Iowa Top 250 Expo: Top Wings
Harouna Sissoko, 6’6 F (Grand View Christian) — 2019
He got things started with a mesmerizing dunk early on in the first round of games; a one-hand, high-flying power jam. He was absolutely dominant all day, mostly in the paint, just because of his sheer size. But he was showing off some ball-handling and a pretty good deep stroke, too.
Zack Martinek, 6’4 G/F (West Fork)
He came really close to earning MVP honors at the event, and if it wasn’t for Aguek Deng being so dominant, it would have been Martinek’s to have. He’s committed to Morningside, and man are the Mustangs getting a good one.
Tyler Andrews, 6’5 SF (Cedar Rapids Kennedy) — 2020
The reverse baseline slam was perhaps the most eye-opening play of the day. It came during the last set of games, making it even more impressive. By then, a lot of guys were running a bit low on energy, Andrews clearly was not.
Nick Reid, 6’6 F (Central City) — 2020
He continues to show why he was able to piece together one of the finer sophomore seasons in the state last season. Sometimes we don’t know what to expect from the small school guys that post big numbers; Reid is the real deal, a big and fluid combo forward with a sweet stroke from deep.
Dylan Jones, 6’8 F (Waukee) — 2019
Another combo-forward who was excelling in a multitude of ways, Jones was paired with Valley guard Trayvon Williams at the event, and tossed a perfect alley-oop to the Tigers guard early in the event. The two may be bitter rivals during the high school season, but were allies at last Saturday.
Gil Taiber, 6’6 F (Cedar Falls) — 2020
And another Cedar Falls guy who impresses this offseason. We’ve written about a slew of Tigers that have been standouts since the conclusion of their 4A state title run last March. Taiber is a big wing with a sweet mid-range game.
Chett Helming, 6’5 SF (Lake Mills) — 2020
A guy we knew very little about coming into the event, Helming was dunking, D-ing up and showing off a jumper at Kingdom Courts last Saturday. He had a big sophomore season at Lake Mills, and will post monster numbers the next two seasons.
Nathan Michels, 6’4 G/F (Benton)
A guy who continues to get a lot bigger and better. Michels is lean, but has added some muscle since we first saw him a couple summers ago, that’s helped him considerably with his game, and his length and athleticism are huge assets too.
Carter Jannsen, 6’5 SF (Cedar Falls) — 2021
Cedar Falls might just win another Class 4A state title this season, and guys like Jansenn are the reason why. Just a sophomore, we don’t know how the Tigers will use him, but with his size and skill-level, he’s definitely a guy that will make an impact sooner rather than later.
Preston Kelling, 6’4 G/F (Ankeny Centennial) — 2020
He’s continued to hone his abilities as a combo-guard, and he’s now a guy that can effectively play the one through three. The Centennial guard/forward hybrid was getting to the rack at will on Saturday, and he’s gotten really good at finishing once he gets there.