10 Unranked Juniors on the Move
Taking a look into the upcoming class rankings updates and who could make their first appearances on Prep Hoops Iowa’s list. Dallas Kluender, Woodbury Central High School- Junior Forward The 11th highest scorer in the state in his respective…
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Continue ReadingTaking a look into the upcoming class rankings updates and who could make their first appearances on Prep Hoops Iowa’s list.
Dallas Kluender, Woodbury Central High School- Junior Forward
The 11th highest scorer in the state in his respective grade, Kluender is a force inside when he gets the ball and uses a bevy of moves on the interior. Kluender led his team in points (20.5), rebounds (10.3) and assists (3.3) not to mention his team leading FG% (54.2%). The Wildcats ran into a tough matchup in the substate semi-final eventually dropping to Gehlen Catholic, but Kluender scored 22 points for his team.
Carson Lienau, Jesup High School- Junior Forward
A big bodied, 6’4 big man, Lienau had a breakout year this season as he averaged 18.4 points per game, good for #22 in his grade. He also hauled in 9.7 rebounds per game to nearly cap off a double-double average. Lienau has a strong left hand and knows his way to the basket after establishing good post position. Jesup almost pulled off the upset of Beckman Catholic falling by 4 points, but Lienau had 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Carter Harmsen, Mid-Prairie High School- Junior Wing
A surprise player going into the season, Harmsen is a big lefty who is capable of taking smaller defenders into the post, but also capable of taking defenders out to the wing where he’s a threat to shoot it or drive it strong. He loves to get to his left hand and can finish well with it in traffic. The Golden Hawks eventually dropped to Camanche, but Harmsen put in 32 points to lead his team.
Ethan Davis, Eddyville-Blakeburg-Fremont High School- Junior Forward/Center
The 6’7 big man out of Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont is on this list because of his mobility and his ability to score on the block. He shows a knack for being in the right place and there’s something to be said about that in basketball. The Rockets dropped a tough game to top seeded Albia, and Davis gave the Blue Demons everything they could handle tossing in 20 points and hauling in 8 rebounds. On the season Davis averaged a double-double with 16.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per contest.
Levi Gurwell, Winterset High School- Junior Guard
In a trio of talented guards out of Winterset, Gurwell stood out the most this season. A heady guard who can shoot it, drive it, and dish it. He is capable of running the offense or running off the ball and showed that this season with his 16.5 points per game and 3.3 assists per game. Winterset was unfortunately bounced by Bondurant-Farrar in the substate second round on Thursday, the 25th, and holding Gurwell to 3 total points was an emphasis.
Cade Harriman, Ridge View High School- Junior Guard
Harriman was a stat sheet stuffer for the Raptors this season. He averaged 14.3 points per game, 3 assists per game, 2 rebounds per game, and 2 steals per game shooting nearly 50% from the field. Ridge View had a pretty successful season, and Harriman was no doubt the leader of the team. Ridge View dropped a nail biter against East Sac County by 4, and Harriman had 11 points in the contest.
Eric Mulder, Pella Christian High School- Junior Forward/Center
The 6’8 big man had a breakout season for the Eagles, as he was the 8th leading scorer in the Little Hawkeye conference and was tops in the conference in rebounding. Mulder is a mobile big man who runs the rim consistently and effects the game on the defensive end. Mulder should surely make his first appearance in the Junior rankings in the next update. In the substate semifinal game against Albia, Mulder pulled in a double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds.
Wyatt Helming, Lake Mills High School- Junior Wing/Forward
Helming a player who can do a little bit inside and outside at 6’6, his shot is pretty pure from the perimeter off the catch but he is also a threat to post the opposing defense up on the block and is crafty around the rim. Helming is also a nice passer of the ball at his height as he gave his teams 2.5 assists per game to go along with his 13.4 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game, 1.1 steals per game, and 2 blocks per game. Lake Mills will play at Wells Fargo and look to continue their undefeated season against the top teams in the state.
Trey Kriener, South Winneshiek High School- Junior Forward/Center
6’7 Kriener has been a big part of the Warriors underdog run to Wells Fargo, as he anchors the middle and does all the little things around the rim. He has found his finishing touch and that is something that he can continue to do effectively he could be a prospect in this Junior class. Kriener is averaging 12.9 points per game, 9.8 rebounds per game, and nearly 2 blocks and assists per game.
Sam Slight, Storm Lake High School- Junior Wing
A high IQ player who can sneak up on defenses and put in some points for his team. He is an efficient shooter from the perimeter (48.2% 3pt) and at 6’5 has the tools to go inside and score around the hoop as he’s very good at pounding the glass to get offensive boards. An efficient scorer with length and knack for the ball is how Slight can be described. On the year he is averaging 13.1 points per game and 6.4 rebounds per game.