STATE TOURNAMENT: 10 Who Impressed (Friday)
2019 Patrick McCafery (6’8 SF) — 15 points (6-7 FGs), 6 rebounds, 4 blocks
It was clear last summer when we saw him play with the Iowa Barnstormers, that the younger McCaffery brother was a smart player — and he’s slammed home that point this week. He never forces and only takes top-notch, high-percentage shots. His efficiency is off the charts. Pair that poise with his height and basketball IQ, and you have Iowa’s top-ranked 2019.
2017 Connor McCaffery (6’6 G) — 18 points, 7 rebounds
Iowa’s top-ranked 2017 hasn’t been putting up huge numbers this tourney, but he has been the best player on the best team; it’s been more workmanlike than than dazzling, but he’s getting the job done. Connor is scoring from inside mostly, and led the Trojans in scoring and rebounding during their semifinal win over Kennedy. Oh, and he received his academic all-state award last night too.
2019 Aidan Vanderloo (6′ G) — 8 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds
This stat-line doesn’t look great on paper (or on the screen, welcome to 2017), but Vanderloo made some basketball moves today surprised us a bit. His passing is certainly a strength, and even his ball-handling is a bit better than we gave him credit for. He’s much more than an elite shooter. Vanderloo will be lighting up the state the next two seasons.
2017 Van Rees (6’6 F) — 23 points (8-14 FGs)
This guy, like Connor McCaffery, has been putting together some very workmanlike games this week. Rees started red-hot, and kept his team alive throughout against defending state champs Valley with several tough buckets in the paint, including several and-ones. He’s been the leading scorer in 4A through two games, averaging 24 per contest.
2017 Charley Crowley (6’8 PF) — 25 points (8-9 FGs), 8 rebounds
It seems each and every time we see Crowley play, he impresses. Whether it was last season with Valley, during the summer with Kingdom Hoops, or now at this tournament, he’s been the man. He was utterly sensational in Valleys’ semifinal win over Sioux City East, flashing a wide-range of offensive skill-sets. Crowley is on track to be named 4A tourney captain.
2018 Grant DeMeulenaere (5’11 PG) — 17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
He’s officially arrived. Last season we saw him for the first time in a district final against Colo-NESCO, and we left impressed. Then he continued to show glimpses of what he could be last summer with Kingdom Hoops. Now, he’s a state champion and a member of the 1A all-tournament team — with still a whole season ahead of him.
2017 Joe Smoldt (5’10 G) — 25 points, 6 rebounds
Smoldt struggled early in his team’s 11 point loss to Grand View Christian on Friday night, and his Rebels trailed 19-2 after the first quarter. In the second half, Smoldt willed his team back into the game while scoring 22 of his 25 points. Even when he’s off, he’s still by far the best player on the court. Upper Iowa is getting a good one, one of Iowa’s all-time best. Smoldt is a Gladbrook-Reinbeck legend.
2017 Ben Gesink (6’2 PG) — 21 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
We’ve been singing Gesink’s praises all season; and ever since last March, really, when he impressed during Western Christian’s state title run. Now, he’s again a state champion, and was the straw that stirred the pot for the Wolfpack. And after nearly posting a trip-doub in the a semifinal win, he dropped 21 in the title game. What a player.
2017 Jesse Jansma (6’4 G/F) — 22 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals
We will be the first to admit; we have Jansma grossly underrated in our 2017 rankings. He’s due for a big bump in May’s final installment — earning a 2A all-tournament captain will do that. Jansma was red-hot from deep all tournament, and his 10 made 3s led the way in 2A. His 74 total points this week were a 2A high, and it wasn’t even close.
2017 Levi Jungling (5’9 G) — 11 points, 3 steals, 3 assists
Like Smoldt, Jungling struggled mightily early in his team’s finals loss, but kicked it into high gear late. He was getting some good looks early, but missing narrowly, and his first bucket didn’t come until late in the third quarter. He catalyzed a late run, and got the Eagles to within two points int he fourth quarter before they ran out of gas. Jungling will be remembered as one of the best athletes we’ve seen at the state tournament. And is certainly a Pella Christian legend.