Iowa’s Top Rebounders: Class 4A
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 rebounders, from 4A to 1A.
10 Cliff McCray, Sioux City West — 6.5
This Southwest Minnesota State commit is without a doubt one of the more springy guards in Iowa, and that’s reflected in his rebounding prowess. There won’t be too many guards that make these rebounding lists, McCray skies, though, and that’s why he was able to lead the Wolverines in boards last season.
9 Cameron Lukavsky, Council Bluffs Jefferson — 6.8
For two years now, this Council Bluffs product has led his team in rebounding, and he does so at 5-foot-11. He’s the only sub-6-foot guy to make this list. Lukavsky also led the Yellow Jackets in scoring and steals last season, so he’s more than just a solid rebounding guard.
8 Bret Myli, Clinton — 6.9
The River Kings won just three games last season, but a bright spot was Myli. A 6-foot-4 post, he led the team in rebounding, blocks and in scoring. What we like best about his ability to gobble up boards, is that 41 percent of his rebounds were offensive.
7 Kesahwn Pegues, Davenport Central — 7.0
A lengthy, bouncy and aggressive Davenport Central product, Pegues is a glue-guy that not only led the Blue Devils in Rebounding, but also blocks. What’s best, half of his boards last season were offensive ones. That’s a game-changer. Only one guy who returns in Class 4A had more.
6 Nick Opsahl, Sioux City North — 7.2
The 6-foot-3 forward was cleaning up the glass for the North Stars as a junior, and nearly doubled his rebounding output from his sophomore season. At 6-foot-3, he’s a bit undersized compared to other guys who are controlling the boards, making his appearance on this list that much more impressive.
T4 Trey Hutcheson, Linn-Mar — 7.3
Known as one of the state’s best shooters, Hutcheson, especially at the high school level, is so much more than just that. What makes him a solid defender and rebounder is his great length. The Albany signee’s arms go for days, allowing him to swoop boards at a high clip.
4 Cole Jensen, Lewis Central — 7.3
The 6-foot-4 post is accustomed to snaring balls out of mid-air, he’s also the goalie of the Titans’ soccer team, and one of the best in Iowa at that. We think his ability to locate and grab a soccer ball out of mid-air might have something to do with his ability to do so with a basketball.
3 Dylan Jones, Waukee — 9.0
What we like best about Jones’ rebounding, is that he absolutely absorbs offensive boards. He is the state’s leader in offensive rebounds. In Class 4A, only current Iowa wing and all-time Iowa high school hoops great Joe Wieskamp came away with more offensive boards than Jones did last season.
2 Peyton Williams, Johnston — 9.2
He’s committed to Iowa to play baseball, but he’s a heck of a hoopster, too. People this big don’t typically jump as high as Williams does; burly and physical, it’s no wonder he’s able to clean up on the glass. For two years now, Williams has led the Dragons in rebounding, he’ll make that a third straight year this winter.
1 Noah Carter, Dubuque, Senior — 9.6
He’s going to have a monster senior season, and as a result, the Rams could end it with a Class 4A state title. When Carter jumps, it’s blast off, and his big frame combined with the hops are absolutely the reason why he is the returning rebounding leader in the state.