Class 1A Leading Returning Scorers
1.) 2023 Preston Gillespie Preston Gillespie 6'3" | SF Dunkerton | 2023 State IA (Dunkerton) – 23.6 points per game The top returning scorer in the class, Gillespie enjoyed a breakout year as a junior for the upstart Raiders, helping…
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Continue Reading1.) 2023 Preston Gillespie Preston Gillespie 6'3" | SF Dunkerton | 2023 State IA (Dunkerton) – 23.6 points per game
The top returning scorer in the class, Gillespie enjoyed a breakout year as a junior for the upstart Raiders, helping pace a high-powered attack that ranked among the best in 1A last season. A long and athletic 6-3 wing who shoots it at an incredibly efficient (61.8 FG%) clip, Gillespie thrives when he’s playing downhill and using his long strides to get to the bucket for finishes. He has steadily improved his jumper, turning that into a threat that needs to be respected as well.
2.) 2023 Douglas Taylor Douglas Taylor 6'5" | SF Newman Catholic | 2023 State IA (Newman Catholic) – 22.4
Another long, lean, athletic wing who thrives playing downhill and getting to the bucket, Taylor had a huge junior year for the Knights, helping pace one of the most explosive attacks in the state. He has committed to play baseball at Iowa and will be looking to help Newman Catholic punch their first state tournament ticket since 1984 in his last high school season.
3.) 2023 Jaixen Frost Jaixen Frost 6'2" | PG Mount Ayr | 2023 State IA (Mount Ayr) – 22.4
A highly skilled 6-2 combo guard, Frost is a dynamic three-level scorer who posted impressive 53-40-85 shooting splits as a junior while also leading the team in rebounding and assists. His ability to break down the defense and get to the bucket puts a ton of pressure on the opposition.
4.) 2023 William Kiburis William Kiburis 6'4" | PG Gladbrook-Reinbeck | 2023 State IA (Gladbrook-Reinbeck) – 21.7
One of the most talented all-around players in 1A, Kiburis is a stat-sheet stuffing point guard with excellent size and length that he uses to his advantage on both ends of the floor. His long strides and excellent handle allow him to get by defenders and to the rim for finishes. If he can improve his perimeter stroke as a senior, he could lead the state in scoring while also putting up huge rebounding and assist numbers.
5.) 2023 Lance Berends Lance Berends 6'4" | PF HMS | 2023 State IA (Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn) – 20.5
A dominant interior presence at 6-4 for the Hawks, Berends does a majority of his damage around the bucket, shooting 65.6% from the field last season and pulling down an eye-popping 4.7 offensive rebounds a game. That type of production on the offensive glass can help add points to the ledger in a hurry. Also a great rim protector, Berends turned away nearly three shots a game as a junior.
6.) 2023 Mason Crouse Mason Crouse 6'1" | SF East Mills | 2023 State IA (East Mills) – 20.2
A 6-0 wing who can score from all three levels, Crouse helped lead the Wolverines to one of their best seasons in school history last year and they should be even better this year. He shot an impressive 40.2% from behind the arc and showed his ability to get to the rim.
7.) 2023 Elijah Claeys Elijah Claeys 5'11" | SG Siouxland Christian | 2023 State IA (Siouxland Christian) – 20.1
A shifty 5-11 guard, Claeys is a volume scorer who uses his quickness to get to the rim for finishes. He’s an assertive guard who loves to attack.
8.) 2023 Oakley Semelroth Oakley Semelroth 6'2" | PF Tripoli | 2023 State IA (Tripoli) – 20.1
An undersized power forward at 6-2, Semelroth has excellent hands and was dominant on the glass on both ends of the floor last season. He pulled down 5.2 offensive rebounds a game as a junior, which certainly added several points to his tally each night.
9.) 2023 Nash Smith Nash Smith 6'6" | SF North Mahaska | 2023 State IA (North Mahaska) – 19.3
A skilled 6-6 lefty who can score from all three levels, Smith was great as a junior, averaging 7.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists to go with his 53-39-69 shooting splits. With his size, he can get his shot whenever he wants, and he’s also proven himself to be a gifted playmaker.
10.) 2023 Carter Sievers Carter Sievers 6'1" | PG Newell Fonda | 2023 State IA (Newell-Fonda) – 19.2
A 6-0 off-ball guard who loves to play downhill and attack the rim, Sievers averaged nearly five free throw attempts a game as a junior and he’ll pace what should be one of the most explosive offenses in the state.