Class 2A Stars to Watch (Part 3)
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Dayson Leerhoff IA #113 PF #21 HEIGHT 6'5" POS PF CLASS 2024 View Profile Dayson Leerhoff Instagram Twitter State: Iowa School: Pleasantville Highschool Leerhoff was exceptional as a junior for the Trojans, averaging 22.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks…
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Continue ReadingLeerhoff was exceptional as a junior for the Trojans, averaging 22.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks a game. He’s a long, mobile big man who uses his length effectively on both ends of the floor. He has good footwork and touch around the rim, and is enough of a shooting threat that he needs to at least be respected if he’s looking to launch from the arc. His rim protection is huge for Pleasantville, allowing their guards to play more aggressively on the perimeter.
Highlights
A dynamic scorer who thrives when he’s playing downhill and attacking the bucket, DeVries averaged nearly 21 points a game as a junior. He’s a scorer first and foremost, looking to get to his own shot, and his jumper is improving, which will make him even more dangerous as an offensive weapon for the Tigers.
A quick 6-0 guard who can play with or without the ball in his hands, Anderson averaged 18.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists a game last season for the Knights. He’s a decent perimeter shooting threat, knocking down 40 3s as a junior, but is at his best when he’s getting to the rim, either with good off-ball movement or by putting the ball on the deck and getting to the bucket.
Putman is a skilled wing with good size at 6-3/6-4 who will be asked to step into a much larger role this season for the Beavers following the graduations of Caden Kirkman and Aidan Walker, who combined to average 41.4 points a game. Putman put up just under 15 a game last season (14.9) on 47-37-72 shooting splits, and his ability to stretch the floor was huge for Wilton over the last few years. We’ll be curious to see how he adjusts to being the focal point of opposing game plans this season.
Kasperbauer led a deep and balanced Knights team in scoring last season, putting up 13.4 points on 50-39-68 splits. He moves really well without the ball in his hands and is a good shooter off both the dribble and the catch. He has improved as a playmaker as well over the last year and should be relied upon to lead a Kuemper team that will make some noise in 2A this season.
Platte is undersized as a traditional big man, listed at 6-0 last season, but he’s a tough, physical forward with a non-stop motor who loves to pound the glass for the Lions. He averaged 7.1 rebounds a game, including 2.6 on the offensive end, as a junior in addition to averaging 11.8 points and 3.1 assists. He’s a versatile defender who plays hard on every possession.
A quick, athletic wing with good length, Moret averaged just 7.7 points and 3.2 rebounds a game last season for the Wolfpack, but is expected to step into a much bigger role this season after a great summer with Arena Basketball Club . He’s at his best when he’s playing downhill and using his quickness and athleticism to get to the bucket, but he’s also a really good shooter, especially off the catch.
Highlights
Tams’ shooting numbers (33.3 3P%) weren’t great last season, but when he gets it rolling, he’s one of the best shooters in the class. While he’s streaky, if you give him an inch of space he’ll elevate and shoot it, and if he knocks down a few in a row, you’re going to be in for a long night. He led the Cardinals in scoring last season, putting up 16.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists a game.
Highlights
A quick, high IQ lead guard, Michael put up 13.9 points and 3.7 assists on 44-43-73 shooting splits last season at Independence. He will play his senior year at Hudson, making the Pirates one of the best teams in the class. His ability to play with or without the ball in his hands will fit in really well with the other weapons that Hudson possesses.
A big, skilled, efficient wing, Stecker uses his 6-4 frame to his advantage, bullying his way to the rim routinely for the Indians. He put up 16.8 points and 5.8 rebounds a game as a sophomore and shot nearly 56% from the floor and 80% from the line. If he’s able to add some consistency to his jumper, watch out.