Class 2A Stars to Watch (Part 1)

A 6-3 guard who stuffs the stat sheet, Hargens averaged 25.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks a game with impressive 54-37-81 shooting splits. Simply put, he can do a bit of everything for the Rebels. His ability to score from all three levels and dominate on the glass on both ends of the floor makes him a difficult matchup. With his combination of size, physicality, athleticism, and talent, he has firmly established himself as one of the elite players in 2A.

Larson ended his recruitment early, committing to play his college ball at South Dakota State. Owen is the son of a head coach (Troy Larson at Iowa Lakes CC) and that much is clear when you watch him play. He has a tremendous feel for the game and is one of those players who is capable of absolutely dominating a game even when he isn’t scoring. He’s an excellent ball-handler and passer, a strong defender, and a pure scorer who averaged 22.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 51-43-81.

One of the most dominant players in the state, Kirkman averaged 20.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 3.9 blocks a game as a junior. An Augustana (SD) commit, he’s a 6-8 big man with outstanding footwork and post moves, good touch, and excellent court vision and passing instincts. He’s also a fantastic rim protector and all-around team defender. If he can add some consistent range to his game (and his form looks pure), watch out. He looks like a potential major steal for Augustana.

A big wing with one of the most pure strokes in the state, Gallagher averaged 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds a game with impressive 51-42-86 shooting splits. He established himself as one of the best shooters in the state early on, and then added more to his game as he got older. Last year the ability to create his own shot at a high level really took off, showing the ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim routinely. When Gallagher gets it rolling, few players in the state are more fun to watch.

Wiggley was extremely productive as a junior in one of the state’s best leagues, averaging 14.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists a game at Waterloo East. He has transferred to play his senior year at Aplington-Parkersburg, and the step down to 2A should be met with another increase in production. A physical 6-4 lefty who can finish around the bucket and control the glass, his best attribute may actually be his court vision and passing.

Lutmer led the Lions to a 2A runner-up finish last year, averaging 19.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists a game as a junior. An athletic and physical 6-2 guard, he does a great job using his football background to power through contact on his way to the rim for finishes, and he has really developed into a quality perimeter shooting threat. He has committed to play football at Iowa, but he’ll be looking to lead Central Lyon to a state basketball title before he heads off to Iowa City.

A three-year varsity starter (soon to be four) for one of the best teams in 2A, Petersen took full advantage of getting the keys to the car last year, averaging 18.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists a game for the Panthers as a junior. A talented ball-handler, decision-maker, and a knockdown shooter, he’s one of the best in the class at creating space to get his shot off, using his handle, quickness, and subtle headfakes and jab steps to momentarily freeze the defense.

Driscoll burst onto the scene last year, dropping 33 points in his first varsity game and he never really slowed down, putting up 18.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists a game as a freshman. A dynamic three-level scorer who handles the ball extremely well, he creates shots for himself and others at a high level. His efficiency numbers (54-46-86) as a freshman were eye-popping.

Naylor enjoyed a breakout junior year as a shotmaker, averaging 17.1 points on 46-40-83 shooting splits for the Norsemen. He helped lead the team to the state tournament with his ability to create shots for himself and others. His ability to stretch the defense with shooting, as well as blow by defenders with his quick first step and tight handle, puts a ton of pressure on opposing defenses and allows his teammates to have great success as well.

Efficiency is the name of the game for Hempen, a high IQ guard who scores from all three levels. He averaged 15.6 points and 4.5 assists as a junior for the Falcons, and following the graduation of Jayden Mackie, he should have the ball in his hands even more this season. He’s a really good shooter both off the dribble and the catch (40.5 3P%), has the ability to get to the rim and finish, and he’s a tenacious defender, particularly on the ball. As Hempen goes, A-P goes, and we expect them to go pretty far this year.