Top Candidates for Most Outstanding Player in 1A DII

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last but not least, let's look at “frontrunners,” “contenders,” and “surprise candidates” for Most Outstanding Player in the 1A Div II class:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Frontrunners:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1588418' first='Daniel' last='Cramer'], 5-foot-9 guard, 2025, Dighton:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite missing out on the state tournament, Cramer made a bunch of fans as a sophomore. With a bunch of the top players in the class graduated, Cramer is arguably the best returner. He's a game-changer on defense and a warrior with the ball in his hands. He creates and scores, doing it all from the point guard spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1756349' first='Kenton' last='Thalheim'], 6-foot guard, 2024, Northern Valley:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Part of one of the best teams in the state throughout the regular season, Thalheim missed out on the state tournament as a junior, but has played a ton of basketball and has a ton of experience. He does some of everything and stuffs the stat sheet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2147803' first='Daniel' last='Eilert'], 6-foot-2 guard, 2024, Beloit-St. John's:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eilert had a great junior season to lead the Blujays to the tournament. He averaged nearly a double-double and will be ready to lead a team bringing back almost everyone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Contenders:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1588413' first='Lincoln' last='Shafer'], 6-foot-1 guard, 2024, Greeley County (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No returner has experienced winning like Shafer. A sniper who has been a part of great teams, Shafer will now take the reins as the leader of the Jackrabbits. He's a long guard who can play physical and run the offense, but you can't leave him open.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1378446' first='Carson' last='Shimer'], 6-foot-3 center, 2024, Dighton:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top big man in the class is back for another year. He averages a double-double, blocks shots, locks down the paint, and can pass well for a big man. Very few players in the small school ranks can match his size and physicality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1962893' first='Jamie' last='Sarmiento'], 5-foot-7 guard, 2025, South Central:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sarmiento is a dynamo who can score, distribute and totally wreck an opponent on defense. Despite his size, he can get shots. He demonstrated in the state tournament run to third place that he can produce against top teams in pressure games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Surprise Candidates:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2169874' first='Brandon' last='Schmelzle'], 6-foot-2 forward, 2025, Axtell:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This athletic big man established his reputation at the state tournament with double figures in all three of Axtell's games. He's a rugged big man who will make noise the next two years as part of a really loaded Axtell team. He gained great experience in the tournament run last year and is an athlete capable of big things in the small school ranks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2387736' first='Grayson' last='Shoemaker']</strong>, 6-foot-2 forward, 2024, Lebo:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lebo is always in the running in 1A. Next year shouldn't be any different. Shoemaker will be one of a few guys who will take on more leadership following some big graduation departures. He was a star at the tournament, even getting 30 points in one game. If Lebo excels as usual, Shoemaker will be a big part of it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->