Top Scorers In The Class Of 2021, Part Two
Earlier, we took a look at some of the top scorers in the Class of 2021 in Iowa. Now, let us dig a little deeper into the second wave of scoring machines ready to put together strong senior seasons. The…
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Continue ReadingEarlier, we took a look at some of the top scorers in the Class of 2021 in Iowa.
Now, let us dig a little deeper into the second wave of scoring machines ready to put together strong senior seasons.
The first group included the likes of Trey Shearer Trey Shearer 5'10" | PG Montezuma | 2021 State IA of Montezuma, Tucker DeVries Tucker DeVries 6'7" | SF Waukee | 2021 State #123 Nation IA from Waukee, Cooper DeJean Cooper DeJean 6'2" | CG OABCIG | 2021 State IA of OABCIG, Karson Sharar Karson Sharar 6'2" | SG Iowa Falls-Alden | 2021 State IA from Iowa Falls-Alden, Kieren Nichols Kieren Nichols 5'11" | PG Knoxville | 2021 State IA of Knoxville and East Sac County’s Camden Schroeder Camden Schroeder 6'5" | SF East Sac County | 2021 State IA .
Here’s the next group of top scorers in the Class of 2021:
Payton Sandfort Payton Sandfort 6'7" | SF Waukee | 2021 State #138 Nation IA , Waukee (2021)
One-half of one of the top duos in the state, Waukee’s Payton Sandfort Payton Sandfort 6'7" | SF Waukee | 2021 State #138 Nation IA is a do-everything type that will make a coach happy when he decides on his future.
Sandfort averaged right under 20 points per game last year, second on the team to classmate Tucker DeVries Tucker DeVries 6'7" | SF Waukee | 2021 State #123 Nation IA . The pair helped the Warriors reach the state finals, and you can bet they’ll be motivated to finish the job as seniors.
Analysis: Sandfort shot 54 percent from the field, 45 percent from the 3-point line and led Waukee in rebounds, blocks and was second in assists.
Alex Koppes Alex Koppes 6'0" | PG Springville | 2021 State IA , Springville (2021)
Springville made a run to the state basketball tournament this past year behind leading scorer Alex Koppes Alex Koppes 6'0" | PG Springville | 2021 State IA , nearly knocking off Bishop Garrigan in the first round.
Koppes, a junior, scored just under 20 points per game as one of four Oriole players to average double figures. He shot 54 percent from the field and 45 percent from deep, knocking down 81 percent of his free throws along the way.
Analysis: The bulk of the roster returns for Springville, as Koppes will try to get them back into the elite eight at Wells Fargo Arena in his final season.
Trae Swartz Trae Swartz 6'4" | SF Ottumwa | 2021 State IA , Ottumwa (2021)
The 6-foot-4 Trae Swartz Trae Swartz 6'4" | SF Ottumwa | 2021 State IA has a perfect name for basketball, as it just screams excitement. And this past year, that’s exactly what the Ottumwa junior offered.
Swartz posted 23 points a night, shooting 56 percent from the floor, 48 percent from the 3-point line and leading his team in rebounding with 139 boards.
Analysis: Another season like this past one for Swartz should result in many more honors and the attention of college scouts.
Angelo Winkel Angelo Winkel 6'9" | C Bishop Garrigan | 2021 State IA , Bishop Garrigan (2021)
The Top of Iowa Conference had a banner year in 2019-20, and Bishop Garrigan was a big reason why. The Golden Bears will lean on senior-to-be Angelo Winkel Angelo Winkel 6'9" | C Bishop Garrigan | 2021 State IA next winter, and the rising star has the ability to shoulder the load.
Winkel posted just under 19 points a night this past year, shooting 58 percent from the floor and stretching his game with a dozen made 3-pointers.
Analysis: The talent has always been there for Winkel, and this past year, he showed a more mature and college-ready game on the hardwood. Expect the talented big man to take the next step as a senior.
Dashawn Linnen Dashawn Linnen 6'3" | SG Lake Mills | 2021 State IA , Lake Mills (2021)
Lake Mills made a nice run to Wells Fargo Arena and the state basketball tournament this past winter as one of the top scoring teams in the state. Leading the way was junior Dashawn Linnen Dashawn Linnen 6'3" | SG Lake Mills | 2021 State IA .
Linnen was one of three players to average double figures, posting a team-high 19.3. He finished with 502 total points, shooting almost 60 percent from the field with 37 made 3-pointers.
Analysis: Linnen is part of a strong returning nucleus for Lake Mills alongside classmate Caleb Bacon Caleb Bacon 6'4" | PF Lake Mills | 2021 State IA that will need to replace the departed Chett Helming Chett Helming 6'4" | SF Lake Mills | 2020 State IA .