Iowa’s Elite All-State Teams
Over the course of the past week, we’ve gone through and identified our All-State selections both by graduating class and by classification. Now, for the first time ever, we’re unveiling our Elite All-State Teams, mixing everyone together and naming our top 25 players from this year’s high school basketball season.
FIRST TEAM
Prep Hoops Iowa’s 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%
Hilmer beats out a number of deserving candidates for this honor, as one of hte most decorated high school careers the state has ever 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, along with Bettendorf’s DJ Carton.
DJ Carton, Bettendorf (2019)
Stats: 24.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 54.5 FG%, 70.4 FT%
The future Ohio State lead guard led the Bulldogs to a #1 ranking in Class 4A, and was the team’s leader in every major category except blocks. An explosive athlete who turned himself from a low-major prospect into one of the country’s most coveted point guard recruits in the matter of 24 months, he’ll contribute across the board next year for the Buckeyes.
Patrick McCaffery, Iowa City West (2019)
Stats: 25.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 blocks, 58.2 FG%, 76.3 FT%
McCaffery set the single-game (42) and career (1,550) scoring records at tradition rich West High, while helping lead the Trojans to their state record-tying ninth consecutive state tournament. He led the team in scoring, rebounding and steals, and the 6-9 senior provides versatility on both ends of the floor with his length and athleticism. He’ll play college ball for his dad at Iowa next year.
Tyreke Locure, Des Moines North (2019)
Stats: 30.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 4.3 steals, 44.3 FG%, 79.4 FT%
One of the most decorated careers in Iowa high school history came from Locure, who finishes his career with 2,281 points, 655 assists and 34 steals, which rank 13th, 11th and 13th all-time, respectively, regardless of class, and 2nd, 2nd and 1st all-time in 4A. The electrifying lead guard will play his college ball at South Alabama, and was the leading scorer in 4A this year.
Bowen Born, Norwalk (2020)
Stats: 27.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.9 steals, 48.3 FG%, 35.1 3P%, 79 3PM, 85.5 FT%, 159 FTM
Our Player of the Year pick in Class 3A, Born was sensational all year for the Warriors, who finished as the runner-up in 3A. The second leading scorer in 3A, he led the class in free throws made, field goals made and was second in 3-pointers made. An uber-skilled lefty guard, he showcased just how explosive he can be when he outscored Ballard by himself, 40-39, in the quarterfinals at the state tournament. He’s primed to blow up this summer with the Barnstormers, and could become a highly coveted prospect by Division I schools around the Midwest.
SECOND TEAM
Noah Carter, Dubuque Senior (2019)
Stats: 21.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.2 blocks, 53.8 FG%, 40.0 3P%, 79.7 FT%
The future Northern Iowa forward is a remarkably story. After potentially losing his leg last year to compartment syndrome, he bounced back and became more explosive than ever. One of the best shooters in the state, regardless of class or position, he showed just how dominant and explosive a scorer he can be in the Rams substate final win over Bettendorf, scoring 16 first quarter points en route to upsetting the #1 Bulldogs. He helped Senior reach the 4A title game, where they narrowly lost to Cedar Falls.
Cole Henry, Oskaloosa (2019)
Stats: 19.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 62.9 FG%
The emotional leader of the 3A champions, Henry was dominant this season, averaging a double-double and dishing out north of four assists a game for the Indians. He battled through a hand injury during the latter third of the season and delivered on a promise he made to bring a state title to Oskaloosa. A supremely talented 6-10 point-forward, he’ll head to Cedar Falls to play for UNI.
Xavier Foster, Oskaloosa (2020)
Stats: 14.4 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 6.2 blocks, 53.6 FG%
Some people around the state like to criticize the way Foster plays at times, because they see a 7-footer hanging around the perimeter, but Foster is the epitome of the modern day big man with his ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim. And protect the rim, he did. He blocked 148 shots this season – only four TEAMS (Siouxland Christian, Grand View Christian, Bishop Garrigan, Ankeny Christian) around the state, regardless of class, blocked more than that. His presence in the paint completely alters the way teams attack the Indians, and while his offensive game is still a work in progress, he can shoot the 3 and score on the block. There’s a reason he’s a highly coveted prospect nationally.
Keegan Murray, Cedar Rapids Prairie (2019)
Stats: 20.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.7 blocks, 52.1 FG%, 39.8 3P%, 87.2 FT%
One half of the outstanding Murray twins at Prairie, Keegan led the Hawks in scoring, rebounding and steals, while finishing second in assists and blocks. An efficient, 6-8 scoring wing, he also turned up the defensive effort this season, showing that he can be a high-level defender and scorer that Division I programs should be coveting. He and twin brother Kris will take an official visit to Western Illinois this coming weekend.
Logan Wolf, Cedar Falls (2019)
Stats: 15.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.6 steals, 52.7 FG%
One of the most clutch players in the state, Wolf helped lead the Tigers to back-to-back state titles this season, delivering big play after big play on both ends of the floor. A long, athletic, 6-4 wing, he’ll play both football and basketball at Northern Iowa next season.
THIRD TEAM
Cliff McCray, Sioux City West (2019)
Stats: 20.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.5 steals, 59.8 FG%, 84.0 FT%
Few players in the state posted better stats than the future Southwest Minnesota State lead guard, who posted four triple-doubles this season, and fell just short a handful more times. Had he been able to lead the Wolverines to the state tournament, he probably would’ve landed on the first team. A big, physical, athletic point guard, he can defend either perimeter spot on the defensive end, and is a menace on the offensive end, using his supreme athleticism and skills to score efficiently.
Evan Gauger, Indianola (2019)
Stats: 27.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 2.3 steals, 1.9 blocks, 56.8 FG%, 73.5 FT%
Another player who will be joining the crew in Cedar Falls at Northern Iowa, Gauger finished second in 4A in scoring this season, and did so at a remarkably efficient clip, posting shooting splits of 57-35-74. He led the Indians in every major statistical category and carried them to their most successful season in years.
Issa Samake, Grand View Christian (2019)
Stats: 14.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4.2 blocks, 3.1 assists, 58.6 FG%
The 6-7 future Drake Bulldog didn’t post the most eye-popping numbers in 1A (and there are a lot of eye-popping numbers in that class), but he was the most impactful player on the floor, without a doubt. His 4.2 blocks per game don’t even come close to measuring the effect he has on the game on the defensive end of the floor, as his sheer presence in the paint completely alters the way every team the Thunder played attacked them over the last two years. The captain of the 1A all-tournament team, he helped lead Grand View Christian to their third straight state title, and was a nightly triple-double threat with his ability to protect the rim.
Derek Krogmann, West Delaware (2019)
Stats: 21.3 points, 13.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 blocks, 58.8 FG%
Krogmann finished his career with 1,679 career points and 1,128 rebounds, the latter of which ranks 10th all-time in Iowa. Relentless on the glass on both ends of the floor, the future UNI preferred walk-on is a skilled lefty big man with good footwork and touch around the rim, and he pairs his skills with a nearly 7-foot wingspan to help him dominate the rebounding category. He helped lead the Hawks to two state tournaments and is a three-time all-state honoree.
Jackson Molstead, Charles City (2019)
Stats: 28.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 2.2 steals, 47.2 FG%, 36.6 3P%, 64 3PM, 66.9 FT%
Molstead’s team fell just short of a trip to State, but the 5-11 senior guard led the class in scoring and assists, putting up some huge games for the Comets. A four-year varsity starter, he finished his career with 1,821 points, which broke former Hawkeye Greg Brunner’s school record and ranks 85th all-time in the state. He’ll play his college ball at Wartburg.
FOURTH TEAM
Aidan Vanderloo, Sioux City East (2019)
Stats: 22.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.9 steals, 52.5 FG%, 51.6 3P%, 81.0 FT%
The 6-2 senior guard is one of the most efficient shooters the state has seen, knocking in over 50% of his 3-point attempts and helping lead the Black Raiders back to the state tournament. He’ll continue his basketball career at Iowa, as he recently accepted a preferred walk-on spot with the Hawkeyes.
Kris Murray, Cedar Rapids Prairie (2019)
Stats: 18.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals, 2.4 blocks, 55.3 FG%, 76.6 FT%
The other half of the Murray twin combination at Prairie, Kris ranked second on the team in scoring and rebounding, while leading the team in blocked shots. Also an efficient 6-8 scoring wing, the lefty can score from anywhere on the floor and has the size and length to be a versatile option on both ends of the floor. He and Keegan helped lead the Hawks to their first conference title since 2001.
Owen Coburn, Spirit Lake (2019)
Stats: 22.2 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.0 blocks, 67.0 FG%, 81.1 FT%
The future South Dakota State big man is one of the most talented bigs we’ve seen come through Iowa in years. At 6-10, he has the ability to score on the block, stretch out and knock down jumpers, and he’s a highly gifted passer as well. He’ll be a major piece for the Jackrabbits over the next 4-5 years.
Trey Hutcheson, Linn-Mar (2019)
Stats: 20.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 blocks, 43.2 FG%, 81.4 FT%
A versatile scoring threat, the 6-6 senior wing led the Lions in scoring for each of the last three seasons. While his efficiency took a bit of a dip this season, he still helped lead Linn-Mar back to the substate final. He’ll play his collegiate ball at Division I Albany.
Tamin Lipsey, Ames (2022)
Stats: 17.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 2.2 steals, 52.3 FG%, 37.9 3P%, 72.2 FT%
The next-in-line in terms of highly regarded prospects in the state, Lipsey has already received USA Basketball invites and was the most productive freshman in the state, helping lead Ames to the 4A state tournament. A lightning quick guard with a fantastic build, he’ll post some huge numbers during the rest of his high school career, and will become the next nationally relevant prospect in the state.
FIFTH TEAM
Nick Reid, Central City (2020)
Stats: 32.5 points, 13.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.1 steals, 1.1 blocks, 45.3 FG%, 76.9 FT%, 236 FTM
The 6-6 scoring wing made Iowa high school basketball history this winter when he dropped 76 points in a game against East Buchanan. That total tied for second all-time, trailing only the 84 that Roy Buchanan of Conway scored against Gravity High School way back in 1927. His 747 points this season rank 39th for scoring in a single season, and if the Wildcats had been able to make a little deeper run, he could’ve skyrocketed up that list. Just how dominant was his scoring? He made more free throws (236) this season than 267 TEAMS did, and attempted (307) more than 161 TEAMS. Elite scorer.
Tyrese Nickelson, Waterloo East (2019)
Stats: 24.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 49.1 FG%, 81.9 FT%
Nickelson is a big-time scoring guard capable of exploding for 40+ points on any given night with his “in the gym” range and ability to get to the free throw line. He’s a physical guard who has improved tremendously during his time in high school, and like Noah Carter, had a very impressive bounceback from a scary injury, Nickelson’s coming from a stabbing incident during the all-important 16U grassroots season.
Cooper DeJean, OA-BCIG (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.
Trey Shearer, Montezuma (2021)
Stats: 22.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.0 steals, 49.6 FG%, 40.2 3P%, 76 3PM, 74.3 FT%
A dynamic scoring guard, Shearer put together one of the best sophomore seasons of anyone in the state, and made his name known statewide with his showing at the state tournament earlier this month. A wiry, shifty guard with “in the gym” range, he combines fantastic ball handling abilities with the ability to get his shot off whenever he wants to be one of the most deadly scoring threats in the state.
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.