STATE TOURNAMENT PREVIEW: Class 1A 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 1A tournament.
Carson Fuegen, Easton Valley (2023)
A 5-9 sophomore lead guard, Fuegen has been a solid contributor for the undefeated River Hawks this year, averaging 4.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 3.6 steals a game. His ability to distribute the ball and create chaos on the defensive end is invaluable for Easton Valley on both ends of the floor. If he’s able to control the basketball and dictate the tempo for a team that likes to push the pace, he could make a real name for himself at State.
Alex Schroeder, Remsen St. Mary’s (2023)
Schroeder has been a solid contributor off the bench for the Hawks this year, averaging 8.8 points this year and chipping in 2.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists. The 5-8 guard can do a bit of everything, and he’s one of the team’s best shooting threats.
Keagan Streeter, South Winneshiek (2023)
The 6-1 sophomore forward has been a solid contributor for the Warriors, averaging 6.2 points and 5.4 rebounds. He’ll need to pair with Trey Kriener to control the glass for the Warriors in their opener against a quick North Linn squad.
Owen Cook, Montezuma (2023)
Cook started while Eddie Burgess Eddie Burgess 6'4" | PF Montezuma | 2022 State IA was sidelined with an injury, and the experience that he gained during that time could be very valuable for the Braves. A 6-1 forward, he’s averaging just 2.9 points and 3.3 rebounds a game, but he showed his value in Burgess’ absense.
Ben Wheatley, North Linn (2023)
The most accomplished player on this list, Wheatley averages 10 points a game for the Lynx, but he gets overshadowed by their trio of other double-figure scorers. He’s had an up-and-down year shooting the ball, but with Hilmer, Kurt and Haughenbury getting the attention, he could have a big week shooting the basketball and helping lead the Lynx to the state title.
Alandis Arrasmith, Grand View Christian (2021)
The 5-11 lead guard leads the Thunder in assists and has established himself as a reliable lead guard for a high-powered attack. He dishes out 3.9 assists a game, and if he can pace this group and help lead them to a few wins while protecting the ball, he could be a breakout player.
Bennett Berger, Lake Mills (2022)
A lead guard with good size at 6-2, Berger has been a vital piece for the Bulldogs this year, but he gets overshadowed by the ’Dogs trio of scoring threats. He dishes out 4.7 assists a game and turns it over less than one time a contest. He’s also shooting nearly 40% from 3. If he’s the key distributor for a high-powered Bulldogs team next week, he’ll really put himself on the radar headed into next season.
Derek Kleve, Martensdale-St. Marys (2021)
A 5-7 senior guard, Kleve has emerged as a knockdown shooter for the Blue Devils, shooting 41.1% from behind the arc this season. Martensdale-St. Marys shoots the ball pretty well as a team, and if they’re going to make some noise next week, Kleve’s shooting will be a key part of that success.