STATE TOURNAMENT: Ten Who Impressed on Monday
The first of a series that will be published each day this week, profiling ten players who impressed us during Monday’s action at the state tournament.
Joe Smoldt put together one of the tournament’s most memorable performances in recent history
PG Joe Smoldt (Gladbrook-Reinbeck, 2017) — 35 points (9-19 FG, 5-7 3P, 12-13 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists
It’s only the first day, but Smoldt may have turned in the performance of the tournament with his showing in the second half of their quarterfinal win. He scored 27 second half points (35 overall), completely turning the game around for the Rebels, who trailed by four heading into the half. His 15 third quarter points helped turn a four-point deficit into an 11-point lead. Last year’s 1A tournament MVP was sensational in carrying his team back to the semifinals, showing the ability to score from all three levels and an incredible ability to shoot off the dribble with a plus-pull-up game.
PG Connor Sonius (West Hancock, 2016) — 20 points (7-10 FG, 3-6 3P, 3-4 FT), 7 rebounds, 4 assists
After a poor showing (10 points on 3-11 shooting, 4 turnovers and he fouled out) in his state tournament debut last year, Sonius was in complete control in the Eagles’ quarterfinal win. He’s electric with the ball in his hands, proving to be a capable shooter off the dribble and showing the ability to get into the paint and facilitate for his teammates. A strong rebounding guard, he showed why he routinely approached triple-double numbers throughout the season.
SG Dylan Eckels (West Hancock, 2017) — 16 points (5-9 FG, 2-5 3P, 4-4 FT), 5 rebounds, 3 steals
Eckels was dynamite in the first half for West Hancock, scoring 14 of his 16 points in the first 16 minutes. His production allowed the Eagles to take a lead into the half despite not getting too much production out of Sonius and Nate Paulus, West Hancock’s top two scorers. Eckels did an excellent job of staying in attack mode throughout the first half, constantly heading downhill when he caught the ball. Also showed the ability to step out to the arc and connect from deep. He also played solid defensively at the top of West Hancock’s defense, collecting three steals.
PG Ethan Wyant (Jesup, 2017) — 18 points (8-15 FG, 0-2 3P, 2-3 FT), 6 rebounds
Wyant was fantastic in the first half for the J-Hawks, displaying a mid-range game that likely ranks among the best in the state. He’s a dynamic shooter off the dribble, stopping on a dime and elevating with good form and rotation. A solid rebounding guard, he’s got complete control of the game when he’s got the ball in his hands, with the ability to both score and facilitate. He’s in line to have a big summer for Iowa Prep.
PF Matt Fagan (Council Bluffs, St. Albert, 2018) — 19 points (8-11 FG, 3-6 FT), 11 rebounds
Part of a balanced attack that dominated the game against top-seeded Danville, Fagan displayed an efficient offensive game. Displayed good footwork and great touch around the rim, with the ability to finish in the paint with either hand, and he was active on the glass on both ends of the floor. He pulled down five offensive rebounds and was a big piece on the interior for a Falcons team that controlled the paint all game.
SG Kole Perkins (Danville, 2017) — 17 points (6-11 FG, 2-5 3P, 3-4 FT)
We would’ve liked to see Perkins continue to stay aggressive after getting out to a quick start, scoring 12 of his 17 points in the first quarter. A long wing for the Bears, he displayed impressive athleticism with a breakway dunk in the opening quarter in which he just glided up to the rim. He proved to be a capable shooter from deep, a solid ball handler and he was a problem on the defensive end with his length and athletic ability. Played the passing lanes well and recorded three steals.
PF Cameron Maxwell (South O’Brien, 2017) — 19 points (7-11 FG, 5-7 FT), 6 rebounds (5 offensive)
Maxwell made a number of plays from the high post for South O’Brien in their dominating win over Grand View Christian. He’s got a pretty solid handle for a bigger forward, and routinely caught the ball around the free throw line, turned and faced and made plays off the dribble. Showed good touch around the rim and was very active on the offensive glass.
PF Devin Green (Cascade, 2016) — 21 points (8-12 FG, 5-6 FT), 9 rebounds, 5 blocks, 3 steals
The Sioux Falls commit was way too much for an undersized Osage team to handle, as he was able to do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted in the quarterfinal blowout. A legit 6’7″, he displayed a much improved mid-range game, comfortably shooting from the free throw line and in, both off the catch and the dribble. He’s got great footwork and touch around the rim, is a high-level rebounder and showed good instincts on the defensive end, blocking five Osage shots.
PG Levi Jungling (Pella Christian, 2017) — 20 points (5-14 FG, 1-5 3P, 9-10 FT), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals
Jungling didn’t have a great shooting night, but he was his usual dynamic self late. He made plays for his teammates, rebounded well and came up with the scoring when it was most needed, helping ice the game away at the free throw line.
PF Ben Latusek (Dike-New Hartford, 2017) — 12 points (5-7 FG, 2-3 FT), 5 rebounds
The big man was dominant when he touched the ball for the Wolverines, displaying impressive strength and footwork in the paint. He finished a few buckets through contact and established good position on a majority of their offensive possessions. He needed to touch the ball more, as he was nearly unstoppable when he did.