Player of the Week Poll (9)
Kylan Smallwood (2019)
6’4 SF, Creston
The Panthers won one and lost one last week, and this junior wing was outstanding in both triumph and defeat. He scored 30 or more in both games, and did so while shooting an extremely efficient 81 percent from the floor, wow. He also grabbed 8.5 rebounds and swiped 2.0 steals per in the two games. Smallwood is one of 2019’s best prospects.
Andrew Van Ryswyk (2019)
6’3 F, PCM
We saw Van Ryswyk play two seasons ago as a freshman with the Mustangs’ varsity, and we’re not surprised that he’s taken the top-dog role for the team now. Last week, in two PCM wins, Van Ryswyk went off, especially on the boards. At 6’3, he was able to average 14 rebounds per game in the wins, and he scored 17.5 per to accompany the high rebounds. In Tuesday’s win over North Polk, he even swiped six steals.
Marco Balderas (2018)
5’8 PG, South Hamilton
Definitely one of the state’s best true point guards, Balderas has always been small, but he more than makes up for that with an extremely high basketball IQ. That hoops savvy was undoubtedly on full display last week, when he averaged 12.5 points on 57 percent shooting, 9.5 assists and 2.0 steals in two more Hawks wins. Balderas’ South Hamilton squad is 20-0 this season.
Carter Stevens (2018)
5’9 G, Dubuque, Senior
This extraordinarily skilled senior guard helped make a little bit of history on Saturday night, when he poured in a game-high 26 points to help his Rams end Iowa City West’s 81-game home win-streak. In a win last Tuesday night, Stevens was also great, going for 18 points, 9 assists and five steals. He’s got his Rams atop the 4A rankings right now.
Tyler DeBondt (2018)
6’1 PG, East Marshall
Certainly one of the best point guards that 2A has to offer. DeBondt, like Balderas, is a true, pass-first point guard. He’s been known to have one of the best assist-to-turnover ratios in the state, and at an absurd 5.4:1, this season is no different. In three Mustangs win last week, DeBondt was his usual do-it-all, selfless self, going for 12.7 points, 6.7 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. He’s helped lead East Marhsall to a 19-0 start this season.