Continuing to ramp up for the 22-23 Iowa high school season, I wanted to take some time to preview some players who were all-state performers last year and will be returning to their teams in the winter. This list contains a ton of talent and future college basketball players that are must-see talent high school performers.
2A
Tate Petersen | 2023 | 6’0 | G | Monticello | Iowa Mavs
18.9 ppg 5.1 rpg 5.2 apg 1.9 spg 37.9 3PT% 56.3 eFG%
Petersen will come into the season as one of the most productive shot-creators in the state. Over the summer, he has picked up a trio of offers from DMACC, Mount Mercy, and Kirkwood. He can do it all on the offensive end with an impressive ability to take and make tough shots. The guard is especially deadly from the three-point line, where he can seriously light it up.
Zach Lutmer | 2023 | 6’2 | G | Central Lyon | Arena Basketball Club
19.7 ppg 5.4 rpg 5.9 apg 2.5 spg 41.2 3PT% 60.8 eFG% 74.4 FT%
Lutmer, an Iowa football commit, was simply dominant last season in 2A. His offensive efficiency and production, combined with a whopping 2.5 steals a game is extremely impressive. He is not only a terrific overall athlete but also plays with high skill and strong decision making. All of this combined help him to make a high impact in nearly every aspect of the game.
Padraig Gallagher | 2023 | 6’5 | W | Beckman Catholic | Martin Brothers
20.4 ppg 8.5 rpg 2.4 apg 1.5 spg 41.8 3PT% 61.3 eFG% 86.4 FT%
Gallagher’s college offers as of late include Truman State, Missouri Western, and Upper Iowa. I’m a big fan of Gallagher’s game. He is first and foremost a low-risk player that makes very few mistakes on the court. He is someone you can trust to make the right pass, knock down an open look, or create a look when needed. As a rebounder, Gallagher is always engaged and has the height to bring down a good number of boards.
Owen Larson | 2024 | 6’1 | G | Estherville Lincoln Central | Martin Brothers
22.1 ppg 5.6 rpg 5.1 apg 2.4 topg 43.1 3PT% 62.0 eFG% 81.2 FT%
Larson is a highly skilled South Dakota State commit that really shined for Estherville Lincoln Central last season. Efficient, productive, and a constant scoring threat Larson is a Division One prospect largely because of his talents as a point guard that can be a volume scorer and playmaker for others.
Derek Weisskopf | 2024 | 6’4 | W | Williamsburg | Martin Brothers
15.3 ppg 6.6 rpg 2.1 apg 1.7 spg 42.5 3PT% 62.5 eFG% 72.8 FT%
If it weren’t for the fact that Weisskopf is going to play football for the Hawkeyes next year, he would definitely have a future on the basketball court. His strength, balance, and speed make him an extremely effective defender, driver, and transition threat. He also shoots the ball well, forcing the defense to respect him as a pull up threat from the perimeter.
Jacob Hargens | 2023 | 6’3 | G/W | Sioux Central | Play 4 Him
25.5 ppg 9.9 rpg 3 apg 1.3 spg 1.5 bpg 37.3 3PT% 59.2 eFG% 80.7 FT%
Hargens was a walking double double with Sioux Central last season. Recently, the guard/wing received an offer from Dordt. He’s a fluid athlete, good leaper, and has great balance. Hargens not only shoots the ball well from the perimeter, he gets to the paint frequently and is a strong finisher. Able to guard multiple positions with his height and athleticism, Hargens is also a difference maker on the defensive end of the court where he forced turnovers and blocked shots at a high-rate last season.
Jonovan Wilkinson | 2024 | 6’2 | G/W | Roland-Story | All Iowa Attack
14.2 ppg 6.5 rpg 3.4 apg 1.6 spg 33.9 3PT% 53.1 eFG% 79.2 FT%
Wilkinson is a player that any coach should want on their team. He’s a quintessential do-it-all player that contributes to winning in a ton of different ways. His jumper is solid, and I think his 3-point percentage will improve this season. On the boards and as a defender, he plays well above his height. In transition and as a driver, Wilkinson is tough to stay in front of (much like on the football field) and finishes well.
Isaiah Naylor | 2023 | 6’0 | G | Roland Story
17.7 ppg 1.6 rpg 2.2 apg 1.6 spg 39.8 3PT% 56.8 eFG% 83 FT%
Naylor is a microwave scorer from the point guard spot. He can score a lot of points in a very little amount of time with his three-point range and quick release. The defensive attention he demands not only shows his elite shooting, but also helps to put the defense at a disadvantage and open up opportunities for his teammates. Naylor is also above average causing turnovers for ball handlers with quick hands and good timing on steals.
Preston Ries | 2023 | 6’2 | G/W | Monticello
18.1 ppg 7 rpg 1.4 spg 50.8 eFG % 77.4 FT%
Another Hawkeye football commit that just so happens to be a, Ries was a force for Monticello in 21-22. He’s a powerful athlete which make him an elite rebounder, driver, transition threat, and play finisher.
Garrett Hempen | 2023 | 6’1 | G | Aplington Parkersburg | Martin Brothers
15.6 ppg 3.2 rpg 4.5 apg 1.4 spg 40.5 3PT% 55.7 eFG% 85.2 FT%
Hempen’s quickness, decision making, and skill are big reasons why he has offers from Iowa Lakes CC, Wartburg, and Central college. Watching Hempen, he just always seems to be in the right spot to make a good play both offensively and defensively. His quickness, balance, and handle get him to the hoop frequently. Hempen is also a positive on-ball defender that forces turnovers off the ball with quick reads and good positioning.
