Holiday Break Check-In: Top 10 4A Scorers
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1.) 2023 Merquiche Lewis Jr. (Burlington) – 25.8 points per game Lewis helped lead the Grayhounds to a surprising 4A state tournament appearance last season, and he has carried that momentum into his senior year, leading 4A in scoring and…
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Continue Reading1.) 2023 Merquiche Lewis Jr. (Burlington) – 25.8 points per game
Lewis helped lead the Grayhounds to a surprising 4A state tournament appearance last season, and he has carried that momentum into his senior year, leading 4A in scoring and shooting 59.4% from the floor. An athletic, bouncy 6-5 wing who uses his length and size effectively on both ends of the floor, he has been sensational for a Burlington team that is off to a really strong start and looks like a state tournament contender again this season.
2.) 2023 Omaha Biliew (Waukee) – 24.0
The top-10 national recruit and Iowa State commit spent his year at Link Academy (MO) really improving his handle and shot creating, and the results have been ridiculous, averaging 24 points on 51-39-70 shooting splits along with 11.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists a game. A 6-8 wing who can handle, shoot, get to the bucket, and provide a ton of versatility on the defensive end, it’s easy to see why Biliew is so highly regarded nationally, and why he’ll have a chance to have a real future playing professionally.
3.) 2024 Trovary Cavil Trovary Cavil 5'11" | PG Johnston | 2024 State IA (Des Moines Lincoln) – 22.3
Cavil is one of the best ball-handlers in the state, and he uses that elite handle and a quick first step to keep defenders on skates and get into the teeth of the defense, where he has improved as a finisher around the rim. He pairs that improved finishing ability with a strong floater game and a pure mid-range jumper to score at will. He’s also dishing out 7.3 assists a game for the Railsplitters.
4.) 2024 Caden Wilkins Caden Wilkins 6'7" | SF Bettendorf | 2024 State #196 Nation IA (Bettendorf) – 21.9
The top ranked player in the 2024 class, Wilkins has been really good for the Bulldogs through their first eight games, averaging 9.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 blocks to go with his nearly 22 points a night. He isn’t shooting it well (23.3 3P%), but he has a pure stroke from the arc and that low percentage is likely just the result of a small sample size that should regress closer to his mean as the season progresses. He’s a physical 6-7 wing who can get to the rim for finishes, and he’s a high IQ player who doesn’t force anything and finds ways to impact the game on both ends of the floor even when his shot isn’t falling.
5.) 2023 Pryce Sandfort Pryce Sandfort 6'7" | SF Waukee Northwest | 2023 State #123 Nation IA (Waukee Northwest) – 21.6
The future Iowa wing is the top scorer on the state’s top team, posting 49-44-87 shooting splits and averaging 10.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.9 steals, and 3.9 blocks in addition to his major scoring chops. A 6-7 wing who can really shoot it, he doesn’t force anything, is a good ball-handler who absorbs contact and finishes through it, and dominates games on the defensive end, Sandfort is the frontrunner for Mr. Basketball.
6.) 2024 Jamarion Readus (Davenport Central) – 20.6
A long, athletic 6-3 guard who can get to the bucket and create shots for himself and others, Readus is enjoying a breakout year for the Blue Devils, leading the team in scoring and assists (2.9). He’ll join the 2024 rankings when those are updated in a few weeks.
7.) 2024 Tre’von Coney Tre’von Coney 6'2" | SG Bettendorf | 2024 State IA (Davenport North) – 19.6
Coney is a 6-1 guard with good handles, a great first step, and excellent footwork that he uses to get to the rim for finishes at will. He loves to attack the rim and put pressure on opposing defenses, and he has improved as a passer as well, dishing out a team-high 3.8 assists a game. His ability to break down a defense and get into the paint is huge for the Wildcats.
8.) 2023 Kewone Jones Kewone Jones 6'2" | SF Waterloo East | 2023 State IA (Waterloo East) – 19.6
A powerful 6-2 wing who uses his big frame to bully smaller defenders, Jones is one of the most unique players in the state, and he’s incredibly productive. He’s averaging 6.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists a game while posting impressive 55-57-66 shooting splits for the Trojans. He has a pure stroke from the arc, the ability to take defenders down into the painted area for buckets, and he sees the floor really well.
9.) 2023 Cade Kelderman Cade Kelderman 6'0" | PG Waukee Northwest | 2023 State IA (Waukee Northwest) – 19.6
Kelderman has been truly sensational this season for the Wolves, averaging 19.6 points on 62-47-85 shooting with 4.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 2.6 steals. A quick and powerful lefty guard who can get to the rim seemingly at will, he was at his best in the Wolves’ win over Waukee in a #1 vs. #2 battle, going off for 30 points, including the game-winner, while Sandfort was hobbled with an ankle injury.
10.) 2023 Dallas Bear Dallas Bear 6'8" | SF Cedar Falls | 2023 State #276 Nation IA (Cedar Falls) – 18.2
A pure shooter with excellent size at 6-8, Bear is knocking down 37.5% of his 3-point attempts so far this season and leading the Tigers in scoring and assists (3.4). The improved ball-handling and shot creation are huge in Bear’s development, going from an off-ball wing who is primarily a catch-and-shoot threat and turning into an all-around offensive weapon who can get his own shots or create for others.