2024 Boys Basketball Rewind Reads
Honorable Mention
Lane Sams- IKM-Manning- Senior
Sams was more important to the team’s success than most people realized. He did a lot of the hustle work the team needed on both ends of the floor. Consistently leading them in rebounding as an undersized forward. He had a strong year shooting the ball, scoring inside as well as hitting wing and corner threes. He was the most consistent player for IKM-Manning on both ends of the floor. His 6.4 rebounds per game led the team, while finishing third in scoring at 8.8-points per game.
Aaron Olsen- Audubon- Junior
Olsen was the team’s most consistent outside threat, helping him finish second on the team in scoring. His ability to hit from the outside meant defenses needed to play out on him, allowing him to get to the lane and knock down mid range jumpers. Aaron was a good free throw shooter, hitting 61.1%, making him a presence late in the game. He finished the year averaging 10-points per game while leading the team at 2.6 assists per game.
Austin Christensen- Audubon- Sophomore
Christensen plays with a great motor inside, rebounding well and scoring at the rim. He uses his length well and has only scratched the potential he has on the basketball court. His quickness and athleticism bode well for his future and will scare future opponents, coming off a season where he averaged 9.3-points per game and 7.9 rebounds per game. Christensen hit 58.6% from the field and 65.8% from the free throw line. He could turn into a solid shot blocker over his final two seasons.
Trevon Keely- Paton Churdan- Freshman
Keely splashed on the scene, showing the ability to score the basketball well. He can put the ball on the floor and score off the dribble and is a capable shooter from the outside. He had to adapt his attack this season as defenses began to focus on him. He finished the year averaging 14.6-points per game along with a team leading 6.3 rebounds per game. Keely is a strong perimeter defender, leading the team in steals at 2.5 per game.
Charles Schon- Glidden Ralston- Senior
Schon closed out his senior season strong, showing his ability to score inside and outside while battling taller guys inside for rebounds. His growth made things easier for teammates as the season went on, allowing them to find a few more open looks. He was an underrated inside defender, using his physicality to slow opponents down. He finished the year with 8-points per game and 6.2 rebounds per game.
Colby Wallace- Glidden Ralston- Junior
Wallace was the Wildcats second best scorer most of the season with an ability to knock down shots from outside or score inside off the drive or on an offensive rebound. He was a strong defender, finishing second on the team in steals. His all-around numbers showed his overall value, finishing second in rebounds, steals and scoring while leading the team in assists at 2.6 per game.
Caden Oswald- Coon Rapids Bayard- Freshman
Oswald was a key part of the Crusaders outstanding season, helping them on both ends of the floor. Coon Rapids Bayard is an elite defensive team and Oswald fits the mold, locking down on the opposing team’s top or second best scorer, making them work for any points they scored. Offensively, he was strong enough to get into the lane and score for himself or draw attention, allowing a teammate to get open inside. Caden scored 8-points per game and led the team at 4.1 assists per game. Caden was a good free throw shooter at 68.4%, allowing him to handle the ball late in close games.
Wyatt Ragaller- Ar-We-Va- Sophomore
Ragaller was a key part of the Rockets ascent to the upper half of the conference race. He gives them a lock down defender, while also being able to score in the halfcourt or in the open court. He has great quickness and uses it well on both sides of the court. His 11.4-points per game were third on the team while his 5.8 rebounds were fourth. He averaged 2.3 assists per game, ranking second on the team and had a team high 2.1 steals per game.
Andrew Anderson- South Central Calhoun- Junior
Anderson had a strong year on a team that had a lot of weapons, meaning his main job was to distribute the ball and defend. He did everything well, including scoring when needed. His 3.5 assists per game led the team as did his 2.1 steals per game. He shot 40.9% from beyond the arc, leading a starting squad that shot a lot from deep. That helped him score 7.3-point per game, fourth on the team. His role next season will grow with the graduation of a few leaders from this year’s team.
Caleb Eichorn- East Sac- Senior
Eichorn was strong, taking the ball to the lane and getting off mid range jumpers. He hit 48.4% from the field and shot 43.1% from beyond the arc. He helped their guards handle pressure, giving them a nice outlet against the press, allowing the Raiders to attack teams. They had a pair of strong rebounders but he still averaged 4.7 rebounds per game, third on the team. He was also third on the team in assists with 2.5 per game and fourth on scoring at 10.2-points per game.
Jared Mohr- Carroll- Sophomore
Mohr became a vital part of the Tigers this season, gaining his first experience at the varsity level. He showed the ability to shoot from outside, while always rebounding and scoring inside. He has good length and understands how to use that on both sides of the court. He shot 30.8% from beyond the arc and 43.1% from the field overall. He battled illness during the middle part of the season but still averaged 8.7-points per game along with 4.8 rebounds per game.
Caden Lengling- Carroll- Senior
Lengeling was a key for Carroll this season. When he shot the ball well, giving them a nice outside presence, he could also drive and hit runners and midrange floaters. His offense relieved pressure on Evan Hammer and opened up things for Stone Sibenaller and Jared Mohr outside. His 10-points per game ranked him second on the team.
Payton Wardell- Carroll- Senior
Wardell closed out the season playing his best basketball of his career down the stretch. He played with a high level of intensity, jumping passing lanes, going strong to the rim and becoming a stronger rebounder late in the season. Wardell was Carroll’s second best player the back half of the season, increasing his scoring average to 9.8-points per game, pulling down 6.3 rebounds per game and dishing out 3 assists per game. His 1.6 steals per game, led the team.
Tregan Beiter- Kuemper- Junior
Beiter was key for Kuemper this season, oftentimes helping them set the tempo early with strong defense, which ignited their offense. He made several key plays late in the year, helping them make a run to the Sub-State Final. He is a strong on ball defender, but is also good at helping and attacking passing lanes. Beiter can score inside, or take his defender into the lane and score on taller defenders. He shot 48.8% from the field and 32.9% from three. He scored 11.1-points per game while averaging 4.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.2 steals per game.
Jack Badding- Kuemper- Sophomore- Named 6th Man of the Year
Badding missed the early part of the season but made a splash after the holiday break. He is a strong offensive player that can knock down long range threes, or put the ball on the deck and pull up with a dagger mid range jumper. He uses that to help create for teammates, finishing with 2.1 assists per game, ranking 5th on the team. Jack is sneaky good defensively, showing the ability to jump passing lanes, allowing the Knights to remain aggressive on defense as they went to the bench.
Carter Putney- Kuemper- Senior
Putney had to make a late move in the offseason to the post, serving as an undersized five-man. He grew into the position well, becoming the Knights best rebounder at the end of the season. His jumping ability helped him make up for the lack of height. He did a nice job scoring inside, shooting 61.4% from the field. He didn’t take many shots from beyond the arc, but was a capable scorer from outside, hitting 45.2%. He finished the year at 9.3-points per game.
3rd Team
Michael Kasperbauer- Kuemper- Senior
Kasperbauer closed out a strong career with a good senior season. He continued to shoot the ball well and attack the rim off the dribble, finishing with 12.3-points per game, ranking second on the team. He is one of the better passers while attacking the basket, setting up teammates for good looks at the rim, after drawing the defense’s attention. His 3.2 assists per game were tied for second on the team.
Keegan Soard- South Central Calhoun- Senior
Soard used his tremendous athleticism to become one of the top players in the post. He was a tough rebounder, grabbing 10.7 per game, nearly double anyone else on the team. That quick jumping ability allowed him to get good looks at the rim, helping him score 9.2- points per game. He did a nice job this season, getting defensive rebounds and pushing the ball down the floor. He was a capable shot blocker and inside defender.
Luke Wright- East Sac- Senior
Wright gave the Raiders two strong players in the post that every team had to key on. He was a good rebounder and could score at the rim or step out and hit from mid range. He finished the season at 63.3% from the field, scoring 11.3-points per game. He pulled down 8 rebounds per game with 3.7 of those coming on the offensive end. Wright was a strong inside defender, leading the team at 1.3 blocks shots per game.
Sam Julin- East Sac- Junior
Julin played out of position this year as the point guard for the Raiders and still had one of the best years shooting the ball from deep. He hit 39.5% from beyond the arc and had several games where he couldn’t miss, including becoming the single game leader in makes. His 12-points per game was second on a team that had four players average double figures. His 2.6 assists per game was second best on the team. His ability to shoot from outside allowed Luke Wright and Ryan Clair to have cleaner looks inside.
Emmett Neumann- Ar-We-Va- Senior
Neumann was instrumental for the Rockets this season as they were at their best when they started their offense inside-outside. He was tough inside, scoring frequently against the defenses when they weren’t able to double team. He finished the year at 58.3% from the field and shot 45.5% from beyond the arc. Neumann averaged 13-points per game while pulling down 8.9 rebounds per game, a team high. He was a strong offensive rebounder with 3.9 per game. He blocked 1.5 shots per game.
Jonathan Bergmeier- Glidden Ralston- Junior
Bergmeier was a tough player to defend. He has range that extends far beyond the arc and has a nice step back move. If you close out on him, he can beat a defender off the dribble and score from mid range or at the rim. He is aggressive with the ball, always attacking, keeping defenders on their heels. He shot 33.7% from beyond the arc, scoring 15.8- points per game. Bergmeier was underrated defensively, averaging 1.8 steals per game.
2nd Team
Blayne Smith- Ar-We-Va- Junior
Smith took another step forward, becoming a strong all-around player for the Rockets. He is a strong shooter from outside, but can also attack the rim. He handles the ball well and sees the floor well as a point guard. His 14.2-points per game was a team high with his 7.5 rebounds per game, ranking second on the team. Smith led the Rockets at 3.7 assists per game and was second on the team at 1 block shot per game. Blayne was confident late in games and wasn’t afraid to take the big shot or go to the line late in the game. He shot 67.5% from the free throw line.
Cade Behrens- Coon Rapids Bayard- Senior
Behrens is an elite shooter, breaking the single game school record for made threes several times this season. He finished the year hitting 41.0% from beyond the arc, helping his shoot 41.3% from the field. He wasn’t just a shooter. He was a key contributor on the backboards and on defense. Behrens averaged 6.2 rebounds per game with 5.6 of them on the defensive end. He was a good communicator on the defensive end, helping the team be one of the best defensive teams in the conference. Cade averaged 12.4-points per game, ranking second on the team.
Edward Miller- Audubon- Senior
Miller had a strong season to close out his career with the Wheelers. He became a force inside as well as continuing to score from outside. He shot 34.3% from beyond the arc while hitting 45% from the field overall. That allowed him to score a team high 15.2-points per game, a team high. He was just as effective inside, pulling down 3.2 offensive rebounds per game. He was a good presence on defense as well, grabbing 6.7 rebounds per game, giving him 9.9 rebounds per game. He added a team high 2.4 block shots per game. He did his damage this season with defenses geared to stop him.
Ross Kusel- IKM-Manning- Senior
Kusel was a force for the Wolves this season, showing the ability to attack the rim or shoot from beyond the arc. He finished the season hitting 41.8% from the field with most of his shots inside the arc coming at the rim. He could finish with either hand, making him tough for defenders to control. Kusel was a streaky shooter from deep, but came up clutch in several games. He paced the Wolves with 16.2-points per game and was second in rebounds with 4.6 rebounds per game. His 2.9 assists tied for the team lead while his 2.7 steals per game led the Wolves.
Ben Ramsey- IKM-Manning- Sophomore
Ramsey led the Wolves in scoring most of the season with an aggressive offensive attack. He has a nice mid range game, can score at the rim off the drive and can step outside and shoot from deep. He finished the year second on the team in scoring with 15.4-points per game. Ramsey is a strong ball handler, allowing him to help bring the ball up the floor and get the team into their offensive set. He shot 39.9% from the field and 33% from the 3-point line. His 2.9 assists per game tied for the team lead
Cole Higgins- South Central Calhoun- Junior
Higgins likes to score the ball and does it well. He is really good at using his length to score from around the free throw line or off the wing. He can attack the rim or score from deep if you try to take the mid range game away. His 15.3-points per game was second on the team, shooting 37.6% from the field. He did a nice job this season, drawing defenders and kicking to teammates for better shots. His 2.9 assists per game ranked second. His length helped him on the defensive side as well, averaging 1.7 steals per game.
1st Team
Gavin Batta- South Central Calhoun- Senior
Batta helped the Titans recover from a tough start, losing their first three games, then winning 12 straight, tying for the Twin Lakes Conference Title, winning 17 games overall. His length and quick release made him tough to defend, helping him score 19.7-points per game. He shot 44.8% from the field and 33.9% from three. He had great range, drawing defenses away from the basket, then taking them off the dribble, knocking down jumpers from around the free throw line. His ability to handle the ball allowed him to distribute the ball well, setting up teammates, averaging 2.7 assists per game. He pulled down 5 rebounds per game and blocked 1.8 shots per game.
Evan Hammer- Carroll- Senior
Hammer was as good as you were going to see this season, playing with a motor that never stopped, battling through injuries, cramps or whatever ailed him to leave everything on the floor at the end of the night. He is undersized in the post, but plays with a quickness that most post players couldn’t compete with. The mid range or fade away jump shot were nearly automatic, helping him score 18.5-points per game. Hammer had great footwork in the post, helping him score against taller defenders. His ball handling allowed him to play a point-forward role when needed. He led the Tigers in assists with 4 per game. His ability to jump quickly helped him be a strong defensive rebounder, averaging 7.2 per game to go with 10 rebounds per game overall. He shot 49.9% from the field. He was the leader of a team that entered the season with not much experience at the varsity level.
Cal Heydon- Coon Rapids Bayard- Sophomore
Heydon was a key part of the Crusaders run to a 19-win season and contending in a strong Rolling Valley Conference. The team made their living on the defensive end and he was the rim stopper they needed. He pulled down 6.5 defensive rebounds per game and 9 rebounds per game overall. Heydon is athletic and strong enough to guard post guys or go on the perimeter and defend guys on the wing. He likes the perimeter game on the offensive end and is really good from the midrange, but can score from deep. His biggest improvement this season was his understanding how to score at the rim against double teams. He finished with 20.4-points per game, shooting 53.9% from the field and 40.9% from three. His 2.4 assists per game was third on the team. He can handle the ball like a guard at 6-4 giving the Crusaders an advantage against pressing teams.
Brock Badding- Kuemper- Sophomore
Brock finished the season as the leading scorer for the Knights at 13-points per game, doing the vast majority of his damage from well behind the arc. He is the single season record holder for made threes for Kuemper, hitting 81 this season. Badding shot 45.8% from beyond the arc and 48.8% overall from the field. He struggled with back issues early in the season but once he got healthy, he was a threat to shoot their opponents out of the gym. He improved on the defensive end of the floor, averaging 1.3 steals per game. Brock has always been a strong free throw shooter and finished the season hitting 81.2%.
Carson Kanne- Kuemper- Junior
Kanne is the heart of the Kuemper team, keeping them in the mindset they need to be successful on both ends of the floor. His ability to handle pressure keeps them calm in pressure situations, allowing them to make runs when they fall behind or need to pull away. He sees the floor well, leading the team in assists with 5.5 per game. He has the ability to attack the rim and score or get fouled. He could score more than his 9.9-points per game but doesn’t need to with the talent around him. Kanne is a good outside shooter, hitting 39.2% from the field and 49.4% overall. He is one of the best free throw shooters in school history, hitting 90.9% this season which would have been a new record for a single season but he was a few attempts short of being eligible. He is really strong defensively, harassing opposing guards, finishing the season with 1.9 steals per game.
Ryan Clair-East Sac- Sophomore– 1st Team and Player of the Year
Clair was a double-double machine and the most consistently dominant player in the area this season. He adjusted his offensive game as teams took away his strengths throughout the season, still averaging 18.7-points per game. He is really strong in the mid range game and likes to attack off the bounce. He does a really nice job on the offensive glass, averaging 4.3 offensive rebounds per game. His ability to get offensive boards and score around the basket helped him shoot 62.3% from the floor. He is capable of stepping out and shooting from deep but has enough success inside that he attacks the lane of the bounce. He does a nice job passing out of the post, teaming up with Luke Wright to give them a strong lane presence. He finished the year with 2.9 assists per game to lead the team. He also tied for the team lead in steals at 1.5 per game, using his length and ability to read passing lanes. Clair is a good shot blocker and will continue to get better. He’s a guy the team can trust late in games to hit free throws, shooting 69.8% from the line. He has only scratched the surface of his potential.
Coach of the Year
Sean Minnehan- Kuemper
The Knights were expected to be really good in the off-season and finished the season with a strong year. They dealt with health issues that nobody anticipated after last year’s run to State. They had to adjust their starting lineup as injuries this fall cut their depth inside and made them re-adjust what they wanted to do on defense. They did an outstanding job coming up with a plan that allowed them to be aggressive with their guards, taking pressure off the inside. It sped teams up, allowing Kuemper to get the tempo where they wanted. It contributed to their ability to get good looks on offense as well. Coach Minnehan’s adjustments throughout the season helped his team finish the year 19-4 and make a run to the Sub-State Final. They competed for the Hawkeye 10 Conference Championship all season, finishing 2nd with an 8-2 record. The Knights were one of the top offensive teams in Class 2A, finishing 3rd in points scored, 4th in assists, 3rd in field goals made and field goal percentage. They led Class 2A in three pointers made and percentage and were 2nd in attempts. Their defensive pressure helped them take 3rd in Class 2A in steals.
