STATE TOURNAMENT: Class 3A All-Tournament Team
Most outstanding player: Andrew Blum, Glenwood (2018)
Stats: 18.0 points (55.6 FG%), 10.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, 2.3 steals
The only player in any of the four classes to average a double-double on the week, Blum was consistently great for the Rams en route to their state title. He was at his best, however, in their semifinal and championship wins, when he averaged 20.5 points and 11.5 rebounds (on 60% shooting to boot). He showcased his all-around offensive skill set, knocking down five 3s during the week in addition to his domination around the rim. He’ll play football at Northwest Missouri State next year, but a fantastic career on the hardwood culminated in Glenwood’s first state title.
Nate Mohr, Glenwood (2018)
Stats: 14.3 points (27.0 FG%, 86.4 FT%) 3.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 3.0 steals
Mohr really struggled with his shot all week, but he was nearly automatic at the line throughout their three wins, going 19-22 from the line, and helping ice away the semifinal win over Xavier. His free throw prowess accounted for a large chunk of his scoring throughout the week, but he used his 6-3 frame to create issues on the defensive end as well, swiping three steals in each game, blocking a pair of shots, and doing a great job contesting shots from the likes of Matt Mims and Spencer Tucker throughout the week. The future Wayne State Wildcat is a stat sheet stuffer who made big play after big play for the Rams.
Xavier Foster, Oskaloosa (2020)
Stats: 13.3 points (72.7 FG%), 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 blocks
The 6-11 sophomore showcased every facet of his game that has high-major coaches from across the country clamoring for his services. He showed off a beautiful stroke from behind the arc, knocking down six of 10 attempts from deep during the week, blocked 11 shots and showed his ability to run the floor and finish around the rim. The only concerning area that arose throughout the week was at the free throw line, where he went just 2-13, including an 0-8 showing in the semifinals against Waverly-Shell Rock. That said, with the stroke he has from deep, it may just have been a mental issue during the week, and looks like something that should be able to get sorted out as he continues to progress.
Jarad Kruse, Oskaloosa (2018)
Stats: 14.3 points (52.8 FG%), 7.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists
The most consistent member of the Indians throughout the course of the year, Kruse ended his career with a pair of big games, averaging 18.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in the semifinals and championship games (on 59.3% shooting). He sometimes gets overshadowed by Xavier Foster and Cole Henry, a pair of Division I talents also on the Oskaloosa roster, but it was Kruse who delivered big buckets when they needed them time and again, showcasing his top-notch footwork and touch around the rim.
Matt Mims, Cedar Rapids Xavier (2018)
Stats: 21.0 points (32.8 FG%), 5.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.0 blocks, 1.0 steals
Mims, like Mohr, struggled with his shot during the week, but contributed across the board in other areas to help lead the Saints to a third place finish. In the one game he didn’t struggle shooting the ball, the Saints’ quarterfinal win over Marion, he scored a tournament-high 32 points on 10-19 from the floor. He finished second only to Mohr in assists during the week.
Second Team
Ryan Blum, Glenwood (2021)
Jackson Joens, Cedar Rapids Xavier (2018)
Luke Velky, Waverly-Shell Rock (2019)
Christian Stanislav, Glenwood (2019)
Cole Henry, Oskaloosa (2019)
Honorable mentions: Jack Seward (Waverly-Shell Rock, 2018), Jacob Bahe (Waverly-Shell Rock, 2018), Quinn Schulte (Cedar Rapids Xavier, 2019), Kyle Moeder (Cedar Rapids Xavier, 2019), Luke Vaske (Norwalk, 2018), Spencer Tucker (Oskaloosa, 2018)