Top 250 Expo: Top 2020/2021 Guards (Part II)
Braxton Bayless, 6′, 2020 (Valley)
Valley had its prom Saturday night, so Bayless decided to play in the morning session with the older guys — and he was still one of the best players out there. It took him a little while to get warmed up, but towards the end of the morning, it was clear that he was a cut above the rest. He has an uncanny way about him, and can get to the rim at will, where he finishes as well as anyone in the state.
Easton Darling, 6′, 2020 (Winterset)
Lots of people were talking about Darling on Saturday, and it was his athleticism and penchant for canning rainbow 3s that had people paying attention. He’s a bouncy and skilled combo-guard, who certainly made valid his No.10 ranking. Darling could have a big-time sophomore season for the Huskies this winter.
LJ Henderson, 6’2, 2020 (Clinton)
He was as physically imposing as any other sophomore guard at the event. Henderson has some good height and a strong frame, and will certainly be able to hold his own against older guards in the MAC. He is a strong rebounder from the guard spot, and will get most of his points at the rim this season for the River Kings. Big things are ahead for Henderson.
Josh Ollendieck, 6’1, 2020 (Cedar Falls)
A standout last year at the Expo, this Cedar Falls youngster was again one of the more impactful players at the event. He’s grown considerably since last fall, and with that added height and great length, he was menacing defensively on Saturday – especially during the skills session. With that lock-down D capability, and his innate skill-level, Ollendieck is poised to make some noise this year on a very talented, AJ Green-led Tigers squad.
Tyler Sansgaard, 5’10, 2020 (Nevada)
Sansgaard connected on nine 3-pointers in his first-ever varsity game last winter as a freshman, so we had already identified him as one of the best shooters in his grade. And he was showcasing that ability all day Saturday. His precision is off the charts, and his ability to get his shot off quickly makes him a lethal threat from deep.
Jordan Kumm, 5’9, 2020 (Ankeny)
This kid loves to get up and down the floor, and if the game is fast-paced, he’ll certainly excel. His tight handle and great basketball instincts allow for him to thrive in fast-paced situations. His jumper is a strength too, and when he masters that, could be a very good prospect for the Hawks.
Craig Chapman, 6’2, 2021 (Treynor)
A big and strong combo-guard, Chapman has the size to manhandle most any other guard he comes up against, and is deceivingly quick to boot. That combo of speed and strength made him virtually impossible to stop during the one-on-one segment of the skills session. And he wasn’t afraid to throw that weight around in live game action either. He’ll be one to watch at 2A Treynor this season.
John Miller, 5’9, 2021 (Davenport Central)
Miller was an eigth-grader last year at our Expo, and was a bit out of his depth playing against the much older guys — this time around he certainly belonged. A freshman now, Miller has improved his jump-shot, which he shoots quite confidently, and his handle. He was a playmaker for his team, especially towards the end the day. And if he keeps improving at this rate, has a chance to be a good one for the Blue Devils.