Class 3A Stars to Watch (Part 1)

With his combination of talent and the overwhelming amount of loss of production to graduation from last year's team, Frazell has a legitimate shot to lead the state in scoring this season. He has great size at 6-6, one of the purest strokes from 3-point range that you'll find at this level, and the ability to create quality looks off the dribble. He was fantastic as a junior, helping lead the Go-Hawks to a runner-up finish in 3A while averaging 18.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game on 57-55-86 shooting splits.     Jackson led the Knights to the 3A title last season, earning All-Tournament captain honors in the process. He's a lightning-quick guard who uses his speed and handles to create off the dribble, getting to the rim routinely, and he has really improved as a shooter from the mid-range and 3-point line over the last 18 months. He's a skilled playmaker who gets his teammates involved at a high level, and is a tenacious on-ball defender with great quickness and hands. He averaged 15.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game as a junior.     A bouncy 6-6/6-7 forward with length and soft hands, Watters burst onto the scene as a freshman at the state tournament, and has been an incredibly productive player for the Sabers for the last two seasons in a starring role. He has good footwork and touch around the rim, and is able to step out and stretch the floor as a shooter and playmaker. He averaged 16.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks on nearly 53% shooting as a junior.     Gibson is one of the best point guards in the state, an eye-popping blend of quickness, pace, and change of direction that he uses to constantly keep defenders off balance. He's a high-level ball-handler who gets to the rim going in either direction, and he's excellent in ball screen actions, turning the corner and getting to the bucket or finding the roll man with a pretty pocket pass. He averaged 17.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 3.0 steals per game as a sophomore for the Bombers and will once again be the headliner for a team that should be considered among the short list of state title contenders this winter.     Miller is a tough lead guard who doesn't shy away from contact despite his smaller stature. He's a fearless downhill player who loves to attack the rim and put constant pressure on opposing defenders. He's really good in the mid-range, routinely knocking down 12-15 footers off the dribble, and he's one of the best passers in the state, a true lead guard with great vision. He averaged 12.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 7.2 assists a game as a junior for the Bluejays.     Driscoll first emerged as a big-time scorer and playmaker during his freshman and sophomore seasons at MFL MarMac. He transferred to play his junior year at Decorah, where he took on a little bit of a different role, playing first as a facilitator and then as a scorer second. He's quick with the ball in his hands and can get to the rim going either direction. He has a pure stroke from the mid-range and 3-point line and gets into his shot quickly off the dribble, and he's of course also a skilled passer with great vision. He averaged 9.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game on 48-51-74 shooting splits last season, and will be asked to be the team's go-to perimeter scorer this year.     The LaFrentz-Driscoll tandem will be among the best in the state, regardless of class, this season. They complement each other well and should thrive in the two-man game with ball screen actions. LaFrentz has great size and is a dominant rim protector with pedigree that is unmatched by any players in the state. He averaged 15.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game as a sophomore and could certainly see averages of 22-14-4 this season.     Helmers is a bouncy, athletic guard who loves to put constant pressure on the rim with his ability to attack off the dribble. He's not a big-time shooting threat from 3-point range, but he's pretty strong on the mid-range area, stopping on a dime and elevating into his lefty jumper. He uses his bounce to compete on the glass on both ends of the floor, one of the better rebounding guards in the state. He averaged 20.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 2.7 steals per game as a junior for the Bulldogs.