Chase Schutty | 2024 | 6’5 | W | Centennial

Schutty came in after sitting out the first game of the day and really changed the look of this Ankeny Centennial team. A high-level tight end recruit, Schutty has the hands, speed, strength, and lateral quickness to bring a high impact on both ends for the Jaguars. He’s a really good three-point shooter, can attack from the midrange, elbow, or three-point line off the dribble, and finishes at the hoop through contact very well. A multi-position defender, effective rebounder, and transition threat as well, Schutty gives his team lots of options and positive plays all over the floor.

Tanner Berggren | 2024 | 6’4 | W | B-F

With Reed Pfaltzgraff off to the Iowa football camp after game one for BF, Berggren had to carry a heavy load for the Bluejays. He, Cole Miller, and Pfaltzgraff will be the big three once the season starts, representing a large percentage of the offense for this team. Berggren certainly has the offensive skillset to step in and take on this bigger offensive role. He has a great jumper from the midrange and three, displaying impressive efficiency on shots from those areas throughout this spring. Also a capable handler, good passer, and savvy cutter, Berggren brings an all around offensive impact. On the other end, he is strong on the boards, can guard multiple spots, and brings length to the court. Colleges looking for a two-way impact player that has a lot of offensive skill should give Berggren a look.

Marach Dau | 2026 | 6’7 | F | Ames

Dau is a talented young big that has a chance to be a difference maker for Ames in the Winter. He stepped in for them and provided valuable shot blocking and rebounding off the bench. Showing good hands and solid touch around the rim as well, Dau still has work to do with his strength and adjusting to the varsity game, but is a player to watch moving forward.

Calix Cahill | 2024 | 6’6 | F | DCG

Cahill looked like the fastest, strongest athlete on the floor in many of the games he played in Sunday. With his 6’6 frame, he is able to simply power through defenders for easy finishes in a lot of matchups. Also always good for a couple assists and a high number of rebounds, Cahill is more than just a bully on the block. He’s really good as a roller and a passer out of the high post, when he’s stopped short on a roll, or out on the perimeter. His athleticism was on full display defensively as well, he chased down a couple shots in transition, guarded well at multiple levels, and stopped tons of looks in the paint. As July comes and the varsity season gets going, I’m interested to see where his recruitment goes.

Trevin Jirak | 2024 | 6’8 | F | Valley

Jirak is establishing himself as one of the top big men in the state, especially with his play this Spring. The big man was playing great basketball Sunday, showing some areas of development compared to the end of the varsity season. I was particularly impressed with how quickly he was getting down the floor in transition, sprinting to allow his guards to hit him over the top for dunks or easy layups. His ability as a passer was also on display, seeing teammates for quality looks with tough deliveries. As he has shown throughout the last year, Jirak continued his great midrange shooting, quick moves with his back to the basket, ability as a roller, and high-level rim protection.

Micah Schlaak | 2024 | 6’7 | F | CR Kennedy

Schlaak will come into this season as one of the most productive returning big men in 4A. He has been looking the part so far this spring both with Martin Brothers and in his first action back with his Kennedy team. A midrange expert and consistent finisher on quick layups, back to the basket moves, and above the rim opportunities, Schlaack can score the ball in a number of ways. Experienced in the system, Schlaak is almost always in the right spot defensively to make a play and get a stop. He maintains verticality to avoid foul trouble, moves his feet well, and is always engaged to step over as a help defender.

Landon Deiters | 2025 | 6’8 | F | CR Kennedy

Deiters’ development really picking up. Don’t be surprised if he really starts to take big steps in the next couple seasons, following in fellow big Micah Schlaak’s path of steady improvement.  Sunday, Deiters displayed some very good defense, nice moves on the block, efficient finishing on looks from teammates, and good effort and activity on the boards. With his back to the basket, he’s a tough big to stop with moves and counter moves that start with a quick and strong drop step. Getting quicker on the perimeter and in screening actions along with blocking shots without fouling, Deiters will be a good defensive piece in the rotation. He started Sunday without Cyrus Kennedy, but I am guessing he will be first off the bench to start the season. Having Deiters as the first big off the bench is a big luxury, he would be able to start on a lot of squads.

Ja’Vion Bell | 2024 | 6’5 | F | Roosevelt

Bell was one of the leaders in multiple categories for Des Moines Lincoln last season, including leading the rebounding category. He was at 7.5 per game, averaging 3.5 offensive rebounds a game. That rebounding skill, particularly on the offensive boards, was apparent Sunday. Using his strength, vertical, and high effort, Bell is able to dominate that area of the game. Overall, his frequent hustle plays were very impressive, helping to get him and teammates easy opportunities. A capable scorer as well that gets to the rim, Bell will be on double double watch nightly.