State Tournament Preview: Class 3A Breakout Candidates

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 PF [player_tooltip player_id='2811916' first='Cade' last='Fisher'] (ADM)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The focal point of ADM's attack is on the perimeter, and all three of those guys can absolutely go, but if the Tigers are going to make a run to a 3A state title, they'll need someone to control the painted area and that someone is Fisher. The 6-5 big man is averaging 7.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 PF [player_tooltip player_id='2731749' first='Easton' last='Ersland'] (Ballard)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ersland has been a game-changer for the Bombers defensively with his ability to protect the rim, averaging over a block per game. A bouncy 6-4 forward who can also step out and stretch the floor, his two-way ability will be big for Ballard if they're going to make some noise in Des Moines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 PG [player_tooltip player_id='1765533' first='Brady' last='Meadows'] (Central DeWitt)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meadows is the floor general for the Sabers, who are getting hot at the right time. He's posted a 2.09 assist-to-turnover ratio and is dishing out 4.4 assists per game, pacing their attack. His ability to get his teammates involved and protect the ball will be huge if DeWitt is going to continue this run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 PF [player_tooltip player_id='2413530' first='Max' last='Larson'] (Clear Lake)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On a deep, balanced team, Larson's numbers won't jump out at you - 5.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists - but his size, athleticism, and length can impact the game on both ends of the floor for the Lions. He'll make some winning plays for the top-ranked team in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 SF [player_tooltip player_id='2811942' first='Koby' last='Higginbotham'] (Knoxville)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Higginbotham isn't a big-time scorer, but he is a big-time defender. Against Keokuk, he was the primary defender against star big man [player_tooltip player_id='1978100' first='Jaxon' last='Clark'], and he has the size, toughness, and athleticism to defend multiple positions, sometimes on a single possession. His versatility and toughness on that end of the floor, being able to defend whoever Knoxville needs him to, will be a huge bonus for the Panthers against a loaded 3A field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 PG [player_tooltip player_id='2887838' first='Carter' last='Van Gelder'] (MOC-Floyd Valley)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like Meadows from Central DeWitt, Van Gelder is a talented lead guard who sometimes gets overshadowed, but he's really good at getting his teammates involved (4.0 assists), protecting the ball (2.02 assist-to-turnover ratio), and he knocks down open looks from 3 (44.2 3P%).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 SF [player_tooltip player_id='2419850' first='David' last='William'] (Storm Lake)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>William is a tremendous athlete who can finish above the rim with authority, control the glass on either end of the floor, and protect the rim defensively. As with many of the players on this breakout list, his versatility on both ends could be a major difference maker for the Tornadoes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 PG [player_tooltip player_id='1361499' first='Lorenzo' last='Pino'] (Xavier)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pino has become one of my favorite lead guards in the state to watch, and he'll have a chance to showcase why next week in Des Moines. A crafty, creative guard who sees the floor well, has tight handles, and can get to the rim, he'll be the floor general for a Saints team that is capable of going from unranked to state champion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->