Top 250 Expo: Top 2020/2021 Guards (Part I)
Nathaniel Mueller, 5’5, 2021 (ADM)
Perhaps the best surprise of the day was this small but extraordinarily talented freshman guard. Mueller has the speed and the handles to do what he pleases on the floor, and the jumper to pair. He’s all of 5’5, but made more of an impact — on both sides of the floor — than any other guard in the Expo.
Tre McCrary, 6’1, Cedar Rapids Xavier (2020)
Another great surprise, we knew very little about McCrary coming into the event, but it became pretty clear, very quickly, that he was the full package. His defense was on point, and offensively he was quick and skilled enough to score when he wanted. The sophomore will have a season to play behind Matt Mims at Xavier, then could blow-up next season.
Curran Ingram, 6’2, Des Moines Christian (2020)
This kid got better and better as the day went on, and by the end, when he was really playing aggressively, it was evident that he’s one of the more talented guards in the sophomore class. His jumper is pure, and he’ll provide some razzle-dazzle for the Lions the next three seasons.
Ozzie Meiborg, 5’11, Cedar Rapids Jefferson (2020)
Already identified as one of the state’s top sophomore guards, we knew what Meiborg was capable of before the weekend. He reassured us of it all on Saturday. He’s an athletic and skilled combo-guard, who will put forth the required effort to be successful on both sides of the ball. He could have a big role on an upstart J-Hawks squad this winter.
Jacob Schockemoehl, 6’1, Dubuque, Wahlert (2020)
Unfortunately, this highly skilled Wahlert point guard had to leave the event early with a groin injury. But not before revealing that he’s grown to 6’1, and his skill-level — which was already high — has grown with it. He pairs decent length with his added height, and his jumper was one of the most pure at the event. Keep your eye out for this rising sophomore.
John Steffen, 6′, Linn-Mar (2020)
We knew a little about Steffen coming into the weekend from watching the Iowa Mavericks 15U this summer, but he really made a big impression on Saturday. He’s fast and skilled, and can do a little bit of everything well from the guard spot. If he keeps improving at this rate, he has a chance to be a very special player for the Lions.
Reid Grant, 6’2, Johnston (2021)
Johnston has a good one coming through the ranks with this rangy 6’2 combo-guard. Grant was making plays all day long, on both sides of the floor. His jumper is pure, and he has the size/length combo to guard multiple positions. Just a freshman, it’ll be interesting to see if he gets some varsity time with Johnston. Regardless, the ceiling is high for this young gem.