State Tournament: 2A Stars to Watch
The stage is set for the 2019 Iowa high school boys’ state tourney, and over the course of the next two weeks, the Prep Hoops Iowa team will be flooding you with content previewing the event. Here we take a…
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Continue ReadingThe stage is set for the 2019 Iowa high school boys’ state tourney, and over the course of the next two weeks, the Prep Hoops Iowa team will be flooding you with content previewing the event. Here we take a look at ten of the star players to keep an eye on during the Class 2A tournament.
Jake Hilmer, 5’10 PG (North Linn) — 2019
The record-breaking point guard will feel right at home next week at Wells Fargo Arena; it’s the third straight season he’s led North Linn to the state tourney. The only difference, is that this season the Lynx are competing in the 2A tourney rather than the 1A tourney they’ve played the last two March’s. Hilmer, an Upper Iowa signee, is the state’s all-time leader in assists and steals. Regardless of what the Lynx achieve next week, Hilmer will go down as an all-time Iowa high school great.
Conner Hill, 6′ G (South Hamilton) — 2019
The slick and skilled senior guard is no stranger to the bright lights of Wells Fargo Arena, South Hamilton is making its third straight trip to the 2A state tourney. Hill struggled last season during a quarterfinal loss to Aplington-Parkersburg, he was just 3-10 from the field. He’s been the leading scorer for the Hawks this season, averaging 17 points per game while leading them to a 21-1 mark.
Logan Peters, 6’2 G (South Hamilton) — 2019
The Hawks have two bona-fide stars on the roster this season, and with their experience and star-power, seem poised to make a deep run this season. Peters is already a state champ in track and field, and he’s performed exceptionally well this winter on the hardwood, going for 14.5 points, 3.1 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game.
Masen Miller, 6′ PG (Regina Catholic) — 2020
It’s been a breakout season for Miller, who was already an established top guard in 2020, but has taken his game to new heights as a junior. The terrific shooting is what jumps off the page when you look at Miller, he made 97 3s this season, more than anyone in the state; and he hit them at 44 percent. His 20.6 points per game are second-best in the 2A field, only Hilmer has scored it better this season.
Ryan Schmitt, 6’10 C (Van Meter) — 2019
Another guy who will feel right at home under the bright lights in Des Moines, Schmitt is playing in his third-straight state tourney. His Bulldogs have suffered early exits in the previous two tourneys, and will rely more than ever on Schmitt this season if they’re to advance past the first round. Look for Schmitt to dominate on both sides of the ball next week, he’s averaged 15.1 points and 3.4 blocks per game so far this season.
Colton Harberts, 6’6 C (Dike-New Hartford) — 2019
Known for his prowess on the gridiron, Harberts is committed to play football for South Dakota, but he’s got hoops business to take care of first. Look for some of that football experience to shine through at Wells Fargo Arena next week, Harberts will certainly bring some toughness to the floor for the Wolverines. He’s averaging 15.7 points and 9.6 rebounds this season.
Cade Fuller, 5’10 G (Dike-New Hartford) — 2019
The Wolverines will feature one of the best inside/outside duos at Wells Fargo Arena next week, Fuller is one half of that (Harerts the other). A combo-guard who is a sniper from deep, Fuller will do a little bit of everything for DN-H. Expect him to rain in 3s, dish out dimes and score plenty as the Wolverines try and make a deep run.
Curran Ingram, 6’2 G (Des Moines Christian) — 2020
This junior guard has enjoyed a breakout season, and has become a star in the process. He’s grown to 6’2 and has added some serious bounce to his game, which is why he was bumped up to No. 30 in the latest 2020 prospect rankings. Ingram was far and away the leading scorer for Des Moines Christian this season, going for 15.2 points per game.
Brayton Van Kekerix, 6′ PG (Rock Valley) — 2019
The Rockets are making their first appearance at the state tourney since winning back-to-back state titles in 2009 and 2010. Whereas Jordan Dykstra was the star on those teams, this season’s edition of Rock Valley has been led by Van Kekerix. Shooting is what he’ll do best, he’s made 58 3s at 42 percent this season.
Beau De Jongh, 6’4 F (Boyden-Hull) — 2019
The 22-2 Comets come into the state tourney after defeating Sioux Center in a district final then Pocahontas Area in Substate, so they are certainly primed for battle at Wells Fargo Arena. De Jongh has been the best player all season for Boyden-Hull, and is averaging 14.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game coming into the tourney.