Iowa’s All-Class Top 50 (25-21)
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.
Camden Vander Zwaag (2018)
6’3 SG, Johnston
25
Johnston could shock some people this season, and Camden Vander Zwaag will be at the epicenter of its imminent success. The Air Force commit has been known as one of the state’s best shooters since he came in as a sophomore and started lighting up the competition. But his game has been diversifying, and he’ll bring a solid set of varied skills to the table this season for the Dragons.
Van Rees (2018)
6’6 F, Sioux City East
24
Sioux City East has a legitimate shot of bringing home a state title this season, and if they do, it’ll certainly have this skilled and gritty combo-forward to thank. He netted 20.8 points per game last season as a junior, and did so at a very efficient 57 percent. Rees also pulled down 11.8 rebounds per game, which was good enough for third-best in 4A. He committed to D2 Wayne State before recently opening his recruitment back up. It’ll be interesting to see if D1s get involved this winter.
Corvon Seales (2018)
6’3 G, North Scott
23
This North Scott combo-guard blew up during the summer while playing with Quad City Elite’s 17U unit, and became a very hot commodity among Midwest D2 programs. In all, he nabbed 11 offers, and ended up committing, and later signing, with Minnesota State-Mankato. He averaged 13.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game last season, and, after last winter’s leading scorer Bailey Basala graduated, will see those numbers increase substantially this season.
Jason Taylor
Jason Taylor (2018)
6’10 C, Rock Valley
22
In a day in age where true posts are harder and harder to come by, this Rock Valley big is just that, and will likely dominate everyone who crosses his path this season for the Rockets. He’s a a shot-blocking machine, evidenced by his 3.8 swats per game last season. And he should pair that elite shot-blocking with a double-double average this season. Expect Taylor to mostly have his way at 2A Rock Valley this winter.
Jake Hilmer (2019)
5’10 PG, North Linn
21
With his fundamentally sound style of play, and his terrific basketball IQ, it’s plain to see that this ultra-quick and ultra-productive point guard is a coach’s son. His ability to make an impact on any game he plays in is incredible, and he does so with a tight handle, and elite court vision. He’s already spent two season’s terrorizing 1A opponents, and we won’t be surprised if he leads the state in triple-doubles (points, assists, steals) this season.