Area Rankings: Top 10 2024 Prospects in the CR/IC Corridor
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Kareem Earl IA #20 SF #4 HEIGHT 6'5" POS SF CLASS 2024 View Profile Kareem Earl Instagram Twitter State: Iowa School: Iowa City West Club: Iowa Barnstormers Earl has battled injuries for the last few years, but when he’s healthy,…
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Continue ReadingEarl has battled injuries for the last few years, but when he’s healthy, he’s among the best wing scorers in the state, regardless of class. He possesses a combination of size (6-4/6-5), length, and athleticism that few others in the state can match, and he can score from all three levels, playing with or without the ball in his hands. He averaged 10.5 points and 4.7 rebounds a game as a junior on 51-50-74 shooting splits, and after missing a chunk of the spring, he came back to have a strong finish to the summer. He should have a big senior year for the Trojans.
Bean averaged 14.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists a game last season at Xavier and has transferred to Kennedy for his senior year. He’s a big, physical lead guard who likes to use his size advantage to invert the offense, posting up smaller defenders and initiating the offensive attack from the post, giving defenses a different look. He’s a good enough shooter that it needs to be respected, but he’s at his best in the mid-range and when he’s playing downhill and getting to the rim. He sees the floor well and is a gifted passer, and is one of the best on-ball defenders in the area.
Highlights
Kampman is probably one of the highest upside players in the state in the 2024 class. A 6-7/6-8 big man with good mobility, he’s an extremely valuable piece on the defensive end with his switchability and rim protection. His offensive game is still a work in progress, but he is developing some go-to moves on post touches, and he’s a good rim-runner who looks to finish above the rim. He averaged 7.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks a game as a junior for the Lightning.
A hyper-athletic 6-1 wing, Courtney is also a standout prospect on the gridiron as a wide receiver. He’s a tremendous on-ball defender who moves his feet well and uses his length to impact the game on the defensive end. He stuffed the stat sheet for the Cougars last year, averaging 9.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.9 steals a game on 57% shooting.
Schlaak recently committed to play his college ball at Southwest Minnesota State. A 6-6 combo forward who was incredibly efficient last season, he can score inside and out and his ability to stretch the floor will be extremely valuable for the Mustangs as he moves to the next level. He’s coming off a junior year in which he averaged 12.3 points and 7.0 rebounds on 67-64-79 shooting splits. In addition to his work on the offensive end, he’s a switchable defender who can protect the rim and defend on the perimeter.
Arnaman was one of the most productive guards in the state last season, averaging 21.8 points and 5.7 assists on 47-42-68 shooting splits. He shoots it extremely well off the dribble, getting the ball into his shooting pocket quickly, and he has “in the gym” range. The threat of his jumper opens up the rest of his offensive arsenal, and he’s a good ball-handler who can finish through contact around the rim with a strong upper body. Blessed with great court vision and a flair for passing the rock, he’s a dynamic all-around offensive weapon who had one of the best summers of any player in the state.
Highlights
Hughes is coming off a really good summer with the Barnstormers and has established himself as one of the best pure shooters in the state. He moves extremely well without the ball in his hands and has a lightning-quick release off the catch with unlimited range. While his shooting is certainly his biggest asset, he has improved as a ball-handler and can provide some secondary playmaking while also contributing on the glass. He averaged 11.5 points and 3.9 rebounds on 41.3% shooting from the arc.
Benzing is one of the best pure shooters in the state, posting 52-46-85 shooting splits last year for the Spartans en route to 17.7 points and 5.7 rebounds a game. He has good size at 6-4, moves really well without the ball in his hands, and has a quick release. With his size, he’s able to get his shot off against pretty much any defender he runs into at this level, and his constant movement on that end of the floor wears down the defense. He uses his length well to compete on the glass and get into passing lanes, and he’ll be a valuable shooter on the wing for a small school.
A 6-0 guard who can really shoot it, Koch buried 40.5% of his 3-point attempts last season, playing more off the ball than he did as a sophomore, when he showed that he can play the point. His ability to either play off the ball as a deadly catch-and-shoot weapon or play with the ball as a ball-handler and facilitator will make him a solid pickup for whichever small school ends up getting him.
Highlights
Kutcher was primarily a catch-and-shoot weapon a few years ago, but he has really developed his all-around game, turning himself into a three-level scorer and versatile playmaker who can get his teammates involved at a high clip. He has good size as a guard and can play with or without the ball in his hands. He averaged 16.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.0 steals a game as a junior for the Mustangs.