State Tournament Preview: Class 4A Breakout Candidates

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 SG [player_tooltip player_id='1978102' first='Will' last='Thomas'] (Ames)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Little Cyclones have a balanced offensive attack, with no player averaging more than 10.4 points per game. Thomas, who averages 6.4, can score from all three levels, and he's a solid secondary playmaker who can get his teammates involved. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 PG [player_tooltip player_id='2446123' first='Carsen' last='Gary'] (Cedar Falls)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gary is one of the best freshmen in the state, and he'll have a chance to showcase why he's so highly regarded in Des Moines. A talented playmaker who creates well off the dribble, he sees the floor well, plays solid on-ball defense, and can knock down shots from anywhere.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 SF [player_tooltip player_id='2399474' first='Sharief' last='Thomas'] (Kennedy)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A lanky 6-2 wing who can score from all three levels, Thomas will need to have a few big moments for the Cougars if they're going to make a run. A ton of defensive attention will be paid to [player_tooltip player_id='1381415' first='Trey' last='McKowen'], and rightfully so, of course, so they'll need someone to step up and knock down some shots and create some plays off the dribble. That someone could be Thomas. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 PF [player_tooltip player_id='1381411' first='Jalen' last='Johnson'] (Senior)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A hyper-athletic 6-3/6-4 forward with an explosive second leap, Johnson is a menace on the glass on both ends of the floor, and his ability to create second chance opportunities will be huge for the Rams. He can also create plays out of the post with his vision.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 PG [player_tooltip player_id='1381427' first='Trey' last='Wright'] (Linn-Mar)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An athletic guard who really gets after it on the defensive end, Wright has brought a defensive identity on the perimeter to the Lions, and has been a major reason that they're one of the hottest teams in the state heading into this tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 PG [player_tooltip player_id='1170334' first='Jayden' last='Davison'] (Valley)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most of Valley's roster is pretty well known, but Davison, a Roosevelt transfer, will have his chance to shine on the big stage next week. He's a quick, athletic guard who can put pressure on opposing teams on both ends of the floor with his speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 SF [player_tooltip player_id='2594655' first='Pete' last='Craig'] (Waukee)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top freshmen in the state, Craig will have a chance to show the state exactly how good he is. A 6-4/6-5 wing who can knock down shots, compete on the glass, and defend multiple positions, he has a chance to make some huge plays for the Warriors in Des Moines and see his stock skyrocket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 SG [player_tooltip player_id='1756989' first='Isaiah' last='Oliver'] (Waukee Northwest)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oliver's future is probably on the gridiron, where he's a coveted receiver, but he'll have a chance to make some noise on the hardwood for the Wolves as well. He's an explosive athlete who can create chaos on the defensive end with his speed and length. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->