State Tournament Preview: Class 2A Breakout Candidates
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2025 Jack Lambert (Monticello) A 5-10 guard who can knock down open shots, create looks for others, and occasionally get to the rim with a quick first step, Lambert is certainly a valuable offensive player for the Panthers. But his…
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Continue Reading2025 Jack Lambert (Monticello)
A 5-10 guard who can knock down open shots, create looks for others, and occasionally get to the rim with a quick first step, Lambert is certainly a valuable offensive player for the Panthers. But his real value comes on the defensive end, where he has become an absolute stopper on the perimeter. He’ll be tasked with the most difficult defensive assignment, and if his play since stepping into the starting lineup seven games ago is any indication, he’s up to the task.
2025 Seaton Ingram Seaton Ingram 6'5" | SF Des Moines Christian | 2025 State IA (Des Moines Christian)
Inrgram has put up some solid offensive numbers this season, and is probably the most accomplished player on this list, averaging 11.4 points and 4.8 rebounds a game this season. Next week will be a great opportunity for him to get his name out to the rest of the state. A long, athletic 6-5 wing, he can defend multiple positions at a high level. He moves his feet well, gets into passing lanes, contests shots, and is a terror in transition who loves to finish above the rim.
2025 Ephraim Hoefert Ephraim Hoefert 6'8" | SF Central Lyon | 2025 State IA (Central Lyon)
Everyone knows about Zach Lutmer Zach Lutmer 6'1" | PG Central Lyon | 2023 IA , and most know about Andrew Austin Andrew Austin 6'6" | PF Central Lyon | 2023 State IA and Reece Vander Zee Reece Vander Zee 6'5" | SF Central Lyon | 2024 State IA by now. That trio is certainly electric and deserves all the headlines they get. But Hoefert (pictured), a 6-6 stretch-4, has had a really good sophomore season for the Lions as well, averaging 6.0 points and 2.4 rebounds a game. He’s a capable passer and a good shooter who can help space the floor for the Lions’ bevy of talented scorers.
2025 Brock Hackett (MFL-Mar-Mac)
The Bulldogs have four double-figure scorers who are the headliners, but if they want to make some noise and make a real run, they’ll need a role player to step up and have some big moments as well. That player could be Hackett, a 5-11 guard who is knocking down 37.1% of his 3-point attempts on the season.
2024 Boaz Clark Boaz Clark 6'3" | PG Roland-Story | 2024 State IA (Roland-Story)
A 6-2 junior guard with good size, Clark does a nice job utilizing his length to impact the game defensively, getting into passing lanes. He has been a reliable shooter (36.8 3P%) this season, can initiate the offense, and has done an excellent job protecting the ball, posting a 3.9-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
2024 Josiah Vos Josiah Vos 6'5" | SF Pella Christian | 2024 State IA (Pella Christian)
Vos is averaging 6.7 points and 5.5 rebounds a game, fairly pedestrian numbers. But the 6-5 wing is arguably the most important player on the Eagles’ roster because of the athleticism, length, and defensive versatility he provides. If the Eagles are going to make a deep run, Vos will need to be a major contributor.
2025 Carson Kanne Carson Kanne 5'11" | PG Kuemper Catholic | 2025 State IA (Kuemper Catholic)
Kanne is small, listed at 5-9, but he’s a really good ball-handler and decision-maker who values possessions and does a great job as a floor general despite being one of the youngest players on the Knights’ roster. He’s dishing out a team-high 4.0 assists a game and has posted a 2.3 assist-to-turnover ratio.
2024 Uchan Harberts Uchan Harberts 6'0" | PG Western Christian | 2024 State IA (Western Christian)
Harberts really impressed me when I watched the Wolfpack play West Harrison back in December, and I think he has a chance to make a difference for them next week. An athletic 6-0 wing who can put the ball on the floor and get to the bucket, he’s averaging 3.4 points and shooting 53% from the floor. He’s at his best when he’s playing downhill and attacking, but he has shown a respectable mid-range game at times this season as well.