Class 3A: Top 10 Returning Assists

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1.) 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2772340' first='Kylen' last='Vander Schaaf'] (Sergeant Bluff-Luton) -- 128 assists</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vander Schaaf is tucked away way out in the western part of the state, but he has quickly emerged as one of the elite offensive players in Class 3A. He's not only a really talented playmaker, dishing out 5.1 assists per game as a sophomore; he's also a big-time scorer, putting up 18.4 points a night on efficient shooting. SB-L brings back all but one rotation piece from last year's team and will be among the best teams in the class this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>t2.) 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2906433' first='Maddox' last='Kelley'] (Solon) -- 92</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kelley was a really nice complement to [player_tooltip player_id='2530471' first='Tate' last='McCollum'] in Solon's backcourt last season, providing the Spartans with a tough, athletic guard who can play downhill and attack the rim. His ability to put constant pressure on opposing defenses with his speed and strength helps open things up for the rest of the Spartans offensive weapons.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>t2.) 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2370429' first='Peter' last='Wedewer'] (Wahlert Catholic) -- 92</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wedewer was one of the most productive two-way players in the class last season, averaging 14.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.0 steals on 44-44-77 shooting splits. He handles the ball really well, has great vision, and plays with good pace, not getting sped up against pressure. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4.) 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2419750' first='Parker' last='Miller'] (Ballard) -- 88</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miller was the third leading scorer for the state champion Bombers last season and his 88 assists ranked second on the team, trailing just star guard Jude Gibson. A uniquely talented combo forward at 6-5, he has the size, ball-handling, and vision to be one of the best playmakers in the state, and he'll probably step into that role a bit more as a senior following Gibson's graduation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5.) 2028 Cole Christeson (Boone) -- 87</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Christeson is a true pass-first guard who averaged more assists (4.0) than points (3.5) during his sophomore year. A 5-10 guard with some handles and speed, he puts pressure on opposing defenses with his ability to push the pace.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6.) 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2114193' first='Jackson' last='Wells'] (Le Mars) -- 86</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A dynamic playmaker and shot creator, Wells led the Bulldogs in both scoring (14.2) and assists as a junior. He's a good athlete with a high level feel for the game, changing his pace and keeping defenders off balance with his change of direction and handles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7.) 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2754699' first='Gavin' last='Ahrendt'] (Sergeant Bluff-Luton) -- 80</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second of three Warriors on this top-10 returnee list, Ahrendt does a great job utilizing his size advantage at 6-6 to see over the defense and make plays for his teammates out of the high post and off the block. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8.) 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2523910' first='Jayden' last='Stephens'] (Waverly-Shell Rock) -- 77</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stephens is one of the elite athletes in the state, a coveted receiver prospect on the gridiron in addition to being a dynamic player on the hardwood. He's a bouncy, quick guard who uses his quick first step, handles, and physicality to create shots for himself and his teammates. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9.) 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2906415' first='Beckett' last='Boeset'] (Clear Creek Amana) -- 76</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boeset is a big-time scorer who also does a nice job using the threat of his jumper to create shots for his teammates. He's a 40.5% 3-point shooter who uses that to get into the teeth of the defense and either score or drop off passes to cutting teammates for easy buckets. He handles the ball well and has really good court vision.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10.) 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2754687' first='Ajay' last='Vander Schaaf'] (Sergeant Bluff-Luton) -- 72</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The older Vander Schaaf boy is another skilled, intelligent guard who sets his teammates up well, protects the ball, and scores from all three levels. He'll pair with younger brother Kylen and sophomore standout [player_tooltip player_id='2921064' first='Jacobi' last='Cofield'] to give the Warriors one of the best backcourts in the state this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->