Iowa All-State Teams: Class 2A
FIRST TEAM
Player of the Year: Jake Hilmer, North Linn (2019)
Stats: 25.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 10.4 assists, 4.8 steals, 57.0 FG%, 43.6 3P%, 71 3PM, 84.1 FT%
One of the most decorated high school careers the state has seen ended with a Class 2A state title, when Hilmer helped lead the undefeated Lynx to the apex. He led North Linn to a 102-4 record over the last four seasons, and finished his career ranking 10th all-time in scoring and first in both assists and steals. The only player in the state to even come close to averaging a non-rebounds double-double, Hilmer is one of the best lead guards the state has seen with his ability to score, shoot and break down a defense, and he’s one of the most gifted passers I’ve ever seen, regardless of level of play. He’ll play both basketball and baseball at Upper Iowa, and was recently named Co-Mr. Basketball, with Bettendorf’s DJ Carton.
Cooper DeJean, OABCIG (2021)
Stats: 23.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.7 steals, 50.9 FG%, 69.0 FT%
The 6-1 guard is one of the best athletes in the 2021 class, and he put up massive numbers for a Falcons team that fell one game shy of the state tournament, leading the team in scoring, rebounding, assists and blocks, while finishing second in steals. An efficient, athletic wing who thrives on attacking the rim, he’s primed for a big summer with Martin Brothers.
Conner Hill, South Hamilton (2019)
Stats: 17.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.2 steals, 48.8 FG%, 36.9 3P%, 77.9 FT%
One of the best two-way players in the state, the Morningside signee was fantastic this year for a South Hamilton team that was among the best in Class 2A. He saved his best basketball for last, averaging 22 points a game in the Hawks’ three state games this season, helping lead the school to a third place finish. He was often tasked with defending the opposing team’s best perimeter player, as well as carrying the offensive load, and he did so admirably.
Masen Miller, Iowa City Regina (2020)
Stats: 20.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.9 steals, 45.7 FG%, 43.0 3P%, 99 3PM, 79.1 FT%
Nobody made more 3s this season, in any class, than Miller did with his 99 makes from behind the arc. A talented junior lead guard, he was asked to pick up the scoring this year for the Regals, and he didn’t disappoint, finishing in a tie for 13th in the class in scoring average, and doing so at a fairly efficient clip. Few players in the state have a quicker release, especially when shooting off the catch, and he looks primed to have a big summer for the Barnstormers.
Ryan Schmitt, Van Meter (2019)
Stats: 14.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 3.4 blocks, 56.1 FG%, 71.2 FT%
The focal point of a defensive minded team that ranked second in 2A, allowing just over 40 points a game, the 6-9 big man led the class in blocked shots, and was an efficient offensive threat with the ability to score on the block, or facilitate with his passing, either out of double teams on the block, or out of the high post. His efficiency on the offensive end is nice, but it’s the work on the defensive end of the floor that lands him the first team nod.
SECOND TEAM
Beau De Jongh, Boyden-Hull (2019)
Stats: 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 54.6 FG%, 70.5 FT%
The leading scorer for the 2A runner-up, the 6-3 senior forward showcased the ability to score from all three levels, and delivered some big-time games when the Comets really needed him. A versatile threat on both ends of the floor, he headlined a really balanced Boyden-Hull team that was one of the best in the class all year long.
Ben Heeren, Ogden (2019)
Stats: 26.5 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 blocks, 62.3 FG%, 73.1 FT%
The 6-6 senior posted some eye-popping numbers for an Ogden team that ranked third in the class in scoring at 75.9 points a game. Look at that efficiency (he even made 43.1% of his 51 attempts from 3). He led the class in scoring and finished third in rebounding, and if the ‘Dogs had had a little more success as a team, he would’ve landed on the first team.
Jace Davidson, Pocahontas Area (2019)
Stats: 21.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.3 steals, 72.9 FT%
Davidson has been a high-level varsity contributor for the Indians for all four of his high school seasons, and he finished his career with a bang, averaging just under 22 points a game, while leading the team in assists and steals. He finished just two rebounds behind Nathan Hanson for the team lead in that category as well. He’s another player in NAIA Morningside’s solid incoming class.
Hunter Dekkers, West Sioux (2020)
Stats: 22.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.7 steals, 53.4 FG%, 46.3 3P%, 82 3PM, 73.5 FT%
After accounting for 4,215 total yards and 55 touchdowns on the gridiron in leading West Sioux to a 1A state title in the fall, Dekkers was equally dominant on the hardwood in the winter, helping the Falcons enter postseason play undefeated. He led the team in scoring and assists, while finishing third in rebounding, and he did so at a remarkably efficient clip. One of the best athletes in the state, he’ll have another year to try to get West Sioux a basketball title next year.
Keaton Mitchell, Wapello (2019)
Stats: 20.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.6 blocks, 48.5 FG%, 70.2 FT%
After going undefeated into the state tournament last year, some drop-off was expected from the Indians, as Mitchell was the only returnee with any experience. But the 6-7 future Truman State Bulldog was strong all season, despite facing constant double-and-triple teams. An athletic force in the paint, he can stretch the floor and protect the rim, and should be a quality D2 player for Coach Jeff Horner.
THIRD TEAM
Caleb Delzell, Camanche (2020)
Stats: 14.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.8 steals, 48.0 FG%, 77.8 FT%
James Betz, Garner-Hayfield-Ventura (2019)
Stats: 18.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.9 blocks, 50.6 FG%, 84.4 FT%
Andrew VanRyswyk, PCM (2019)
Stats: 17.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 52.7 FG%, 43.8 3P%, 77.4 FT%
Ben Wolgemuth, Mediapolis (2019)
Stats: 20.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 52.5 FG%, 40.0 3P%, 74.6 FT%
Justin Recker, Monticello (2021)
Stats: 18.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.6 blocks, 55.2 FG%, 68.2 FT%
FOURTH TEAM
Haris Hoffman, Cascade (2019)
Colton Harberts, Dike-New Hartford (2019)
Cameron Soenksen, Camanche (2020)
Zane Neubaum, South Central Calhoun (2020)
Carter Cuvelier, Aplington-Parkersburg (2019)
Honorable mentions: Avery Busta, Forest City (2019); Cade Fuller, Dike-New Hartford (2019); Curran Ingram, Des Moines Christian (2020); Logan Peters, South Hamilton (2019); Trey Hinote, Greene County (2019); Michael Sweeney, Waukon (2019); Braden Gibbons, Madrid (2020); Lance Hughes, Greene County (2019); Blake Chance, Albia (2021); Nathan Weaver, Chariton (2019); Cade Bleeker, Sioux Center (2019); Aaron Graves, Southeast Valley (2022); Dom Robertson, Oelwein (2019); Michael Keegan, Beckman Catholic (2020); Brayton Van Kekerix, Rock Valley (2019); Chett Helming, Lake Mills (2019); Bryce Phelps, Denver (2021); Keyton Moser, Boyden-Hull (2020); Beau Cornwell, West Branch (2019)