Jesse Van Kalsbeek Named Mr. Basketball
In a Mr. Basketball race that was wide open this season, MOC-Floyd Valley wing Jesse Van Kalsbeek Jesse Van Kalsbeek 6'6" | SF MOC-Floyd Valley | 2024 State IA took advantage of a huge week at the state tournament to help capture the honor, being named the 2024 Iowa Mr. Basketball by the Iowa Print Sportswriters Association. The IPSWA pegged Van Kalsbeek as the choice at the annual meeting on Friday morning.
The 6-6 wing scored 34 points per game to go with 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 4 steals a contest in a pair of games last week at the Class 3A state tournament, helping lead the Dutchmen into the semifinals. He was highly efficient in his scoring outbursts, shooting 67.5% from the floor and showcasing his ability to score from anywhere on the floor.
A three-year varsity starter, Van Kalsbeek averaged 26.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.5 blocks a game on 61.6% shooting and 76.1% from the free-throw line. Appearing in 66 games over his three-year varsity career, he averaged 20.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game on 59.5% shooting.
Van Kalsbeek becomes the second MOC-Floyd Valley player to be named Mr. Basketball since the award’s inception in 1981. Josh Van Es took home the honor in 2005. Like Van Es, Van Kalsbeek will stay home to play his college basketball at Northwestern College.