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<p><em>There were a number of remarkable individual performances around the state last week as we head into the holiday break. Below we take a look at eight of the top Class 1A showings from the third week of action in a series that we plan to continue throughout the year, hopefully without too many repeats!</em><br></p>
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<p><strong>2025 SG [player_tooltip player_id='2721729' first='Owen' last='Anderson'] (Mormon Trail) -- 42 points (15-26 FG, 8-12 3P, 4-10 FT), 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals [vs. Melcher-Dallas]</strong></p>
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<p>The senior guard was dominant against Melcher-Dallas last week, delivering an outing that is among the highest scoring outputs on the young season. He showed the ability to score from all three levels, shooting it ridiculously well from the 3-point line but also showing that he can get to the bucket off the dribble. The 5 assists and 5 steals were nice to boot.</p>
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<p><strong>2026 PG [player_tooltip player_id='2886911' first='Jackson' last='Ruggles'] (Mount Ayr) -- 38 points (9-13 FG, 8-11 3P, 12-14 FT), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block [vs. Southwest Valley]</strong></p>
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<p>Ruggles is emerging as one of the top scorers in Class 1A as a junior, and his proficiency from the 3-point line is a major reason why. His efficiency against Southwest Valley was eye-popping, scoring 38 points on just 13 shots due to his marksmanship from deep and the ability to attack and get to the free-throw line.</p>
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<p><strong>2025 PF [player_tooltip player_id='1951833' first='Braedon' last='Godfread'] (Sidney) -- 34 points (15-21 FG, 0-2 3P, 4-4 FT), 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks [vs. Griswold]</strong></p>
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<p>A versatile two-way player with size and athleticism, Godfread is a difficult matchup for anyone in the Corner Conference, and he was dominant against Griswold. He's a bouncy forward who finishes well around the rim, controls the glass, and he showcased his defensive prowess throughout this game as well, turning away a pair of shots and altering several others.</p>
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<p><strong>2026 PF [player_tooltip player_id='1907683' first='Hunter' last='Horn'] (St. Edmond) -- 31 points (13-21 FG, 5-9 FT), 12 rebounds (7 offensive), 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block [vs. Algona]</strong></p>
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<p>St. Edmond has been one of the most pleasant surprises in the early going this season, and Horn, a 6-4 forward, is a big reason why. He paced the Gaels in an impressive win over 3A Algona, showing deft touch around the rim as well as crafty and quick footwork. He's a force on the glass on both ends of the floor, and his work on the offensive end was huge in this one.</p>
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<p><strong>2026 PF [player_tooltip player_id='2731754' first='Garret' last='Van Es'] (Boyden-Hull) -- 29 points (13-15 FG, 3-3 FT), 11 rebounds, 4 blocks [vs. Okoboji]</strong></p>
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<p>Van Es wasn't on the Comets varsity roster last season, but he has been a nice addition this year, as he showcased against Okoboji last week. The 6-2 forward is a good athlete with soft touch, and he was tremendously efficient against the Pioneers. In addition to his scoring and rebounding, the 4 blocked shots were huge, announcing his defensive presence in the paint and making things difficult for Okoboji.</p>
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<p><strong>2027 SF [player_tooltip player_id='2754662' first='Ellis' last='Hills-Carrier'] (Columbus) -- 34 points (10-17 FG, 4-10 3P, 10-13 FT), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks [vs. New London]</strong></p>
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<p>In the midst of a breakout sophomore campaign, Hills-Carrier was outstanding in the Wildcats' win over New London, dropping 34 points and stuffing the stat sheet in a variety of ways. He's a good shot maker who can create his own looks and score from all three levels.</p>
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<p><strong>2026 PF [player_tooltip player_id='2731804' first='Isaiah' last='Sholes'] (Essex) -- 20 points (8-16 FG, 0-2 3P, 4-6 FT), 17 rebounds, 5 steals, 12 blocks [vs. Murray]</strong></p>
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<p>Look at that stat line! 12 blocks is insane for the junior forward, who was absolutely dominant in the paint against Murray. There have been just a few triple-doubles so far this season, but this one may be among the most impressive we'll see with that ridiculous number of rejections.</p>
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<p><strong>2025 SF [player_tooltip player_id='1874772' first='Cal' last='Peterman'] (Bedford) -- 13 points (5-12 FG, 0-1 3P, 3-4 FT), 18 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, 8 blocks [vs. Southwest Valley]</strong></p>
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<p>Peterman (pictured) is one of the best players in his area of the state, and he showed why with his two-way performance against Southwest Valley. He was able to facilitate for his teammates in a major way, make a huge impact on the defensive end, and score around the rim while also dominating the glass.</p>
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There were a number of remarkable individual performances around the state last week as we head into the holiday break. Below we take a look at eight of the top Class 1A showings from the third week of action in a series that we plan to continue throughout the year, hopefully without too many repeats!
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