STATE TOURNAMENT: Elite All-Tournament (3rd Team)
Easton Darling, Winterset (2020)
Stats: 17.3 points (37.7 FG%), 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.7 steals
Darling really struggled in the Huskies semifinal loss to Oskaloosa, but was strong in their quarterfinal and conolsation games, averaging 23 points a game on 47.4% shooting in those two wins. A talented lefty scoring guard, he uses his quickness to cause all sorts of issues on both ends of the floor. His eight steals on the week led the 3A field.
Hunter Caves, Alburnett (2021)
Stats: 12.7 points (29.7 FG%, 80.0 FT%), 7.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.3 steals
Caves struggled with his efficiency during the week, shooting below 30% from the floor, but he led the 1A field in free throws made and attempted, and delivered some huge plays for the Pirates in their surprising runner-up run. A physically well put together guard, he thrives on getting into the paint and finishing through contact, and his work on the glass was huge as well, finishing with the third most rebounds in the 1A field, despite being a guard. He made the game-winner in Alburnett’s quarterfinal upset of second-seeded Sioux Central, and showed how tough he can be in the semifinals, returning to the game after taking a big blow to the area above his left eye which drew a lot of blood. His 2.3 steals a game also led the 1A field.
Dylan Jones, Waukee (2019)
Stats: 13.0 points (55.0 FG%, 85.0 FT%), 6.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, 1.3 steals
Consistently one of the most efficient players in the state, Jones was his usual efficient self during the week, showcasing his offensive skill set around the rim, and a stroke from the free throw line that will really benefit him and his likely move into more of a stretch-4 role when he gets to Upper Iowa. In the Warriors first two games, he averaged 16 points and 6.5 rebounds, while his numbers took a bit of a hit during a consolation game that was played more like an exhibition than a real game.
Beau De Jongh, Boyden-Hull (2019)
Stats: 13.0 points (45.5 FG%, 100 3P%, 61.5 FT%), 6.3 rebounds
De Jongh was one of the standouts in the tournament after the quarterfinals, when he exploded for 25 points on 7-12 shooting in their win over Regina. He posted a double-double in their semifinal win over South Hamilton (11 points, 12 rebounds), and likely would’ve landed on the second team with a bigger showing against North Linn in the final. Nonetheless, the talented senior closed his career with a runner-up finish and a place on the Elite All-Tournament 3rd Team.
Noah Carter, Dubuque Senior (2019)
Stats: 12.3 points (32.4 FG%, 33.3 3P%, 62.5 FT%), 8.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists
Carter’s efficiency numbers took a hit as he was constantly swarmed throughout the Rams three games, but he still led the 4A runners-up in scoring, ranking second in 4A in rebounding, and he delivered big shots when Senior really needed them in the semifinals. He’ll play his college ball at Northern Iowa.