Class 1A Leading Returning Shot Blockers
1.) 2023 Daniel Tobiloba Daniel Tobiloba 7'0" | C Grand View Christian | 2023 State IA (Grand View Christian) – 119 blocks Tobiloba’s 119 blocks would have ranked sixth in the state last season in the TEAM block rankings. The…
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Continue Reading1.) 2023 Daniel Tobiloba Daniel Tobiloba 7'0" | C Grand View Christian | 2023 State IA (Grand View Christian) – 119 blocks
Tobiloba’s 119 blocks would have ranked sixth in the state last season in the TEAM block rankings. The athletic 7-footer has the type of size, length, and athleticism that is never seen at the 1A level, and he does a great job using that size to protect the paint for the Thunder. Unlike some previous Thunder big men who have been prominent shot blockers, Tobiloba also does a good job of staying out of foul trouble, allowing him to play full games and remain a highly valuable asset as a defender and rebounder.
2.) 2023 Cody Graber (WACO) – 76
After seeing very few varsity minutes as a sophomore, Graber burst onto the scene last year as a junior, blocking 76 shots for a Warriors team that was really strong on the defensive end. A 6-5 big with good instincts and hands, his ability to protect the painted area was crucial for a WACO team that was among the most improved in the state last season.
3.) 2023 Lance Berends Lance Berends 6'4" | PF HMS | 2023 State IA (Harltey-Melvin-Sanborn) – 65
Berends also found himself on the leading returning scorers and rebounders list, and has developed into a dominant two-way player for the Hawks. A mobile 6-4 big man with some athleticism and physicality, he looks primed to have a huge senior season.
4.) 2024 Caden Kettman (Marquette Catholic) – 60
The 6-4 big man emerged as a strong two-way piece for Marquette Catholic last season, averaging 9.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.7 blocks a game. He has the ability to score inside and out and should become the focal point of what was a very young team last year.
5.) 2023 Jackson Newell (Madrid) – 58
A 6-7 big man, Newell was a big part of a Tigers team that put together one of their best seasons in school history last year. They figure to be a contender in 1A this season, and Newell’s defensive presence will be significant if they want to live up to some lofty expectations.
6.) 2023 Jacob Stauffer (Clarksville) – 56
Stauffer is the smallest player on this list, listed at just 6-1 last season. The Indians won just two games, but he was a bright spot with his ability to turn away shots.
7.) 2023 Carson Scroggins Carson Scroggins 6'4" | PF Baxter | 2023 State IA (Baxter) – 53
Scroggins has established himself as one of the better offensive big men in 1A, but he showed that he can be a strong defender as well last year, turning away over 2 shots a game.
8.) 2023 Mason Harter Mason Harter 6'6" | PF Wapsie Valley | 2023 State IA (Wapsie Valley) – 49
An efficient finisher around the rim and dominant rebounder on both ends of the floor, Harter has become a really effective rim protector over the last few years as well. He’s a good enough athlete that he can switch onto smaller players and hold his own on the perimeter.
9.) 2024 Abram Edwards Abram Edwards 6'5" | PF Winfield-Mt. Union | 2024 State IA (Winfield-Mt. Union) – 49
The son of former Iowa State forward Klay Edwards, Abram has established himself as a long and versatile defender who can protect the rim in a major way. He’s also a skilled passer with excellent size.
10.) 2023 Ben Werneck (Diagonal) – 49
In addition to his ability to protect the paint, Werneck led the Maroons in scoring as a junior at 10.3 points a game.