Impact Freshman (Part 2)
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.
Corey Miner, 5’9 G (Mason City)
A lefty sniper, this freshman guard can not only light it up from deep, but he’ll take his man off the bounce, too. Miner is shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc this season and averaging 10.1 points for the Mohawks.
Cole Glasgow, 6’1 SG (Dallas Center-Grimes)
We caught a glimpse of what this guy could do at our Top 250 Expo in the fall, so it’s not a surprise to see him show up here on this list. The sharpshooter is the second-leading scorer for the Mustangs, going for 9.3 points per game.
Armonniey Thomas, 6′ G (Marshalltown)
Here’s a freshman who is getting it done on both sides of the ball for a 6-2 Marshalltown team that is one of the biggest surprises in Class 4A. Thomas is shooting it very well and averaging 9.3 points per game to go along with 2.5 steals.
Karter Petzenhauser, 6’2 G (Spencer)
A taller guard with some length, Petzenhauser is both a capable long-range shooter and finisher at the rim. He’s been the best scorer for the Tigers so fat this season, going for 13.3 points per game. He also leads Spencer in blocked shots.
Sam Wilt, 6’2 G/F (Anamosa)
The co-team-leader in scoring for the 4-3 Raiders, Wilt has wasted no time getting his high school career on the map. But it’s not just the scoring, he’s averaging 7.3 rebounds per game, and leads the team in blocks and steals.
Adam Mattes, 6’3 G (Newton)
Garrett Sturtz is doing his thing at Drake right now, but that means there were 34.7 points per game that needed to be replaced this season. Mattes is doing his part, leading the Cardinals with 9.4 points per game. For the record, Newton’s second-leading scorer is also a freshman, Noah Allen is averaging 9.1 points per game.
Kaiden Gage, SG (East Buchanan)
East Buchanan is just 2-5 this season, but it’s not because of poor outside shooting. The Buccaneers have three guys shooting over 40 percent from long-range, Gage is one of them, he’s canned 20 of 46 from deep. His 13.4 points per game is second-best among Class 1A freshman.
Corey Phillips, 6’5 G/F (Ames)
Fellow freshman Tamin Lipsey is snatching all the headlines, but another youngster is making a big impact for the 6-1 Little Cyclones, too. Phillips is the team’s third-leading scorer through seven games (5.1 ppg). He’s shooting 52 percent from the floor and pulling down 5.1 boards per game for god measure.