State Tournament Preview: Class 4A Breakout Candidates

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759907' first='Tate' last='Perrin'] (Dallas Center-Grimes)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 5-10 lead guard who sets the table for the Mustangs on the offensive end, Perrin is averaging 4.3 assists a game and has been fantastic at protecting the rock, posting a 3.65 assist-to-turnover ratio on the season. He's a quick guard who keeps the ball moving, can break down a defense, and he's a solid finisher at the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2325410' first='Griffin' last='Gerdes'] (Kennedy)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gerdes is the unsung standout for the Cougars, a glue guy, a do-it-all player who fits in perfectly alongside the multitude of stars Kennedy has. He's extremely efficient, keeps the ball moving, plays really good defense both on and off the ball, and is willing to get on the floor and get extra possessions for his team. He's averaging 5.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals a game on 62-58 shooting splits. If Kennedy wins the 4A title, you can be assured that Gerdes made at least a few big, winning plays along the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2377397' first='Cade' last='Pederson'] (Ankeny)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pederson isn't a big scorer, averaging just over three shot attempts per game, but the 6-6 big man doesn't need to do much scoring on a team loaded with big-time guard scorers. Instead, he provides some needed size, length, and rim protection for the Hawks, blocking 1.3 shots a game to go with 5.4 rebounds and 4.9 points. He does a great job finishing his limited looks, shooting 73% from the floor, and if Ankeny is going to beat Senior in the quarterfinals, they'll need him to play great defense against the Rams' standout bigs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765555' first='Drake' last='Medinger'] (Senior)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A very athletic and skilled 6-2 scoring guard, Medinger is only averaging 5.1 points a game, but he's capable of having explosive scoring nights, as he did when we saw the Rams play against Linn-Mar early this season. He creates well with the ball in his hands, can knock down shots from deep, and he competes on the glass. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1592892' first='Prestige' last='Taylor'] (Johnston)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A quick 5-11 guard who can create well off the dribble, Taylor is averaging 5.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 steals a game, and he's extremely efficient, shooting nearly 55% from the floor. His ability to create for his teammates and provide some secondary playmaking will be big for the Dragons against the hyper-athletic Valley defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765532' first='Jayden' last='McGregory'] (Valley)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most of Valley's roster returned from last year's state champion, but McGregory, a Des Moines North transfer has a chance to make his name known on the hardwood (he's also a standout football player). An athletic wing who can defend multiple positions, create off the dribble, and contribute on the glass, he's averaging 10.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists a game for the Tigers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1484416' first='Amari' last='Washington'] (Bettendorf)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big body in the paint, Washington looks like an offensive tackle, but has the nimble footwork and touch of a really good post player. He has soft hands and moves really well for a young big of his size. He provides the Bulldogs with some needed size and strength in the paint, averaging 4.7 points and 3.6 rebounds on 55% shooting off the bench. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759953' first='Keegan' last='Steege'] (Cedar Falls)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Steege, a 5-11 combo guard who can play with or without the ball in his hands, Steege has started 18 games for the Tigers and is averaging 5.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.2 steals a game on 47-38 shooting splits. He shoots it really well off both the dribble and the catch, plays really good on-ball defense, and sees the floor extremely well. Cedar Falls' offense is clicking right now, and Steege, while overshadowed by many others on the roster, is a big reason why. If the Tigers make a run, he'll be a difference maker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->