Rocket Man (Jordan Dykstra)

Our Taco John's Athlete of the Week is one of the best high school basketball players in Iowa and next year you'll see him on the court at South Dakota State.  Jason Anschutz has more on Jordan Dykstra of Rock Valley.

Every once in a while, small town basketball gets a big star.  Rock Valley, Iowa, has their star right now in senior Jordan Dykstra, one of the biggest, most talented players in his state.

"There's challenges with it.  I mean, you feel like you gotta be perfect all the time.  And I make my mistakes, but I try to be best role model I can be.  And I hope people can see that," said Dykstra.

People definitely see Dykstra when he's on the court.  He towers over most other players, but he's not just a physical presence under the hoop.  He's got a great shooter's touch as well.

"He's able to hit that 20-footer with ease because he's so much stronger than he was when he played for us as a freshman," said Rock Valley basketball coach Heath Swanson.

Since his younger days, Dykstra has blossomed.  He tallied 21 points and 17 rebounds when Rock Valley won the state title game last year.  This year, the Rockets are in the tournament once again.  Dykstra also played a big part in getting Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley into the state championship game in football as well.

"Football was an amazing experience," said Dykstra.  "Just because those Boyden-Hull guys and us, we became brothers and it was an amazing thing and last year's basketball team was the same way."

Next year, Dykstra will take his game to South Dakota State.  Originally he committed Iowa State, but says the Jackrabbits fit his style of play better and he believes they offer a better family atmosphere.

"That's exactly what he loves about Coach Nagy and his staff is the fact that they'll treat him like he's their own son," said Swanson.

"I think it was a better fit for me at South Dakota State," added Dykstra.

Until he gets there though, Jordan Dykstra will remain a big star in his small town.  And he may even win another championship while he's at it.

Jason Anschutz, KDLT Sports, Rock Valley, Iowa.