Updated 2016 Rankings: Biggest Risers
FINAL 2016 RANKINGS New to Top-5 Levi Jansen (MOC-Floyd Valley) The elite shooter was just outside the top-5 when we released the previous rankings in February. And after his unbelievable performance in the quarterfinals of the state tournament the…
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New to Top-5
Levi Jansen (MOC-Floyd Valley)
The elite shooter was just outside the top-5 when we released the previous rankings in February. And after his unbelievable performance in the quarterfinals of the state tournament the following month, it was evident that he was a top-5 player in the class.
Will Carius (Pleasant Valley)
Like Jansen, Carius — who had been ranked 12th — was absolutely amazing during the state tournament in March. And it was clear that his superb regular season with Pleasant Valley was no fluke. He was dominant enough to leap seven other elite players and make his debut in the top-5.
Other Notable Risers
Gatdoar Kueth (Roosevelt) — from 48 to 19
Kueth is a late-bloomer and because of that he is still getting some late interest. He’s playing with Pure Prep 17U this spring, and he sports D2 and JuCo offers at the moment.
David Wedewer (Wahlert) — from 28 to 20
He was the biggest riser in the previous installment of rankings, and the fundamental and skilled lead guard continues to rise. For a kid who was not on our radar two years ago, it’s remarkable how far he’s come.
Riley Till (Wahlert) — from 32-to 21
His numbers were down a bit this year with Wahlert, but that’s because that team was loaded. The fact is that Till is a 6-foot-6 rangy wing who can shoot it. And we don’t blame the Hawkeyes for granting him walk-on status.
Y’Vez Quinn (Hoover) — from 50 to 31
When the Huskies needed a bucket late, they went to Quinn. Maybe the quickest guard in the state,Quinn is another who is going to sign with a program late. He’s got some serious D2 and JuCo inquiries right now.
Luke Eastman (Dowling) — from 103 to 33
Like Till, Eastman is a 6-foot-6 rangy wing who can shoot it. And also like Till, he played on an elite team and his numbers weren’t glaring. But signing with one of the most renowned D2 schools in the country is glaring, and that’s why he’s up to No.33.
Isaiah Wade (Waterloo East) — from unranked to 38
It could be argued that Wade made the most substantial jump, going from completely unranked into the top-40. Well, he was the Mississippi Division Player of the Year in the MVC after averaging 15.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.
Mitchell Burger (Xavier) — from 55 to 40
Although he’s electing to not play basketball in college — instead heading to Iowa to study — Burger will be remembered as a fiery competitor with a knack getting buckets. He was instrumental in his team’s 3A title run in March.
Luke Hudnutt (Madrid) — from 64 to 45
His numbers were off the charts his senior season at Madrid. And there was no way 17.5 points on 67 percent shooting, 5.1 blocks and 10.9 rebounds should not be in the top-50 (pardon the double negative)
Will Warner (Pella) — from 102 to 73
Warner will be remembered as an all-around athlete, and because of that, his basketball days are done. Instead the guard with great build and feel for the game will play non-scholarship Division I football with Drake.
Ben Hayes (Des Moines North) — from 98 to 78
His numbers were down a bit this season, but that’s because his team added some supreme talent — the likes of top-5 guys Tryeke Locure (2019) and Jal Bijiek (2017) to be exact. But his steady play over the last three season for the Polar Bears, and his versatility during that time — both on the floor and with his role on the team — make him a special player.