STATE: 20 Names to Know Part I — 1A/2A
![STATE: 20 Names to Know Part I — 1A/2A](https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-5.jpg?w=416)
![T.J. Rushing](https://prephoops.com/wp-content/themes/prep-network-content/resources/images/generic-both.png?w=200)
Connor Sonius, West Hancock
He’s a triple-double machine for the Eagles, and does a little bit of everything for 1A’s No. 4 seed. Sonius is a 6-foot point guard who averaged 20.5 points, 8.4 assists, and 7.8 rebounds. He’s most likely to trip-doub at the state tourney.
Kyle Wagner, IKM-Manning
A Morningside commit, Wagner has been one of the state’s best scorers since his sophomore season with the Wolves, and finally gets a chance to display his talent on the state’s biggest stage. The 6-foot-4 forward averaged 22.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.7 rebounds per game.
Joe Smoldt, Gladbrook-Reinbeck
Without question the junior point guard is the best player in the 1A field. Smoldt is making his second straight appearance at the the state tournament. Last year he was truly remarkable while leading the Rebels to the 1A title as a sophomore, and brought home Tournament MVP honors in the process.
Ben Latusek, Dink-New Hartford
A well-built 6-foot-5 center, Latusek will not dazzle you with skill, but he will impress you with toughness. He leads Iowa’s only undefeated team this season with 10.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
Levi Jungling, Pella Christian
Jungling is a 5-foot-11 junior point guard who was the key player for the Eagles in their mega-upset of Western Christian in last season’s 2A tourney. He’s a cut above the rest when it comes to skill and savvy, and averaged 20.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists during the regular season for the Eagles.
Devin Green, Cascade
For the the third straight season the 6-foot-6 power forward is playing at Wells Fargo Arena in March. He’s committed to Division II school University of Sioux Falls, and will show off his soft hands, sweet stroke, and solid footwork next week for 2A Cascade.
Josh VanLingen, Western Christian
Remember that Levi Jungling-spurred upset we were talking about earlier, well Van Lingen was at the receiving end of that — being ousted in the first round of a tournament many feel he and his Wolves should have won. The 6-foot-8 Dordt commit is a supremely talented big-man – on both ends of the floor. Look for him to play in more than one game this time around
Kolin Schulte, Anamosa
Schulte is the leader of a very dangerous six-seed (our Tony Roe picked them to win the 2A tourney). The 6-foot-1 senior guard has put up terrific numbers across the board this season; 22.3 points (53 FG%, 45 3FG%), 5.0 assists, 2.6 steals, and 4.6 rebounds per game.
Ben Juhl, Des Moines Christian
Juhl may be second-fiddle to Air Force commit Keaton Van Soelen, but he’s certainly capable of monopolizing a game himself. He’s deceivingly athletic, shoots it very well, and handles it with ease. Look for him to be a primary playmaker next week at “The Well.”
Matt Dentlinger, Kuemper Catholic
The Martin Brothers product is good for a little bit of everything. A 6-foot-7 forward, the Kuemper junior is one of a handful of players in the tournament which average a double-double — 18.2 points, 10.2 rebounds. He also shoots 58 percent from the floor, 36 percent from 3, and is an elite shot-blocker to boot, averaging 2.7 per game this season.