Iowa’s All-Class Top 50 (30-26)
With the 2017-18 season now upon us, we’ve decided to roll out a ten part series counting down the 50 best players in Iowa, regardless of class. There are no frosh on the list, and some sophomores are sprinkled in. Look for Iowa’s 2019 class to make a very strong showing in the rankings; man is that the junior class stacked. And, of course, there will be plenty of seniors to highlight. We might be biased, but we feel like the state of Iowa is egregiously underrated, and as a result, under-recruited year-in and year-out; this top 50 list is a strong group of players, and plainly showcases just how much talent we have here in the Hawkeye State.
Keith Johnson (2018)
6’5 SF, Dubuque Hempstead
30
He’s been one of the more highly touted players by us over the past two seasons. And whether he was lighting up opponents with Tri-State Steam or helping to guide his Mustangs to a state tourney last season, Johnson is always impressive. He’s a combo-forward, who rebounds exceptionally well on both ends of the floor. And he’s equally capable of slamming one home or stepping out and canning a 3-ball.
Brady Sartorius (2018)
6′ PG, mount Pleasant
29
A quick and athletic point guard, Sartorius has been a steady floor general at Mount Pleasant for three seasons now, and has solidified himself as one of the state’s best point guards in the process. He’ll have a good chance to lead his Panthers to a second straight state tournament berth, and should add to his list of college interest, too. Right now, Sartorius holds one D2 offer, from Upper Iowa.
Derrick Diggins (2018)
6’2 G, Cedar Rapids Kennedy
28
As explosive of a guard as there is in Iowa, Diggins plays with an extra gear, and plays with a chip on his shoulder, too. Those characteristics make him a nightmare to try and defend, and he’ll be a guy that should be able to do whatever he wants on the court this season for the Cougars.
Even Brauns (2020)
6’8 PF, Iowa City Regina
27
This is a high ranking for just a sophomore, but after a very strong summer with the Iowa Barnstomrers 15U unit, he earned it. Last season, the rangy and bouncy big made a big impact as a frosh, averaging 10.4 points on 60 percent shooting and a team-best 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. This season, he’ll likely see those numbers increase dramatically, and should see his Division I interest spike, too.
Lucas Duax (2018)
6’3 PG, Dubuque Hempstead
26
Checking in at No. 26 is another Dubuque, Hempstead Mustang, and man will he and Johnson be tough to contain this winter. Duax will light you up from deep, and if you’re not careful he’ll come down the lane and slam one home. He’s got a tight handle, high basketball IQ and fluid mid-range jumper. What we’re saying is, there’s nothing this Upper Iowa commit can’t do.