Let the Recruiting Begin... Plus some MAC predictions way to early

[maxstabs13]

I'm sure you've seen me post about transfers from public schools in the Quad Cities to North Scott and Bettendorf...

Well, it didn't even take 2 weeks after the season ended for Bettendorf to make a big recruiting move.

As many know DJ Carton is going to be a Senior next year and didn't have much help around him this season. Lucas Hayes will be better as a 6'6 Junior post next year, but not a difference maker inside.

With that being said... Carton might be moving to wing next year as Bettendorf is reportedly getting Senior Isaiah Rivera from Geneseo to transfer in. We saw them bring in Devin Wakefield from East Moline last year.

Isaiah Rivera is one of the top rated prospects from Illinois next year. He is a lengthy and tall PG/SG. He will be a all-around guard who can score, rebound, and is defensively solid. Not sure if him or Carton will run the point, but it will put Bettendorf back into the Top of the MAC race again.

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I still see North Scott as the favorites next year as they only lose Corvon. Pleasant Valley, Assumption, Dav Central, and Bettendorf will likely be the next 4 predicted finishers. Davenport North will be likely just behind that group. Then Burlington, Muscatine, Dav West, and Clinton will likely be the next group.

Burlington brings back everything, so this coming year will be the first one in a long time I believe they will be expected to win some games against 4A competition. Clinton will have Henderson, but very little help in the classes coming up, so they would be my cellar pick at this point. Muscatine and West lost all important pieces, so I don't expect much from either of them.

My overall prediction:
North Scott
Bettendorf
Assumption
Pleasant Valley
Davenport Central
Davenport North
Burlington
Davenport West
Muscatine
Clinton

Best Players in the Conference:
DJ Carton
Isaiah Rivera
Sean Peeters
Dylan Peeters
Hunter Snyder
Cortavious Seales
TJ Vesey
Keshawn Pegues
Carter Duwa
Ty Anderson
Diontre Wommack
Brendon Hale
LJ Henderson
Anthony Valainas
Sam Kilburg

 

[Hawki45]

According to an article posted on another site yesterday about a weekend camp, Cr Kennedy is picking up a wing transfer from Linn Mar. Starting school today. The next few weeks will be busy with transfers....almost like colleges now.

 

[Hawkeyefan565]

Isaiah Rivera is a 2020.

 

[maxstabs13]

Isaiah Rivera is a 2020.

That is correct. I messed that up.

 

[Hawki45]

Even Brauns to IC West due to financial reasons. Man, sure would be nice to have one of those scholarships that everyone talks about the private schools having now. Regardless of the reason he is going to west, I think it’s a good move. Get to play in the best conference night in and night out. Kid seems like a great kid from a great family, just unfortunate for Regina that the tuition cost them a D1 player.

 

[iowa12]

Even Brauns to IC West due to financial reasons. Man, sure would be nice to have one of those scholarships that everyone talks about the private schools having now. Regardless of the reason he is going to west, I think it’s a good move. Get to play in the best conference night in and night out. Kid seems like a great kid from a great family, just unfortunate for Regina that the tuition cost them a D1 player.

I’m sure that was the reason lol

 

[cidhawkeye]

I am sure the recruiting outrage patrol will be here shortly to examine this private to public transfer much the same way they analyze kids who start private school in 7th grade and label them transfers. To not have them break this down like that may appear to be hypocrisy. Can't have that on here.

 

[iowa12]

Kids transfer because of parents, AAU friendships, opportunity, coaching and competition. 99% of the rest (conspiracy theories) are garbage

 

[Hawk2015]

I am sure the recruiting outrage patrol will be here shortly to examine this private to public transfer much the same way they analyze kids who start private school in 7th grade and label them transfers. To not have them break this down like that may appear to be hypocrisy. Can't have that on here.

We won't hear a word from those losers!

 

[cidhawkeye]

We won't hear a word from those losers!

I prefer saying they are misguided in their approach.

 

[Fatwall]

Even Brauns to IC West due to financial reasons. Man, sure would be nice to have one of those scholarships that everyone talks about the private schools having now. Regardless of the reason he is going to west, I think it’s a good move. Get to play in the best conference night in and night out. Kid seems like a great kid from a great family, just unfortunate for Regina that the tuition cost them a D1 player.

Maybe it had to do with coach connection? I heard they ran Stu out of there because the players were not big fans of his approach. Maybe they feel the same way about the new guy. They have another good soph who is a guard, will be interesting to see if he stays or goes someplace else.

 

[WhyNot14]

I'm hearing IC West got a couple of basketball transfers. One from in town and one from Waterloo West?

 

[Pinehawk]

Maybe it had to do with coach connection? I heard they ran Stu out of there because the players were not big fans of his approach. Maybe they feel the same way about the new guy. They have another good soph who is a guard, will be interesting to see if he stays or goes someplace else.

Stu left to be the first varsity coach at Liberty and because of his past relationship with Liberty admins. The current head coach was a long time assistant coach and a teacher at the school.
Brauns is leaving because he's trying to get recruited by bigger schools and he saw the success of the McCaffreys at West in that regard. I think he could have acheived what he wanted where he was, but I understand his decision...even if I don't agree with it.
Brauns is a good player, but he wasn't exactly dominating 2A ball. He's got two more seasons, but I think he's going to find a tough road at West.

 

[Cheese2]

I'm hearing IC West got a couple of basketball transfers. One from in town and one from Waterloo West?

I heard the same thing. The rich get richer Surprised none of the 3A private schools haven't picked up any big transfers yet...their "recruiting" must be down this year!! Lol!!

 

[Cheese2]

According to an article posted on another site yesterday about a weekend camp, Cr Kennedy is picking up a wing transfer from Linn Mar. Starting school today. The next few weeks will be busy with transfers....almost like colleges now.

Kennedy has two former LM kids now that will be starters for them. That has to sting for LM!

 

[cidhawkeye]

I heard the same thing. The rich get richer Surprised none of the 3A private schools haven't picked up any big transfers yet...their "recruiting" must be down this year!! Lol!!

Tough story.... hey come pay tuition.... or go there for free

 

[cidhawkeye]

So the silence is deafening on these moves. May neeed to save this thread for the fall when the omg there are private schools in cities garbage comes up again. Good to see that some of the loudest stick to their convictions and principals. But these kind of these don't support the multiplier/unfair/boone nozzles need to do something narrative. Imagine if there was an active wrestling board here tracking the recruiting that goes on there. Keep up the solid work.

 

[iowa12]

Tough story.... hey come pay tuition.... or go there for free

Not rocket science. Players get recruited at the college level based on AAU performance. It’s the same in baseball. High school is all but ignored by college coaches. Having said that, kids still need some competition during the hs season and he wasn’t going to get it...nor the coaching, at Regina. Great move although it sounds like he is still very raw. A commin trait with bigs. I’m on record with the notion of hs recruiting being 99% fairy tale.

 

[Fatwall]

Stu left to be the first varsity coach at Liberty and because of his past relationship with Liberty admins. The current head coach was a long time assistant coach and a teacher at the school.
Brauns is leaving because he's trying to get recruited by bigger schools and he saw the success of the McCaffreys at West in that regard. I think he could have acheived what he wanted where he was, but I understand his decision...even if I don't agree with it.
Brauns is a good player, but he wasn't exactly dominating 2A ball. He's got two more seasons, but I think he's going to find a tough road at West.

Word I was hearing was that Stu was on his way out regardless, the Liberty job was perfect timing. And yes, the current head coach was a long time assistant who applied for the job twice before and was not hired. Maybe he is a good guy/good coach. I hope he is but I know I have heard a different tune.
I do agree that Brauns, although he has the size, was not dominant at all. Hopefully he improves and lives up to the hype. I would love to see the kid succeed and would love to see Regina succeed without him-but he is leaving some big shoes to fill

 

[DMhoopfan]

So the silence is deafening on these moves. May neeed to save this thread for the fall when the omg there are private schools in cities garbage comes up again. Good to see that some of the loudest stick to their convictions and principals. But these kind of these don't support the multiplier/unfair/boone nozzles need to do something narrative. Imagine if there was an active wrestling board here tracking the recruiting that goes on there. Keep up the solid work.

Both public and private schools recruit, unfortunately it is happening more and more and changing the high school athletic culture in Iowa. I say make all transfers sit an entire year, we will see what that does to the recruitment problem that is on the rise.

But we all know the BIG advantage for private schools is their demographics. Let's look at the free and reduced lunch numbers district by district. Anyone who argues that private schools biggest/only advantage is they recruit doesn't understand the whole situation in my opinion.

 

[todd_schisler]

Both public and private schools recruit, unfortunately it is happening more and more and changing the high school athletic culture in Iowa. I say make all transfers sit an entire year, we will see what that does to the recruitment problem that is on the rise.

But we all know the BIG advantage for private schools is their demographics. Let's look at the free and reduced lunch numbers district by district. Anyone who argues that private schools biggest/only advantage is they recruit doesn't understand the whole situation in my opinion.

I think the term "recruit" is being used improperly around here. I think there are only a small number of private and public schools/coaches that actually try to "recruit" kids from other schools. Today there is a growing number of parents trying to manage their child's athletic future. Where can they play and be a starter, a star, play with their AAU buddies, or play on a great team or coach that will certainly be recognized? Most coaches are non-factors in these player migrations. Until the state cracks down on the transfer rules, this trend will continue.

 

[iowa12]

I think the term "recruit" is being used improperly around here. I think there are only a small number of private and public schools/coaches that actually try to "recruit" kids from other schools. Today there is a growing number of parents trying to manage their child's athletic future. Where can they play and be a starter, a star, play with their AAU buddies, or play on a great team or coach that will certainly be recognized? Most coaches are non-factors in these player migrations. Until the state cracks down on the transfer rules, this trend will continue.

I keep saying the same thing. Too many have opinions with no experience in the matter so they believe what they want to believe

 

[maxstabs13]

I'm interested in who this Waterloo West transfer is? With Carondis Harris-Anderson graduating that will be a huge hit to the growth they were showing. Isaiah Johnson looked like the future for that team. Pepin is okay, but his size isn't good and he is more of a volume shooter than a scorer. If it was Johnson who transferred then IC West will be hands down favorites next year if they weren't already with the Braun addition. If it was Pepin I would be surprised if he even started or played much for ICW, much like how Hoambrecker didn't get PT after transferring from Burlington to ICW.

Isaiah Johnson is a name that will be rising on the recruiting and state radar either way. He's a 6'2 junior next year with big hops and a smooth jumper. If he gets in 6'4-6'5 range and keeps improving D1 is a high probability.

Honestly, I respect Weiskamp even more for staying at Muscatine. I think the push to get him to ICW was pretty hard the last 2 years and he stuck with his hometown.

 

[Hawkeyefan565]

Twas Pepin.

There was also never any traction behind Wieskamp to West. Some fools would start that rumor every summer, but it's never anything Joe actually considered even for a nano second.

 

[maxstabs13]

Pepin probably won't play much and I saw Waterloo West play this year twice. I'm really not surprised by that. That is probably helpful to Waterloo West. I think his dad believes he is better than he is. Johnson and Keller are the future for Wat West.

 

[maxstabs13]

I knew Joe would never leavee, but it doesn't revent people from trying to convince him to move in sure.

 

[Saywhat2]

Not rocket science. Players get recruited at the college level based on AAU performance. It’s the same in baseball. High school is all but ignored by college coaches. Having said that, kids still need some competition during the hs season and he wasn’t going to get it...nor the coaching, at Regina. Great move although it sounds like he is still very raw. A commin trait with bigs. I’m on record with the notion of hs recruiting being 99% fairy tale.

And it’s why I predict that in the next 20-25 years high school athletics will be reduced to intramural sports. AAU and Club sports will rule. It’s not far from that now. Especially in certain sports. It will be pay to play travel teams where the specialists will go to show off their skills to college recruiters.

 

[maxstabs13]

CR Kennedy is making a hard recruiting push this off season... They have extended the recruiting to Davenport. Nothing has happened yet, but they are trying to get a kid who will be a sophomore next year and likely a notable varsity contributor if he stays in Davenport.

 

[cidhawkeye]

CR Kennedy is making a hard recruiting push this off season... They have extended the recruiting to Davenport. Nothing has happened yet, but they are trying to get a kid who will be a sophomore next year and likely a notable varsity contributor if he stays in Davenport.

When schools go after these kids what is their selling point? Their approach? Everyone knows the private schools offer free tuition, new car and a hot girlfriend in season so I am curious.

 

[Reasoned]

CR Kennedy is making a hard recruiting push this off season... They have extended the recruiting to Davenport. Nothing has happened yet, but they are trying to get a kid who will be a sophomore next year and likely a notable varsity contributor if he stays in Davenport.

That's one heck of a commute...if they were to succeed.

 

[makelovenotwar]

http://www.thegazette.com/subject/s...n-give-catholic-sports-teams-a-break-20180404

 

[maxstabs13]

That's one heck of a commute...if they were to succeed.

From what I am aware of he would live with a friend up there.

 

[maxstabs13]

When schools go after these kids what is their selling point? Their approach? Everyone knows the private schools offer free tuition, new car and a hot girlfriend in season so I am curious.

Sarcasm sensed in private schools... In all seriousness I don't really know. I can tell you that it has been going on for decades, but recently is more noticeable because the competitiveness of youth sports as skyrocketed. I had a freshman 2 years ago and his mom told me she was recruited to North Scott for softball and volleyball. That was in the late 80's or early 90's.

Sometimes kids don't like coaches. I think most of the time it is a coach offering varsity and play time incentives. The other selling point is likely facilities, college connections, and school history. Bettendorf got Wakefield from East Moline and now Rivera from Geneseo likely due to the success of Nick Baer at Iowa among other things. They brought in Ryan Fall and Darius Martin from Moline as freshman and that didn't pan out for them. They brought in the brothers from Chicago Simeon who were decent, but didn't fit the system.

Bettendorf brought in a kid from Davenport two years ago and he is transferring back to Davenport North after the Bettendorf coach told him he needed to cut his dreads this last year. Either the parents or the coach took the issue to the school board and the coach lost. Then the parents decided they are getting him out of the school.

In the case of the kid who Kennedy is going after he would likely be the main guy at North in the next year or two, but the team is loaded with talent coming up so he could have to share the load. Kennedy doesn't have a lot of talent at the moment, so he could be the main and only guy there.

 

[cidhawkeye]

Sarcasm sensed in private schools... In all seriousness I don't really know. I can tell you that it has been going on for decades, but recently is more noticeable because the competitiveness of youth sports as skyrocketed. I had a freshman 2 years ago and his mom told me she was recruited to North Scott for softball and volleyball. That was in the late 80's or early 90's.

Sometimes kids don't like coaches. I think most of the time it is a coach offering varsity and play time incentives. The other selling point is likely facilities, college connections, and school history. Bettendorf got Wakefield from East Moline and now Rivera from Geneseo likely due to the success of Nick Baer at Iowa among other things. They brought in Ryan Fall and Darius Martin from Moline as freshman and that didn't pan out for them. They brought in the brothers from Chicago Simeon who were decent, but didn't fit the system.

Bettendorf brought in a kid from Davenport two years ago and he is transferring back to Davenport North after the Bettendorf coach told him he needed to cut his dreads this last year. Either the parents or the coach took the issue to the school board and the coach lost. Then the parents decided they are getting him out of the school.

In the case of the kid who Kennedy is going after he would likely be the main guy at North in the next year or two, but the team is loaded with talent coming up so he could have to share the load. Kennedy doesn't have a lot of talent at the moment, so he could be the main and only guy there.

I thought the sarcasm was more subtle...lol... it is a different mindset, my goal for my kids was to provide 'home' for high school, a place they could always come back to. Is it really a huge difference to average 17 points a game vs 10 when you give up your friends? To get more attention from a bigger college? Unless you are elite and maybe these kids are elite or think they are I just don't get it.

 

[Reasoned]

http://www.thegazette.com/subject/s...n-give-catholic-sports-teams-a-break-20180404

Nice article, with some good points, thanks for the link.

 

[iowa12]

I thought the sarcasm was more subtle...lol... it is a different mindset, my goal for my kids was to provide 'home' for high school, a place they could always come back to. Is it really a huge difference to average 17 points a game vs 10 when you give up your friends? To get more attention from a bigger college? Unless you are elite and maybe these kids are elite or think they are I just don't get it.

You are right in that you don’t get it. AAU or travel ball or whatever you want to call it, has taken over. Right or wrong. Kids and parents are spending as much or even more time with their travel teammates and playing way more games, better accommodations and tying vacations to the travel seasons. Many build lifetime friendships. Competition is better, coaching better in many cases. And yes, many parents think their son or daughters will play at the next level. College coaches don’t care about hs performance as much as in the past due to competition levels. In the north, kids still play on their hs teams, but this is likely to shift some in the future as travel opportunities continue to grow. It gets wider every year. Many kids and parents are being recruited by their friends. Not that the hs coach isn’t rooting for them, but it is not involving them...certainly not directly

 

[DMhoopfan]

You are right in that you don’t get it. AAU or travel ball or whatever you want to call it, has taken over. Right or wrong. Kids and parents are spending as much or even more time with their travel teammates and playing way more games, better accommodations and tying vacations to the travel seasons. Many build lifetime friendships. Competition is better, coaching better in many cases. And yes, many parents think their son or daughters will play at the next level. College coaches don’t care about hs performance as much as in the past due to competition levels. In the north, kids still play on their hs teams, but this is likely to shift some in the future as travel opportunities continue to grow. It gets wider every year. Many kids and parents are being recruited by their friends. Not that the hs coach isn’t rooting for them, but it is not involving them...certainly not directly

I agree almost 100%. AAU has drastically changed the high school climate and its only going to get worse. And what % of those kids playing off-season ball are free and reduced lunch type of kids?

The gazette article gave me a good laugh. Those poor catholic schools really need a break!

 

[Pinehawk]

Lol at people acting like AAU/travel ball is some new phenomenon...

 

[iowa12]

Lol at people acting like AAU/travel ball is some new phenomenon...

Who said it is

 

[cidhawkeye]

You are right in that you don’t get it. AAU or travel ball or whatever you want to call it, has taken over. Right or wrong. Kids and parents are spending as much or even more time with their travel teammates and playing way more games, better accommodations and tying vacations to the travel seasons. Many build lifetime friendships. Competition is better, coaching better in many cases. And yes, many parents think their son or daughters will play at the next level. College coaches don’t care about hs performance as much as in the past due to competition levels. In the north, kids still play on their hs teams, but this is likely to shift some in the future as travel opportunities continue to grow. It gets wider every year. Many kids and parents are being recruited by their friends. Not that the hs coach isn’t rooting for them, but it is not involving them...certainly not directly

If AAU is the be all end all and HS plays a limited role for players than why move schools? For 25 games when you play tons more AAU games. I was pretty involved in the traveling athletics routine with my kids. Had parents and coaches talk about their schools and 'wouldn't it be cool if these guys all played together' never really thought seriously about moving them. So to each their own and in your eyes I don't get it.