Block’s Week 6 Roundup-Sophomore/Freshman Performers
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Here are some of the standout players that I saw in the Class of 2023 & 2024 from Week 6 high school basketball action. Luke Keitges, Knoxville High School (2023) A new name to gauge in the 2023 class…
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Continue ReadingHere are some of the standout players that I saw in the Class of 2023 & 2024 from Week 6 high school basketball action.
Luke Keitges, Knoxville High School (2023)
A new name to gauge in the 2023 class is Luke Keitges out of Knoxville. At 6’4, Keitges is able to shoot the ball from the outside and has good size to hang inside as well. In the game against Pella Christian, the Panthers needed a second scorer and Keitges stepped up with a 17 point performance, 7 rebounds, and a steal on 3/7 from the 3pt line. This deep in-state 2023 class continues to grow throughout the season, and Keitges throws his hat in the ring.
Tate Petersen Tate Petersen 6'1" | PG Monticello | 2023 State IA , Monticello High School (2023)
In an intense game that went to overtime, the overtime period wasn’t dominated by upper-classmen, it was taken over by Sophomore Tate Peterson. He would go ahead and hit some timely 3pt shots in the overtime period and Camanche could not pace him. Peterson would finish the game with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists on 5/7 shooting from the 3pt line and overall. If Peterson can consistently knock down outside jumpers like he’s shown he can in his first two season, he’ll be one to watch in this class.
Zane Whitt, Camanche High School (2023)
The 6’7 sophomore was effective throughout the game getting into open space in the defense, and converted through contact around the hoop. His frame is the obvious factor in his potential, and he used it well to score over the top of the defense on Tuesday. Whitt would finish the game with 11 points, 5 rebounds and a block for the Indians.
Preston Ries, Monticello High School (2024)
The one Freshman on this list is Ries. Ries was the only player used off the Monticello bench on Tuesday and did his job, provided a spark. Ries is listed at 6’1 but is built with some good strength that enables him to get to his spots and hold positions well. He was 2/5 from the field but was 2/4 from 3 totaling 6 points to go along with 1 assist, 1 block and 1 steal for the Panthers. One to watch in the 2024 class.
Chase Henderson Chase Henderson 6'0" | PG Hoover | 2023 State IA , Hoover High School (2023)
Though Henderson made a list from Week 5 as well, he is back because he just continues to impress me with his poise and headiness at the PG position. Henderson can really shoot the ball from the perimeter, but most importantly for his position he gets the ball where it needs to go as he totaled 8 assists in the game against North on Tuesday. Henderson would finish with 16 points, and had the 8 assists and 2 steals. He was clearly comfortable and at his best with the ball in his hands initiating offense.
Elijah Vos Elijah Vos 6'4" | SF Hoover | 2023 State IA , Hoover High School (2023)
Like his teammate, he is returning to my highlight list this week, but his performance warranted it in a highly anticipated matchup against North. Vos is at his best in the catch and shoot scenario on the 3 point line, but has shown his high level one dribble pull-up as well. Vos is a good defender and uses his length well against quicker guards. A high IQ, underclassmen Vos will be a top prospect in this class. He finished the game against North with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block on 6/8 shooting from the field and 4/6 from 3.
Masin Shearer Masin Shearer 5'8" | PG Montezuma | 2023 State IA , Montezuma High School (2023)
If I haven’t talked about this team enough, there is definitely more to be talked about. Shearer is a tough guard, who seemed to be in the right spots at the right time and makes things happen offensively. He doesn’t have to score to be effective in the game but when he does shoot it he is efficient with his opportunities. Shearer showed a good ability to be a good on-ball defender for the Braves. He would finish the game against Keota with 11 points, 1 rebound and 5 assists on 4/7 shooting and 2/2 from the 3pt line.
Gavin Strong, Montezuma High School (2023)
Coming off the bench can be tough sometimes for player, but Strong showed how effective he can be coming into the game and providing a spark. A confident player who showed his ability to score the ball from the perimeter and driving towards the basket. He was at his best when getting downhill and showing some good finishing ability. Strong would finish the game with 11 points on 5/7 shooting and 1/3 from the 3pt line. He shows the ability to step into the starting lineup for this team next season and pick up some of the production that will be leaving.
Casey Gardner, Dunkerton High School (2023)
The leading assist man of any class in the state of Iowa (8.2 per game) is Casey Gardner. In the game against Janesville, Gardner showed a good patience with the ball and the ability to control the pace of the offense. Though he can score the ball he is always looking for an open teammate to find when he has the ball and it’s clear he understands where the ball needs to go. In the matchup with Janesville the Sophomore guard had 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.
Bradley Curren, Harlan High School (2023)
Though Harlan had a tough time breaking down the Glenwood defense I liked the way Curren handled himself as the team’s PG. He would end the game with 0 turnovers in the game and was an efficient scorer for the Cyclones going 3/4 from the field and 2/3 from 3. He shows a nice looking shooting form that has promise if he continues to expand his game more over the next two and a half years. He would finish the game with 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal.
Kenzie Reed Kenzie Reed 5'11" | PG Kennedy | 2023 State IA , Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School (2023)
The lead guard, Reed, faced an active zone defense from Waterloo East and the best way to beat the zone is to shoot the ball well from the perimeter and that’s what he did shooting 50% from 3 in the game. Reed is a hard nose on-ball defender and I thought he did a good job of sticking on his man throughout the game. He would end the game with 9 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal total. He’s the player who dishes the ball around to his teammates and I expect that to continue.