STATE TOURNAMENT: Class 1A All-Tournament Team
FIRST TEAM
Most outstanding player: Joe Smoldt, Gladbrook-Reinbeck (2017)*
Stats: 24.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists
Smoldt was named captain of the media’s all-tournament team for the third straight year, and it’s an honor that we don’t disagree with. Without him, there is no chance that the Rebels have this kind of success, winning a title, playing in a consolation game, and finishing runner-up in the past three years. The Upper Iowa signee led the class in scoring at 24.3 points a game during the week, and may have turned in his best all-around game of his state tournament career in their semifinal win over North Linn, in which he posted a 19-9-8 stat line. While he didn’t have a great shooting percentage throughout the week, the shots that he has to take for his team were much more difficult to come by than those of some other standouts throughout the week.
Grant DeMeulenaere, Grand View Christian (2018)*
Stats: 15.0 points (52.8 FG%), 3.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 steals
The junior guard was Grand View Christian’s most consistent scoring threat throughout the week, averaging a team-high 15 points en route to a state title. His mid-range jumper was on point all week, with the ability to stop on a dime and elevate into a 15-footer on full display. He also played the facilitator role well, and helped spark a defense that was dynamite in all three games.
Jake Hilmer, North Linn (2019)*
Stats: 23.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 3.7 steals
The sophomore guard has been one of 1A’s best players all season, and he finally had a chance to put it on full display at Wells Fargo Arena. While his previously unbeaten Lynx lost in the semifinals, Hilmer was his usual stat-sheet stuffing self, going toe-to-toe with Joe Smoldt for most of the afternoon. He’s shown himself to be a force on the defensive end, finished with the third highest single-season assist total in history and was one of the week’s leading scorers, regardless of class. A strong showing for Hilmer, who should lead his team back here a few more times before his career is over.
Nicholas Ruden, St. Mary’s, Remsen (2017)*
Stats: 20.3 points (51.2 FG%, 40.0 3P%), 8.0 rebounds
This 6-5 combo forward put himself on the map for us with a huge tournament, averaging 20.3 points and eight rebounds, while showing off an extremely versatile skill set. He’s capable of scoring on the block with solid footwork and touch, has a quick release on his jumper and extended range. Look for the junior to have a big senior season and he could lead the Hawks back to this stage next season.
Jacob Wesselmann, St. Mary’s, Remsen (2017)
Stats: 15.7 points (57.1 3P%), 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 3.3 steals
The Hawks senior guard got overshadowed a bit by the stellar play of Ruden, but he knocked down a tournament high 12 3s, did so at a highly efficient clip, and he contributed in every other facet of the game as well.
SECOND TEAM
Stephen Glenn, Grand View Christian (2017)*
Stats: 11.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 4.3 steals
Ryan Miller, North Linn (2019)
Stats: 17.0 points (45.4 3P%), 3.7 rebounds
Arturo Montes, Grand View Christian (2019)
Stats: 8.0 points, 9.0 rebounds
Caden Kickbush, Gladbrook-Reinbeck (2018)
Stats: 9.3 points, 5.0 rebounds
Ben Dentlinger, New London (2017)
Stats: 15.0 points (58.3 FG%), 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 5.0 blocks, 1.0 steals
Honorable mentions: Mach Nyaw (Grand View Christian, 2019); Tyler Pierce (Gladbrook-Reinbeck, 2017); Mason Porter (New London, 2019); Jesse Van Wyk (Lynnville-Sully, 2018)
*denotes players that were named to the media’s all-tournament team