Prospect Spotlight: Keaton Kutcher (2021)
There’s a bevy of young talent shining throughout the state this season, and Mount Vernon freshman Keaton Kutcher is among those shining the brightest.
The 5-foot-11 guard put his name on the map when he canned an Iowa high school season-best 10 3s in a win over Anamosa in early December.
Kutcher has already been enjoying a meteoric rise through the high school ranks. From possible varsity player, to key role player, to starter. He defined his skill-set and how he’s been able to be such a sensation.
“I’ve been playing mostly shooting guard, but my coach has been making it a priority to get me some point guard experience, too. Just for future years, when I’ll have to step in there and play that position,” said Kutcher.
“I really do think I can shoot it well, and when you can do that, it leads to being able to do other things. It helps me to drive and kick more and find my teammates. And then my teammates do a really good job of driving and kicking when I’m hot.”
Kutcher added: “Really, I’m just looking to work in my ball-handling a little bit more, and being able to push it up the floor, and finishing.”
Kutcher explained his rise from possible varsity player, to starter and leading scorer.
“At the beginning of the year, they were just trying to figure out where to put me, so they had me practice with the varsity to see how I fit in, and they thought I was ready. So I came off the bench and helped out when I could,” he said.
“I started out pretty hot scoring-wise, and became one of our primary scorers, and recently, I got my first start, so we’ll see where that goes. I’m just trying to contribute in whatever why I can.”
When his freshman season with the Mustangs is finished, Kutcher will find himself thrust into the spotlight with the Iowa Barnstormers’ 15U squad.
“Any chance you get for a college coach to come see you play, you want to take that. And I really do think that playing with the Barnstormers and being on the Gauntlet is a great opportunity. Tons of college coaches will see me, and I’ll get tons of exposure,” said Kutcher.
“I really haven’t gotten any looks yet, and when that first one comes I’ll be excited.”