Leading Returning Scorers: Class 2A
As part of our high school season preview coverage, we’re taking a look at some of the top returning players in each class. In this article, we’re taking a look at the top ten returning scorers in Class 2A. …
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Continue ReadingAs part of our high school season preview coverage, we’re taking a look at some of the top returning players in each class. In this article, we’re taking a look at the top ten returning scorers in Class 2A.
Bryce Coppock
1.) Bryce Coppock, West Sioux (28.2 points per game)*
The 6-0 senior guard has been an explosive scorer for the last three years at 1A Newell-Fonda, and has transferred to West Sioux for his senior year, where he’ll be part of one of the state’s most potent offenses. He has a chance to crack into the top-15 all-time in scoring this winter.
2.) Cooper Dejean, OABCIG (23.3 points per game)
Perhaps the best player in 2A, Dejean led the Falcons in scoring, rebounding, assists and blocks last year. One of the more explosive athletes in the state, he’ll see his scoring numbers skyrocket this year as he’s the only returnee who scored more than 13 points last year.
3.) Hunter Dekkers, West Sioux (22.5 points per game)
A highly skilled quarterback on the gridiron, Dekkers has committed to play at Iowa State. After leading the Falcons in scoring and assists last year, he’ll have pressure taken off of him with the addition of Coppock, and the West Sioux offense that averaged 74.5 points a game last year could approach 80 a night this season as a result. He made 82 3s last season at a 46.3% clip.
4.) Braden Gibbons, Madrid (22.0 points per game)
A diminutive 5-8 lead guard, Gibbons doesn’t let his lack of size deter him from playing the way he wants, and that’s getting to the rim. He trailed only Dejean last year in free throw attempts in 2A, and his 182 assists are far and away the most coming back in the class.
5.) Blake Chance, Albia (21.0 points per game)
Chance, a 6-4 junior lead guard, led the Blue Demons in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals last season, and could headline one of 2A’s surprise teams this winter. Look for the Chance-Brayden Messamaker backcourt to become one of the better duos in the class.
Masen Miller
6.) Masen Miller, Iowa City Regina (20.4 points per game)
Miller’s 99 3-pointers last year led the state, but he’s not a gunner. One of the best shooters in the Midwest, he’s capable of lighting teams up off the catch or the dribble, and his 43% clip from behind the arc was highly impressive given how he’s the focal point of the defensive game plan on a nightly basis. He led the Regals in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals last year and has committed to Jeff Horner at Division II Truman State.
7.) Cameron Soenksen, Camanche (20.0 points per game)
An elite athlete, Soenksen thrives on getting out in transition and finishing above the rim. He’s also a gunner with “in the gym” range who is capable of getting as hot as anyone in the state.
8.) Brady Berkey, Colfax-Mingo (19.3 points per game)
Not much went right for the Tigerhawks last year, winners of just four games, but Berkey was a bright spot. He has the ability to score from all three levels and more than doubled Zarek Hill in assists last year for the team lead.
9.) Zane Neubaum, South Central Calhoun (18.7 points per game)
Despite being listed at just 6-1, Neubaum pulled down over seven rebounds a game last year in addition to his efficient (50.6 FG%) scoring. He’ll pace a South Central Cal team that should be among the best in 2A.
t10.) Justin Recker, Monticello (18.5 points per game)
The 6-6 junior was part of an all-sophomore starting five last year for a Panthers team that will be among the chief state title contenders in 2A this winter. He shot 55.2% from the floor, led the team in rebounding and blocked 27 shots to boot. He looks primed for a huge junior season in the River Valley Conference.
t10.) Aaron Graves, Southeast Valley (18.5 points per game)
Graves, a 6-5 big man, quietly put together one of the most impressive freshman seasons we’ve seen last year, putting up 18.5 points a night on 50-47-82 shooting splits. Also a highly coveted football recruit, he has already committed to play for coach Kirk Ferentz at Iowa, despite just heading into his sophomore year.