Iowa Top 250 Expo: 2018/2019 Stock Risers
Shane Chamberlain, 6’4 SF, Harlan (2018) — currently No.115
After canning 3 after 3 after 3 during live-game action, it became evident that this burly Harlan senior was not just physically imposing, but his skill-set is imposing as well. Chamberlain was good last year as a junior, and should post some huge numbers this season. He’ll move up markedly from his current No. 115 spot.
Boston Grimes, 6′ G, Johnson (2018) — currently unranked
Since the spring, Grimes has made vast improvements with his skill-set, and what we saw last weekend was a guy who certainly deserves a spot in 2018’s top 200. Look for the quick and savvy combo-guard to move into the top 150 in the coming new installment of 2018 rankings.
Zach Lester, 6′ G, Clear Lake (2018) — currently No.59
Already Iowa’s 59th-ranked 2018, it’s likely that Lester earned himself an even higher ranking after showcasing some of the best finishing skills in a stacked field last weekend. He’s lightning fast and has the ability to get anything to go drop once he gets near the rim. He could be a top-50 guy before the final 2018 rankings are released next spring.
Japannah Kellogg, 6’7 SF, Ames (2019) — currently No.16
A recent stock-riser in our latest 2019 rankings, it appears Kellogg will again be creeping up the charts when the new ones are released. He’s currently 16th, which in a 2019 class that’s shaping up to be the strongest since we started this website in 2014, is saying something. He’s on his way to developing into a D1 wing.
Jackson Brannan, 6’2 G Ankeny Centennial (2018) — currently No.100
The Ankeny Centennial combo-guard made a top-100 debut in the last installment of 2018 rankings, and after his showing last weekend, should be moved up a bit more. He’s one of the state’s best leapers, and is growing more confident with his offensive skill-set. He could be a top 50 guy when all is said and done — a lot of that will depend on how his senior season turns out.
Evan Obia, 6′ PG, Valley (2019) — currently unranked
Even with Iowa’s class of 2019 being as strong as it is, Obia was so impressive last weekend we could see him making a top-40 debut when the new rankings are released. He was slicing and dicing the competition at Kingdom Courts and has a fluid-ness to his game that you don’t see in just anyone.
James Cameron-Nelson, 6’5 F, Linn-Mar (2019) — currently No.135
Currently checking in at No. 135 in Iowa’s 2019 rankings, Cameron-Nelson earned that after a strong showing at last fall’s Expo. He showed vast improvements this time around, and was getting to the hoop with strong and aggressive moves. His combo of size, length and a desire to improve could have him moving up the charts again.
Dadrian Hoambrecker, 6’5 SF, Iowa City West (2018) — currently No.82
Another Eastern Iowa guy who made an impression on us last season, the former Burlington and now Iowa City West forward has the size and versatility to be a major impact player with the Trojans. Currently, we have the senior small forward as Iowa’s 82nd-ranked 2018, and he could see himself move into the top-50 if he has the senior season we think he can.
Makai Muhammad, 5’10 PG, Ames (2018) — currently unranked
We knew nothing about this Ames senior before last Saturday, but he impressed from start to finish and on both ends of the floor. He’s very quick and stronger than he looks. Defensively he’s stout, and could lock-down opposing CIML guards. Offensively, he’s got blow-by ability, and a nice little floater. He’ll make his debut in the forthcoming installment of 2018 rankings.