STATE TOURNAMENT: Elite All-Tournament (1st Team)
Most outstanding player: Jake Hilmer, North Linn (2019)
Stats: 26.7 points (51.1 FG%, 50.0 3P%, 81.8 FT%), 6.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 3.7 steals
The recently named Co-Mr. Basketball capped off his stellar high school career with a state title last week, as he helped the Lynx roll through the 2A field and deliver North Linn their first boys basketball championship. He finished as the tournament’s second leading scorer and led all classes in assists and steals, delivering one more stellar week of basketball before heading off to Upper Iowa. He ranks 10th all-time in scoring, and first in assists and steals, so this was just another week at the office for Hilmer.
Bowen Born, Norwalk (2020)
Stats: 32.7 points (44.4 FG%, 92.0 FT%), 2.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.0 steals
The tournament’s leading scorer, regardless of class, Born delivered the signature game of the week in the Warriors’ quarterfinal win over Ballard, scoring 40 points on 16-24 shooting. Despite facing heavy defensive intensity throughout the week, Born made shot after shot in helping lead Norwalk to a runner-up finish.
Cole Henry, Oskaloosa (2019)
Stats: 16.3 points (54.5 FG%), 11.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 blocks
The most emotionally charged player, probably in any class, last week was Henry. He promised that Oskaloosa was going to win a state title, and he delivered on that promise, helping carry the Indians to the 3A crown by averaging a double-double on the week. The skilled 6-10 lefty forward showcased his playmaking abilities throughout the week, and he was absolutely dominant in the title game against Norwalk, going for 19 points, 14 rebounds (10 offensive) and three assists. He’ll play his college ball at Northern Iowa.
Logan Wolf, Cedar Falls (2019)
Stats: 16.7 points (44.7 FG%, 73.7 FT%), 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.0 blocks
A long, athletic guard, Wolf tied for the 4A lead in scoring last week, led the class in assists and finished third in rebounding while helping lead the Tigers to back-to-back 4A championships. He routinely made key plays on both ends of the floor for Cedar Falls, using his superior length, athleticism and IQ to put himself in the right positions all the time. He was named captain of the 4A all-tournament team and will play both basketball and football at UNI.
Conner Hill, South Hamilton (2019)
Stats: 22.0 points (50.0 FG%, 50.0 3P%, 87.5 FT%), 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.7 steals
Hill, a Morningside signee, was electric throughout the week, finishing only behind Hilmer in scoring in 2A and very nearly leading the Hawks into the 2A title game. A 5-11 scoring guard with great quickness, he was routinely able to get into the paint for finishes and went 14-16 from the free throw line during the week. One of the best two-way players in the state, he was also tasked with defending high-level players throughout the tournament, and he did a great job on that end of the floor as well, while carrying the offensive load for South Hamilton.