2A Players In Consideration for Most Outstanding Player

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're looking at the top candidates for Most Outstanding Player across all the classes. Here are the leading candidates from 2A:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Frontrunners:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1270299' first='Eli' last='Lawson'], 6-foot-7 center, 2024, Bennington:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Picking the top candidates for this class was pretty easy. Lawson looks to do dominate this year. There aren't many guys as tall – not to mention as skilled – as the Bennington senior. The Bulldogs' really nice season came to a disappointing end at the hands of Medicine Lodge. So they will be all business this season. Lawson will be the leader, although there's plenty of other talent around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1270271' first='Tanner' last='Heckel'], 6-foot guard, 2024, Lyndon:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heckel's move to Lyndon from Inman shakes up the power structure of 2A. This multi-sport stud has been a winner at his old school and should continue at traditional powerhouse Lyndon, where there is some talent back. Heckel has been one of the best players in 2A for several years and he's ready for a state tournament run in his last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1740754' first='Barrett' last='Moddelmog'], 6-foot-3 forward, 2025, Moundridge:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Everyone on this list wants what Moddelmog has: a state title. Moddelmog didn't ride the coattails of Moundridge's really good seniors a year ago. He hit huge shots and was a consistent producer. He's got the physique to contribute in the paint, and he can shoot from anywhere.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Contenders:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1962888' first='Keveon' last='Ruiz'], 6-foot-1 forward, 2025, Medicine Lodge:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Probably not a lot of people knew this name before the season. But by the 2A tournament was over, Ruiz had established himself among the top small-school players in the lower grades. As a sophomore he was a physical stud who helped lead a talented group, most of which returns this year.</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>Smith was really good as a junior. But we're really expecting him to break out this year. That's why, despite having his teammate Lawson on this list, we had to include the guy who goes by “Mister.” He's just too physically talented and too capable of production to leave off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Surprise Candidates:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1953947' first='Brock' last='Keith'], 5-foot-10 guard, 2024, Meade:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This guy did it all for a really good team that just missed out on a trip to state last year. If he stuffs the stat sheet again this year and the Buffaloes have a big season, Keith will merit lots of recognition. He scores, distributes and creates havoc on defense, and he gets a lot of rebounds from the point guard spot. Keith leads a team loaded with talent and experience from last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1155933' first='Nash' last='Johnsen'], 6-foot-7 center, 2024, Conway Springs:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnsen has stayed under the radar throughout his career for two reasons: first he's an unself team-guy who does a lot of things that don't show up in the stat sheet, and second, the Cardinals just haven't won enough to bring him more attention. But Johnsen is a well-rounded big man who sees open shooters and throws soft passes, can step out to be a threat away from the goal, and can dominate in the post. It will take a good season for Conway Springs to get this guy in the conversation, but Johnsen deserves to be on this list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->