Prospect Spotlight: Byron Benton (2021)
Iowa City High’s Byron Benton can be considered among the state’s best sophomore guards, and he’ll be a guy to keep a close eye on this offseason.
The 5-foot-10 floor general is a slasher, getting to the rack, he says, is his specialty. He also thrives while being a pass-first point guard.
“I think my best skill is getting to the hole pretty easily and then getting others involved when I get there,” said Benton.
“I think of myself as a point guard who likes to share the ball, and who gets his team going and is a leader out there on the floor.”
Benton has become a starter for the Little Hawks during the latter part of the season. He’s averaging 7.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.
“My job is to just lead out there and put the ball in the hole. And to help everyone else on the team display their skills,” said Benton, who will lead the 5-15 Little Hawks into postseason play next week.
“We’re trying to keep our heads up and compete, said Benton. “We’ve been looking better as a team recently, we’ve had some tough competition and tough games, but looking forward we just need to clear our minds and get ready for playoffs.”
This spring, Benton will be a guy college coaches may keep a close eye on. He’s had no recruitment yet, but says he plans of gaining some attention this summer when playing with Iowa Barnstormers 16U.
“I think it’ll be good for me to get out of this region and play basketball in other regions,” said Benton. “I think it’ll make me a better player and get me a better chance of getting looked at.”