Iowa Top 250 Expo: Top 2018/2019 Guards (Part I)
Jake Hilmer, 5’10, 2019 (North Linn)
Predicabley, this ultra-quick and ever-skilled lead guard was outstanding last weekend in Des Moines, and was the best guard in an outstanding group. His jumper was dropping from all over the court, and he was hitting it with regularity off the bounce. At one point, he nabbed a steal in the back-court, shook two defenders to get into the front-court before dropping a dime to a teammate for an easy lay-in. Hilmer was jaw-droppingly good.
Cade Daugherty, 6′ 2018 (Bellevue)
This senior combo-guard continues to impress us, and he was just as good last weekend as he was when he dazzled us this spring at the Future Stars Camp in Dubuque. He’s a sharp ball-handler with plus-athleticism who shoots it lights out. Daugherty will have a monster season at Bellevue, and should be receiving NAIA and D2 attention.
Jackson Brannan, 6’2, 2018 (Ankeny Centennial)
One of the better surprises of the day, Brannan showcased his electric leaping ability during the skills segment when he took his man straight to the hoop and rose up over him for a slam. It was the first “oh dang” moment of the morning. He was running point guard for his team during the live-game session, and flashed some improved ball-handling and very decent vision. The uber-atheltic combo-guard could be in-line for a breakout season with the Jaguars this winter.
Dillon Carlson, 6’1, 2019 (Ankeny)
The always-good Carlson showed how versatile he can be offensively when he canned three first half 3s in our viewing of him. We’ve known him as a skilled ball-handler with a high basketball IQ in the past, and he’s proven that his jumper can be lethal too. Look for junior coach’s son to breakout this season with the Hawks before what could be an eventful 17U season for him.
Andrew Curran, 6′ 2019 (Ottumwa)
The first thing we noticed was that the Ottumwa guard had grown a couple inches; that paired with some improved skill make him one to watch this winter. Curran handles are tight, that’s the strong part of his game. And his awareness is well above average. If he masters his jumper, the sky’s the limit for this junior point guard.
Max Duax, 5’10, 2019 (Dubuque Hempstead)
Another Duax will be making his mark with the Hempstead Mustangs this season; that’s a fact. Max isn’t as big as his older brothers, but he’s as skilled, if not more-so. He uses his dribble to get himself open, and if he gets an open look, it’s likely going to drop. He should post some nice shooting percentages this winter, and will likely have some nice assists numbers to boot.
Boston Grimes, 6’2018 (Johnston)
Another one of the better surprises of the day, Grimes was showing some nice quickness and skill through the upperclassmen session. He does everything well, and we’ve seen him make major improvements from the spring until now. Grimes is a guy who didn’t get a lot of run on a senior-laden Dragons squad last season, and might be under the radar a bit. Small colleges should be taking notice.
Noah Hart, 6’3, 2019 (Waukee)
Last year at our Expo, Hart was dazzling, and really put himself firmly on our radar. Now, after several more viewings of him, we expect him to be as good as was on Saturday. He’s Iowa’s 10th-ranked 2019, and will bring size, sharp passing, a consistent jumper and great leadership to Waukee the next two seasons. He’s likely going to blow-up for the Warriors after having a small role off the bench last season.