Leading Returning Scorers: Class 4A
As part of our high school season preview coverage, we’re taking a look at some of the top returning players in each class. In this article, we’re taking a look at the top ten returning scorers in Class 4A. …
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Continue ReadingAs part of our high school season preview coverage, we’re taking a look at some of the top returning players in each class. In this article, we’re taking a look at the top ten returning scorers in Class 4A.
1.) Malik Allen Malik Allen 5'11" | PG Des Moines North | 2021 State IA (Waukee, 2021) – 26.4 points per game
Allen is coming off a huge junior season at Des Moines North, and has transferred to a loaded Waukee team. His scoring numbers will take a hit playing with the Warriors and three Division I wings, but he’ll have a chance to really showcase his all-around offensive skill set, in addition to having some nights where he shows his scoring punch as well.
2.) Trae Swartz Trae Swartz 6'4" | SF Ottumwa | 2021 State IA (Ottumwa, 2021) – 23.1 points per game
Swartz is a highly efficient forward who can score both inside and out. He put up 56-48-64 shooting splits last season, and also led the Bulldogs in rebounding.
3.) Tucker DeVries Tucker DeVries 6'7" | SF Waukee | 2021 State #123 Nation IA (Waukee, 2021) – 21.4 points per game
DeVries recently committed to play for his dad at Drake, but he’s a high-major talent on the wing. Gifted with great size and length, limitless range and a silky smooth stroke from deep, DeVries can fill it up in a hurry. He’ll likely be the leading scorer for a loaded Warriors team that is far and away the favorite to win the title in 4A.
4.) Michael Duax Michael Duax 6'5" | SF Hempstead | 2021 State IA (Hempstead, 2021) – 21.0 points per game
The Northern Iowa commit is an efficient slasher who can also knock down 3s fairly consistently. Duax has great size and length, is a good athlete and contributes for the Mustangs across the board, leading the team in scoring, rebounding, assists and blocks.
5.) Payton Sandfort Payton Sandfort 6'7" | SF Waukee | 2021 State #138 Nation IA (Waukee, 2021) – 19.8 points per game
Sandfort recently committed to play his college ball at Iowa, and he has established himself as one of the best pure shooters in the Midwest. The 6-7 wing shot 45% from behind the arc lasts season, and is also a standout defender and passer.
6.) Armonniey Thomas Armonniey Thomas 6'2" | PG Marshalltown | 2022 State IA (Marshalltown, 2022) – 19.3 points per game
The Bobcats won just four games last season, but Thomas has established himself as one of the better players in Iowa’s 2022 class. A quick guard who can get to the bucket for finishes or pull up from three, he has the speed to impact the game in a major way on both ends of the floor.
7.) Diondre Taylor Diondre Taylor 5'10" | PG North | 2021 State IA (Des Moines North, 2021) – 19.2 points per game
If you’re looking for a player to lead 4A in scoring this year, take a look at Taylor. With Allen transferring to Waukee, a lot of shots have opened up, and Taylor figures to be the guy who gets a majority of those looks. He’s a cat-quick guard who thrives in the Polar Bears’ up-tempo system, using his quickness to put constant pressure on the defense.
8.) Jayden Houston Jayden Houston 6'3" | SF Davenport North | 2021 State IA (Davenport North, 2021) – 17.5 points per game
Houston is a bulldog, built like a Power Five linebacker, and he uses that size, strength and physicality to get to the bucket and finish at a high clip. He shot 56.6% from the floor last year for a Wildcats team that was a big surprise, and he’ll be the focal point of a group that will now be expected to be one of the best teams in 4A.
9.) Josh Dix Josh Dix 6'5" | SG Council Bluffs Lincoln | 2022 State #149 Nation IA (Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln, 2022) – 17.5 points per game
The next player to blow up in the state is probably Dix, a 6-4 shooting guard who has picked up a handful of Division I offers. He’s got good length and is a knockdown shooter who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. The Lynx expect to be the team to beat in western Iowa this year, and Dix is the primary reason why.
10.) Caleb Schlaak Caleb Schlaak 6'7" | SF Kennedy | 2021 State IA (Kennedy, 2021) – 17.2 points per game
In his first year as the go-to option for the Cougars, Schlaak thrived, averaging 17.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks, while showing a versatile skill set on the offensive end. He’s got good size and length at 6-7, can stretch the floor or score around the bucket. He has picked up a slew of Division II offers, and could be a low-to-mid-major player as coaches are able to watch more film on him.