Class 2A Leading Returning Shot Blockers
1.) 2023 Caden Kirkman Caden Kirkman 6'8" | PF Wilton | 2023 State IA (Wilton) – 89 blocks An athletic and skilled 6-8 big man with great timing and instincts, Kirkman has developed into one of the best interior defenders…
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Continue Reading1.) 2023 Caden Kirkman Caden Kirkman 6'8" | PF Wilton | 2023 State IA (Wilton) – 89 blocks
An athletic and skilled 6-8 big man with great timing and instincts, Kirkman has developed into one of the best interior defenders in the state throughout his time at Wilton. He does a great job staying vertical and only leaving his feet when necessary, which helps him stay out of foul trouble. He recently committed to play his college ball at Augustana (SD), a program that is in the midst of transitioning to Division I.
2.) 2023 Zane Witt Zane Witt 6'6" | PF Camanche | 2023 State IA (Camanche) – 69
Another big and athletic 6-8 forward with good timing, Witt had a breakout junior year for the Storm, averaging 15.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks a game. His emergence as a dominant two-way threat for Camanche helped propel them to yet another highly successful season, despite dealing with a season-ending injury to star Zach Erwin.
3.) 2023 Ethan Dickerson Ethan Dickerson 6'8" | PF Treynor | 2023 State IA (Treynor) – 63
A mobile 6-8 big man with great length, Dickerson was excellent on both ends of the floor for the Cardinals, averaging 11. points and 8.6 rebounds to go with his rim protection.
4.) 2023 Jack Scrivner Jack Scrivner 6'2" | PF Central Decatur | 2023 State IA (Central Decatur) – 46
Scrivner is an undersized big man at just 6-2, but he makes up for the lack of ideal big man size by playing with a non-stop motor and competing hard on both ends of the floor on every play. He made a major impact on the defensive end as a junior, averaging 2.1 steals to go with his 2.0 blocks a game.
5.) 2023 Andy Henson (West Branch) – 43
The 6-3 wing was a role player last season for the Bears, ranking fifth on the team in scoring at 6.8 points a game. But he was invaluable as a rebounder (6.9) and defender (3.5 stocks a game). With his length and athleticism on the wing, he provides versatility on the defensive end.
6.) 2023 Luke Patton Luke Patton 6'5" | PF Roland-Story | 2023 State IA (Roland-Story) – 40
The Norsemen were one of the state’s pleasant surprises last year, and the physical play of Patton in the paint was a major reason why. A 6-4 big man with soft hands and broad shoulders, he controlled the painted area on both ends of the floor for a Roland-Story team that qualified for the state tournament. They figure to be one of the best teams in the class this season as well.
7.) 2023 Caden Winters (Hinton) – 34
The 6-3 forward did a little bit of everything last year for the Blackhawks, averaging 4.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.4 blocks a game. He’s the type of big man who you can run the offense through, and he provides some rim protection.
8.) 2023 Landon Blatchford Landon Blatchford 6'6" | SF West Monona | 2023 State IA (West Monona) – 33
Blatchford put together an extremely impressive statistical season last year, averaging 18.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks a game. A long wing who can score from all three levels and defend multiple positions, he does a good job using his length to contest shots on the perimeter.
9.) 2024 Karic Stout (Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont) – 33
Stout landing on this list is impressive because the 6-6 forward didn’t start a single game last year as a sophomore, coming off the bench to provide a bit of scoring (4.6), rebounding (4.3), and interior defense for the Rockets. His mobility and length is a major asset on both ends.
10.) 2023 Jacob Hargens Jacob Hargens 6'2" | PG Sioux Central | 2023 State IA (Sioux Central) – 31
The 6-3 do-it-all wing put together a ridiculous junior season for the Rebels, averaging 25.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.8 stocks a game. He has the ability to control the pace and the game on both ends of the floor with his ability to score from all three levels, get others involved and defend multiple positions.