Class 1A Leading Returning Rebounders
1.) 2024 Jayce Johnson (Valley Lutheran) – 15.6 rebounds per game The Crusaders won just two games last season, but Johnson was absolutely dominant on the glass, averaging nearly a full rebound more than any other player in the state.…
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Continue Reading1.) 2024 Jayce Johnson (Valley Lutheran) – 15.6 rebounds per game
The Crusaders won just two games last season, but Johnson was absolutely dominant on the glass, averaging nearly a full rebound more than any other player in the state. He averaged nearly twice as many rebounds (15.6) as points (8.8) last season.
2.) 2023 Daniel Tobiloba Daniel Tobiloba 7'0" | C Grand View Christian | 2023 State IA (Grand View Christian) – 14.7
Tobiloba combines elite size and length (7-0) that is unheard of in 1A basketball with athleticism, excellent hands, and great timing to dominate on the glass on both ends of the floor. His 383 total rebounds were the most in the state last season, and he has also established himself as the state’s elite rim protector, using those same attributes that make him a great rebounder as a shotblocker.
3.) 2023 Sage Evans Sage Evans 6'2" | PF West Harrison | 2023 State IA (West Harrison) – 13.9
Evans is an undersized forward at 6-2, but he plays with a non-stop motor and has the ability to stuff the stat sheet. He averaged 13.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.4 steals a game to go alongside his nearly 14 boards a night. His physicality and energy are unrivaled.
4.) 2023 Lance Berends Lance Berends 6'4" | PF HMS | 2023 State IA (Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn) – 13.3
A walking double-double who is a force on both ends of the floor for the Hawks, Berends has established himself as one of the best small-school big men in the state over the last three years. He averaged 20.5 points a game and blocked nearly three shots a night.
5.) 2023 Oakley Semelroth Oakley Semelroth 6'2" | PF Tripoli | 2023 State IA (Tripoli) – 12.8
Another undersized but physical forward with outstanding hands, Semelroth pulled down 5.2 offensive rebounds a game last year, which helped contribute to averaging north of 20 points a night.
6.) 2024 Qwintyn Vanatta (Essex) – 11.8
Last year was rough for the Trojans, winning just two games, but the 6-4 forward was a bright spot, pulling down nearly 12 rebounds a game. They’ll need him to become a bigger scoring threat as a junior if they want to improve.
7.) 2023 Owen Suntken (Melcher-Dallas) – 11.6
A physical 6-3 forward, Suntken appeared in just 12 games last season for the Saints but was excellent on both ends of the floor when he played, averaging 13.8 points, 3.5 blocks, and 2.8 assists to go with his dominance on the glass.
8.) 2024 Drew Denekas Drew Denekas 6'2" | PF George-Little Rock | 2024 State IA (George-Little Rock) – 11.0
An intriguing young big man who can do a little bit of everything, look for Denekas to have a breakout junior year for a Mustangs team that may be among the most improved in the state, regardless of class.
9.) 2023 Cole VanderHeiden (Calamus-Wheatland) – 10.2
The 6-2 forward averaged 11.9 points and 10.2 rebounds a game last season for the Warriors, leading the team in both categories. He’s relentless on the glass and is improving as a scoring threat and finisher.
10.) 2024 Cam Buffington Cam Buffington 6'2" | PF Winfield-Mt. Union | 2024 State IA (Winfield-Mt. Union) – 10.2
An Iowa football commit who uses his athleticism and physicality to his advantage in a big way on the hardwood, Buffington is an explosive leaper with excellent hands that he uses to control the glass on both ends. He’s a physically imposing force who embraces contact and loves to finish through it.