Scouting Seven of State’s Top 2027s
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One of the best parts of this job is witnessing freshmen burst onto the scene and then watching their games grow throughout the next three years. There’s an excellent crop of ninth-graders in the state this season. Here’s a look…
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Continue ReadingOne of the best parts of this job is witnessing freshmen burst onto the scene and then watching their games grow throughout the next three years. There’s an excellent crop of ninth-graders in the state this season.
Here’s a look at seven newcomers making waves for program across Iowa:
If you’re looking to be entertained, Harrington is your guy. Check him out splashing in four three-pointers against a a strong Davenport Assumption program. Harrington receives the ball ready to shoot and gets it off with a quick release. There’s excellent form on the shot and the correct follow-through. He’s knocked down half of his 60 trey attempts this season, continuing to drain them even now that the book is out on him. Harrington is more than a shooter, as you can see in this mixed tape from last spring. He attacks the rim with explosiveness. Harrington is an active defender with quick hands. I’m really looking forward to seeing how his game blossoms.
Bryer Putman Bryer Putman 6'5" | SF Wilton | 2027 State IA
Bryer Putman Bryer Putman 6'5" | SF Wilton | 2027 State IA
Putnam can play college basketball if he chooses. The level is to be determined. He’s already listed at 6-5 and features a perimeter game with range to behind the arc. He shoots well off of the dribble on all three levels, which means he can create his own shots. Putman boasts long arms that help him defend and he rebounds well as evidenced by his 10.1 boards a game, the most among state freshmen. He’s averaging 17.4 points, also ranking among the top scorers in the class.
Tate Wallace Tate Wallace 6'3" | PF Regina | 2027 State IA
Tate Wallace Tate Wallace 6'3" | PF Regina | 2027 State IA
I wrote about Wallace for a Prep Red Zone report last week. The ninth-grader belongs in this space as well. Wallace benefits from the strength that guides him on the gridiron. He performs with good energy, something that helps in football, too. Wallace hits the backboards hard and is at his best taking the ball to the rim. He ranks second on the upstart Regals in scoring (11.7 PPG) and rebounding (4.4 RPG).
King gets buckets on all three levels. The form from behind the arc is pure with a fluid process and quick release. He handles the ball well, which helps King get by defenders for a pull-up or trip to the rim. What impresses me the most is his pace of play. He goes quick but stays in control. He’s averaging 11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds.
Church features a fun all-around game. He’s a very active, instinctive defender that disrupts opponents. He can shoot from deep or put it on the deck and get to the rim. Church is prepared to shoot when the ball arrives and releases it quickly. As a freshman, he leads rthe Muskies with 13.0 points a game and averages 5.2 rebounds.
Easton McGraw Easton McGraw 6'4" | SF Indianola | 2027 State IA
Easton McGraw Easton McGraw 6'4" | SF Indianola | 2027 State IA
McGraw fits in well with this group as another wing player with a technically sound shot, quick release and a strong feel for getting his within the flow of the offense. His range extends several feet behind the arc on the wings. He’s connecting on 43.8 percent on this trey tries. His 9.4 points per outing are tops on his team.
Mack Heitland
Mack Heitland
Heitland stands out as a multi-sport athlete in football, baseball and basketball. For the latter, Heitland shoots the three well, connecting on more than 41 percent of his attempts from behind the arc. He gets the ball out of his hands quickly, doing a good job of repeating his form. His range stretches well behind the line. While Indianola relies on his shooting off of the bench, Heitland contributes in other areas.