Who’s About to Blow Up? (Part I)

Any follower of the Prep Hoops brand knows that basketball is a year-round endeavor these days. And we at Prep Hoops Iowa are there for it all. The off-season grassroots tourneys, summer high school camps and exposure events oftentimes give us a sneak peak into what in-state talent will surface the next high school season. Below, we'll take a look at some guys that have been standouts in the offseason, and will likely see their star brighten this high school season. 

Will Berg, 6'8 PF (Valley) -- 2020

In an elite program like Valley, it's not uncommon for guys who are considered top talents in the state to have to wait in the wings a bit before they make an impact. For Berg -- a big and versatile stretch-four -- he's waited two years, and as he heads into his junior season with the Tigers, is in line to be a dominant big-man in the ultra-tough CIML. 

Nathaniel Mueller, 5'7 PG (ADM) -- 2021

Last year at our Top 250 Expo, it became very clear that Mueller was one of the state's most dynamic young talents, and he's only continued to validate that idea as his career has unfolded. He played freshman ball with ADM last season, and honed his leadership and point guard skills. Now he makes the jump to starting varsity point guard, and we predict that he'll flourish right away in that role. 

Caleb Schlaak, 6'6 G/F (Cedar Rapids Kennedy) -- 2021

The big and lengthy wing started his freshman season playing sophomore ball for the Cougars, and by midway through the season, he was playing and making major contributions with the varsity. He spent his summer making improvements to his game with Martin Bros 15U, and will be a major player with the Cougars this season as a sophomore.

Braxton Bayless, 6' PG (Ankeny) -- 2020

Bayless has always been a special talent, but has been waiting to get his chance to shine during this high school hoops season -- this season should be his year. He started at Valley, but transferred during his sophomore season to Ankeny, where he played with the sophomore team, learning the ropes of the Hawks program. Now, as a junior, he's ready to take the reins of the Ankeny varsity, and could prove he's one of the best point guards in the state. 

Ty Anderson, 6'5 G/F (North Scott) -- 2020

If you're into the offseason and recruitment stuff, then you would know this guy's has already blown up. He was offered by Northern Iowa earlier this month, and he committed shortly after. But he's still yet to be the main man on his high school team. He was starting last season as a sophomore on a state-qualifying Lancers squad, but was still very much a role player on that team. Look for his role to increase dramatically this winter. 

Avery Mellman, 5'8 PG (Mason City) -- 2020

A small but dynamic point guard, Mellman is a guy that can score it in bunches and we expect he'll make the move from impact sophomore to junior standout this winter with a Mohawks squad that could be sneaky good. 

Jake Schockemoehl, 6'2 G (Wahlert) -- 2020

Last season, he was starter for the Golden Eagles. Now, a junior, Schockemoehl is in line to be the main man for his team, and we won't be surprised if the smooth operating lead guard increases his scoring average from 7.9 (his sophomore scoring average) to 20 points per game this winter. 

Jaleque Dunson, 6'3 G (Sioux City East) -- 2020

Black Raiders teammates Aidan Vanderloo and Jack Peterson are coming back and they'll be sharing the heavy lifting with Dunson. The long and skilled wing had a big summer with Sioux City Bombers, and proved that he can be a guy to take over a game when he needs to.