State Tournament: Monday’s Top 2023 and 2024 Performers

2023 C Daniel Tobiloba Daniel Tobiloba 7'0" | C Grand View Christian | 2023 State IA (Grand View Christian)

The 7-footer was once again a game-changing presence in the paint defensively for the Thunder in their win over New London, blocking 6 shots and altering the way that the Tigers like to play offensively. He got into a bit of foul trouble, picking up his second foul in the second quarter, but was able to stay in the game, playing all 32 minutes and finishing with 10 points and 13 rebounds to go with his shot blocking. His offensive game is limited, but simply having him on the floor changes everything for opposing teams in the way they can attack this team.

2023 PG Casey Gardner Casey Gardner 5'10" | PG Dunkerton | 2023 State IA (Dunkerton)

Gardner was excellent as a scorer for the Raiders in their loss to West Harrison, going off for 27 points on 11-22 shooting to go with 5 assists and 2 steals. The 5-10 point guard has a really good feel for the game and is able to get to his spots whenever he wants with his handle and change of speeds. He has worked hard over the last few years to develop his jumper, and that was on full display, routinely knocking down mid-range jumpers, which opened up the rest of his game, allowing him to get to the rim for finishes with either hand. He would rather be facilitating first and scoring second, but the matchup dictated that he needed to score and he stepped up in that regard.

2023 SF Koleson Evans Koleson Evans 6'6" | SF West Harrison | 2023 State IA (West Harrison)

Evans scored on a post touch seven seconds into the Hawkeyes win over Dunkerton, setting the tone for a dominant win. A 6-6 combo forward who can score inside and out, he did a majority of his damage against the Raiders either in transition or off of offensive rebounds, finishing with 27 points on 12-17 shooting (1-4 3P, 2-2 FT) and 14 rebounds (6 offensive). He’s a good athlete with a great frame and a skill set that continues to improve.

2023 PF Sage Evans Sage Evans 6'2" | PF West Harrison | 2023 State IA (West Harrison)

Evans was absolutely dominant on the glass on both ends of the floor for the Hawkeyes in their win over Dunkerton, pulling down 21 rebounds (7 offensive) to go with 11 points, 4 assists, 2 steals, and a block. A 6-2 point forward who initiates the offense, he has good court vision and is a skilled passer, and his physicality is difficult for teams to match up with on the glass.

2023 SG Kadyn Severson Kadyn Severson 6'3" | CG Madrid | 2023 State IA (Madrid)

A long 6-4 guard who can score from all three levels, Severson had a big scoring game in the Tigers narrow loss to North Linn, scoring 21 points on 8-10 shooting (4-6 3P, 1-3 FT) with 4 assists, a block, and two steals. He moves well without the ball in his hands, has a smooth stroke from deep and a quick release, and he also showed that he can be a reliable ball-handler and decision-maker with the size to see over the defense.

2023 PF Tate Haughenbury Tate Haughenbury 6'5" | PF North Linn | 2023 State IA (North Linn)

The future Kirkwood forward was dominant in the paint, showcasing his excellent footwork and touch around the rim en route to scoring 25 points on 10-17 shooting to go with 3 rebounds and 4 assists. He has really improved his playmaking this season, flashing improved handle and ability to create his own shot, putting the ball on the floor and taking his defender off the dribble routinely to get to the rim.

2023 PG Jaxon Bunkers Jaxon Bunkers 5'11" | SF St. Mary's, Remsen | 2023 State IA (Remsen, St. Mary’s)

A four-year varsity contributor for the Hawks, Bunkers is a 6-2 guard who is always under control and playing within himself. He had 12 points on 4-4 shooting (2-2 3P, 2-3 FT), 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. He has the physicality to finish through contact around the rim, and a pure stroke from deep. He’s also a physical, versatile defender who can hold his own against bigger players in the paint or move his feet on the perimeter.

2023 PF Andrew Austin Andrew Austin 6'6" | PF Central Lyon | 2023 State IA (Central Lyon)

Austin was dominant for the Lions in their win over Des Moines Christian, going for 21 points on 9-13 shooting (1-2 3P, 2-2 FT), 14 rebounds, and 2 steals. A 6-7 athletic forward who can score inside and out, he was dominant around the rim, using his explosive athleticism and quick second jump to control the glass and score. He finishes above the rim with authority and uses his length and athleticism to his advantage defensively as well.

2023 SG Josh Elbert (Central Lyon)

Elbert came in to the Lions quarterfinal game averaging just 4.9 points a game and then went off for 18 points (6-11 FG, 4-5 3P, 2-3 FT), 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals. Des Moines Christian sagged off of him throughout the game and he made them pay. He had made 15 3-pointers all year and knocked down four in this one. He’s a solid secondary playmaker alongside Lutmer, whipping the ball around the perimeter and getting his teammates great looks by passing up his own good one.

2023 SF Aiden Stoltz Aiden Stoltz 6'0" | SG Pella Christian | 2023 State IA (Pella Christian)

An athletic 6-0 wing with a long wingspan, Stoltz was big in the Eagles win over MFL MarMac on both ends of the floor, using his length and athleticism to impact the game defensively and to score around the rim with efficiency. He had 15 points on 6-9 shooting (3-5 3P) with 4 assists and a steal.

2024 SF Carver Blietz-Bentien (MFL MarMac)

Blietz-Bentien is a bit undersized as a forward, but he’s relentless and plays extremely hard on both ends of the floor. He had 15 points and 7 rebounds (4 offensive) along with 2 steals in the Bulldogs loss to Pella Christian, showing that he can stretch the floor (2-2 3P) as well as score around the bucket through contact.