Sophomore Sensations: Class 4A
Manny Austin, 6’1 G, Des Moines Hoover — 15.6 ppg (50.5 FG%), 2.0 spg Currently checking in as PHIA’s 9th-ranked 2021, Austin is justifying the high-ranking with a stellar sophomore season. The Huskies are a mildly disappointing 6-3 at the…
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Continue ReadingManny Austin, 6’1 G, Des Moines Hoover — 15.6 ppg (50.5 FG%), 2.0 spg
Currently checking in as PHIA’s 9th-ranked 2021, Austin is justifying the high-ranking with a stellar sophomore season. The Huskies are a mildly disappointing 6-3 at the break, and will rely heavily on Austin to get them back to elite status in the second half of the season.
Michael Duax, 6’5 G, Dubuque Hempstead — 14.9 ppg (54 FG%), 2.6 apg, 2.6 spg, 6.7 rpg
There’s a strong case to be made that no sophomore in Iowa is having a better season than Duax. Iowa’s 6th-ranked 2021 is leading the Hempstead in scoring, assists, steals and rebounds.
Dylan Johnson, 6’6 SF, Epworth, Western Dubuque — 12.1 ppg (50 FG%), 1.7 spg
A big and versatile forward, we came away very impressed with Johnson last summer while he was playing with Martin Brothers 15U. He’s doing a nice job this season of proving he’s a top-20 prospect in Iowa’s 2021 class.
Reid Grant, 6’2 G, Johnston — 11.3 ppg, 3.4 apg, 4.0 rpg
After leading the charge for one of the state’s best grassroots squads, Kingdom Hoops 15, Grant is now leading the charge for one of Iowa’s best high school teams. The Dragons are chock-full of youthful talent, and are 6-2 heading into the 2019.
Ryan Riggs, 6’8 PF, Dowling Catholic — 11.1 ppg, 1.6 bpg, 5.7 rpg
When we saw Riggs the summer before his freshman season, we knew he had a chance to be a special player. He was injured for much of last season, but is proving his ability now as a sophomore. He leads the Maroons in scoring, blocks and rebounds.
Jayden Houston, 6’1 G, Davernport North — 11.0 ppg, 2.1 spg, 7.0 rpg
After seeing him hoop with Quad City Elite this past summer, it was clear that Houston was one of the better prospects in his class. Now, he’s been arguably the best player on a Davenport North squad that’s chock-full of talent.
Jaron Crews, 6′ G, Ankeny — 9.9 ppg
Ankeny has been one of the better surprises of the season so far, having raced out to a 6-0 start and a No. 3 ranking, before settling for a still-impressive 6-2 mark heading into holiday break. Crews, who started last year as a freshman with the Hawks, has been critical to their success.
Wil Burt, 6’2 G/F, Des Moines East — 14.0 ppg (61.4 FG%)
The Scarlets haven’t necessarily been world beaters this season, regardless, anytime an underclassmen can lead his team in scoring and do it at a blistering 61.4 percent shooting clip, it’s impressive.
John Miller, 5’10 G, Davenport Central — 9.8 ppg, 2.8 apg, 2.4 spg
For three years now, since he was in eighth-grade, Miller has been mixing it up with older kids at our Top 250 Expos. All his hard-work is starting to pay off. He’s among the best players on a Davenport Central team that’s been a great surprise to start the season.
Marcus Morgan, 6’3 G, Iowa City West — 7.4 ppg (56 FG%), 2.7 apg
This is an impressive stat-line because it comes from a guy playing with the state’s third-ranked team. The Trojans are always stacked with talent, so even dressing with the varsity as a sophomore is an accomplishment. Morgan has been easily one of the best players for West this season.
Just Missed the Cut: James Glenn, Landon Eiland, Trae Swartz, Ramir Scott, Casey Mumm, Jamari Smith, Jadin Johnson, Noah Yahn, Tucker DeVries, Quincy Wiseman, Caleb Schlaak, Jaden Loveless, Michael Alexander, Ty Walker.