State Tournament Preview: Class 4A Breakout Candidates

<p><strong>2024 [player_tooltip player_id="1171674" first="Jacob" last="Simpson"] (Johnston)</strong></p> <p>Simpson is a 6-5 forward who has contributed in a major way as a role playing starter for the Dragons. He averages 4.5 points and 5.0 rebounds, showing his ability to efficiently finish around the rim, switch defensively, and rebound well on both ends of the floor. Lewis and Kramer get the majority of the shine for Johnston, but if they want to win a state title, they'll need some role players to step up, and who better than Simpson?</p> <p><strong>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="1167706" first="Lucas" last="Lueth"] (Ames)</strong></p> <p>A long and athletic 6-7 wing, Lueth has emerged as one of the best perimeter defenders in the state. With his overwhelming length, fantastic feet, and incredible instincts, he has the ability to lockdown opposing wings and contest shots at a high level. </p> <p><strong>2025 [player_tooltip player_id="1199979" first="Anthony" last="Galvin"] (Cedar Falls)</strong></p> <p>A 5-10 combo guard who can both score and facilitate, Galvin has been a really strong contributor on both ends of the floor for the Tigers off the bench as a freshman. He moves his feet and positions himself well on the defensive end, showing a good understanding of defensive rotations. The Tigers have a pair of dominant scoring threats, but if they want to make a run, players like Galvin will need to make a big play or two.</p> <p><strong>2024 [player_tooltip player_id="1171687" first="Cyrus" last="Courtney"] (Kennedy)</strong></p> <p>Courtney is a hyper-athletic 6-2 wing who can score from all three levels and defend at a high level on the perimeter. He has good size, strength, and length, and he moves his feet really well on the defensive end. Also a standout football player, Courtney is in line to make a major leap up the 2024 rankings, and a strong showing at the state tournament would certainly help bolster that case and grab the attention of Division I schools around the Midwest. </p> <p><strong>2024 [player_tooltip player_id="1376673" first="Grant" last="Tigges"] (Northwest)</strong></p> <p>Tigges has been one of the best role players in the state this season, averaging 8.5 points and 5.0 rebounds while posting incredible 61-45-67 shooting splits. He's a 6-3 combo forward who can score inside and out, and his ability to stretch the floor helps space out the entire Northwest attack, opening up driving lanes for Sandfort and Kelderman.</p> <p><strong>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="1240079" first="Makelle" last="Taylor"] (Prairie)</strong></p> <p>Taylor is a quick, athletic 6-0 guard who can get to the rim and who is shooting the ball at a high clip down the stretch for the Hawks. He's come off the bench to provide a spark as a scorer and defender, averaging 4.4 points a game and shooting 35% from behind the arc. </p> <p><strong>2022 Nate Spear (Burlington)</strong></p> <p>If Burlington is going to continue their run, they'll need the 6-1 guard to knock down some shots, something that he has done at a high clip this year for the Grayhounds. He's shooting 42.1% from behind the arc and averaging 7.5 points.</p> <p><strong>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="1230688" first="Karson" last="Wehde"] (Ankeny)</strong></p> <p>The Hawks have a deep and balanced roster, and Wehde can get overshadowed at times, but he's a strong and physical 6-4 wing who can score inside and out, and he's a versatile defender who can impact the game on that end of the floor. If the Hawks want to make another run like they did in 2020, Wehde's ability to impact the game on both ends will be a significant contributor. </p>