STATE TOURNAMENT PREVIEW: Class 3A Breakout Candidates
Over the course of the next two weeks, the Prep Hoops Iowa team will be flooding you with content previewing and covering the State Tournament. Here we take a look at eight potential breakout players to keep an eye on…
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Continue ReadingOver the course of the next two weeks, the Prep Hoops Iowa team will be flooding you with content previewing and covering the State Tournament. Here we take a look at eight potential breakout players to keep an eye on during the Class 3A tournament.
2021 Jake Layman, Sergeant Bluff-Luton
A 6-7 sophomore combo forward, Layman is a high-level shooter who has knocked down over 40% of his attempts from behind the arc this season, and is shooting 52.7% from the floor overall. With Connor Groves, Daniel Wright and Sam DeMoss on the floor with him, Layman is able to get plenty of open looks, and if he’s knocking down shots and making plays for the Warriors throughout the week, he’ll see his stock rise in a big way.
2019 Austin Hafner, Oskaloosa
Cole Henry and Xavier Foster get all the publicity for Oskaloosa, and Rian Yates is a fairly well known name, but this 5-10 senior guard has a real chance to explode next week with his shooting ability. He’s knocked down 43 3s this season (in fact, 43 of his 49 made field goals are 3s), and is shooting 41.3% from the arc.
2021 Mason Murphy, Ballard
Murphy has had a very productive sophomore year for the Bombers, ranking third on the team in scoring (8.3) and leading the team in assists (104). If Ballard is going to pull off an upset or two next week, his ability to protect the ball and put his teammates in positions to score will be a key reason.
2019 Trevor Paulsen, Marion
The 6-3 forward ranks second on the team in scoring and leads the team in rebounding, but where he really impressed in the substate final against Maquoketa was with his defense, and if he’s able to shut someone down the way he shut down AJ Becker in that game, he should gain plenty of recognition. He’s a big, physical, athletic forward who takes pride in his defense.
2021 Kyle Kelley, West Delaware
A 6-4 guard, Kelley has had a great sophomore year, averaging 13.7 points and shooting 41.6% from behind the arc for the Hawks. He’s really good at getting his own shot, and while many people on the eastern side of the state know about him, he has a chance to make his name known state-wide with a big week.
2020 Tyler Johnson, Norwalk
Like Kelley, Johnson has been really productive, and is known really well in some circles. At 6-4, and shooting 44.6% from the arc, he has the size and offensive skills that will intrigue college programs. A big week from the 14-point-a-game scorer will help carry some momentum into a crucial summer for him.
2022 Carson Toebe, Clear Lake
The 6-1 freshman has been one of the most productive freshmen in the state this season. He’s averaging 11.2 points, leads the team in 3-pointers (44) and percentage (39.6%), and assists (122). A key piece for the only remaining undefeated team in 3A, Toebe has a real chance to get his name out there with a big week.
2022 Dawson Forgy, Winterset
A freshman lead guard who has put together a solid season, the 5-11 Forgy ranks third on the team in assists with 56 and is shooting over 50% from the floor. The future is bright for the Huskies with Easton Darling and Forgy in the backcourt next season.