Iowa’s All-Class Top 50 (20-16)
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.
Trayvon Williams (2019)
6’3 G, Valley
20
A year ago, it seemed unlikely that the then dynamic, but still very raw Williams would be on this list, let alone in the top 20. But he’s harnessed that raw athleticism, and is poised to have a breakout winter with a Valley Tigers squad that could contend for a state title. Williams is as athletic as any player in Iowa, and is starting to accompany that ability with a refined set of skills. He picked up a South Dakota State offer this past summer with Kingdom Hoops Elite, and that should just be beginning of a busy year of recruiting for him.
Derek Krogmann (2019)
6’6 PF, West Delaware
19
Length is the key component to Krogmann’s immense success through the early part of his career. He’s 6’6, but sports a 7-foot wing-span; couple that with the fact that he throws opponents off as a lefty, and it’s plain to see why he’s one of Iowa’s best posts. As a sophomore, Krogmann helped lead West Delaware to a state tournament appearance by posting 15.9 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. North Dakota has offered the rangy post, and he’ll have a big year of recruitment ahead.
Jackson Joens (2018)
6’6 SG, Cedar Rapids Xaxier
18
We’ve always been very high on the tall and fluid sharpshooter, so if you’re asking us, D2 Upper Iowa got themselves a steal when they inked the two-time state champion. He might be the best set shooter in the state, and man is his shot pretty. For two years now, Joens has been a starter for a state title team, along with fellow 2018 standout, Matt Mims. The two of them have already created a historically good legacy, and could very well add to it this March.
Luke Vaske (2018)
6′ G, Norwalk
17
What a magnificent career this Norwalk combo-guard has strung together. As a frosh with the Warriors, Vaske made his mark, averaging 9.5 points per game. The next season he took it up a couple notches, leading the Warriors with 19 points per game. He upped his game one more time last season, notching 20.1 points and canning 62 3s at a 42 percent clip. Vaske spent his summer playing with Martin Brothers and also in the Cap City League. Expect another uptick in production from the smooth senior guard.
Matthew Mims (2018)
5’11 PG, Cedar Rapids Xavier
16
This South Dakota State signee has been at the helm of back-to-back 3A state titles for Xavier, and has his sights set on the realistic possibility of a third straight. He’s a natural leader who matches quickness with savvy, making him a tough guy to stay in front of. Mims will go down in Saints history as an all-time great, particularly if he can land another state title this March.