Class 3A: Top 10 Returning Assists

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1.) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1376707' first='Bo' last='Otto'] (Clarke) - 189 assists</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of two Clarke players on this list, Otto, a 5-10 lead guard, was excellent in a distributing role last season for the Indians. He posted a 3.0 assist-to-turnover ratio, showing that he values possessions and does a great job getting his teammates involved without turning it over. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2.) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1945658' first='Shyne' last='Lo'] (Saydel) - 136</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6-1 lead guard who has the ball in hands a ton for the Eagles, Lo accounted for well over half of the team's assists last season and posted a respectable 1.8 assist-to-turnover ratio. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3.) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1587393' first='Landon' last='Welp'] (Algona) - 127</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Welp isn't much of a scorer, averaging just 4.7 points a game last season, but the 'Dogs didn't need him to be, with four other players averaging in double figures. A solid lead guard who limits turnovers and puts his teammates in positions to succeed, he's the type of winning ball-handler that you want running your backcourt. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4.) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381408' first='Zach' last='Driscoll'] (Decorah) - 127</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Driscoll was dominant as a sophomore at MFL MarMac, and will now take his talents up a class to Decorah. A quick guard with a high IQ, he does a great job playing with pace and using his scoring ability to open up his playmaking. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5.) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171696' first='Jack' last='Cooley'] (Clarke) - 123</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another Indian on the top 10, this is the third top-10 list that Cooley has found himself on already, a testament to how dominant an all-around season he had as a junior. With his size, he's able to constantly see over his defender, allowing him to read the defense and find open teammates. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6.) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1587752' first='Reed' last='Pfaltzgraff'] (Bondurant-Farrar) - 116</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The starting point guard for the undefeated state champions, Pfaltzgraff pairs good size with quick-twitch athleticism to blow by defenders and get to the rim or get his teammates involved. He's an explosive two-way player who is also a standout on the hardwood as a wide receiver. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7.) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1751225' first='Gus' last='Pickup'] (Central DeWitt) - 106</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A smart lead guard who plays with pace and has good court vision, Pickup was solid on both ends of the floor last year for the Sabers, averaging 6.4 points and 1.2 steals to go with his helpers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8.) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2325258' first='Rhylan' last='Stine-Smith'] (ADM) - 104</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stine-Smith had a solid junior year, averaging 9.3 points and 4.5 assists for the Tigers. ADM could be a surprise team in 3A this year, and his steady presence in the backcourt will be a major factor if they are going to surprise people. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9.) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765518' first='Jude' last='Gibson'] (Ballard) - 99</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A cat-quick lead guard, Gibson was one of the best freshmen in the state last season, averaging 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.6 steals a game for the Bombers. He uses his speed to his advantage on both ends of the floor, getting into passing lanes and putting constant pressure on opposing defenses. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10.) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1751170' first='Matthew' last='Bockman'] (Decorah) - 93</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following an injury to [player_tooltip player_id='1171655' first='Treyton' last='McCain'], Bockman was thrust into a primary ball-handling role for the Vikings, and he played well. With the return of McCain and the addition of Driscoll, he'll likely move off the ball more this season, a role he's comfortable in. But gaining that experience last season was big for the Vikings as a whole and for Bockman as a player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->