State Tournament Preview: Class 1A Breakout Candidates

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 SG [player_tooltip player_id='2412735' first='Jakob' last='Pottebaum'] (Boyden-Hull)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6-1 guard who is third on the Comets in scoring at 10.2 points per game, it's Pottebaum's playmaking and defensive prowess that could be key if Boyden-Hull is going to make a run in 1A. He's a pest on the defensive end who is averaging 2.6 steals per game, and his ability to get into the teeth of the defense and either score or find an open teammate puts constant pressure on opposing defenses. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 SG [player_tooltip player_id='2517050' first='Carson' last='Bargfrede'] (St. Edmond)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another player who is the third leading scorer on his team, Bargfrede averages 9.6 points per game and is a dynamic athlete on the wing who is a terror in transition. He can put on a show if he's able to get an open runway, and his length on the wing can create some problems for teams defensively. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 SG [player_tooltip player_id='2906540' first='Louis' last='Gonner'] (Marquette Catholic)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gonner is small, listed at 5-6, but he's fast and is able to fly all over on the defensive end, can create plays for his teammates off the dribble, and despite his small stature he's able to find ways to finish around the rim. If Marquette, the top-ranked team in the state, is going to close out this dream season with a state title, they'll need to get some production out of players like Gonner along the way. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 SG Nolan Woods (North Linn)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lynx generally don't go very deep into their bench this season, but when they do, they'll need to find someone who can make some plays, and that may be Woods, a 5-11 guard who can knock down shots from the 3-point line, fly all over the floor defensively, and keep the ball moving. One 3-pointer off the bench in a tight game could be the difference between a state title and elimination.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 PG Hudson Clark (Gladbrook-Reinbeck)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rebels have a "big four" that gets the majority of the attention, but if they're going to make a run through the 1A tournament, someone outside of that quartet will need to step up, and that may be Clark, a 6-2 lead guard who can create plays off the dribble and finish around the rim efficiently. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 PF [player_tooltip player_id='2439640' first='Jevyn' last='Severson'] (Madrid)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Severson is the most established player on this list with a fantastic freshman season, but he'll have a chance to put his name on the map of everyone around the state with a great week at the state tournament. An explosive athlete who can put a show on above the rim, he's averaging 16 points and 8.1 rebounds on 66-50-65 shooting splits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 SF [player_tooltip player_id='2413639' first='Brody' last='Pryor'] (Woodbine)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6-2 wing who can post up smaller defenders and find open teammates, Pryor is active on the glass, especially on the offensive end, and getting extra chances can be huge in these state tourament games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 SF [player_tooltip player_id='2617521' first='Jeshua' last='Phillips'] (St. Mary's, Remsen)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Phillips, a LeMars transfer, was one of the best players in the gym at our Top 250 Expo back in October, and since becoming eligible shortly after the holiday break he has given the Hawks another dimension with his length and explosive athleticism on the perimeter. He'll have a chance to showcase his versatility on both ends of the floor to the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->