Class 4A Leading Returning Shot Blockers
In this article:
1.) 2022 Ruot Bijiek Ruot Bijiek 6'8" | PF Valley | 2022 State IA (Valley) – 34 A long and springy 6-8 forward who is almost a prototype for a modern-day stretch-forward, Bijiek blocked nearly 2 shots a game last…
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Continue Reading1.) 2022 Ruot Bijiek Ruot Bijiek 6'8" | PF Valley | 2022 State IA (Valley) – 34
A long and springy 6-8 forward who is almost a prototype for a modern-day stretch-forward, Bijiek blocked nearly 2 shots a game last year for the Tigers, and should block even more this year. He holds a handful of mid-major offers, and his ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor make him a very coveted prospect who has some high-majors eyeing him as well.
2.) 2023 Traijan Sain Traijan Sain 6'5" | SF Cedar Rapids Washington | 2023 State IA (Cedar Rapids Washington) – 30
A long and athletic wing, Sain uses his incredible length to his advantage, contesting shots against the smaller players that he’s capable of defending and blocking them. He’s a versatile player on both ends of the floor, showing the ability to switch defensively and score from all three levels on the other end.
3.) 2022 Josh Dix Josh Dix 6'5" | SG Council Bluffs Lincoln | 2022 State #149 Nation IA (Council Bluffs Lincoln) – 30
One of the most coveted wing prospects in the Midwest, Dix holds a handful of Big Ten offers. A 6-5 wing with a high IQ and great length, he’s a smart defender who doesn’t take chances and does a great job turning his defense into offense on the other end of the floor.
4.) 2024 Tyron Wright Tyron Wright 6'6" | PF Roosevelt | 2024 State IA (Des Moines East) – 25
Wright was one of the most productive freshmen in the state last year, leading 4A in rebounding and showing that he can protect the rim as well. He’s raw and has a lot of learning to do, but there is a ton of potential in this young 6-6 big man with great athleticism.
5.) 2022 Cameron Fens Cameron Fens 7'0" | C Hempstead | 2022 State IA (Hempstead) – 24
A 6-10 big man who is a really strong all-around defender, showing a knack for defending in the pick-and-roll, Fens will be the focal point for the Mustangs on both ends of the floor this year. His mobility and rim protection will make him a coveted prospect.
6.) 2022 Eli Raridon Eli Raridon 6'7" | PF Valley | 2022 State IA (Valley) – 22
The Notre Dame football commit is also a beast on the hardwood, ranking among the top returning scorers in the class as well. He’s a fantastic athlete with a big, physical frame that he uses to dominate the painted area on both ends of the floor.
7.) 2023 Lucas Weiner Lucas Weiner 6'8" | PF Clinton | 2023 State IA (Clinton) – 17
The River Kings won just a single game last year, but Weiner was a pleasant surprise as a sophomore, averaging 7.1 points and 5.2 rebounds while also leading the team in blocks.
8.) 2023 Lucas Lueth Lucas Lueth 6'6" | SF Ames | 2023 State IA (Ames) – 15
Lueth was a solid role player late in the year last season for the Little Cyclones, and should emerge as a strong defender this year. He has excellent length, moves his feet well, and does a good job contesting without fouling.
9.) 2022 Noah Pettinger Noah Pettinger 6'3" | PF Hempstead | 2022 State IA (Hempstead) – 14
Another Mustang on this list, Pettinger was a solid role player off the bench last year who should step into a bigger role as a senior. The 6-3 forward rebounds and defends well.
10.) 2023 Shakur Wright Shakur Wright 6'3" | PF Waterloo East | 2023 State IA (Waterloo East) – 14
Wright is a springy 6-3 athlete who also does a great job crashing the offensive glass hard. If the Trojans are going to be improved this season, Wright will need to be a big piece of that on both ends.