STATE TOURNAMENT PREVIEW: Class 3A 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 3A tournament.
Travaughn Luyobya, Clear Lake (2023)
A 5-10 lead guard, Luyobya has been a key piece for the Lions this year, allowing them to occasionally move Toebe off the ball and get him room to get some shots off. Luyobya is averaging 5.6 assists a game, and making an impact on defense, with 1.8 thefts a night. He’s not much of a shooting threat, but he has a good feel and thrives on getting others involved.
Isaiah Peasley, Ballard (2021)
Peasley gets overshadowed on the loaded Bombers roster by Drew, Hermann and Murphy, but he’s been huge for this group, giving them a very reliable 3-point shooter. He’s knocking down 44.1% of his shots from 3, enabling the Bombers to stretch the floor and giving the bigger names room to operate. If Ballard is going to win it all, Peasley will need to knock down shots.
Parker Elder Parker Elder 6'4" | SF Pella | 2022 State IA , Pella (2022)
Elder is well-known to some around the state, but he’s got a chance to really become a household name with a big week in Des Moines. The 6-4 wing is a walking highlight reel with his massive dunks. His skill set is progressing, and he’s a versatile player on both ends who is sure to provide at least one major highlight next week.
Bo Huston, Dallas Center-Grimes (2022)
Huston was a complete unknown to me before I saw the Mustangs play ADM early in the season. He exploded in that one, going 5-8 from 3, and he’s never slowed down. The 5-10 junior has a beautiful lefty stroke, moves well off the ball and has a quick release. He’s averaging 12.5 points a game and shooting 52.2% from the arc.
Tommy DeSollar, Western Dubuque (2021)
A 6-2 wing, DeSollar isn’t a big-time scorer, but he’s a very important piece for the Bobcats, a kid who is willing to do all the little things for this group. He’s active on both ends of the floor, moves well off the ball and is solid all-around player who is going to need to make some big plays for the Bobcats if they want to make a run.
Preston Ries, Monticello (2024)
Monticello played their starters the entire game in their win over Solon in the substate final, so there’s a chance we don’t see Ries, but the 6-2 forward has had a strong freshman year, averaging 6.8 points and 3.0 rebounds off the bench while shooting 56.1% from the floor. A physical player, he’s shown the ability to score inside and out.
Tyler Smith, Sergeant Bluff-Luton (2023)
Smith, a 5-10 guard, comes off the bench to provide some scoring punch for the Warriors, averaging 7.1 points a game. He’s capable of getting to the bucket or knocking down 3s.
JJ Stratman, Assumption (2022)
A 6-2 guard who comes off the bench for the Knights, Stratman can be a difference-maker with his ability to shoot it from deep. He gets overshadowed by Ellis, Mack and Hodge, but he’s a very valuable piece for Assumption, averaging 8.5 points and shooting 38.1% from behind the arc.