Iowa Top 250 Expo: 2019/2020 Top Performers
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 morning (2019/2020) session.
MVP: 2019 Dylan Jones (6’7 SF, Waukee)
With his great size and lean build Jones was one of the more attention-grabbing prospects of the morning session even before he took the floor. It so happens that his quintessential basketball frame is accompanied by an array of skills, and above the rim ability. Jones dazzled at times in both the skills segment and live game action. He looks like a Division I prospect.
2019 Tyreke Locure (5’10 PG, Des Moines North)
The most talented player of the morning session, Locure was his usual uncanny self, and showcased his exceptional defensive instincts while setting up teammate Dylan Jones for dunk after dunk. The Des Moines North guard led the state in steals and assists last season as a freshman, and this winter he’ll continue to cement his quickly growing legacy on Des Moines’ north side.
2020 Zack Lasek (6’7 PF, Highland, Riverside)
It didn’t take long for this big and fluid post to grab the attention of both Tony Roe and I. He moved better than any other young big at the event, and has some soft touch and nice basketball instincts to pair. Look for him to have a huge impact with the Huskies as a freshman this winter.
2019 Christian Stanislav (6’3 SG, Glenwood)
Within 10 minutes of the skills segment starting I had a coach come to me and point out how impressive Stanislav looked. It was during the one-dribble pull-up drill, and Stanislav was striking with his good size, nice length and fluid stroke from 12-feet. He is part of a three-pronged attack at Glenwood that will be among best in 3A next season – look for him to improve greatly upon is 9.4 points per game from his freshman season.
2019 Noah Hart (6’3 PG, Waukee)
Hart was having some fun and it was plain to see. It’s easy to have fun when you’re making the kinds of plays he was making – seeing his teammates and dissecting opposing teams with half-court precision bounce-passes for buckets. Hart made it clear that he’s a natural point guard — though he excels at shooting guard too — and it’ll be interesting to see how Waukee uses him over the next several years.
2019 Japannah Kellogg (6’5 F, Ames)
Great length, height and defensive tenacity is what made Kellogg standout last Saturday. The Ames forward is in the process of making the transition from post to wing, and it appears he’ll be successful in the endeavor. Defensively he’s already able to guard well on the perimeter. His handles are coming along nicely, and with his existing ability to score in the paint matched with his expanding perimeter skill-set, he’ll become one of the more versatile threats in the CIML.
2020 Keshawn Christian (6’1 G, Iowa City High)
This intriguing freshman was strikingly good during the skills segment, at everything. He’s got a good build and great athleticism, that was what first caught our eye. Then during game play, his skill-set was on display, and he can do some nice things. The future looks to be bright for the Little Hawks, and it could revolve around this 2020 gem.
2020 Colby Vincent (6’2 SG, Carroll)
This kid probably made more 3s than anyone else at the event. He was firing away with confidence, which can be a good or a bad thing – in Vincent’s case it’s a very good thing. We’re not exactly sure how he fits in with an already talented Tigers backcourt, but he’ll be one to watch next year for sure, and for several years to come.
2019 Collin Lister (6’3 G/F, Carlisle)
At an age where vocal leadership is not exactly prominent, Lister ‘s voice could be heard encouraging teammates routinely. The sophomore Carlisle product was also a fiery and active wing with a high-motor. And though he may not have been the most skilled guy on the floor, his desire to perform made him one of the most productive.
2020 Zach Carr (6′ G, Valley)
Yet another star in the making for a Valley program that has had, does have, and will have plenty. The Tigers’ program is starting to have the same feel as Iowa City West (not coincidentally last year’s 4A final). And Carr’s full-range of skills — good defender, great mid-range, creates looks off-the-dribble — will certainly benefit Valley sooner rather than later.