State Tournament Preview: Class 3A Breakout Candidates

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 PF [player_tooltip player_id='2520020' first='Hayden' last='Dohlman'] (ADM)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With all the attention paid to ADM's big three, the rest of the roster can get overshadowed. Dohlman, an athletic and physical 6-5 forward, may not be so much of a breakout candidate as the X-factor for the Tigers. His physicality in the paint can change games for this group, and he'll need to be able to help control the painted area and the glass against some really athletic, big teams in the Tigers' part of the bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 SF [player_tooltip player_id='3255116' first='Mojoe' last='Nybong'] (Ballard)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long, hyper-athletic 6-4 wing who can really impact the game on the defensive end with his length and ability to fly all over the court, Nybong has been a difference-maker off the bench this season for the Bombers, averaging 7.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. If the Bombers are going to close out this remarkable season with a state title, they'll need a role player to step up and make some key players, particularly on the defensive end, and Nybong may be that guy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 C [player_tooltip player_id='3255087' first='Lual' last='Tharjiath'] (Carroll)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tharjiath has burst onto the scene in his senior year, emerging as one of the state's elite rim protectors. He's averaging 3 blocks a game, alters several others, and completely changes the way that teams can attack Carroll offensively. A rangy 6-7/6-8 forward with impeccable timing, he'll be the X-factor for Carroll if they're going to make some noise, and he could catch the eyes of some coaches looking for a late blooming, high-upside forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 SG [player_tooltip player_id='2381206' first='Charlie' last='Reich'] (Gilbert)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 5-10 off-ball guard who can really, really shoot it, Reich is shooting over 50% from the 3-point line this season. His ability to get hot from deep and space the floor is vital for the Tigers, and every year we see someone step in and knock down four or five 3s and get the gym buzzing. That could be Reich this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 PF [player_tooltip player_id='3255119' first='David' last='Garner'] (Pella)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A senior forward with some size and bounce at 6-3/6-4, Garner can be a difference-maker in the paint for the Dutch with his length and athleticism. Fouls have been an issue at times, but when he's able to stay on the floor, he provides another level of protection on the defensive end of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 PF [player_tooltip player_id='3219739' first='Tanner' last='Heims'] (Solon)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heims is a bit undersized as a traditional big man, but he's a fantastic athlete with raw strength and physicality. He was huge in the Spartans' substate semifinal win over Central DeWitt, and they'll really need him to perform at a high level against a hyper athletic Storm Lake team in the quarterfinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 SF [player_tooltip player_id='2419850' first='David' last='William'] (Storm Lake)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A hyper athletic 6-2 wing who can fly all over the floor and create chaos on the defensive end, William is a player that I've really enjoyed over the last few years, and I'm glad he'll have a chance to shine on the big stage for the Tornadoes in a signifiant role. His length and athleticism are rivaled by few in the state, and he has a fantastic second jump that he uses to compete on the glass on both ends of the floor. He's averaging 7.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game on 59% shooting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 SG [player_tooltip player_id='2521754' first='Andrew' last='Allen'] (Xavier)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A talented sophomore off-ball guard, Allen is capable of having big scoring nights because of his ability to space the floor and shoot it from 3 off the catch. If Xavier is going to make some noise, someone outside of their big three will need to step up and make some shots, and Allen, a confident shooter, could be that guy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->