Iowa’s All-Class Top 50 (10-6)
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.
Xavier Foster (2020)
6’9 F, Oskaloosa
10
There’s no denying that Oskaloosa has a special talent with its extremely lengthy combo-forward, and borderline blue chip prospect, Xavier Foster. He’s only a sophomore, and still a bit raw, but his ability to block shots is terrific, and he’s actually got a pretty fluid and smooth jumper, that he can hit from deep and mid-range. Creighton, Iowa, Iowa State, Illinois, and Texas A&M have all offered. He’s a self-described Hawkeyes fan, so that can’t hurt Iowa’s chances.
Hunter Strait (2018)
6’2 PG, Ankeny Centennial
9
There’s times when it appears that this Ankeny Centennial point guard is just on another level. And with his quick, tight handle and ability to create separation, if his jumper is falling, he’s nearly unstoppable. After receiving a slew of Division II offers this past summer, Strait signed his National Letter of intent with Truman State earlier this month. If you’re asking us, the Bulldogs got a steal.
Sam Ingoli (2018)
6’4 PG, Dowling
8
There’s really nothing Ingoli can’t do on the floor, and despite being highly regarded by us at Prep Hoops, he’s probably one of the most underrated players in Iowa. North Dakota offered him a awhile back, but that remains his only hoops offer to now. But with that quintessential size, and a super high basketball IQ which results in high shooting percentage and low turnovers, we expect him to land some late offers this winter.
Trey Hutcheson (2019)
6’5 G/F, Linn-Mar
7
It’s been a heck of a year for Hutcheson, and he’s made the necessary improvements to truly vault himself into elite company. North Dakota became the first Division I school to offer the sweet shooting wing this past summer, and with still another season of Iowa Barnstormers basketball ahead of him, it could be a matter of time before he blows up. Bur first, expect him to have a big-time junior season with the Lions this winter, and he’ll can a ton of triples in the process.
Blake Brinkmeyer (2018)
6’8 PF, Valley
6
This Valley Tigers big-man signed his National Letter of Intent to play for Indiana State earlier this month, and they undoubtedly like his immense length and terrific leaping ability. That’s a killer combo, and makes for some electrifying jams; and we’ve seen Brinkemyer throw down his share of big-time slams. He’s particularly adept at the put-back jam. But it’s not all around the rim for him. He’s developed an ability to step out and hit a 12-footer with regularity. The ceiling his high for this senior post. He chose the Sycamores over North Dakota, Northern Iowa, Southeast Missouri State and Air Force.