Prospect Spotlight: Josh Ollendieck (2020)
Though he hasn’t played a lick of varsity ball yet, it’s clear that Cedar Falls sophomore guard Josh Ollendieck is one of 2020’s standout guards.
The 6-foot-1 combo guard has done a nice of of making himself seen in the offseason, at camps and grassroots tourneys, where he routinely stands out.
It’s his smooth style of play and high level of skill that make him good, and he’s been working the past year to make himself an even more dangerous player.
“I’ve been working a lot on may ball-handling and being able to create a jump-shot for myself more. And also just being able to get to the rim easier and score that way,” said Ollendieck.
“I always want to improve my ball-handling, just keep that tight, and I always want to continue and work on my defense.”
This past spring and summer Ollendieck was playing up a grade level with Iowa Prep 16U, and might have been the best player on that team.
“Playing with the older guys was great, it helped me learn how to play against taller, more athletic guys and learn how to get my shot off, and guard quicker, bigger people,” said Ollendieck.
“I thought I was shooting the ball great all summer and fall, and just playing really aggressive.”
And now, after leading his Cedar Falls freshman squad to a 20-0 mark last season, he’ll look to do the same for the sophomores.
Safe to say: the future’s very bright in Cedar Falls.
“I might be able to get some varsity minutes later this season, depending how things go. But, as far as the sophomore team, we’re expecting to have a really good team this season, and it should be really fun,” said Ollendieck.
“I’d like for our team to go undefeated again, and I’d like to be able to get my teammates more involved and score more this year than I did last year.”