Leading Returning Scorers: Class 3A

As part of our high school season preview coverage, we’re taking a look at some of the top returning players in each class. In this article, we’re taking a look at the top ten returning scorers in Class 3A.   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Kieren-Nichols.jpg?1603462670359"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1073025" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Kieren-Nichols-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a>1.) [player_tooltip player_id="796123" first="Kieren" last="Nichols"] (Knoxville, 2021) - 25.9 points per game A lightning-quick guard who can break the defense down and get into the paint, Nichols will rank among the top scorers in the state this season. He's at his best when he's paying downhill and getting to the bucket, but he also shoots it at a high-level from the mid-range.   2.) [player_tooltip player_id="530135" first="Keaton" last="Kutcher"] (Mount Vernon, 2021) - 20.0 points per game The South Dakota commit can fill it up from anywhere, but has made his mark as a sharpshooter. He's a threat to drop eight 3-pointers on a team on any given night, and has really improved his all-around game throughout his high school career.   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Jevin-Sullivan.jpeg?1603462285927"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1073021" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Jevin-Sullivan-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a>3.) [player_tooltip player_id="682289" first="Jevin" last="Sullivan"] (North Polk, 2022) - 19.7 points per game A 6-5 wing who just keeps growing and getting longer, Sullivan has a silky smooth stroke from the arc, and can now bully his way to the bucket for tough finishes as well. He's going to have a massive junior year for the Comets.   4.) [player_tooltip player_id="796117" first="Ryan" last="Blum"] (Glenwood, 2021) - 19.7 points per game A key player for the Rams' championship team a few years ago, Blum is a gifted forward who can score inside and out, and he crashes the glass at a high level on both ends of the floor, averaging 9.2 rebounds last year. A matchup problem because of his size, skill and activity level.   5.) [player_tooltip player_id="682284" first="Karter" last="Petzenhauser"] (Spencer, 2022) - 19.2 points per game Petzenhauser has been filling it up since he stepped foot on the Spencer campus, leading the team in scoring as both a freshman and sophomore. A skilled, 6-2 wing, he could see his production explode with some improved efficiency from the arc.   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Connor-Drew.jpg?1603462227096"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1073019" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Connor-Drew-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a>6.) [player_tooltip player_id="796112" first="Connor" last="Drew"] (Ballard, 2021) - 18.3 points per game The leading scorer for our preseason #1 team in 3A, Drew is capable of filling it up from the paint or the arc. He's a skilled combo forward who has come a long way in terms of ability to create his own shot.   7.) [player_tooltip player_id="678937" first="Emarion" last="Ellis"] (Assumption, 2021) - 17.8 points per game The transfer from Davenport Central had as good a summer as anyone in the state, and committed to play at Texas as a result. He's long, hyper athletic and is just scratching the surface of what he can become. A rhythm shooter who can get to the rim at a high clip, he should have a huge senior year, showcasing his athleticism and scoring ability in a multitude of ways for the Knights.   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Justin-Recker.jpeg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1066872" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Justin-Recker-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a>8.) [player_tooltip player_id="796120" first="Justin" last="Recker"] (Monticello, 2021) - 17.2 points per game Recker is the leading scorer of a Panther team that was among the best in 2A last year, and is moving up to 3A this year. A 6-6 forward who runs the floor and can really shoot it, he's incredibly efficient, posting 63-54-68 shooting splits last season. He recently picked up an offer from JuCo power Kirkwood.   9.) [player_tooltip player_id="964942" first="Umar" last="Bullis"] (Clarke, 2021) - 16.7 points per game Clarke won just two games last season, but Bullis was a standout, leading the team in scoring and rebounding, while shooting nearly 50% from the floor.   10.) [player_tooltip player_id="964844" first="Skyler" last="Handlos"] (Atlantic, 2021) - 16.6 points per game The 6-2 guard led the Trojans in scoring and blocks last season, and could see his numbers skyrocket if he can become a more efficient scorer this season. He'll be heavily relied upon, as Atlantic lost a pair of double-figure scorers from last year's team to graduation.