Room at the Top – Candidates for 2A All-State

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking at who will step into vacancies in the 2A all-state teams, there are a ton of candidates to choose from.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's a safe bet that repeat honorees [player_tooltip player_id='1270271' first='Tanner' last='Heckel'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1270299' first='Eli' last='Lawson'] will be there from the 2024 class. Same for 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1740754' first='Barrett' last='Moddelmog']. A couple of others who were picked for some all-state teams were 2024s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2147816' first='Derrek' last='Randels']</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='1953947' first='Brock' last='Keith'] and 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1962888' first='Keveon' last='Ruiz'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's our best guess of some who may rise up to claim all-state spots next spring (in alphabetical order):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2314835' first='Isaac' last='Briar']</strong>, 6-foot-1 guard, 2024, Sterling:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A sharp-shooter with length and athleticism, Briar should be in consideration for some all-state honors next year. He's been a contributor to good teams, and returns with a wealth of experience. He can get to shots and contribute in every phase of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1461342' first='Zac' last='Evans'], 6-foot guard, 2024, Valley Falls:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's been one of the most dynamic guards in the state the past two seasons for really good teams. It's time he get some recognition on the all-state level. He will be even more important to the Dragons' attack now that 2023 Dylan Cervantez has moved on. Evans is super productive: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals per game as a junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1962890' first='Brady' last='Hurla'], 5-foot-10 guard, 2025, St. Marys:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Due to graduation losses, Bears coach Will Spradling is handing the keys to rising junior Hurla. As a facilitator and ball handler for a talented team last year, he averaged 13 points and 3 assists. This year, Hurla will be called on to look to score more. He's a deadeye from deep and a creative ball handler, so he will handle the bigger load just fine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1155933' first='Nash' last='Johnsen'], 6-foot-6 center, 2024, Conway Springs (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals have struggled so much to get wins, Johnsen has flown under the radar. If they can make an improvement in the win column, Johnsen will deserve more attention. Prep Hoops scouts have been big on Johnsen on the club scene for a couple of years. Now's time for him to get recognized on the high school level. He's a really dominant big man around the goal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1633228' first='Savailio' last='Smith'], 6-foot-4 forward, 2024, Bennington:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bennington couldn't have felt good losing to Medicine Lodge in the first round. They will look to make a deeper run behind Lawson and fellow seniors “Mister” Smith and Talan Pickering. Smith is one of the most athletic players in the 2A class. He's a long leaper with size and power. He can handle the ball and play the perimeter but is also a playmaker around the rim. Watch for his 15 points and 7 rebounds to increase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->