Iowa Top 250 Expo: Top 2017/2018 Guards
There was an overload of talent that took the floor at the All Iowa Attack Fieldhouse on Saturday morning. And though many guards stood out, and several of the players in attendance will star on their respective teams this winter, it’s the guys highlighted below who were a cut above the rest at the Top 250 Expo.
2018 Brady Sartorius (6′ Mount Pleasant)
It was clear from the very beginning of the skills segment that this Iowa Barnstormer product was going to standout. In the one-dribble drill he was torching opponents and getting to the hoop at will – which for the smaller guards wasn’t easy. His speed and athleticism make him a great player, pair that with a nice mid-range game and defensive ability and you have one of Iowa’s best point guards.
2017 Trevon Montgomery (6’3 Pleasant Valley)
We’ve identified Montgomery as a player who will have a breakout season with the defending 4A runners-up Pleasant Valley. He was schooling guys in the skills segment, and pairs nice height with plus-athleticism. Montgomery is a smooth guard who plays smart, and he can shoot it too.
2018 Dillon Stites (6’1 Chariton)
Right of the bat in live game action this Chariton shooting guard made his mark. He scored 11 of his teams first 20 points, and was hitting from all around the perimeter. His teammate Lim Chuol expressed the utmost confidence in him later in the evening, and it seems that Stites is poised to help fill a huge void left by 2016 Chariton star Daric Laing.
2018 Hunter Strait (6’2 Cedar Rapids Washington)
People were talking about Hunter Strait on Saturday, and his dazzling passes were certainly noteworthy. Tony Roe came over to me bright-eyed after Strait’s first live game and told me he must have had 15 assists. Strait is a slick guard with smooth handles, and he makes challenging maneuvers look easy. He can create looks for himself, and knocks in a jumper with regularity. But his best strength right now is his vision, and his ability to set his teammates up for success. He’ll have a huge junior season with the Warriors.
2017 Ray Miller (6′ Davenport Central)
Miller’s leaping ability was on full display on Saturday, and man is it fun to watch him get up. He landed a couple dunks on the day, prompting “oohs” and “ahhs” from peers and spectators. And what was most impressive was his steal in the backcourt and subsequent jam over a guy during live game action. Athleticism and defense are his strengths. And he’s flying completely under the radar right now.
2018 Grant DeMeulenaere (5’10 Grand View Christian)
Another talented junior point guard, DeMeulenaere is cut from the same mold as Hunter Strait in terms of his smooth handles and his elite vision. The Grand View Christian junior is slender, and shorter than many of his peers. But his impact on a game is huge. His jumper is pure, and he’s one of the best shooting point guards in the state. With his vision and jumper he could average 15 points and 8 assists per game this winter on one of 1A’s best teams.
2018 Tommy Donovan (6’1 Carlisle)
Donovan will be a key piece to a young and surging Carlisle roster next season. He’s a strong slashing guard, and rebounds well for his size. He can also hit a jumper and plays solid D. He’ll do a little bit of everything for the Wildcats, and should improve greatly upon is 5.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game from a season ago.
2018 Dillon Faubel (5’10 Treynor)
This kid was showing some razzle-dazzle routinely during live-game action. He’s a quick combo guard with some nice handles and great quickness. What was most impressive was his ability to create space and then hit the shot when he did. Just another nice prospect coming through the Treynor ranks — seems to be a theme.
2018 Marco Balderas (5’7 South Hamilton)
Vison, vision, vision: that’s what sums up Balderas’ strengths. He sees the floor better than nearly anybody in the state, and he’s confident and capable enough to make sharp and precise passes that set his teammates up brilliantly. Despite his stature, he always makes a big impact on the game. We’ll be looking for him to be among the state’s assists leaders next season.
2017 Ethan Wyant (6’1 Jesup)
We’ve been a big fan of this kid’s game for awhile now, and he continued to justify his high-standing on Saturday. Very decent size for a point guard, and speedy enough to blow by opponents, when Wyant gets within 12-feet it’s money in the bank. His short to mid-range is better than just about anyone in the state. He’s going to have a monster senior season for the J-Hawks.