Eight Outstanding Performances from Week One (Class 3A)

Tony Roe December 13, 2024 @ 04:36 PM

There were a number of remarkable individual performances around the state in the opening week of action. Below we take a look at eight of the top Class 3A showings from the first seven days of action in a series that we plan to continue throughout the year, hopefully without too many repeats!   2026 C [player_tooltip player_id='2413531' first='Cael' last='LaFrentz'] (Decorah) -- 37 points (15-21 FG, 7-7 FT), 9 rebounds, 3 blocks [vs. Hempstead]   The near 7-footer was fantastic in the Vikings' blowout win over Hempstead last week, scoring around the rim efficiently and protecting the paint at a high level. The Mustangs had no answer for a player with his size, let alone his skill level.   2025 SF [player_tooltip player_id='2721697' first='Geren' last='Kenney'] (Perry) -- 35 points (13-23 FG, 2-6 3P, 7-11 FT), 16 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals, 1 block [vs. Ogden]   Kenney was unbelievably good in the Bluejays win over Ogden, posting a massive double-double to go with seven helpers, a highly impressive number. He uses his size to bully his way to the rim for finishes or to get to the free-throw line, as well as control the glass, and it allows him to see over the defense as well.   2025 PG [player_tooltip player_id='1381408' first='Zach' last='Driscoll'] (Decorah) -- 18 points (8-13 FG, 2-5 3P), 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 0 turnovers [vs. Hempstead]   Another Decorah player who had a standout game against Hempstead, what stood out about Driscoll's outing was the zero turnovers with his 8 assists. Obviously zero turnovers isn't something that is going to happen in every game, but that type of ball security to go with his three-level scoring and playmaking is part of what will make Decorah deadly despite losing a lot of production to graduation.   2026 SG [player_tooltip player_id='2204895' first='Victor' last='Ward'] (Charles City) -- 19 points (7-14 FG, 1-1 3P, 4-8 FT), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 6 blocks [vs. Kee]   Ward (pictured) was a menace on both ends of the floor in the Comets win over Kee, stuffing the stat sheet in a variety of ways. While his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking was top-notch, it was his work on the defensive end that really stood out in this one - 8 stocks, especially with 6 of those being rejections, is remarkable for a guard.   2025 SF [player_tooltip player_id='2721815' first='Caleb' last='Bock'] (Solon) -- 21 points (9-17 FG, 3-4 FT), 17 rebounds (11 offensive), 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block [vs. Maquoketa]   Solon was decimated by graduation and needed someone to step up and perform at a high level. It looks like that may be Bock, an athletic wing who uses his athleticism to get to the rim for finishes as well as absolutely dominate the glass. He pulled down an eye-popping 11 offensive boards in the Spartans' win over Maquoketa.   2025 PF [player_tooltip player_id='1484410' first='Ryan' last='Watters'] (Central DeWitt) -- 19 points (7-10 FG, 1-2 3P, 4-6 FT), 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals, 2 blocks [vs. Center Point-Urbana]   One of the most versatile two-way players in the class, Watters stuffed the stat sheet in the Sabers win over CPU, putting together a huge double-double to go with impressive playmaking and impact on the defensive end. He can defend multiple positions with his size, length, and athleticism, and he is a much better passer than he gets credit for.   2025 SF [player_tooltip player_id='1759901' first='Seaton' last='Ingram'] (Des Moines Christian) -- 18 points (6-15 FG, 2-5 3P, 4-4 FT), 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals [vs. Dallas Center-Grimes]   A highly athletic wing with good size and strength, Ingram was great on the glass against DCG last week, controlling the painted area on both ends of the floor. He can attack the rim off the bounce, and if he's anywhere near the 40% he shot from 3-point range in this game throughout the year, watch out.   2027 SG [player_tooltip player_id='2754687' first='Ajay' last='Vander Schaaf'] (Sergeant Bluff-Luton) -- 30 points (10-17 FG, 6-13 3P, 4-5 FT), 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block [vs. LeMars]   The sophomore sharpshooter had a breakout game for the Warriors against LeMars, dropping 30 and knocking down shots from everywhere on the floor. He has a quick release off both the dribble and the catch, and his scoring will be huge for SBL this season.

There were a number of remarkable individual performances around the state in the opening week of action. Below we take a look at eight of the top Class 3A showings from the first seven days of action in a series that we plan to continue throughout the year, hopefully without too many repeats!