Prospect Spotlight: Zach Martinek (2019)
Certainly one of Class 2A’s best 2019 prospects, West Fork, Sheffield guard Zach Martinek had one of the better sophomore seasons in Iowa this winter.
He’ll get a chance to improve his skill and toughness exponentially this spring and summer when he plays up a grade level with Iowa Prep’s 17U squad.
And in addition to playing with the incoming seniors on one of Iowa’s most solid grassroots programs, the 6-foot-4 guard will be a mainstay in Sheffield’s new gym.
“We just got a new Wellness Center in Sheffield, and I’ve been there quite a bit since it opened up. And my plan is to play with Iowa Prep and get in a lot of good skills work, and I’m excited for that,” said Martinek.
“I’m going to get up a lot of shots on my own, and I’m looking to improve my 3-point percentage and my field goal percentage overall.”
Martinek is hoping that he gains some some additional exposure this season playing with the older guys, and he’s planning on being at several camps in order to get in front of college coaches.
“I think playing up will help me a lot because obviously there will be a lot more coaches around looking at that team. I haven’t gotten any college letters yet, but I’m planning on doing some college hosted camps this summer,” said Martinek, who explained his playing style to PHIA.
“I’d say one of my bigger strengths this year was being able to get to the hoop, and being able to finish and then draw a foul. And that would lead into another big strength of mine, which is free-throws.”
He added: “Something I need to work on a little more is my 3-point shot.”
During his sophomore season, the good-sized guard averaged team-bests 17.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.
“My role was to be aggressive and get those points and boards,” said Martinek. “And the seniors were all really supportive and pushed me. They let me go and let me do my thing and that was really helpful.”
But now, it’s time for offseason hoops.
“As of right now I’m focused on just getting in the gym and getting better overall,” said Martinek.