Class 3A Stars to Watch (Part 3)

Patterson’s shooting efficiency numbers dropped a bit as a junior but he showed a much improved handle and ability to get to the rim for finishes, as well as an improved all-around game. He’s a solid team defender who does a good job denying on the wing, and he has improved as a playmaking threat as well. If he’s able to get back up into the 38% range from deep as a senior, he could lead the class in scoring.

Birch led the Cyclones in scoring at 15.5 points a game as a junior. He’s an efficient wing scorer who posted 50-41-67 shooting splits last season, and he does a great job contributing on the glass on both ends of the floor. A wing who can finish through contact and shoot it off the catch, he’s the type of versatile scorer who gives defenses fits.

A skilled combo guard who averaged 13.6 points and 3.9 assists as a junior, showing that he can play with and without the ball in his hands. He gets the ball into his shooting pocket quickly off the dribble and has a strong mid-range game, but he’s equally content getting his teammates involved. He does a great job protecting the ball, posting a nearly 3-1 assist-to-turnover ratio last season.

A sharpshooting lefty who moves really well without the ball in his hands, Grossoehme buried nearly 48% of his 3-point attempts as a junior, showing a quick release and extended range. He does a great job using off-ball screens to free himself up for open looks, and he’s improved as a ball-handler, allowing him to attack hard closeouts and get to the rim.

A big 6-4 shotmaking wing, Marsh averaged 14.4 points and 4.7 rebounds a game as a sophomore, leading the Go-Hawks in both categories. He’s a good enough perimeter shooter that it needs to be respected, and he has a really strong mid-range game. He knows how to get to his spots and has improved as a playmaker over the last year.

Cooley is a bouncy 6-4/6-5 wing who stuffs the stat sheet on a nightly basis for the Indians, averaging 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.9 blocks a game last season. He’s a really good finisher around the rim, has excellent court vision, and provides a ton of versatility on the defensive end with his combination of length and athleticism.

Bockman was really good as a tertiary option for the Vikings last season, averaging 11.7 points and 4.8 rebounds on 55-42-91 shooting splits. Following a ton of graduation losses, and a season-ending injury to their top returnee, Decorah will be counting on Bockman to shoulder the scoring load this year. He’s a knockdown shooter who moves really well without the ball in his hands.

A physical 6-4 forward, Harr is a walking double-double who put up 13.6 points and 10.6 rebounds to go with 2.9 assists a game as a sophomore for the Bulldogs. He’s an efficient scorer around the bucket with good hands and footwork.

Johnson is a big-time scorer who can get to the rim or the free-throw line at will, averaging 18.7 points and 4.2 assists a game for the Rams as a junior. He’s a good ball-handler who changes speeds well and is a creative finisher around the rim.

A 5-11 lead guard, Smith led the Warriors in scoring, assists, and steals as a junior. He’s a physical guard who is at his best when he’s playing downhill and attacking the rim and finishing through contact or finding an open teammate.