Class 4A: Top 10 Returning Shot Blockers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1.) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1643192' first='Landon' last='Davis'] (Waukee Northwest) -- 84 blocks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis possesses innate timing and instincts as a shot blocker, especially for a player as young as he was last season. He averaged 3.5 blocks per game in the state's best conference, and did so while only picking up 1.8 fouls a contest. His athleticism, length, and timing allow him to not only be a dominant rim protector inside the painted area, but also allow him to be a switchable defender who can block shots on the perimeter at a high clip.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2.) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765516' first='Marach' last='Dau'] (Ames) -- 59</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dau is one of the best rim protectors in the state, a long, lanky 6-7/6-8 big man who runs the floor really well and does a nice job using his length to stay vertical instead of leaving his feet unnecessarily, which helps him stay out of foul trouble. He's raw and still learning the game, but the upside and potential here is impossible to deny.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3.) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381412' first='Davis' last='Kern'] (Linn-Mar) -- 54</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kern is one of the elite two-way players in the state and has been a mainstay on these top-10 returnee lists. He possesses great size and length, and has fantastic timing and instincts as a shot blocker. He is a switchable defender who can move his feet well enough on the perimeter to guard and contest shots against guards, and he controls the painted area well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4.) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759895' first='Trevin' last='Jirak'] (Valley) -- 49</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another really talented two-way player who will play Division I basketball next season, Jirak has committed to play at Northern Iowa, where he'll provide the Panthers with a versatile defender who can switch onto smaller ball-handlers or protect the paint with his length and athleticism. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5.) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381414' first='Jack' last='McCaffery'] (Iowa City West) -- 43</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCaffery's length can be overwhelming, and he does a great job using it to contest shots both on the perimeter and around the rim. He averaged just under two blocks a game as a junior and probably alters several others throughout the course of a game with his presence around the bucket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6.) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765524' first='Evan' last='Jacobson'] (Waukee) -- 31</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As mentioned in the returning rebounder piece, Jacobson is one of the elite tight end prospects in the country. His size, athleticism, and length are big assets on the gridiron, and make him a great rim protector as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7.) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2442409' first='Jang' last='Ruei'] (Sioux City East) -- 24</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ruei is a high-upside wing who may just be starting to scratch the surface of his potential. He's an explosive athlete with great length and his ability to defend multiple positions makes him an intriguing prospect for the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8.) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381420' first='Jalen' last='Richardson'] (Johnston) -- 23</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big, physical, and athletic wing with great size, Richardson is a bit of a Swiss Army knife for the Dragons with his ability to defend one through five at this level as well as play a significant role as a scorer and playmaker on the offensive end. He can take over the game on the defensive end with his ability to not only protect the rim but also come away with timely steals by positioning himself well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9.) 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2419810' first='Easton' last='McGraw'] (Indianola) -- 22</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McGraw was really productive as a freshman for the Indians, averaging 8.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and a block per game. He's a good athlete who has a great feel for the game, positioning himself well on the defensive end and being a solid help defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10.) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765553' first='William' last='Gerdes'] (Cedar Falls) -- 21</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top players in the state's 2026 class, Gerdes holds several Division I offers and if his strong summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2246861' first='Murray' last='Elite'] is any indication, he'll likely be adding more after his junior year. A skilled two-way player who possesses great length and size, he can do it all on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->