Holiday Break Check-In: Top 10 3A Scorers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1.) 2023 Owen Olson (Spencer) - 24.7 points per game</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following the graduation of big-time scorer Karter Petzenhauser, there were a lot of shots available this season for the Tigers, and Olson has taken full advantage of that opportunity, putting up nearly 25 points a game on 56-50-79 shooting splits early on this season. A 6-0 guard who can create shots for himself or play off the ball, he has firmly established himself as one of the best scorers in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2.) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1256304' first='Ben' last='Bockman'] (Decorah) - 23.1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following a number of losses to graduation, and an injury to their top returnee, the Vikings desperately needed someone to step into a primary scoring role, and the 6-4 Bockman has done just that. He has been a dominant all-around force, pulling down 10.9 rebounds and dishing out 3.8 assists a game in addition to his scoring. He does a great job utilizing his size to shoot over smaller defenders, and using his improved handle to get to the rim. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3.) 2025 Dylan Stecker (Spirit Lake) - 22.5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6-4 sophomore who can score inside and out, Stecker has been excellent early this season for the Indians, averaging 7.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists a game in addition to his scoring output. With his size, he can get his shot off pretty much whenever he wants, and he has shown that he can create looks for himself and others. Spirit Lake has struggled so far this season, off to just a 1-4 start, but they will get South O'Brien transfer [player_tooltip player_id='956890' first='Jake' last='Wallin'] eligible soon and they could take off after that. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4.) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='956876' first='Chase' last='Henderson'] (Hoover) - 21.4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Montana commit is one of the most talented guards in the state, and he has shown why through the Huskies first five games this season, dishing out 5.8 assists and posting 50-41-58 shooting splits. A quick guard who uses his elite handles and a quick first step to blow by defenders and get to the rim, he has really improved his efficiency as a senior, both as a finisher around the rim and as a perimeter shooter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5.) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='956878' first='Brayson' last='Laube'] (Marion) - 21.4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marion came into the season with high expectations, and while they stubbed their toes a bit early in the year, they righted the ship heading into the break and look like they're ready to take off now. Laube, an Augustana (SD) commit, is the biggest reason why. A hyper-talented 6-2 scoring guard who is capable of getting scorching hot, he's burying 44% of his 3-point attempts and is one of the best shooters in the state off the dribble. The skill that he has in creating his own shot - subtly using his off-ball arm to create space, as well as using excellent handles and elite footwork - makes him incredibly difficult to defend at this level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6.) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1376686' first='Jesse' last='Van Kalsbeek'] (MOC-Floyd Valley) - 21.3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6-2 guard who is capable of knocking down shots from deep but is much more comfortable attacking the bucket, Van Kalsbeek is shooting an eye-popping 61.4% from the floor through the Dutchmen's first six games this season. He's a tough guard who can finish through contact, and he uses the threat of his jumper to open up everything else in his arsenal. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7.) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1367449' first='Tyler' last='Voss'] (Spirit Lake) - 21.0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A traditional, 6-5 back-to-the-basket big man, Voss has been dominant so far this season for the Indians, averaging 13.3 rebounds and shooting 55% from the floor. He has soft hands, good touch around the bucket, and has proven that he can be a viable passing threat out of his post position as well this year, dishing out 2.3 assists a game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8.) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1484410' first='Ryan' last='Watters'] (Central DeWitt) - 20.9</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Watters enjoyed a breakout week at the state tournament last year as a freshman, showing off a lot of his talent, and with the graduation of Shawn Gilbert and an injury to older brother [player_tooltip player_id='1240067' first='Matthew' last='Watters'], a lot of opportunity opened up for Watters to become a star for the Sabers. A bouncy, athletic 6-6 big man who finishes above the rim and can provide some versatility on the defensive end, he's shooting 54% from the floor and showing that he can be the focal point of an offensive attack. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9.) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1367401' first='Jaime' last='Grossoehme'] (Webster City) - 20.3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grossoehme established himself as one of the state's best shooters last season, and he's doing much of the same this year, burying 3.5 3-pointers a game at a 41.2% clip. The lefty has unlimited range, a quick release, and moves extremely well off the ball. He has also improved his all-around scoring skills, improving as a ball-handler and shot-creator. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10.) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1376687' first='Jake' last='Benzing'] (Solon) - 20.2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6-3 wing led the Spartans in scoring last season but has really elevated his play this year, more than doubling his output to 20.2 points and increasing his shooting splits from 38-28-83 to 52-41-80. He has become a much more dangerous all-around offensive weapon, flourishing as a shooter and someone who can get to the rim for finishes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->