Iowa’s All-Class Top 50 (15-11)
With the 2017-18 season now upon us, we’ve decided to roll out a ten part series counting down the 50 best players in Iowa, regardless of class. There are no frosh on the list, and some sophomores are sprinkled in. Look for Iowa’s 2019 class to make a very strong showing in the rankings; man is that the junior class stacked. And, of course, there will be plenty of seniors to highlight. We might be biased, but we feel like the state of Iowa is egregiously underrated, and as a result, under-recruited year-in and year-out; this top 50 list is a strong group of players, and plainly showcases just how much talent we have here in the Hawkeye State.
Garrett Sturtz (2018)
6’3 PG, Newton
15
Last season, Garrett Sturtz solidified himself as a Newton legend while helping to guide the Cardinals to a state tourney berth with his 19.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. His talents were on full display once they got there, and he notched 20 points to go with 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks and 3 steals in a near upset of eventual 4A champ Iowa City West. Simply put, Sturtz can do it all, and will post monster numbers this winter with the Cardinals. Someone get this kid a D1 offer.
Nathan Johnson (2018)
6’6 SF, Waukee
14
This good-sized Waukee wing has been flying under the radar a bit during the past six months; he’s had some nagging injuries that have held him back. But he’s back to 100 percent, and ready to lead his Waukee Warriors on a journey that could culminate in a 4A state title. Johnson will provide plenty of jams to rile up the Waukee crowds this season, but he’ll can his share of 3s too. He’s got plenty of Division I programs intrigued, and could see some late offers roll in if he has the type of season we think he’ll have.
Owen Coburn (2019)
6’10 C, Spirit Lake
13
If you’re a fan of strong post play, then Coburn is the guy you’ll want to try and watch this winter. He’s got a rangy 6’10 frame, allowing him to get off his shots at will around the rim. And his footwork in the paint is methodical, deliberate and effective. South Dakota State got a commitment from the skilled big this past summer. He chose the Jackrabbits over Drake and North Dakota. It would have been interesting to see what other offers flooded in during his 17U season with the Martin Brothers. Tj Otzelberger and his SDSU staff got a good one.
James Betz (2019)
6’6 F, G-H-V
12
Another guy who made an early commitment, this combo-forward from 2A Garner-Hayfield-Ventura decided last summer that he’d be headed to Cedar Falls to play for Ben Jacobson and his UNI Panthers. But first, Betz has some business to take care of in Garner, and ultimately in Des Moines. Last season he and his Cardinals made the state tournament, but were ousted early after a rather poor performance against Kuepmer Catholic. This season, Betz and Co. have a decent shot of making it back down to The Well. If they get there, go watch Betz; he’s a big, lengthy forward, with extraordinary bounce.
Elijah Hazekamp (2018)
6’6 SF, Bishop Heelan
11
Another guy who committed to a Division I program this past offseason, Hazekmap signed his National Letter of Intent to play at North Dakota earlier this month. The versatile and gritty wing has strung together several years of success at Sioux City Bishop Heelan, and will undoubtedly post monster numbers this season for the Crusaders. He’s been as as steady of a prospect that we’ve seen in our four years of doing this, spending every summer with the Iowa Barnstormers, and every winter improving with Bishop Heelan. North Dakota is a getting a big wing, who will fight on every possession, and score from all three levels.