Iowa Top Returning Assisters: Class 3A
Tick tock, the season is almost here. Practice started across Iowa on Nov. 12, and games will start across the state on Tuesday, Nov. 27. That gives us just enough time to bring some quantitative lists, counting down the best returners in a given statistical category. The series continues with us bringing you the best returning assisters, from 4A to 1A.
10 Matthew Walton, Anamosa — 3.7
Although Anamosa struggled to just three wins last season, Walton was certainly a bright spot. His passing is definitely a big plus, but he also led the team in scoring, steals and rebounds.
9 Cameron Markert, North Polk — 4.0
Not much for scoring the rock, Markert has more of a penchant to dish it out. The 6-foot-2 senior is a guy that will stuff the stat-sheet this winter for a Comets team with very high hopes.
8 Casey Kleemeier, Winterset — 4.1
Known more for his scoring prowess than his passing, Kleemeier is certainly capable at both. He poured in 14.2 points per game as a junior for a Winterset team that was one game away from a state tourney berth. And this season, his passing and scoring will be again critical to the Huskies’ success.
7 Macklin Shanahan, Maquoketa — 4.3
Maquoketa is another 3A team that has sky-high expectations this season, and if the Cardinals want to get to Wells Fargo Arena come March, they’ll rely heavily on Shanahan’s ability to distribute the rock.
6 Daniel Wright, Sergeant Bluff-Luton — 4.4
One of the state’s best quarterbacks is also one of its best assist, guys. That’s not too surprising. He’s also one of Iowa’s best marksmen, going for shooting clips of 53/43/89 last season as a sophomore.
5 Sean Geertsema, Independence — 4.6
He was active this spring and summer on the grassroots scene with Iowa Prep 17U, and that will undoubtedly pay dividends this winter when he’s leading the Mustangs. Geertsema was also able to lead his squad in scoring last season, going for 14.4 points per game.
4 Toney Terrones, Gilbert — 5.0
The youngest guy on the list, Terrones was able to make his mark in a big way last season as a freshman. Now, he heads into a sophomore season with his name on the radar. By the time his career is over at Gilbert, he could be a record-holder.
3 Jamison Heinz, Humboldt — 5.1
His older brother Jaxon was a fantastic player for the Wildcats, and now Jamison is carving out a nice career of his own. The 6-foot junior likes to score and dish, and could emerge as a stock-riser with another big winter.
2 Cole Henry, Oskaloosa — 5.5
What an impressive player Henry has become. We’ve written that Henry is Magic Johnson-like a few times, and though that might seem like hyperbole, the size paired with passing prowess is where the notion comes from. He’s 6-foot-9 and has some serious vision and passing skill.
1 Jackson Molstead, Charles City — 7.3
Molstead does a lot of things very well, scoring and passing among them. He was among the top 10 returning 3A scorers, and now he tops the assist list, and does so by a wide-margin. Molstead is the only 3A player to be featured in both.