Updated 2020 Rankings: Biggest Risers (Part II)
Junior year is when players tend to have their breakout season more than any other. That’s certainly the case with Iowa’s Class of 2020. Some guys, see Xavier Foster and Bowen Born, have long been established as Iowa high school…
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Continue ReadingJunior year is when players tend to have their breakout season more than any other. That’s certainly the case with Iowa’s Class of 2020. Some guys, see Xavier Foster and Bowen Born, have long been established as Iowa high school superstars. But they are now being joined by a wave of what was once potential talent; that’s now legitimate talent with the numbers to back it up. There’s been some major shakeup in this installment of rankings, and things are really starting to take shape in Iowa’s Class of 2020.
Below, we take a look at eight guys who made the most substantial rise in these prospect rankings.
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Michael Keegan (Beckmann Catholic) — 40 to 29
The proof is in the numbers for this 6’4 point guard. He’s been on a tear this season for the Blazers, averaging 18.8 points on 53 percent shooting. He’s also leading his team in assists (4.5), steals (3.6), blocks (2.8) and rebounds (6.3). Very few juniors are having a better season.
Curran Ingram (Des Moines Christian) — 83 to 30
After seeing Ingram play earlier this winter, it became clear that he’s a cut above the rest when it comes to his athleticism. Known before a sharpshooter, Ingram is certainly still an adept outside shooter, but it’s his ability to sky for boards and finish at the rim that we liked best. At 6’2, with that skill and athletic ability, he’s a guy that could continue to see his stock rise in the next year.
DaQuavian Walker (Waterloo West) — 41 to 32
Walker emerged last spring as a quick and athletic playmaker for All Iowa Attack 16U, and after a transfer from Waterloo East to Waterloo West, he recently became eligible and has been turning heads with the Wahawks. In seven games, he’s averaging 11.9 points, nearly three assists, more than two steals and 2.9 rebounds per game. He’s just getting warmed up.
Bryce Coppock (Newell-Fonda) — 51 to 34
For nearly three years now, Coppock has been slicing up defenses with his elite scoring ability, and this season he’s taken that offensive prowess to a new level. Newell-Fonda is currently 10-6, Coppock is leading the way with 29.4 points per game, that’s third-best in Iowa, regardless of class.
Will Henricksen (Marion) — 101 to 36
We had suspected that this dynamic 5-foot-10 point guard would make some waves this season after transferring to Marion, and he definitely has. His scoring has been prolific and efficient, Henricksen is going for 18.6 points per game on 48/44/83 shooting splits. He’s leading the Indians in assists and steals for good measure.
Matt Ockey (Gilbert) — 52 to 37
We first saw the highly skilled combo-guard last spring while he was playing with Kingdom Hoops 16U. He was the best player on the team then. So, its really no surprise that he’s emerged this winter as an essential player for Gilbert, one of 3A’s best teams. Ockey is small, but his ability to handle and shoot the ball sets him apart.
Sean Peeters (Assumption) — 52 to 44
After spending his summer playing with Quad City Elite 16U, Peeters came into his junior season at Assumption a much-improved player from a season ago. As a sophomore he was good, going for 12.2 points, he didn’t attempt even one 3-ball. This season, he’s leading the Knights with 16.2 points per game, and not only has he made 15 3s, but he’s done so at a 47 percent clip.
Romanique Hellems (Des Moines Roosevelt) — 58 to 47
He’s always been a player beaming with potential, and he’s starting to see it materialize this season with the Roughriders. An athletic 6’4 wing, Hellems has been playing since the winter break, and in seven games had made his presence felt in a big way, going for 12.4 points on 48 percent shooting, and a team-best 7.9 rebounds per game.