Season Preview: Class 4A Stars to Watch (Part II)
As we continue our march towards the start of the high school season, we take a look at some of the top players to watch in each class. We’ll take a look at 20 of the best players in each…
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Continue ReadingAs we continue our march towards the start of the high school season, we take a look at some of the top players to watch in each class. We’ll take a look at 20 of the best players in each classification to keep an eye on this winter. In Part II of our Class 4A series, we take a look at the next seven standouts to monitor.
2021 Michael Duax (Hempstead)
The 6-5 junior wing was extremely effective last year for the Mustangs, leading the team in scoring at 14.8 points a game, with 54-50-73 shooting splits to boot. He also led the team in rebounding, finished second to older brother Max in assists and steals, and led the team in blocks. A versatile, athletic wing with great footwork and a nice shooting stroke, he can score from anywhere on the floor, and is a switchable defender who is coming off a strong summer with Martin Brothers, and a great showing at our Top 250 Expo in September. He’s my pick to lead 4A in scoring this year, for a Hempstead team that should be improved.
2020 Braxton Bayless (Ankeny)
Like Duax, Bayless is a do-everything player for Ankeny who led the team in scoring and rebounding. The 6-1 guard is quick with the ball in his hands, and also a talented playmaker who led the team in assists and steals. He averaged 15.2 points a game last season, while shooting an impressive 53% from the field for the Hawks, who we have opening the season ranked inside the top 10. Look for him to lead the team in nearly every category again this year.
2020 Josh Ollendieck (Cedar Falls)
Ollendieck, a long, smart 6-2 guard, is the only returning starter for the two-time defending champions, and a key reason why we have the Tigers pegged as the #1 team again this year. Playing alongside Logan Wolf last year, Ollendieck averaged 10.3 points a game and served as the team’s secondary ball handler. Most importantly, he shot 45.5% from behind the arc, serving as the team’s knockdown shooting threat. He should play with the ball in his hands a bit more this year, and he’s a good passer, but he may be at his best when he’s playing off the ball, as he moves really well off it and is obviously a great shooter. With his size and length, he can defend multiple positions. Look for Ollendieck to have a huge senior year leading the (again) loaded Tigers.
2020 Caleb Haag (Waterloo West)
A big, athletic and physical 6-4 wing, Haag is a high-level scorer who can get the job done from all three levels, and he can be a lockdown defender when he’s engaged on that end of the floor. He averaged a team-high 12.5 points a game last year for the Wahawks, shooting 53.6% from the field. If he can improve on his decision making (just seven assists last year against 43 turnovers), he could become one of the state’s best all-around offensive threats, as he showcased an improved jumper at our Top 250 Expo in September.
2021 Ryan Riggs (Dowling Catholic)
The 6-9 big man from Dowling may be one of the highest upside players in the state. He’s still wire thin, but he’s athletic, incredibly long, bouncy and skilled, and his two-way abilities make him a prototypical modern day big man. He averaged 12.2 points and 5.3 rebounds last year, while blocking 36 shots and shooting 58.5% from the floor. Look for him to expand his range a bit more this year. He shot 6-14 from the arc last year, showing he’s capable of knocking those shots down, but expect to see a bit more of it this season for a Maroons team that is going to be one of the best in 4A.
2021 Emarion Ellis (Davenport Central)
The 6-2 junior wing had a fairly productive sophomore season with the Blue Devils, averaging 8.6 points (albeit on just 35.1% shooting), largely coming off the bench. Then he had one of the most productive springs over any player in the state on the grassroots circuit, putting up huge numbers with the Barnstormers and showcasing his all-around scoring ability. Look for this athletic wing to have a much more productive and efficient junior year with a Central team that should be pretty solid again.
2020 Jaxon Smith (Ankeny)
Another solid Ankeny Hawk guard, Smith finished second on the team in scoring behind Bayless last year, and also finished one steal behind him. A quick 5-11 guard who thrives on breaking down a defense and getting into the paint, he looks primed for a big senior year for an Ankeny team that will be competing for a State berth.