Area Rankings: Top 10 2026 Prospects in Southwest Iowa

Lovely is a really talented lead guard with great handles, a quick first step, and the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. He plays with pace, changes speeds, and can keep his speed up while changing directions. He sees the floor at a high level and is a gifted passer. With his speed and IQ, he's also a solid on-ball defender. He averaged 19.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.9 steals per game as a junior.     A pass-first guard who does a nice job setting his teammates up, Klement averaged 4.4 assists per game and posted a 2.20 assist-to-turnover ratio as a junior. He's content getting his teammates involved and playing strong on-ball defense on the perimeter, but he can also score around the rim through contact.     A stat-sheet stuffing wing who does a little bit of everything for the Crusaders, Heydon averaged 22.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on 56-39-69 shooting splits as a junior. He does a great job utilizing his length on both ends of the floor, providing some real versatility. He can play with or without the ball in his hands offensively and is a strong defender.     A lengthy wing who can play downhill and get to the rim off the bounce, McLaren led the Trojans in scoring as a junior, putting up 12.9 points per game to go with a team-high 6.0 rebounds. He's a strong finisher at the rim, good in the mid-range, and can defend multiple positions.     Baatz is an undersized but extremely effective forward who shot 61.4% from the floor as a junior while averaging 15.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. He plays with a relentless motor, has great hands, and isn't afraid to throw his physicality around and make life uncomfortable for opposing players.     A big-time scorer who had a breakout junior year, McDowell averaged 17.3 points per game on 43-38-76 shooting splits last year. But he's not just a scorer, he's also a talented playmaker who led the Cyclones with 3.3 assists per game. He has good vision, plays with pace, and can score from all three levels.     Ruggles is one of the most productive all-around players in small school basketball, averaging 19.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.2 steals, and posting 50-44-80 shooting splits. He's a really talented all-around offensive player who gets his teammates involved, scores from all three levels, and can defend one through four at this level.     Another big-time small school scorer, Ramsey averaged 22.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game as a junior for the Wolverines. He shoots it well from the 3-point line, can get to the bucket off the dribble and finish with either hand, and he's really good at setting his teammates up with his vision and passing instincts.     A big, mobile 6-6 forward with soft hands and a nose for the ball, Thien averaged 9.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game (3.3 offensive) last season while shooting nearly 63% from the floor. He has good touch around the rim with either hand and is a smart defender who positions himself well.     A quick guard who sees the floor really well, Ewing posted an impressive 2.75 assist-to-turnover ratio as a junior. He does a great job keeping his head up and finding open teammates, putting them in positions to succeed. He can play downhill and get to the rim where he finishes well also, averaging 9.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.