Prospect Spotlight: Japannah Kellogg (2019)
While continuing to work on diversifying his skill-set, Ames 2019 Japannah Kellogg was able to piece together a very nice sophomore season with one of 4A’s best squads.
The 6-foot-5 forward was a regular starter with the 15-7 Little Cyclones this past winter, netting 6.9 points per game to go along with team-highs 5.9 rebounds and 18 blocks.
Kellogg also shot the ball well for a big-man, connecting on 10 3s at 32 percent clip, and shooting 50 percent from the floor.
“My shot has gotten better, and I’ve also started working on attacking the basket more. Now I’m starting to work on creating shots for myself,” said Kellogg.
“I’d consider myself to be a small forward or a stretch-four. I come in at center sometimes, but it’s because we have a small team, and I’m the tallest on the team.”
He added: “I was there to hit the open shot or for rebounding. I felt like I was pretty consistent making my shots, but I don’t think I took enough of them. I feel like I could have helped our team more if I took more shots.”
Now, Kellogg is into his 16U offseason, and will again be playing with All-Iowa Attack’s top squad; a talented group of guys which won the Super 16 in Ames last weekend.
“We’re looking pretty good, we’ve got most of our players returning, then we added Jace Davidson and TJ Schnurr, so they’ll help us a lot,” said Kellogg.
This spring, in addition to winning tournaments and improving his game, Kellogg is hoping to ramp up his recruitment.
“I’ve gotten a few letters over the high school basketball season, but I haven’t really spoken to anybody. William Penn sent me mail, and another small Iowa school,” he said.
“I hope to get talked to by some college coaches hopefully, and just play well in some of the invitational tournaments.”
With three of Ames’ top five scorers graduating, Kellogg will look to step into a much-increased role next winter as a junior.
“I’m assuming I’ll have to step up and try and be one of the leaders on the team,” Kellogg said.