The go-to guy for Linn-Mar, Tyler Hilton Tyler Hilton 6'6" | SF Linn-Mar | 2026 State IA struggled in matching up with both Gerdes and Leyton Wolf Leyton Wolf 6'7" | SG Cedar Falls | 2026 State IA — two of the best forwards he’ll face all season. At the same time, he’s asked to do quite a lot to for the Lions on offense, as Chris Robertson looks like he’ll only go two-deep into his bench this season.

A tall, long small prospect that stands at 6-foot-6, Hilton is entrusted to run the offense, take it to the rim, draw fouls and fight for boards. Finishing with 21 points on 8-of-16 shooting from the floor, Wilton still got his, even when facing one of the more difficult matchups he’ll face all season.

Hilton had a breakout junior year for the Lions, ranking second on the team in both scoring (11.9) and rebounding (7.0), behind Davis Kern, now at South Dakota State. A combo forward with great size and length, he has a pretty thin frame still, needing to add some weight, but he plays TOUGH. He doesn’t shy away from contact around the rim, isn’t afraid to bang against bigger bodies defensively, and he rebounds really well on both ends of the floor. After shooting 35% from the 3-point line last season, he’ll be looking to take another step forward in that regard as a senior, as well as showing more comfort handling the ball.

Hilton had a breakout junior year for the Lions, averaging 11.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game on 62% shooting. He has great size and length as a combo forward, with the ability to defend multiple positions. He’s a tough, physical defender who can bang against bigger bodies, but he also has the lateral quickness and length to defend on the perimeter.

The number two scorer behind now-South Dakota State freshman forward, Davis Kern last season for Linn-Marr, Hilton is best served in a secondary role in the front court. Along with the three other 17U prospects listed here, Hilton looks like an off-the-bench sparkplug that can use his length as a defender and grab boards around the rim. With a growth spurt, he looks like he’ll play more on the interior for Murray Elite and Linn-Mar this coming year, which would afford him the opportunity to bring his guard skills to the post. One of Hilton’s best attributes is his ability to find the entry pass to the post and find other bigs for open layups around the bucket.

With an added level of physicality and confidence, Hilton has an opportunity to take his game to the next level and continue to garner interest from college programs.

As of Tuesday, Hilton committed to Wayne State in Nebraska.