UPDATED 2017 Rankings: Biggest Risers Part II
As their high school careers come to a close, these seniors — the class of 2017 — make one last push to prove that they are among the state’s best. The February rankings often have more movement than any of…
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Continue ReadingAs their high school careers come to a close, these seniors — the class of 2017 — make one last push to prove that they are among the state’s best. The February rankings often have more movement than any of the others throughout the year; these guys have had all winter top showcase the skills they sharpened in the postseason, pick up offers and make commitments to college programs. Below are the 10 who have made the largest leaps in this second-to-last installment of 2017 rankings.
Max Smith-Drahos (Cedar Rapids Prairie) — 61 to 41
He’s leading one of the state’s best teams and has been efficient and prolific in doing so. Cedar Rapids Prairie is heading into its postseason with a 14-7 mark, and just look at Smith-Drahos’ numbers in those 21 games; 16.9 points on 62 percent shooting (43 3FG%), 4 assists, 1.9 steals and 4.2 rebounds per game. The 5-foot-10 guard worked relentlessly last offseason, and we saw plenty of him — because he was everywhere, like us. We like to see the kids’ offseason work pay-off during the winter; Smith-Drahos is a prime example of that.
Niko Gosnell (Lone Tree) — 124 to 44
After growing five inches two summers ago, Gosnell transitioned from a guard to a big, and has now found his groove in the post. The 6-foot-7 post has made a meteoric rise in the last six months, and is enjoying a fantastic season to the tune of 17.7 points (64 FG%), 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game. We saw glimpses of his exponential improvement last summer when he was playing with the Iowa Mavericks, and we suspected he could have a big senior season. That definitely came to fruition, and he’s become a co-primary option for a Lone Tree squad — along with Jovonte Squiers — that has 1A state title aspirations. JuCos are coming after him, NIACC and Kirkwood, and the ceiling is high for Gosnell.
Drake Brewster (Cedar Rapids Kennedy) — 99 to 59
He’s become just the type of senior leader Cedar Rapids Kennedy needed this season. And while leading his Cougars to a 16-5 regular season record this season, showed why he’s a top-60 guy in 2017. The 6-foot-4 wing showcased a versatile skill-set, filling the stat-sheet each night out to the tune of 13.8 points, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals and 5.7 rebounds per game. If Kennedy is going to make a deep run in the postseason, it will hinge largely on the success of Brewster.
Ben Gesink (Western Christian) — 77 to 61
Already a state champion, Gesink has the tools, experience and poise to make it happen again for the Wolfpack this March. He thoroughly impressed us last March at the state tournament, and though he was a high-end role player on that team — big-man Josh VanLingen was the main man — it was clear that he was one of the better point guards at “The Well.” This season, he’s been the main man for Western Christian, and has led them to a 19-2 regular season mark while averaging 15.2 points per game (56 FG%), 4.3 assists, 2.2 steals, and 6.5 rebounds per game — all team-bests.
Austin Hinkle (Valley) — 130 to 76
Hinkle made a name for himself on the gridiron, but has solidified himself as one of Valley’s best multi-sport athletes with his prowess on the hardwood this winter. He debuted at No. 130 in our last installment of rankings in November, and we expected him to be a critical piece to the 4A defending champs, a team we thought could compete for another title. Well Valley has become a title contender, and Hinkle has played an even larger role than we suspected he would. He’s leading the Tigers in scoring (10.1) and assists (2.5). So basically, if you’re the leading scorer on a state-title contender and defending state champion team, then you’re definitely a top-80 player in your class.