Prospect Spotlight: Artuto Montes (2019)
For nearly three years now, Grand View Christian forward Arturo Montes has been developing his ability to play from the perimeter.
A broad-shouldered and generally big 6-foot-5 junior, Montes has the look of an undersized post, but has now developed the skills of a legitimate combo-forward. And he’s continuing to expand that set of skills.
“I’ve been working a lot on my shot and I think that’s gotten a lot better. I’ve also been working on my ball-handling skills. And I’ve gotten better at recognizing when I can take it to the hole and create,” said Montes.
The son of a former National Mexican Team player, Montes started for the second straight year on a 1A state title team last winter. He averaged 11.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.
“Our season went great. We got two new guys, Kong (Neyail) and Issa (Samake), and at the end the season we were playing really well together; as a family more than a team. I had a lot of fun playing with all the guys,” said Montes.
“My role was to score the ball, and the coach always gave me the green light to score.”
Although there’s been some transfers (Sam and James Glenn to Southeast Polk, Mach Nyaw to Storm Lake) there’s still an abundance of talent returning for the Thunder next season.
A three-peat for a Montes-led Grand View Christian squad is certainly within the realm of possibility.
“That’s always our goal, it to get a state championship. But, first we’re just going to play as a team and see how the season goes,” said Montes.
Before he can help lead his team to another state title, Montes will have a spring and summer ahead with Kingdom Hoops-Stinson 17U.
“My goal for the summer is for everyone on our team to get a scholarship. We’re going to play our best every game, and do the little things. We just have to compete; I like my team,” said Montes, whose own recruitment hasn’t started yet.
“Right now, I don’t have anything, nothing at all. We’ll see how the summer goes.”
“I just have to keep working and keep playing, just show what I can do. I hope I can get something soon.”
Arturo Montes is ranked by Prep Hoops as a top 75 prospect in his class. To see the full ranking of Iowa’s 2019 class, click here.