Iowa’s Top Snipers
Taking a look at the top 20 three-point shooters across the state (min. 50 attempts, stats current through 2/1).
1. Andrew Gibb (St. Edmond, Fort Dodge, 2019) – 35/63 (55.6%)
The 6-0 sophomore has some of the most ridiculous shooting splits in the state at 61-56-90. The leading scorer for Gaels at 14.2 points a game, Gibb is one half of what is arguably the most dynamic shooting combination in the state.
2. Will Pottebaum (LeMars, 2018) – 34/66 (51.5%)
The junior guard is not only shooting very well from deep, he’s shooting 56% from the field as well. He’s the leading scorer (15.7 points) for a much improved Bulldogs team that has a chance to get back to the state tournament after a year absence.
3. Jake Eilers (Cedar Rapids Prairie, 2017) – 52/102 (51.0%)
A key piece on 4A’s most potent 3-point shooting team, the 6-4 sharpshooter has picturesque form and a quick release. I witnessed his shooting brilliance firsthand when he knocked down his first six 3s in a game against Muscatine (a game in which Prairie made 15 3s total, and Eilers was 7-9), and he’s capable of getting scorching hot and carrying his team for stretches. He truly lives behind the arc, as 85% of his shot attempts have come from deep.
4. Brady Sartorius (Mount Pleasant, 2018) – 27/53 (50.9%)
Known more for his mid-range game than being a sniper from deep, Sartorius has long been one of the state’s better shooters. He’s added range to his arsenal now and isn’t afraid to let it fire from the arc. While he’s certainly still more comfortable inside the line (only 20.7% of his attempts are 3s), he’s more than capable of torching an opponent from the arc as well. He’s averaging 22.7 points a game, with great shooting splits of 59-51-72.
5. Joe Smoldt (Gladbrook-Reinbeck, 2017) – 64/127 (50.4%)
The state’s second leading scorer at 30.2 points per game, Smoldt is a deadly shooter from anywhere on the floor, using a silky smooth pull-up jumper to terrorize opponents. His current shooting splits of 53-50-83 are outstanding, and it’s not like they’re coming on minimal attempts, either.
6. Aidan Vanderloo (Sioux City East, 2019) – 26/52 (50.0%)
This sophomore shooting guard helps pace one of 4A’s best teams, connecting on 53.7% of his shots overall, and 50% from behind the arc. He’s averaging 16.1 points for the Black Raiders, who have 4A’s third highest scoring offense at 72.0 points per game. The 6-1 Martin Brothers product is in line for a big 16U season on the grassroots circuit, but he’s still looking to help lead East to a state title before that.
7. Connor Shannon (Webster City, 2017) – 26/52 (50.0%)
Most people expected Webster City to fall off hard after the graduation of the Fuhs twins, but in part due to the spectacular play of senior forward Connor Shannon, they haven’t. They carry a 12-3 record currently, and Shannon, who leads the team in rebounding, steals and blocks in addition to being their second leading scorer, has been an integral piece. The only forward on this list, he’s connected on 50% of his attempts from the arc, showcasing an all-around ability for the Lynx.
8. Ben Juhl (Des Moines Christian, 2017) – 34/69 (49.3%)
One of the most dynamic scorers in the state, Juhl is averaging 22.4 points a game and is shooting an absurd 64.6% from the floor. The lefty guard is highly efficient and doesn’t take bad shots, which helps keep his shooting splits (65-49-85) at an extremely high level. He’s helped lead the Lions to a 16-3 record and they are a serious contender in Class 2A, in large part because of his sterling play.
9. Tajen Ross (ADM Adel, 2017) – 42/86 (48.8%)
The senior guard who burst onto the scene for us back in September 2015 at our Combine has been sensational this season, turning himself into one of 3A’s most dangerous all-around scorers. A great athlete, he excels getting to the rim and finishing with authority, but as he’s also shown, he’s capable of torching teams from the arc as well. The Minnesota-Crookston commit has a versatile offensive skill set and has come on strong during his senior year.
10. Ryan Hurd (Cherokee, 2020) – 30/62 (48.4%)
One of only two freshmen on this list, Hurd has been the state’s top 2020 marksman this season. He’s taking 85% of his shots from the arc, and is something for Cherokee fans to look forward to for the next several years as they endure a rough season this winter.
11. Marcus Mumm (Tri-Center, 2017) – 30/62 (48.4%)
Mumm leads a balanced and efficient Tri-Center attack, averaging 12.6 points and hitting nearly 50% of his shots from the arc. A versatile guard, he also leads the team in assists and steals.
12. Isaac Prewitt (Des Moines Christian, 2018) – 40/83 (48.2%)
Prewitt is one of several DMC players who are lighting it up from deep this season. His teammate Ben Juhl is already on the list, and Brandon Loverude (43.8%) and Austin Mona (39.7%) are both great shooters as well. Prewitt leads the team in attempts and makes, and is second on the team in scoring at 14.8 points, behind only the aforementioned Juhl.
13. Kaleb Cresswell (Fort Madison, 2018) – 53/110 (48.2%)
One of only four on this list with over 100 attempts, Cresswell is a rare breed of true sniper – one who actually shoots a higher percentage from deep (48.2%) than from the field overall (45.7%). He’s averaging 14.9 a game for the Bloodhounds.
14. Dylan Gotto (Western Dubuque, 2017) – 26/54 (48.1%)
Gotto has been a bright spot for a Bobcats team that was dealt a significant blow before the season started with leading scorer Jordan Lake going down. He’s leading the team in scoring at 13.3 points, and has proven to be a knockdown shooter for Western Dubuque.
15. Charlie Doyle (St. Edmond, Fort Dodge, 2017) – 49/102 (48.0%)
The other half of what is possibly the best shooting tandem in the state, the 6-2 senior guard is torching the nets from deep, helping pace a team that shoots 42.5% from behind the arc overall.
16. Collin Westmoreland (Cedar Rapids Washington, 2018) – 24/50 (48.0%)
Westmoreland has been one of the few bright spots for the Warriors in what has been a rough year. They’re just 3-13, lost their best player (Hunter Strait) to a transfer, and they play in a loaded league. But Westmoreland has been solid for them at the point guard spot, and has proven to be a knockdown shooter for Washington.
17. Tyler Sansgaard (Nevada, 2020) – 31/65 (47.7%)
Sansgaard made a big splash earlier this year when in his first varsity action, he went 9-12 from the arc in a win over Hampton-Dumont, and he hasn’t slowed down much since. A true three-point sniper, 86% of his shot attempts this season have come from deep.
18. Conner Groves (Sergeant Bluff-Luton, 2019) – 38/80 (47.5%)
Like Cresswell, Groves is shooting a higher percentage from the arc than he is from the field, connecting on a sterling 47.5% of his 3-point attempts. The 5-10 sophomore is one of three averaging in double figures for Sergeant Bluff-Luton.
19. Justin Jewett (Seymour, 2017) – 44/93 (47.3%)
Jewett is Seymour’s top scorer at 14.3 points a game, and has also dished out the most assists. The only player who has attempted more than 34 3s for the Warriors, he’s connecting on 47.3% of his nearly 100 attempts.
20. Mitchell Pomeroy (Van Meter, 2018) – 34/72 (47.2%)
Pomeroy’s prowess from behind the arc is one of the reasons that Van Meter is one of just six remaining unbeaten teams across the state. Part of a team that is shooting above 40% from deep collectively, Pomeroy is the top marksman, averaging two makes a night for the Bulldogs.