Conference Preview: Southeast
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The Teams Burlington (17-8, 28.0% of scoring returning): The Grayhounds got hot late and were a surprise qualifier for the 4A state tournament, riding the strength of their athletic wings. One of those wings, Merquiche Lewis Jr. (13.2), returns. Lewis…
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Burlington (17-8, 28.0% of scoring returning): The Grayhounds got hot late and were a surprise qualifier for the 4A state tournament, riding the strength of their athletic wings. One of those wings, Merquiche Lewis Jr. (13.2), returns. Lewis Jr. is a 6-4 slashing wing who shot 55% from the floor last season, using his length, quickness, and athleticism to get to the bucket seemingly at will. He’s also a versatile defender who does a great job getting into passing lanes and turning defense into quick and easy offense. The only other returnee to appear in more than seven games is senior guard JJ Martin (2.9), so they’ll have a lot of production to replace and minutes to fill.
Fairfield (10-12, 89.7%): Seven of the Trojans’ 12 losses last season came by single digits, and they bring back the top three, and six of the top seven, from that team, so expect them to turn some of those narrow losses into wins this year. Senior forward Max Weaton Max Weaton 6'6" | PF Fairfield | 2023 State IA (19.9) is a walking double-double who pulled down over 10 rebounds a game last season and is the type of athletic, mobile big man that thrives at the high school level. He’s bouncy, has great hands, and has good touch around the bucket. He leads a talented 2023 class at Fairfield that also includes returnees JJ Lane JJ Lane 5'9" | PG Fairfield | 2023 State IA (12.9) and Tate Allen Tate Allen 5'11" | SG Fairfield | 2023 State IA (9.1) on the perimeter. Lane led the team in assists last season, while Allen is a reliable secondary ball handler. Look for Hunter Cecchini (3.0) to step into a bigger scoring role this season, and Ryan Higgins (2.6) is another efficient finisher around the rim who can contribute on the glass. This team was close to competing at a high-level last year, and with everything they have coming back, they should be a real factor at the top of the league.
Fort Madison (18-5, 3.9%): The Bloodhounds rattled off 15 straight wins to start last season before hitting a four-game losing streak in early February. The top seven scorers from that team graduated, and just 57 total points from last year return, led by junior Leif Boeding, who scored 17 points in his 11 games.
Keokuk (4-18, 30.4%): The Chiefs won just four games last season and lose four of their top five scorers, but there is still some reason for optimism heading into this season. Junior wing Diego Garcia Diego Garcia 6'2" | SF Keokuk | 2024 State IA (7.9) is an athletic wing who can attack the bucket and defend on the perimeter, while Blake Chase (2.8) and Brenton Hoard (1.6) saw some time as freshmen and will look to build on that experience. This will be a building year for what is hopefully a better 2023-24 season for Keokuk.
Mount Pleasant (9-14, 63.8%): Last season was the first year in seven in which the Panthers finished with single-digit wins. They lost leading scorer Dewon Trent to graduation, but bring back the next three from last year’s team, so they should be improved. Junior guard Payton Hagans Payton Hagans 6'0" | SG Mount Pleasant | 2024 State IA (12.0) had a solid summer with the Barnstormers Black team, showing ability as a three-level scorer and playmaker, while seniors Owen Vansickel (8.5) and Aaiden Ashton (7.1) have plenty of experience and will help form a three-headed attack on the perimeter. The Panthers will have one of the better backcourt in the conference, and that should make them relevant within the league.
Washington (19-4, 38.6%): The Demons went 9-1 in league play last season, largely rolling through the competition. They’ll likely find a bit more resistance this season after losing four of their top five scorers from last year’s team. The good news is that leading scorer Ethan Patterson Ethan Patterson 5'11" | SG Washington | 2023 State IA (16.1) returns to lead the charge. Patterson, a 6-1 combo guard who can play with or without the ball in his hands, is a three-level scorer who has really improved his playmaking abilities over the last year. The only other returnees with significant experience are senior twins Aden Six (4.6) and Ajay Six (2.1), a pair of lanky wings who can defend on the perimeter or protect the paint with their length. Patterson is one of the best players in the league and should help carry this team to plenty of wins, especially early on as they break in new pieces.
Projected Order of Finish
1. Fairfield
2. Washington
3. Mount Pleasant
4. Burlington
5. Fort Madison
6. Keokuk
Analysis: Fairfield was close to having a really nice year last season and brings back a ton from that team. Washington has the best guard in the conference, and Mount Pleasant may have the best trio of guards. Those three should battle it out for the league title this season.
Preseason Player of the Year
2023 Max Weaton Max Weaton 6'6" | PF Fairfield | 2023 State IA , Fairfield: The league’s top returning scorer and rebounder, Weaton is an athletic 6-5 big who runs the floor, finishes above the rim, and dominates on the glass. Fairfield should be in the running for the league title this year, and Weaton is their best player.
Players to Watch
2023
Max Weaton
Max
Weaton
6'6" | PF
Fairfield | 2023
State
IA
, Fairfield
2023
JJ Lane
JJ
Lane
5'9" | PG
Fairfield | 2023
State
IA
, Fairfield
2023
Tate Allen
Tate
Allen
5'11" | SG
Fairfield | 2023
State
IA
, Fairfield
2023 Hunter Cecchini, Fairfield
2023 Ryan Higgins, Fairfield
2023
Ethan Patterson
Ethan
Patterson
5'11" | SG
Washington | 2023
State
IA
, Washington
2023 Aden Six, Washington
2023 Ajay Six, Washington
2023 Merquiche Lewis Jr, Burlington
2023 JJ Martin, Burlington
2024
Payton Hagans
Payton
Hagans
6'0" | SG
Mount Pleasant | 2024
State
IA
, Mount Pleasant
2023 Owen Vansickel, Mount Pleasant
2023 Aaiden Ashton, Mount Pleasant
2024
Diego Garcia
Diego
Garcia
6'2" | SF
Keokuk | 2024
State
IA
, Keokuk
2025 Blake Chase, Keokuk