Holiday Break Check-In: Top 10 4A Shot Blockers

With teams on a hiatus during the holiday break, let's check in on the statistical leaders in each category in each class to get a better feel for who some of the most productive players in the state have been so far this season. Leaders for this article are from whatever has been input into Bound as of 12/26 at 10:30 am.   1.) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765516' first='Marach' last='Dau'] (Ames) - 23 blocks   The Little Cyclones are once again one of the best defensive teams in the state, and Dau, a bouncy 6-7 forward, is a big reason why, turning away nearly four shots per game and holding down the painted area. He's still a very raw prospect, but his length, athleticism, and rim protection will make him an interesting player to keep an eye on for the next few years. He's averaging 4.7 points and 5.2 rebounds a game so far this season on 61% shooting.   2.) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381412' first='Davis' last='Kern'] (Linn-Mar) - 21   One of the best two-way players in the state, Kern is having a great start to his junior year on both ends of the floor, averaging 20.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in addition to his rim protection. His size, length, and mobility are a major asset on the defensive end, and he's a dominant offensive weapon who scores from all three levels at a highly efficient clip.   3.) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1288908' first='Gage' last='Kampman'] (Liberty) - 20   Kampman is a long, rangy defender with good timing, great length, and the instincts on the defensive end to be a dominant rim protector. His length and mobility make him an interesting prospect for small schools to keep an eye on, and his offensive game is developing. He's averaging 5.7 points and 7.1 rebounds a game so far for the Lightning.   4.) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1476990' first='Jaden' last='Rogers'] (Waukee) - 17   A versatile glue guy who does a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor for the Warriors, Rogers is averaging 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists a game while providing a ton of versatility on the defensive end. He has the size (6-5) to bang with bigger bodies, and the length and athleticism to lock down smaller players on the perimeter.   5.) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381414' first='Jack' last='McCaffery'] (Iowa City West) - 16   A 6-8 wing with the athleticism and length to defend on the perimeter, and the size to bang in the paint, McCaffery has good timing as a shot blocker, rotates well as a help defender, and is starting to develop a bit of a mean streak. He's averaging 17.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.7 shots a game for the Trojans so far this season.   6.) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1643192' first='Landon' last='Davis'] (Waukee Northwest) - 15   Davis is one of the most intriguing prospects in the state, regardless of class. A mobile 6-7 combo forward who can do a little bit of everything, he's coming off the bench for the Wolves and providing value on both ends, averaging 4.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game so far.   7.) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171682' first='Caden' last='Wilkins'] (Bettendorf) - 14   Wilkins is the top-ranked player in the state's 2024 class and his two-way ability is a major reason why. He can defend multiple positions, create looks for himself and his teammates, and he contributes across the board for the Bulldogs. He's a good athlete with a great frame to continue to add strength onto.   8.) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1376680' first='Reid' last='Burkle'] (Prairie) - 13   Burkle has stepped into a starring role for the Hawks on both ends of the floor this season and performed admirably, averaging 15.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and shooting 56.4% from the floor. He's an athletic and tough 6-5 forward who can score inside and out.   9.) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381421' first='Nitish' last='Sankaranthi'] (Waukee Northwest) - 12   Sankaranthi is a long, mobile 6-6 forward with the length and athleticism to contest shots at a high clip. He runs the floor well and has been solid on the glass for Northwest, pulling down 5.5 rebounds a game.   10.) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1376674' first='Calix' last='Cahill'] (Dallas Center-Grimes) - 11   A bouncy 6-6 forward who has steadily improved throughout his high school career, Cahill is enjoying his best season, putting up 14.9 points and 6.9 rebounds a game for a Mustangs team that looks like a serious state tournament contender.

With teams on a hiatus during the holiday break, let's check in on the statistical leaders in each category in each class to get a better feel for who some of the most productive players in the state have been so far this season. Leaders for this article are from whatever has been input into Bound as of 12/26 at 10:30 am.