Recruiting Report: Joe Smoldt (2017)
Without question Gladbrook-Reinbeck’s junior point guard Joe Smoldt is one of Iowa’s best point guards. The 5-foot-11 sharpshooter is a menace to opponents on the court, using elite shooting, sharp vision, and plus-handles to have his way whenever he…
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Continue ReadingWithout question Gladbrook-Reinbeck’s junior point guard Joe Smoldt is one of Iowa’s best point guards.
The 5-foot-11 sharpshooter is a menace to opponents on the court, using elite shooting, sharp vision, and plus-handles to have his way whenever he wants.
He was sensational in last season’s state tournament, earning 1A MVP honors, and nabbing a spot with the Iowa Barnstormers because of it. A maneuver that’s no doubt helped his recruitment.
“I picked up some interest from South Dakota, they’ve really hit me hard and have been talking to me. Northwest Missouri State has contacted me quite a bit, and then Grand View has been texting me and talking to me quite a bit lately,” said Smoldt, who also mentioned Western Illinois, Wayne State, and Briar Cliff have been after him.
Still with a wide range of interest from Division I to NAIA, Smoldt says he’d be open to whatever program best suits him, he’s just hoping to have as many options as possible.
“A good D2 program can be just as good as a lower D1, and picking up some offers this summer while playing in some of those tournaments with the Barnstormers will be pretty important,” he said. “I’m excited to play in front of some coaches – I just want to get some looks this summer and maybe a couple offers, hopefully.”
Already one of the state’s most skilled guards, Smoldt continues to work relentlessly on making himself a better player.
“I’m just working on everything, you can’t be content with where your at. I think getting stronger is the most important thing – that’s what I’m working on most. At the next level it’s going to be much more physical, so getting stronger is important,” he said.
“I’ve really worked on being able to handle the ball in pressure situations, and against good defenders, and being able to get by them has been important too.”
The ultra-talented guard is currently in the midst of a wildly successful junior season; his Rebels are 8-1, and he’s averaging 27 points, and 6.5 assists per game.
“It’s a little different than last year, we had some important seniors last year,” said Smoldt. “As far as my role goes I’m more of a leader, especially a vocal leader and just showing my teammates how it’s done. They just need me to score the ball and get my teammates involved. And I think I’ve done a pretty nice job of that so far.”