Preview: Class 2 Teams to Watch

<p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a preseason look at the top Class 2 teams in the state. Teams are listed in alphabetical order.</p> <p>Campbell: The Camels return one of the top small-school performers in the SEMO region in 2021 guard Blake Fowler, who has already scored more than 1,000 points in his career.</p> <p>Crane: The Pirates return a strong nucleus back from last year's 24-4 team, led by 5'8" 2020 guard Tyler Campbell, who averaged 19 points a game. Also back is 5'8" 2021 guard Isaiah Smith, who forms a strong backcourt with Campbell. Back in the mix as well is 5'9" 2020 Wes Branstetter, 6'5" 2020 forward Jacob Woodward and 5'11" 2021 Brecken Wright.</p> <p>East Buchanan: The Bulldogs return of the top players in the state in 6'7" 2020 forward Ethan Kilgore, who has signed with Idaho. Kilgore averaged nearly 30 points a game as a junior for a team that played for a district championship a year ago.</p> <p>Eugene: The Eagles return one of the top all-around players in Mid-Missouri in 6'4" 2020 forward Tre Kempker, who averaged 20 points a game. Sophomore guard Tyler Renn made an immediate impact as a freshman last season wil also back is 6'6" 2021 forward Kyle Bond.</p> <p>Greenwood: The Blue Jays won the state championship a year ago and return a talented group that is ready for another run at a state title. The top player back is 6'5" 2021 forward Animu Mohammed, a five-star recruit who is one of the top players in the country. Also back are 2021 point guard Grant Harper and 2022 shooter Tommy Pinegar. A new addition to the mix is 6'8" 2021 forward Victory Naboya.</p> <p>Hartville: The Eagles will be strong again after winning 22 games and district championship. They return an excellent point guard in 6'2" 2021 Ryce Piper. Also returning are 6'0" 2021 guard Eli Cook, along with 2020 Holton Simmons and 2021s Brady Ward and Cody Mahan.</p> <p>Iberia: The Rangers won another district championship a year ago and they return their top player in 6'3" 2020 all-district performer Zach Voss. </p> <p>Lakeland: The Vikings move up to Class 2 this season and winning back-to-back district championships at Class 1, including 27 wins last year. The top player back is 6'4" 2021 forward Rafe Kalberloh, who has already surpassed 1,000 points in two seasons. Two other returning underclassmen are 2021 Gavin Wilkins and 2022 Blake Munstermann.</p> <p>Mid Buchanan: The Dragons advanced all the way to the state quarterfinals a year ago. They return their top all-around player in 6'4" 2021 forward Christian Scaggs along with solid 2022 point guard Jaren Noyes. </p> <p>Milan: The Wildcats have won more than 50 games and won back to back district championships in the past two years. They are primed for another big season with the return of 6'5" 2020 forward Ryan Dabney and 6'4" 2020 forward Hunter Shaw, a frontcourt dynamic duo. Also back is 5'9" 2021 guard Dominic Dabney, who has been a starter since his freshman year.</p> <p>New Franklin: The Bulldogs won 19 games and a district championship a year ago and several top players are back, led by 2020 standouts Tyler Perkins and Gavin Bishop, who both averaged 13 points a game. Also back are 2020s Carter Bailey and Jackson Dorson.</p> <p>Oran: The Eagles won 30 games and finished second in the state tournament last season. All-time leading scorer Jacob Shoemaker has graduated, but the winning should continue with the return of experienced players such as 6'0" 2020 Todd Priggel, 6'0" 2020 Tyson Goodale and 2021 guard Ty Johnson.</p> <p>Plattsburg: The Tigers made the school's first trip to the Final Four last season. Returning to lead the way is versatile 6'6" 2020 forward Austin Stevens. Also back are 6'0" 2020 sharpshooter Kaden Hodge and 5'6" 2020 point guard Isaiah Graham.</p> <p>Thayer: The Bobcats have been consistent winners, having won six consecutive district championships. The top player back is 6'1" 2021 guard Jayce Hayden along with 6'0" 2022 guard Jordan Andrews, who averaged 10 points a game as a freshman. Another pair of 2022s in the fold are guards Gaige Pitts and Landry Pitts.</p> <p>Thomas Jefferson: The Cavaliers won 19 games a year ago and return several key players from that team, led by 2020 point guard Chase Kellenberger. Also back are 2020s Brock Conklin and Dylan Dean-Heck while 2021 guard Dhruv Gheewala is also back.</p>