Class 4A: Stars to Watch (Part 1)

The top-ranked player in the state will have a chance to really showcase his skill set as a senior after being the tertiary scoring option last year for the Wolves. A Nebraska commit with the size, length, and three-level scoring threat college coaches drool over, he averaged 12.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game as a junior on 54-38-75 shooting splits, and he'll be THE guy as a senior.     Rice's running mate at Northwest, Davis is also a Big Ten commit, headed to play his college ball at Illinois. A prototypical modern big man, he can step out and space the floor with a smooth release on his jumper, finish above the rim with authority when playing in a pick-and-roll game, and he's an elite rim protector who averaged 3.6 blocks per game last season. His defensive versatility is his calling card right now, while his offensive game continues to develop.     Gerdes is another Division 1 commit, staying home to play at Northern Iowa. He's a long, rangy combo forward with good footwork and touch around the rim, timing and instincts as a shot blocker, and good vision and passing skills when operating out of the mid-and-high post areas. He averaged 16.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game last season for the Tigers.     A big, athletic forward who can score inside and out, Jacobson put up big numbers as a junior for the Warriors, averaging 18.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. His ability to stretch the floor or bully smaller players on the block makes him a dynamic offensive weapon, and his size and athleticism allow him to defend multiple spots. He'll play tight end at Texas A&M and will also play basketball for Buzz Williams.     One of the most efficient and explosive scorers in the state, Schultz averaged 18.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game on 58-44-73 shooting splits as a junior for the Rams. He's strong and physical at the rim, but also has a smooth stroke out to the arc. He's able to take bigger defenders off the dribble and create quality looks for himself and his teammates.     A smooth all-around guard who makes things look easy on the offensive end, Aguirre stuffed the stat sheet to the tune of 20.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game as a junior. He shoots it really well from the mid-range, can get to his shot seemingly whenever he wants off the dribble, and he can play without the ball in his hands, knocking down shots off the catch from the arc.     Yet another Division 1 commit in the loaded 2026 class, Crane will take his talents to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, where he'll give the Midshipmen one of the most versatile defenders we've seen in quite some time in Iowa. He's a dominant rim protector who blocked 3.3 shots per game last season, and he alters opposing game plans with his size, length, and bounce.     Kimbrough is a fantastic shooter off both the dribble and the catch. He moves extremely well without the ball in his hands, a pure release, and plenty of range. He's a strong, physical guard who can also play with the ball in his hands and get to the rim off the bounce. He will play Division 1 basketball next season, but has yet to make his announcement public.     Daye is one of the best ball-handlers and shot creators in the state. He's electric with the ball in his hands, creating quality looks for himself and his teammates off the dribble routinely. Courtney Henderson gave him the keys to the Dragons' car last season, letting the offense run entirely through him, and he didn't disappoint, averaging 16.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game on 49% shooting.     The top-ranked player in the 2027 class has already committed to play his college ball at Iowa State. A nationally ranked prospect who can score from all three levels efficiently, he put up 19.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.1 steals per game as a sophomore on 53-36-65 shooting splits. His calm demeanor, smooth playing style, and deceptive bounce remind me a lot of a young Keegan Murray.