, as I said that the 2020 AAU season was suspended.…
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Continue ReadingI am making a correction from the article I wrote yesterday, as I said that the 2020 AAU season was suspended. After doing further research, I learned that it was not completely cancelled; and many teams and programs did play through the pandemic. However, there was some limitation on the amount of tournaments many teams attended.
Due to the COVID-19 that struck us in March of 2020, these 2023 kids found themselves in the same pickle the 2022 kids were in; as they were not able to carry over their skills and performances as first year HS freshman to the AAU basketball scene on a consistent basis in preparations to get them noticed prior to their sophomore year. It is good to realize and remember here that there is still a lot of time for these 2023 graduates to email coaches, attend camps, visit colleges, and most important of all; ball out in AAU events. I am now easing my way down the tall, slippery slide heading down to the Class of 2023 graduates by providing a critique assessment with video of five kids in this given class. Let’s get this going now.
Kelsey Joens Kelsey Joens 5'10" | SG West Liberty | 2023 State IA , 5’9, G, IC High, 2023
I am a huge fan of Kelsey’s game, and I respect the family name of talent they have produced in the Joens household over the years. They have a great chain and legacy going on of high-level ability in the home; and it’s been fun to watch. To break down the outstanding family tradition of ballers they have out in Iowa City, here we go. Courtney played basketball at the University of Illinois, Ashley is currently playing at Iowa State University, Aubrey is also currently at Iowa State University, Kelsey is currently at IC High, and younger sister Bailey is currently in elementary school. There is no doubt in my mind Bailey will be following in her older sister’s footsteps as years go on. Kelsey is just like her older sisters, and I see her being a big-time collegiate player in a couple of years. She is already DI-ready, and is a phenomenal shooting guard who possesses the full package. She can beat you in many ways and is very fundamental. Her offensive consistency to shoot the 3 ball and drive to the basket; as well as to finish at the rim with her 5’9 height frame make her a high-level prospect. Here is a link to recent highlights of Kelsey Joens Kelsey Joens 5'10" | SG West Liberty | 2023 State IA at the Clash on the Courts tournament, as well as an article that was written in the Cedar Rapids Gazette this past January.
https://twitter.com/CourtsideFilms_/status/1393643965581303809
https://www.thegazette.com/basketball/city-highs-kelsey-joens-following-in-family-footsteps/
Sahara Williams Sahara Williams 5'11" | SF Waterloo West | 2023 State IA , 5’11, F, Waterloo West, 2023
Sahara is one talented basketball player. She is very athletic, fluid, smooth, and can do a lot of things on the court with that natural knack of instinctual ability. To start off, her 3-point shot is the definition of beautiful; and is very pure. Her athleticism is second to none as well. She can do damage on both ends of the floor, and is very versatile. I like her capability to get to the rim, shoot the 3, and she also is a very good rebounder. Her passing skills are tremendous, as she can rack those up too. I just think she is a very savvy player with great knowledge of the game. Good things in store for this kid, and I believe she will be a great player at the DI level. Here is a link to recent highlights of Sahara Williams Sahara Williams 5'11" | SF Waterloo West | 2023 State IA at the Clash on the Courts tournament. Her Hudl profile webpage link is also below.
https://twitter.com/CourtsideFilms_/status/1392889858117472258
https://www.hudl.com/profile/13615897/Sahara-Williams
Halli Poock Halli Poock 5'6" | PG Waterloo West | 2023 State IA , 5’5, PG, Waterloo West, 2023
I have seen many point guards on national television in the NBA that have me sitting there drawing comparisons to Halli’s game, as she reminds me of some of them. I think she is the real deal as a facilitator, and is a phenomenal floor general. Her passing skills are off the charts, but like I’ve said before, it’s her scoring prowess that makes her one of top players in the state of Iowa. Her versatility on both ends of the floor makes her such an elite player. Her quickness and athleticism are what fuels the fire of defenses, as she can slice and dice between defenders in the paint and finish with no effort. Her 3-point shooting is terrific, as is her shot off the bounce in the mid-range game. Her capability to pass the ball and deliver dimes to teammates defines her as a true point guard. I see great things to come in her as she goes throughout her career, as I believe she will play at a high level of DI basketball. Here is a link to recent highlights of Halli Poock Halli Poock 5'6" | PG Waterloo West | 2023 State IA at the Clash on the Courts tournament. Her Hudl profile webpage link is also below.
https://twitter.com/CourtsideFilms_/status/1392223491903078401
https://www.hudl.com/profile/13681564/Halli-Poock
Jenna Twedt Jenna Twedt 5'8" | SG Benton | 2023 State IA , 5’8, G, Benton, 2023
Jenna is another kid with great upside who puts up unbelievable scoring numbers. She can flat out score the basketball; and does it with sheer desire, aggression, ambition, tenacity, athleticism, and talent. I really like her mentality, and I think she brings a very competitive and driven mindset to the table. Because she is such a capable scorer, she would thrive in most DI programs on the wing as a two guard; however, she is such a great ball handler and passer; that she can play the point as well. She mixes things up with the bigs and grabs down several rebounds per game as well. A great floor general with good leadership skills. A definite DI player in years to come. Here is a link to some 2020 summer highlights of Jenna Twedt Jenna Twedt 5'8" | SG Benton | 2023 State IA at the USJN Great Plains Jamboree. Her Hudl profile webpage link is also below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcZSw-7eFAI
https://www.hudl.com/profile/13717969/Jenna-Twedt
Makayla Boatman Makayla Boatman 5'6" | SG North Polk | 2023 State IA , 5’6, G, North Polk, 2023
Makayla is a heck of a natural athlete with a lot of instinctual ability. She is a true baller with high-level skills. She brings it on both ends of the floor with top-notch energy providing spark plug plays on both the offensive and defensive end. She has an outstanding 3-point shot and can stroke the ball. She can pick up the steals using her quick hands guarding the ball, but can also get into passing lanes and rack up the steals off the ball. She is the kind of kid that makes a living in the transition and open court game and is very good in the up-tempo style of play. I see her elevating into a DI player, at the two guard or point position. She is a special player with tons of potential. Here is a link to Makayla Boatman Makayla Boatman 5'6" | SG North Polk | 2023 State IA ’s MaxPreps profile webpage. Her Hudl profile webpage link is also below.
https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/makayla-boatman/DEgtCAuvEeqAzqREozo6lw/default.htm
https://www.hudl.com/profile/13889536/Makayla-Boatman