Iowa Top 250 Expo: 2017 and 2018’s Top Performances
As part of a series of posts profiling standout performances from this past weekend’s Top 250 Expo in Ames, we break down the top ten performers from the evening (2017/2018) session.
MVP: SF Keith Johnson (6-5, Dubuque Hempstead, 2018)
The most impressive player during the evening was the Hempstead wing, who showcased a superb all-around game in both drills and game play. He was consistent throughout the event on both ends of the floor, constantly bringing energy to the defensive end, and showing off an offensive repertoire that few in the state possess. The rangy wing is capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor, is a high-level rebounder, and can shut down four spots on the defensive end at this level. He was fantastic, and is in for a great junior year with a Hempstead team that should be looking to make a push to the state tournament.
PG Hunter Strait (6-1, Cedar Rapids Washington, 2018)
The most impressive guard of the evening session was definitely Strait. He was sensational during game play, showcasing his superb handles and amazing court vision. He’s an unbelievable passer, who fits passes into spots that perhaps no other guard in the state can. He’s got the ball on a string when it’s in his hands, and he has steadily improved his jump shot, making him an even more dangerous threat. He does a great job changing pace with the ball in his hands, helping him set up defenders and getting himself to the rim, where he can either score creatively or drop off a slick pass to a teammate for an easy bucket. In the first game, he must have had close to 15 assists – just an unreal performance. He’s got long arms which help on the defensive end, and he’s a better than expected athlete. A Division I prospect, without a doubt.
SF Jal Bijiek (6-7, Des Moines North, 2017)
By this point in time, we know what to expect when we see Bijiek. But that doesn’t make it any less impressive. The Des Moines North wing is a ball of energy, constantly working hard on both ends of the floor. A long, athletic wing, he’s dynamic in transition, finishing above the rim with the best in the state. His jumper is steadily improving, and he’s now a threat to take defenders off the bounce, pull up and knock down mid-range or 3-pointers. On the defensive end, he’s capable of guarding a number of spots, and is great coming from the weakside to block shots, using his superb athletic ability to swat shots left and right. He will end up being a steal for whichever low-major D1 ends up grabbing him.
PG Brady Sartorius (6-0, Mount Pleasant, 2018)
Sartorius is one of the most steady guards in the state – you know what you’re going to get from him night-in, night-out, and it’s always good. He was great during drills, especially in the one-dribble drill, where he destroyed his defender with a quick first step and execution of a number of head fakes and jab steps. He’s a great mid-range shooter, and a capable shooter from the arc. His quickness may be his greatest asset, and he’s a solid defender and passer. He needs to be on the radar of all Midwest Division II programs.
G Trevon Montgomery (6-3, Pleasant Valley, 2017)
A lengthy guard, Montgomery will need to have a huge senior year for a Pleasant Valley team that loses a lot of talent. He’s athletic, handles the ball well and can get to the rim. He’s strong and has good size as a combo guard. He can defend three spots with his length and quickness, and he showcased an improving all-around offensive skill set. Montgomery should have a huge year for the Spartans on both ends of the floor.
GF Landon Tornenten (6-6, Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln, 2017)
A playmaking wing, Torneten should star for a Lynx team that lost a lot of talent. He was a standout during game play, seemingly gaining energy as the event went on, as the rest of the group started to fade. He’s a long, lanky player who handles the ball well, attacks the rim and is a good passer. He’s a solid finisher at the rim, and he keeps his head up while he’s penetrating, more than willing to dump off a pass to a teammate after he makes the defense collapse. He’s a solid perimeter shooter, and is great on the glass. On the defensive end, he moves his feet well, and his length makes him a solid on-ball defender. He will make his name known throughout western Iowa, and around the state, during his senior year.
PF Max Campbell (6-6, Cedar Rapids Washington, 2018)
Perhaps the standout big man of the evening session, he showcased some great, quick footwork during post drills and that transitioned into game play. He was dunking everything throughout the session, proving to be a powerful force in the paint. He’s got the ability to handle the ball a little bit, he can stretch the defense out to about 15 feet comfortably and is good on the glass on both ends of the floor. A mobile big, he runs the floor very well, establishing good early position, and he’s strong. He doesn’t get pushed off his spot on either end of the floor. He defends the pick-and-roll effectively, moving his feet and doing a nice job hedging the ball screen. Campbell should be in for a good junior season, and could be the reason that the Warriors surprise some people this winter.
PF Luke Empen (6-6, Northeast Goose Lake, 2018)
Empen has always been a solid interior presence, whether it’s for his high school team or the Barnstormers, providing some physicality on the defensive end and on the glass. He’s worked to expand his game, and he showcased a mid-range jumper throughout this event. He showed good form on his shot, routinely hitting from 15 feet and in, and showing good offensive awareness, floating down to the baseline after his guards penetrated. As he continues adding range to his game, it should open up his post work even more, where he’s solid. He’s a strong young man who doesn’t shy away from contact, a high-level rebounder and a capable defender.
SF Kyle Nevitt (6-5, Perry, 2017)
The lefty sharpshooter was great during games, showing off a beautiful stroke from he arc. He gets great rotation and elevation on his jumper, and he was knocking down threes left and right throughout the course of his four games. He hit them both off the bounce and coming off screens, showing off his ability to move without the ball and use off-ball screens to get open. He’s a big body on the perimeter who is also capable of getting to the rim and finishing with a strong upper body. He rebounds well on both ends of the floor and can defend both forward spots with his strength. With Shammond Ivory gone, Nevitt should have a huge senior year for Perry. He should be on the radar of any NAIA school looking for a wing who can shoot the rock.
F Joseph Evans (6-8, Dowling Catholic, 2018)
Arguably the most intriguing player of the entire evening session, Evans sees himself as a small forward, as he told my colleague T.J. Rushing. During drills he showed the ability to guard on the perimeter, as well as a decent jumper. He’s a long, athletic player who runs the floor very well and can stretch the defense out to the arc comfortably. He was dynamic in defensive drills, showing the ability to switch on to any guard in pick-and-roll situations without getting lost, and he moves his feet well guarding on the perimeter. He’s got a massive wingspan that allows him to play even bigger than the 6-8 he’s listed at. He’s a good shot blocker, both on his own man and coming from the helpside. I think he would be an ideal stretch-four at the next level.