STATE TOURNAMENT: 10 Who Impressed (Tuesday)
2019 Jake Hilmer (North Linn) — 34 points (9-14 FG, 4-6 3P, 12-15 FT), 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
The first 30 point game of the state tournament came from North Linn’s star guard in the Lynx’s dominant quarterfinal win over Des Moines Christian. He got the show started early, burying three 3s from NBA distance on his first three shots, and the Lynx never looked back after. The constant pressure that he puts on defenses with his dribble penetration got North Linn into the bonus early, and the Lynx shot a ton of free throws as a result. The state’s all-time leader in assists, he played this game similarly to how he played the district final against Dyersville Beckman – he looked to score in the first half, then looked to distribute more in the second half. One of the best guards the state has ever seen, he was dominant yet again on Tuesday morning. The only blemish on his game? A very uncharacteristic seven turnovers.
2020 Bowen Born (Norwalk) — 40 points (16-24 FG, 1-5 3P, 7-8 FT), 5 rebounds, 4 assists
It didn’t take long for the second 30-point game of the tournament to come, as Born did it immediately after Hilmer. In fact, Born gave us the first 40-point game of the tournament. The full offensive arsenal was on display for the standout junior guard, as he scored 40 on 16-24 shooting. The skilled lefty guard has an innate ability to create space to get his shot off whenever he wants, has a great floater game, and understands angles, using the glass really well to finish from odd positions on drives. It’s time for the high majors to start getting involved with Born, who will explode with the Iowa Barnstormers this summer.
2022 Carson Toebe (Clear Lake) — 16 points (5-12 FG, 4-7 3P, 2-2 FT), 6 rebounds, 4 assists
The freshman guard is going to debut pretty high when we release our 2022 rankings, and he showed why in his state tournament debut, knocking down each of his first four attempts from behind the arc and scoring 14 first half points in Clear Lake’s quarterfinal win over West Delaware. A 6-1 lead guard, he has great length, keeps the ball moving and plays under control at all times. He contributes across the board and looks like one of the best 2022 prospects the state has to offer.
2019 Drew Enke (Clear Lake) — 22 pionts (8-15 FG, 2-3 3P, 4-10 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
While the first half was the Toebe show for Clear Lake, the second half belonged to Enke, as he showed 13 of his game-high 22 points in the final 16 minutes. Despite facing constant ridicule from the West Delaware student section for his hair style, he delivered time after time when Clear Lake needed a big bucket to stop a Hawks rally. A 6-3 wing, he’s a good athlete with the ability to score from all three levels, but he’s certainly at his best when he’s attacking the rim and playing downhill.
2020 Easton Darling (Winterset) — 22 points (9-18 FG, 1-5 3P, 3-5 FT), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
A skilled lefty guard, Darling has already established himself as one of the better prospects in the 2020 class around the state. He showed everyone around the state why today. A lightning quick guard with good footwork, he was able to routinely get into the paint and finish either at the rim, with a floater or from the mid-range. He still needs to improve the 3-point stroke, but watching him in warmups, it’s there, it just needs to start to translate into the games. Regardless, with his ball handling, quickness and ability to score from any angle around the rim, he’s a big-time scorer and legitimate college prospect.
2019 Trevor Paulsen (Marion) — 14 points (7-8 FG), 8 rebounds, 2 assists
Paulsen put together some nice offensive numbers for the Indians, mostly by slipping ball screens and rolling to the rim, but those 14 points aren’t why he’s on this list. It’s the work that he continually puts in on the defensive end that lands him here. Over the last week he has showcased fantastic versatility on the defensive end of the floor, locking down Maquoketa sharpshooter AJ Becker in the substate final last week, then really defending Oskaloosa’s star forward Cole Henry for much of this game. A 6-3 forward, he’s physical, quick enough and a really intelligent defender.
2019 Logan Wolf (Cedar Falls) — 21 points (7-14 FG, 2-5 3P, 5-6 FT), 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal
The future UNI football and basketball player was dominant in Cedar Falls’ win over Sioux City East, showcasing his athleticism and skills on both ends of the floor. A 6-4 lead guard, he dished out five assists against zero turnovers, shot 50% from the floor, and provided a few highlights with his alley-oop dunk on a baseline out-of-bounds play and a block in which he pinned it against the backboard, near the square. He’s long, athletic, cerebral and contributes across the board. He’s the key piece for a Cedar Falls team that looks primed to defend their 4A title.
2019 Jack Campbell (Cedar Falls) — 16 points (7-8 FG, 2-4 FT), 10 rebounds, 2 assists
Campbell will play linebacker at Iowa, but not before he helps try to lead the Tigers back to the 4A title. He’s built like a truck, and was dominant on the glass in this one. An athletic 6-5 forward, his strength allows him to finish through contact in the paint, and he provides versatility on the defensive end with his ability to switch onto anybody, 1-5. He was efficient, controlled the paint and brought a physicality that Sioux City East simply couldn’t match up with.
2022 Tamin Lipsey (Ames) — 11 points (3-7 FG, 1-4 3P, 4-6 FT), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
The freshman point guard didn’t have a stat line that is going to stand out, but he impressed nonetheless. A 6-1 lead guard with blazing speed, he has an incredible feel for the game and is rarely ever out of control, which is rare for a young guard, especially one with the type of speed and talent he has. His ability to turn on the jets and get to the rim in transition is shocking when you see it the first time. He’s a strong, physical guard who doesn’t shy away from contact, and he really competes on the defensive end of the floor. The future is really, really bright for Lipsey, who is going to become the next high-major recruit to come out of Iowa.
2020 Ty Anderson (North Scott) — 13 points (6-8 FG, 1-2 FT), 9 rebounds, 2 blocks
Foul trouble limited Anderson’s production in the first half, but he dominated the second half to the tune of 9 points, and his aggressiveness helped the Lancers dominate the final 16 minutes. A future UNI Panther, the 6-8 forward is highly athletic and competitive on the glass, and his offensive arsenal is constantly improving. He has quick feet and good touch around the rim. He also had a massive block on Lipsey in the fourth quarter.