2024 Winterset Shootout: 2026 Player Evaluations (Class 1A/2A)

PG Cody Long (Roland-Story)   With a number of personnel losses to graduation for the Norsemen, players like Long will be asked to step into much larger roles this season, and he looks like he's primed to do so. A quick guard who likes to play downhill and attack the rim, he does a nice job using different speeds to help get by defenders and get to the bucket. He can create teammates for his teammates off the dribble as well.   CG [player_tooltip player_id='2381239' first='Andon' last='Watson'] (Van Meter)   The Bulldogs don't have much experience returning, and the most experienced returnee they have, [player_tooltip player_id='2398079' first='Caleb' last='Moore'], wasn't with them this past weekend, which allowed Watson to get a lot of run as the lead ball-handler. He showed the ability to play downhill, attacking the rim off the dribble and getting into the teeth of the defense, where he can either finish at the rim or find open teammates for good looks. He's a tough guard who can finish through contact and knock down shots from deep off the catch and the dribble.   SG [player_tooltip player_id='2520010' first='Lincoln' last='Cowell'] (Grand View Christian)   Cowell was red-hot from behind the arc in the Thunder's win over Van Meter, knocking down four 3s within the first four or five minutes of the game. He moves well without the ball and has unlimited range with a quick release. All of his 15 points against the Bulldogs came from behind the arc, but he flashed some playmaking off the dribble for his teammates in the second half, using the threat of his jumper to get into the middle of the defense and find his teammates for layups or wing 3s.   SG [player_tooltip player_id='1765547' first='Benny' last='Waller'] (Aplington-Parkersburg)   Waller was a big-time scorer for the Falcons as a sophomore, and when you watch him, it's easy to see why he put up such big numbers. He has a big, strong frame that he uses to finish through contact at the rim, and a smooth, easy looking stroke from deep. He doesn't get sped up easily, playing at his own pace, and he knows how to get to his spots well off the dribble. He was good against Winterset, scoring 18 points and doing so in a variety of different ways.   SG [player_tooltip player_id='2519974' first='Jack' last='Badding'] (Kuemper Catholic)   Badding is a skilled guard who can score from all three levels, using the threat of his jumper to open up the rest of his offensive game. He has a quick release off both the dribble and the catch, and while he's probably a better shooter off the catch, he showcased the ability to do both at a high level. He can get to the rim off the dribble and is a creative finisher at the bucket.   SG [player_tooltip player_id='1765503' first='Brock' last='Badding'] (Kuemper Catholic)   The other Badding (pictured) is one of the best pure shooters in the state, an elite catch-and-shoot weapon who can get absolutely scorching hot and carry his team for stretches on the offensive end. Against Williamsburg he knocked down four 3s in a little over two minutes. He's a solid team defender who rotates well and uses his length to get into passing lanes.   SF Jack Fiedler (Van Meter)   Fiedler, a 6-1/6-2 wing, played well in the Bulldogs loss to Grand View Christian, knocking down shots from deep off the catch and then using the threat of his jumper to attack hard closeouts and get to the rim. He's a strong wing who can finish at the rim through contact, and he's active on the glass on both ends of the floor.   SF Devan Runner (Pella Christian)   Runner is in interesting player who will probably become a big contributor for the Eagles as a junior. A 6-5 forward who can score inside and out, he showed a smooth stroke and clean release off the catch. The lefty can put the ball on the floor and attack off the dribble as well, getting to the rim for finishes, where he showed the ability to do so with either hand. He has the size and length to defend a few different spots, and he contributes on the glass.   PF [player_tooltip player_id='1765513' first='Ryan' last='Clair'] (Kuemper Catholic)   Clair is going to be a major difference-maker in the paint for the Knights this season following his transfer from East Sac County. An athletic 6-5/6-6 big man, he protects the rim at a high level, and his presence in the paint will allow the Knights' guards to play more aggressive on-ball defense on the perimeter. He has soft hands and good touch around the rim, and he pounds the glass on both ends of the floor.

PG Cody Long (Roland-Story)