Class 3A: Top 10 Returning Shot Blockers

Tony Roe August 25, 2025 @ 08:31 PM

1.) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2413531' first='Cael' last='LaFrentz'] (Decorah) -- 88 blocks   One of the most dominant two-way players in the state, LaFrentz averaged 3.7 blocks per game as a junior while also posting a huge double-double average of 29.2 points and 12.7 rebounds. The nearly 7-footer has impeccable timing as a shot blocker, great size and length, and is capable of switching on the perimeter.   2.) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765535' first='John' last='Nelson'] (Nevada) -- 61   Nelson is a bouncy, long, versatile defender who can defend one through five at this level, giving the Cubs a lot of different options on the defensive end of the floor. He's capable of switching onto smaller ball-handlers or banging with bigger bodies in the paint. He averaged 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.9 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game as a junior.   3.) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2731814' first='Brady' last='Harr'] (Hampton-Dumont-CAL) -- 55   Harr was dominant in the painted area on both ends of the floor as a junior for the Bulldogs, using his 6-7 frame to protect the rim, dominate the glass, and finish at a high level around the rim. He does a great job of staying vertical and contesting without fouling.   4.) 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2448279' first='Brooks' last='Coates'] (Marion) -- 49   Coates is one of the highest upside players in the 2027 class, a 6-9 athletic big man who can protect the rim at a high level. He has great bounce and length, switching or playing drop coverage and letting the ball-handlers attack him before turning shots away.   5.) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765554' first='AJ' last='Evans'] (Xavier) -- 47   Evans was one of the most productive players in the state this spring and summer, using that fantastic play to pick up several Division I opportunities. He's a bouncy 6-7/6-8 big man with great timing as a shot blocker.   6.) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765515' first='Jaidyn' last='Coon'] (Storm Lake) -- 40   It's no surprise to see Coon on this list, given his dynamic athleticism and length. He's capable of making highlight reel plays on both ends of the floor, coming away with chasedown blocks or rotating over from the weakside to turn away shots above the rim.   7.) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2772138' first='Ryan' last='Diehl'] (Clarke) -- 32   By far the shortest player on this top 10, Diehl, listed at 5-11, was really solid defensively last season for the Indians, averaging 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. He's a great athlete with quick hands.   8.) 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2413532' first='Kellen' last='Haverback'] (Mount Vernon) -- 30   Haverback stuffed the stat sheet as a junior for the Mustangs, averaging 16.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.3 steals per game in addition to his rim protection. His length and athleticism allow him to move his feet and contest shots on the perimeter.   9.) 2026 Eli Zillman (Fairfield) -- 29   The 6-2 Zillman was productive as a junior for the Trojans, averaging 10.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and shooting 51.2% from the floor. He's a tough, physical forward who uses his size and strength to his advantage on both ends.   10.) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2731749' first='Easton' last='Ersland'] (Ballard) -- 28   Ersland is an athletic 6-4 combo forward who really came on strong after the holiday break last season, giving the Bombers another option on the offensive end and some real versatility as a defender. He has the quickness and length to impact the game as a perimeter defender, and the bounce and size to protect the rim in the paint.

1.) 2026 Cael LaFrentz Cael LaFrentz 6'10" | C Decorah | 2026 State IA (Decorah) -- 88 blocks