Returning 5A Stat Leaders: Top Rebounders

<p>There’s an abundance of great players coming back for the 2020-21 season at the 5A level and many of them were huge contributors already this past season. While many of last year’s rebounding leaders have graduated or moved on (in the case of [player_tooltip player_id="606246" first="Nathan" last="Bittle"]), there are some key guys back who should see an increase in their rebound totals.</p> <p>Here are the top returning rebounders for 2020-21.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="964538" first="Jake" last="Newell"] (2022 Thurston) - 8.5 rpg - #5</strong></p> <p>The top returnee is Newell who burst onto the scene this past season as a sophomore. At 6-foot-5 he’s somewhat of an undersized post but with a solid frame, athleticism, and a never-say-no attitude Newell is relentless on the glass, especially on the offensive boards where he registered almost 40 percent of his rebounds.  The football star that recently picked up his first scholarship offer from New Mexico could be a double-double threat in 2020-21.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965080" first="TJ" last="Zimmerman"] (2021 West Albany) - 8.0 rpg - #7</strong></p> <p>Zimmerman’s future is also likely in football but on the hardwood, he’s an almost immovable force - especially on the boards. At 6-foot-5, 235-pounds, he seriously takes up space in the lane and knows how to get in position to pull down rebounds on both ends.</p> <p><strong>Justin Henderson (2021 West Albany) - 7.1 rpg - #13</strong></p> <p>Along with Zimmerman, Henderson helped make West Albany one of the top rebounding teams in all of 5A. Like his teammate, he’s well-built at 6-foot-5 and is an all-around athlete. Henderson has a nose for the ball, particularly on the offensive glass which leads to easy finishes for himself or dishing it off to others.</p> <p><strong>Cayden Lowenbach (2021 Crook County) - 6.8 rpg - #14</strong></p> <p>One of the most unknown names in the state is Lowenbach, who along with graduated senior Caleb Arnold, helped Crook County become one of the toughest rebounding squads in the IMC. The lanky Lowenbach is actually more of a perimeter player, but at 6-foot-6 he effectively uses his length to help clean the glass.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="815599" first="Luke" last="Smith"] (2021 Willamette) - 6.7 rpg - #15</strong></p> <p>Smith is the leading scorer back in the 5A ranks but also one of the top rebounders? Yes, that’s the case for the 6-foot-3 rising senior as he was extremely important in helping out Willamette battle on the boards. As a guard, his ability to grab the defensive rebound and immediately push it up court quickly was vital in his team’s transition attack.</p>