Iowa’s Premier Performers (Week 6)
Each week, we’ll sift through quikstats.com, Twitter, emails and the like in search of the best performances from around the state. It’s the 40-point games, triple doubles and stat-stuffing performances that are likely to make the list. Below, you’ll find 10 of this week’s eye-opening performances.
Spencer Touro (2018)
5’10 G, Benton
35 points, 6-8 3 FGs, 6 rebounds
This Benton guard has proven time and again that he’s one of the state’s most skilled scorers, he’s been getting buckets on a regular basis throughout his career. That ability to get the ball in the hoop was on full display during a 23 point win over Vinton-Shellsburg last Tuesday night, the 3-point efficiency was especially impressive.
Van Rees (2018)
6’6 F, Sioux City East
30 points, 15 rebounds (6 offensive)
The Black Raiders are steamrolling opponents this season, and Van Rees has been punishing nearly everyone he comes up against. His East squad took down one of South Dakota’s best teams last week, Sioux Falls Lincoln, and Rees showed no mercy. He’s averaging 18.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game this season.
Bowen Born (2020)
5’10 PG, Norwalk
41 points (12-17 FGs, 5-8 3 FGs, 12-12 FTs), 3 steals
It’s tough to keep an elite player down, and after a tough night against Oskaloosa the game before, Born was scorching hot during a 79-60 shellacking of Newton. There’s a reason why the highly skilled sharpshooter is our 3rd-ranked 2020, he justified that ranking in this one.
Isaac Prewitt (2018)
6’3 G, Des Moines Christian
34 points, 4 assists
Certainly one of the state’s most effective guards, Prewitt has been steadily doing his thing all season with the Lions. His 34 points against Panorama were a season high, and he managed dish-out a team-high four assists for good measure.
Sam Joerger (2018)
6’1 G/F, Denver
34 points, 9-14 3 FGs, 6 rebounds, 2 steals
Any time a guy can drop nine 3s in one game, there’s a pretty decent chance he’ll make this list. That’s juts what Joerger accomplished in Denver’s 73-50 win over Union, LaPorte City last Tuesday night. Joerger is enjoying a solid season, averaging 11 points and shooting 45 percent from deep.
6′ G, West Harrison
30 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals
Houston was everywhere during West Harrison’s beat-down of Whiting last Tuesday night. The 30 points are great, but the 10 boards and the assists/steals are what make this a well-rounded performance. It may have been the Hawkeyes’ first win of the season, but it was a big one.
Jake Hilmer (2019)
5’10 PG, North Linn
30 points, 13 steals, 10 assists, 5 rebounds
Not only did Hilmer come away with yet anther triple-double during North Linn’s 41-point win over Calamus-Wheatland, but he came away with yet another quadruple-nickel, too. Hilmer has made this list nearly every week, and as long as he’s posting trip-doubs, he’ll continue to be a mainstay here.
Sam Urness (2018)
5’8 G, Clarion-Goldfield-Dows
19 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, 3 steals
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows has gotten hot lately, and we’re guessing that has a lot to do with Urness’ strong play. We caught him a few times last summer with Kingdom Hoops, and it was clear that he was on the verge of having a strong senior season. This performance in a win over Pocahontas Area exemplifies that.
Caleb Grizzle (2018)
6’5 F, Ankeny Christian Academy
19 points, 7-10 FGs, 10 blocks, 9 rebounds
Ankeny Christian Academy is one of 1A’s most dangerous squads, and this versatile stretch-four is a match-up nightmare for opponents. Grizzle was painstakingly close to a trip-doub last Tuesday in a win over Seymour. The 10 blocks tie a season high in the state this year.
Elijah Hazekamp (2018)
6’6 SF, Bishop Heelan
38 points (11-16 FGs, 4-6 3FGs), 10 rebounds, 4 blocks
Hazekamp continues his all-state caliber season, and though he’s had plenty of very strong games, the 38 points against Council Bluffs Lincoln are a season high. The rebounds, blocks and efficient shooting are all impressive, too. A North Dakota signee, Hazekamp is averaging 22 points and 13.1 rebounds per game this season.