Iowa Top Returning Assisters: Class 2A
Tick tock, the season is almost here. Practice started across Iowa on Nov. 12, and games will start across the state on Tuesday, Nov. 27. That gives us just enough time to bring some quantitative lists, counting down the best returners in a given statistical category. The series continues with us bringing you the best returning assisters, from 4A to 1A.
10 Grant Fouch, Pleasantville — 4.0
When he dished-out 13 dimes against Bedford late last season, it was clear that Fouch had come into his won as a floor general. Now a senior, Fouch’s Pleasantville squad comes into the season with high hopes, and a lot of their success will hinge on his ability to distribute the rock.
9 Jack Stogdill, Treynor — 4.2
He was painstakingly close to helping the Cardinals win a state title last March. A starter as a sophomore on that state runner-up, Stogdill was the team’s stat-stuffer. Now a junior, he’ll bring some top-notch play-making to another state tourney-caliber Treynor squad.
8 Matthew Clark, South Central Calhoun — 4.4
Not much of a scorer, but a dang good passer, Clark finished his junior season at South Central Calhoun with 7.8 points per game and 4.4 assists. That team returns every single key player, and could be very dangerous this winter.
7 Dom Robertson, Oelwein — 4.5
This has long-been one of our favorite players to watch in Iowa. His play-making ability is some of the best in the state. That paired with his length and athleticism makes him one of the more stat-stuffing guys in Iowa.
6 Jace Davidson, Pocahontas Area — 4.68
This is a highly skilled player who, yes, makes a lot of assists, but that’s probably not even his strong suit. Shooting it and flat-out scoring the rock is what Davidson is best at. But with a guy like this, there’s really nothing he’s not good at.
5 Avery Busta, Forest City — 4.70
He led Forest City not only is assists last season, but steals, too. The Indians have been one of Class 2A’s most successful teams for some time now, expect that continue this season with senior Busta running the show.
4 Tim Koop, Dike-New Hartford — 5.5
Dike-New Hartford is going to be so good this season, and Koop will be the guy who makes them go. The small lead guard packs a lot of punch into his 5-foot-7 frame. Not only did he lead the Wolverines in assists last season, but steals, too.
3 Cade Nolan, Jesup — 5.6
There’s a common theme among most of the guys that are making these assists lists: they all play on quality teams. Jesup won 12 games last season, and with guys like Nolan and Landon Borrett coming back, they could be in for another winning season this winter.
2 Bryce Achenbach, Woodwatrd-Granger — 5.8
For two seasons now, Achenbach has proven to be one of Iowa’s most dynamic playmakers. He’s also a steals specialist and can score the rock, too; oh, and he’s an outstanding rebounder for a guard. He’s got Woodward-Granger on the map. Lots of eyes will be on Achenbach and the Hawks this season.
1 Jake Hilmer, North Linn — 12.2
It’s very possible that we’ve written about Jake Hilmer more than any other player in our nearly five-year existence at Prep Hoops Iowa. Maybe Joe Wieskamp, AJ Green or Tyreke Locure could challenge him for that honor, and that’s some elite company. Hilmer is an amazing talent, an amazing passer, and the state’s all-time leader in assists. He did his damage at the 1A level last season, but North Linn will compete at the 2A ranks this season; Hilmer will still lead the state in assists by a wide-margin.