UPDATED 2019 RANKINGS: Biggest Risers
It’s been three years now since we began evaluating the class of 2019, and while some standouts are still yet to surface, others are just hitting their stride. After strong junior seasons, these eight guys have enjoyed a rise in this latest installment of rankings.
Cole Henry (Oskaloosa)
13 to 10
Already a highly regarded prospect in the 2019 class, Henry does what is very tough to do and makes a move into the top-10 of this extraordinarily talented group of players. He led one of the state’s best teams in assists as a combo-forward. We’re guessing he’s the tallest guy in the state to lead his team is assists. Henry was rim-wrecker, too, throwing down a highlight reel’s worth of showstopping slams throughout the year.
Logan Wolf (Cedar Falls)
25 to 15
Wolf lade a big jump last year in the prospect rankings after enjoying a big-time spring with the Iowa Barnstormers’ 16U unit. Now, he’s got a state championship on his resume, and he was a integral part in the Tigers’ first-ever title run. It was his baseline jam where he skied well-above the rim right in front of press row that is stuck in our heads. That, and his propensity to be clutch make him a top 15 guy.
Kris Murray (Prairie)
From 35 to 16
Last season it was brother Keegan who had the breakout season, this year it was Kris who stood out. Not only has he grown to 6’5 but he led the Hawks in scoring while averaging 16.6 points per game. And he did the grit things as well; Murray led the team in offensive rebounds and blocks. Another noteworthy statistic is his 90.4 free-throw percentage. He’ll play with the Iowa Barnstormers this spring and summer, and could see some offers start to roll in.
Evan Gauger (Indianola)
From 24 to 17
Queens University is one of the best D2 schools in the country, and they offered Gauger late last year. We went to check him out in a Substate game against Newton and we saw why. He’d grown a bit since we last saw him, now a legit 6’2 — and he’s gotten more athletic and explosive. The skill was always there, and remains intact. He averaged a team-best 19.2 points per game for the Indians this season; and led them in assists, blocks, steals and rebounding.
Dillon Carlson (Ankeny)
From 32 to 27
After missing he first several games for Ankeny, Carlson came in and made a big difference for the Hawks. They started winning when he was in the lineup, and it’s his mixture of hoops IQ and skill that makes him such a game-changer. In 16 games, the 6’2 guard averaged 17 points and 4.3 rebounds. He’ll run with Martin Brothers 17U this season, and D2 coaches will want to take notice.
Carter Duwa (Pleasant Valley)
From 47 to 30
The best player on one of the best 4A teams in the state, we had Duwa grossly under-ranked before. He’s a lengthy and skilled combo-guard who averaged 14.1 points per game this season. What’s most telling is his 93.5 free-throw percentage (72-77). Duwa could be a good get for a NAIA or D2 program.
Cortaviaus Seales (North Scott)
From 57 to 32
His numbers aren’t inflated like some other guys on this list, but it was very clear at the state tourney last month that Cortaviaus was another in a lineage of scholarship-level Seales’ that have come through the North Scott ranks. His handles are tight and his ability to control a ball-game make him a dynamic prospect for the Lancers. Cortaviaus could have a big summer ahead with Quad City Elite, just like brother Corvon (Minnesota State) had last summer.
Dante Eldridge (Iowa City West)
From 72 to 36
The point guard for one of the state’s very best squads, Eldridge was masterful this season while running the show for the Trojans. He seldom makes mistakes and when he shoots it with his rainbow jumper, it always has a good chance to land. He averaged 10.8 points with shooting clips of 49/47/86, all while leading the team in assists and steals