Impact Freshman (Part 1)
It’s time to start evaluating the Class of 2022. Most of the guys in that class, we’ll see next spring and summer on the grassroots trail, but for some, their star is beginning to shine as varsity players on their…
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Continue ReadingIt’s time to start evaluating the Class of 2022. Most of the guys in that class, we’ll see next spring and summer on the grassroots trail, but for some, their star is beginning to shine as varsity players on their high school teams already. These aren’t necessarily the eight best freshman in the state — although some will fall into that category when those initial rankings are revealed — but they are eight who are making a big splash with varsity teams this season.
Tamin Lipsey, 6’2 G (Ames)
Already with an Iowa State offer to his name before he even officially put on an Ames High jersey, Lipsey has more or less been anointed the top player in Iowa’s Class of 2022 prior to the season. With that, came high expectations; and he’s met those. Through seven games, he’s averaging 16.1 points per game for Ames, and is also leading the team in assists. Lipsey is shooting a marvelous 53 percent from the floor, that’s a spot where freshman tend to struggle most – not him.
Hogan Hansen, 6′ G (Waverly-Shell Rock)
This kid is putting up mondo numbers for the Go-Hawks. It’s impressive enough to post big numbers with the varsity as a freshman on any team, but to do so on a perennial power such as Waverly Shell-Rock, means this guy’s legit. Through six games, he’s averaging 17.8 points — that’s second best among freshman — 3.1 assists and 7.0 rebounds per game.
Josh Dix, 6’2 G (Council Bluffs Lincoln)
Josh Dix is shining bright for a Council Bluffs Lincoln squad that has started their season hot at 5-2. Dix is the team’s second-leading scorer through seven games, going for 10 points per. Here’s what’s most impressive: he’s shooting 60 percent from the floor and a whopping 57 percent from deep (13-23). He’s also D’ing up, coming away with 2.0 steals per game.
Jacob Runyan, 5’9 PG (Johnston)
We got a chance to see this freshman point guard live earlier this season, and came away very impressed. He’s not a big-time scorer, but he’s a poised and composed game-manager. Which, in the CIML, can be a tall order. Runyan is now the starting point guard for the young Dragons, which have started the season 5-2. He’s averaging 6.2 points and a team-best 3.4 assists per game.
Trevion LaBeaux, 6’3 F (Waterloo East)
Waterloo East has been turning heads this season as they make a surge back into serious relevance in the 4A field. The main story has been senior guard Tyrese Nickelson, who’s leading the state in scoring. But a big sidebar has been freshman Trevion LaBeaux, he’s averaging 7.8 points per game on 59 percent shooting and pulling down 5.2 rebounds per game.
Carson Toebe, 6’1 PG (Clear Lake)
Clear Lake graduated superstar guard Zach Lester last season, and we didn’t know exactly what we were going to get out of the Lions this season. They’ve certainly been a pleasant surprise while racing out to an 8-0 start; that thanks in large part to Toebe. He’s been sensational while running the show, going for 11.5 points and a very impressive 6.0 assists per game.
Austin Hilmer, 5’10 PG (North Linn)
Jake Hilmer will be at Upper Iowa next season slicing and dicing competition, but we’ll have several more years to write the Hilmer name. Little brother, Austin, showed glimpses of what he was capable this offseason when we saw him play, now he’s averaging 10 points, 3.6 assists and 3.1 steals for an undefeated Lynx squad.
Aaron Graves, 6’4 F (Southeast Valley)
Nobody in the state of Iowa is a higher scoring freshman than Graves so far this season. His 19.8 points per game are tops among all freshman, and he’s doing it with efficient shooting and while leading his team in rebounding. He’s a football standout, too. We’ll keep a close eye on this big and productive freshman.