Future Stars Camp: Standout Guards (Part II)
Hiawatha, Iowa — Last weekend, Prep Hoops headed to Hiawatha, Iowa and got the chance the check out some of the top talent Eastern Iowa has to offer. After several games that culminated in a top-20 showcase, these guys were picked out of a talented group of 60-plus players as the best of the bunch.
Cooper Medinger, 5’8 2020 (Dubuque, Senior)
For the second straight year, this Dubuque, Senior guard impressed at this camp. He’ll be a junior next season with the Rams, and with his skill-set and top-flight basketball instincts, he could be able to make a major impact with what should be one of the state’s best teams.
Austin Hilmer, 5’9 2022 (North Linn)
The younger brother of our 1A Player of the Year, Jake Hilmer, Austin is definitely cut from the same mold. They talk alike, sound alike and yes, play alike. Of course, Jake is more refined and certainly more dominant right now. But Austin has taken that Jake Hilmer blueprint and is in the process of making it work for him. A class act, too; when he called himself for traveling and tossed the ball to the ref, it was one of the camp’s best moments. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this eighth-grader as he enters the high school ranks next season.
Marcus Morgan, 6′ 2021 (Iowa City West)
Another youngster who we were appreciative to get an early look at, Morgan, like Hilmer, is also the younger brother of a hoops star. Jeremy Morgan’s (Northern Iowa) little brother, Marcus was holding his own at the camp, despite being considerably younger than much of the competition. He’s still a bit raw, that’s to be expected of a frosh, but it was clear that he’s got all the tools to become another Iowa City West standout.
Dylan Decklever, 6’1 2020 (Linn-Mar)
One of the better surprises of the event, we knew nothing about Decklever coming in, and by the end of the afternoon, he was firmly on our radar. Linn-Mar is one of the strongest programs in the state, so it’s rare for sophomores to get major minutes. But look for Decklever to be a contributor next season as a junior. His ability to get to the rim and finish creativity and efficiently was among the best at the showcase. The fact that he didn’t suit varsity this year is a testament to how strong the Linn-Mar program is.
Josh Ollendieck, 6’1 2020 (Cedar Falls)
We’ve been aware of this Cedar Falls sophomore for a while now, he’s been at the last two Prep Hoops Iowa showcases, and has excelled each time. But, it’s clear now, that he’s started to make himself known to more than just us. There was some buzz surrounding the lengthy and skilled guard. And he’s had several years to observe and learn from Cedar Falls legend AJ Green. That can’t be a bad thing.
Trey Shearer, 5’10 2021 (Montezuma)
Among freshman in Iowa last season, only two guys scored better than Shearer’s 16 points per game (Karson Sharar and Layne Pryor). Another guy who had some buzz going at the event (hey, TJ, who’s that kid, he’s good), Shearer is able to get the job done with some sharp outside shooting or by getting into the lane. His handle is nice and he has a good feel for the game. Shearer will play with the Iowa Barnstormers this spring and summer.