Way Too Early Top 10: Class 2A

With July's evaluation period now behind us and plenty of time to kill between now and late November, it's time to take a look at who we believe will be some of the teams to keep an eye on in each classification this winter.

How well do these rankings predict what may happen over the course of the coming season? Well, of the 32 state tournament qualifying teams last year, we had 17 ranked in the top 10 in their respective classes, and another 10 written about in the "Others to Watch" sections. Teams that won state titles were ranked 1st (North Linn), 2nd (Western Christian), 3rd (Assumption), and 1st (Valley), and of the eight teams that participated in championship games, none were ranked lower than 6th (Marquette Catholic, Hudson) to start the year. We were most successful in Class 3A, with all eight teams written about to start the year (2, 3, 4, 7, and four in the "Others to Watch") reaching the state tournament. Further, over the last seven years, teams ranked #1 to open the year have reached the state semifinals at a 68% clip, and played for a state championship at a 57% rate. So, while this isn't the definitive list of how teams are going to perform this year, it's certainly a good thing to find yourselves near the top of these initial rankings.

Below you'll find our top 10 for Class 2A, along with some other teams that could make some noise, as well as a brief summary of why each team is in their respective spot. Enjoy.

1.) Western Christian (State champion, 23-3 last year, 68.7% of scoring returning)

The Wolfpack added to their state record haul of championships last season, blowing out Hudson in the 2A state game to take home their 11th state title. They bring back the top two scorers from that team, making this the team to beat in the class yet again. They're led by senior forward Kaden Van Regenmorter Kaden Van Regenmorter 6'4" | SF Western Christian | 2025 State IA (19.1, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists), a do-it-all combo forward who can dominate games as a scorer, facilitator, or defender. He's one of the smartest players in the state, with an innate understanding of the game and a sense of when to take over. He can score from all three levels, create plays for his teammates, pound the glass, and defend one through five. He's joined by senior wing Karsten Moret Karsten Moret 6'3" | SG Western Christian | 2025 State IA (13.5, 41.6 3P%), a quick-twitch athlete on the perimeter who can score from all three levels. He has steadily improved as a 3-point shooting threat over the last few years, which he pairs with fantastic speed, handles, and athleticism that allow him to play downhill and get to the rim. The Pack lost their other three starters to graduation, but bring back six other rotation players who appeared in at least 20 games, giving them some depth and experience alongside the best one-two punch in the class. Look for talented junior wing Landon De Stigter Landon De Stigter 6'3" | SG Western Christian | 2026 State IA (6.2) to step up as a tertiary scoring threat, and players like Kaden DeJager (2.8), Lane Maaseen (2.5), and Brody Van Kley (1.8) to step into bigger roles. Western Christian has a tradition of playing the game the right way and winning at an extremely high level. With Van Regenmorter and Moret leading the charge, there is no reason to expect anything different this year.

2.) Unity Christian (State semifinalist, 21-5 last year, 79.1% of scoring returning)

The Knights put together a great year last season, reaching their first state tournament in 19 years and nearly reaching the state championship game. Their first foray into the always loaded Siouxland Conference went extremely well, going 16-3 against league competition, including a pair of wins over West Lyon, the Wildcats' only two losses last season. They bring back the top seven scorers from a state semifinalist team, so expect to see UC right back in the running for a state title. They're led by junior guards Dylan Bosma Dylan Bosma 6'1" | PG Unity Christian | 2026 State IA (14.0, 5.2 rebounds) and Austin Wieringa Austin Wieringa 6'0" | SG Unity Christian | 2026 State IA (12.3, 6.1 rebounds), a pair of athletic, tough guards who put their names on the map with their strong play in Des Moines in March. They're both downhill attackers who love to get to the rim, and despite being guards, they rebound at a high level and don't shy away from contact. They should get the services of senior guard Braeden Bosma Braeden Bosma 6'1" | PG Unity Christian | 2025 State IA (13.4) back, which would be a big boost for them offensively. He's an athletic, dynamic three-level scorer who can also initiate the offense. Sophomore forward Tyce Van Donge Tyce Van Donge 6'2" | PF Unity Christian | 2027 State IA (5.7, 4.1 rebounds) was fantastic at the state tournament and should step into a much larger role this season, giving them an athletic and skilled big man, while role players Kolton Smit (7.2), Traevin Van Beek (5.9), and Jackson Vogel Jackson Vogel 6'3" | SF Unity Christian | 2025 State IA (5.8) also return, giving them seven returnees who averaged at least 5.7 points per game. The Knights lack traditional size, which could be an issue in a potential meeting against a team like Western Christian or Grand View Christian, but they are hyper athletic, well-coached, and tough. It could be a special year in Orange City.

3.) Kuemper Catholic (19-4 last year, 56.0% of scoring returning)

The Knights were the highest scoring team in 2A last season, putting up 74 points a game through the strength of being one of the most potent 3-point shooting teams in the state. They bring back three of their top four scorers from that explosive offensive team led by junior Brock Badding Brock Badding 6'3" | SG Kuemper Catholic | 2026 State IA (13.0, 45.8 3P%). Badding is one of the elite shooters in the state, a dynamic offensive weapon who can shoot it at a high clip off both the dribble and the catch. He had a great summer with Iowa United , showing improved playmaking as well, and looks primed to have a great junior year. He's joined in the backcourt by senior guard Carson Kanne Carson Kanne 5'11" | PG Kuemper Catholic | 2025 State IA (9.9, 5.5 assists), a fantastic point guard who does a great job initiating the offense and protecting the basketball (4.06 assist-to-turnover ratio) while also serving as another high-level shooting threat (39.2 3P%). Tregan Beiter Tregan Beiter 6'0" | SG Kuemper Catholic | 2025 State IA (11.1) is another three-level scoring threat who can do a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor, and junior guard Jack Badding Jack Badding 6'0" | SG Kuemper Catholic | 2026 State IA (6.2, 38.9 3P%) is another elite shooter who is primed to have a big season. Look for sophomores Griffin Glynn Griffin Glynn 5'10" | SG Kuemper Catholic | 2027 State IA (3.7) and Dylan Schon Dylan Schon 6'1" | SG/PG Kuemper Catholic | 2027 State IA (2.4) to step into bigger roles after playing well as freshmen as well. If it was just those players coming back, the Knights would be a top 5 team in the class going into the year. But things got even better with the addition of East Sac County transfer Ryan Clair Ryan Clair 6'6" | PF Kuemper Catholic | 2026 State IA , who averaged 18.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and shot 62.3% from the floor as a sophomore. An athletic 6-5 big man who can finish at a high level around the rim, dominate the glass, and protect the paint defensively, he'll provide the Knights with some needed size, rim protection, and rebounding. With their elite shooting, depth, and now size, Kuemper should be considered a serious state championship contender.

4.) Grand View Christian (13-10 last year, 84.6% of scoring returning)

In senior forward Emiliano Barrantes Emiliano Barrantes 6'9" | PF Grand View Christian | 2025 State IA (27.4, 15.0 rebounds, 3.0 blocks), the Thunder have the most dominant player in Class 2A, and one of the most dominant in the state, regardless of the class. A rangy, mobile 6-11 big man, he picked up a slew of low-to-mid-major offers after a great summer with Iowa United , and as crazy as it sounds, he could average 30+ points and 20+ rebounds a game if he wanted to as a senior. He can shoot it from 3 at a high clip, which, with his size is impossible to contest, and he's obviously great as a rebounder and rim protector. While he's the standout, he's far from alone. Junior wing Brayden Hoben Brayden Hoben 6'5" | SF Grand View Christian | 2026 State IA (15.9, 9.1 rebounds) is a big, athletic 6-5 wing who can score inside and out, rebound at a high level, and create plays for teammates out of the high post. He had a breakout sophomore year and will be even better after also playing with United throughout the summer. The Thunder will also get a full year of the services of junior guard Jameson Scharnberg Jameson Scharnberg 6'0" | SG Grand View Christian | 2026 State IA (11.0), who appeared in just four games down the stretch for them following his transfer from Des Moines Christian, but he provides them with some serious speed, ball-handling, creation, and shot making in the backcourt. He shot 45% from 3-point range in his limited action and can get to the bucket seemingly at will. The Thunder also bring back juniors Lincoln Cowell Lincoln Cowell 5'11" | SG Grand View Christian | 2026 State IA (6.1), Tate Moulton (4.2), and Thomas Childs (2.7), senior Eli Fincham (2.4), and sophomores Henry Lane and William Seyler, each of whom could be solid role players this season. Cowell is an electric shooting threat who can get red hot from deep, and he'll pair really well with Scharnberg in the backcourt. GVC's guard play was very young last year, and against their loaded schedule playing as an independent, was a bit up-and-down. With more experience, and moving into the Heart of Iowa Conference, they should see a lot of success. Barrantes, Hoben, and Scharnberg will be one of the best trios in the state, and they have a lot of experience returning alongside them.

5.) West Burlington (State qualifier, 22-1 last year, 76.5% of scoring returning)

For the first time in school history, the Falcons qualified for the state tournament last season, and they gained some real respect with their play in Des Moines. There had been some questions about this group after going undefeated against what was perceived as a weaker schedule than most 2A teams faced, but they played at a high level against Treynor in the quarterfinals and will be hungry to make it further this winter. They lose one of the program's all-time greats in Brady Martin, but bring back seven of the top eight scorers, led by senior guard Mason Watkins Mason Watkins 6'2" | PG West Burlington | 2025 State IA (21.9), an elite scoring threat who fills it up from all three levels at a highly efficient clip. The high IQ guard holds a few Division I offers, and with his handles, quickness, and shooting, he's a nightmare to slow down at this level. He posted 51-42-77 shooting splits last season and could be even better as a senior. Alongside Watkins, the Falcons bring back a number of athletic, lightning-quick players in Quincy Collins Quincy Collins 5'11" | SF West Burlington | 2025 State IA (13.4, 7.9 rebounds), Kobe Davis Kobe Davis 6'1" | SG West Burlington | 2025 State IA (7.7, 2.7 assists), and Ayden Figuereo Ayden Figuereo 6'4" | PF West Burlington | 2026 State IA (5.8, 5.4 rebounds), among others. Despite being listed at just 5-11, Collins is one of the best rebounders in the class, skying over opponents to pull down rebounds out of nowhere. Davis is a quick guard who can play downhill and create, and he should step into a bigger scoring role, and Figuereo is an athletic wing who does a little bit of everything. In Watkins, West Burlington has one of the best players in the class, and they flank him with a ton of athleticism and experience. They got a taste of real success last season and will be hungry to get back and do more.

6.) West Lyon (22-2 last year, 71.3% of scoring returning)

Unity Christian handed West Lyon their only two losses last season, and only two of the Wildcats' 22 wins were decided by single digits. For a majority of the season, this was the team to beat in Class 2A, and they bring back three of the top four, and five of the top seven, from that group. Senior guard Carson Hoogeveen Carson Hoogeveen 5'10" | PG West Lyon | 2025 State IA (16.1, 39.7 3P%, 4.0 assists, 2.9 steals) is one of the best guards in the state. He can score in bunches from all three levels, play the role of facilitator, and is a really good on-ball defender. His ability to control the game even when he isn't scoring is rivaled by few in the class, and the 'Cats can flank him with a ton of athletic weapons who complement his game well. Easton Jacobson Easton Jacobson 6'1" | SG West Lyon | 2025 State IA (8.5, 51.6 FG%) is an efficient scorer. Jorden Meyer Jorden Meyer 6'1" | SG West Lyon | 2026 State IA (8.3) can score from all three levels and play on or off the ball. Jared Ciesielski Jared Ciesielski 6'3" | SF West Lyon | 2026 State IA (6.4, 62.9 FG%) is another athletic forward who controls the painted area, as does Tanner Lynott (6.0). Bryson Childress (4.3) gives them more perimeter scoring, and Ben Meyer Ben Meyer 6'3" | PF West Lyon | 2026 State IA (1.4) could step into a bigger role this season. This group is loaded with size, length, physicality, and athleticism, and with Hoogeveen leading the way, they'll once again be one of the best teams in the class.

7.) Cascade (18-5 last year, 93.2% of scoring returning)

Of their five losses last season, four came by six points or fewer, so this group was really, really close to putting together a special year. They bring back all but one player from that team, including their top five scorers, led by senior guard Jackson Lieurance Jackson Lieurance 6'2" | SG Cascade | 2025 State IA (22.3, 53.4 FG%, 39.4 3P%), an electric scoring threat capable of exploding for 30+ on any given night. He has one of the purest strokes in the state, unlimited range, and doesn't force anything. When he gets it rolling, he's incredibly fun to watch as the ball barely even touches the net. Junior guard Mick Hoffman Mick Hoffman 6'2" | SF Cascade | 2026 State IA (14.1, 43.7 3P%) stepped into the secondary scoring role alongside Lieurance last season and was fantastic, scoring off the dribble and knocking down shots in bunches off the catch. Nathan Schockemoehl Nathan Schockemoehl 6'1" | SF Cascade | 2025 State IA (9.4, 8.7 rebounds) is a bit undersized for a traditional big man, but he's extremely athletic and strong, and he's a force on the glass on both ends. Senior big man Will Keeney Will Keeney 6'7" | C Cascade | 2025 State IA (5.7) is massive and efficient, Tyler Smith (5.5, 36.8 3P%) can provide some more shooting, and Cooper Hummel (4.3) does a bit of everything on both ends. The Cougars have struggled to get over the Monticello hump in recent years, but they'll have a real shot to dethrone the Panthers this season, and with Lieurance and Hoffman leading the charge, they'll have enough offense to make some real noise at the 2A level at the state tournament.

8.) Grundy Center (State qualifier, 20-4 last year, 72.0% of scoring returning)

After getting off to a 1-2 start following yet another long football run, the Spartans rattled off 16 straight wins and were one of the best teams in 2A heading into postseason play. That strong play continued with impressive wins over Aplington-Parkersburg and Kuemper Catholic to get them to the state tournament, where they gave conference rival and eventual runner-up Hudson a great game in the quarterfinals. A deep, athletic, and versatile team, they bring back both double-digit scorers in seniors Jalen Kirkpatrick Jalen Kirkpatrick 6'6" | SF Grundy Center | 2025 State IA (16.0, 39.2 3P%) and Tiernan Vokes Tiernan Vokes 6'4" | SF Grundy Center | 2025 State IA (10.4), along with four others who averaged between 4.2 and 8.1 points a game. Kirkpatrick is one of the most talented two-way players in 2A, a long and athletic 6-5 wing who can score from all three levels and defend multiple positions. Brayden Wallis Brayden Wallis 6'4" | SG Grundy Center | 2025 State IA (8.1, 3.6 assists) led the team in assists and returns, and junior Judd Jirovsky Judd Jirovsky 5'11" | SG Grundy Center | 2026 State IA (6.0, 41.4 3P%) provided some electricity as a bench scorer last season and could step into the starting five this year. This is a group that shares the ball really well - 20.4 assists per game last season - and they're going to be one of the most athletic, physical teams in the class. With their length, physicality, and athleticism, they defend at a high level, and they have a ton of offensive options to go to. Another trip to Des Moines is well within reach for Grundy.

9.) Monticello (18-3 last year, 59.1% of scoring returning)

The Panthers were upset by Dyersville Beckman to kick off postseason play last season, one of the biggest upsets we've seen in quite some time. They were once again one of the best teams in the class despite losing program great Tate Petersen, and they'll have to do the same this season after losing Preston Ries, who averaged 26 points and 10 rebounds as a senior. The Iowa linebacker was one of the most dominant players in program history, and it's a testament to the type of program that Tim Lambert has built that we still expect so much from this group heading into the 2024-25 season. Senior wing Carson Lambert Carson Lambert 6'3" | SF Monticello | 2025 State IA (13.2, 7.4 rebounds, 44.3 3P%) is the top returnee, a long, lanky wing who can shoot it at a high level from deep and defend well on the perimeter. Junior Conley Schauf Conley Schauf 6'1" | SF Monticello | 2026 State IA (12.5, 38.8 3P%) is another versatile three-level scorer with some real length, while junior guard Brady Gogel Brady Gogel 6'2" | PG Monticello | 2026 State IA (6.6, 5.7 assists) isn't a big scorer, but he's a true point guard who values possessions and does a great job getting his teammates involved. Senior guard Jack Lambert Jack Lambert 5'10" | PG Monticello | 2025 State IA (6.4, 3.3 assists) gives them another quality ball-handler and fantastic defender, and there are several new faces ready to step into bigger roles. Coach Lambert will have this group playing disciplined, fundamental basketball, and they'll be in position to make a run come February yet again.

10.) Emmetsburg (18-6 last year, 98.7% of scoring returning)

All but 20 points return for an E-Hawks team that won 18 games last season, setting themselves up to make a real run this year. They're led by a quintet of players who averaged between 9.2 and 14.2 points a game last season - seniors Byron Maina Byron Maina 5'11" | PG Emmetsburg | 2025 State IA (14.2, 41.4 3P%) and Carter Hudson (10.7, 7.5 rebounds), and juniors Gavin Swanson Gavin Swanson 6'0" | SG Emmetsburg | 2026 State IA (11.2, 4.5 assists), Kale Fank Kale Fank 6'1" | SG Emmetsburg | 2026 State IA (9.5), and Carson Baak Carson Baak 5'10" | PG Emmetsburg | 2026 State IA (9.2, 4.6 assists). Those five are each capable of leading the team in scoring on any given night, and they complement each other well. Maina is the headliner, an athletic guard who can score from all three levels, while Swanson and Baak give them a pair of reliable ball-handlers and playmakers. Hudson is the team's leader in the paint, and Fank is an athletic do-it-all wing. Role players JJ Fiene (4.5), Bronson Dietrich (3.6), and Matthew Malm (1.5) all return as well, giving this team some more depth. With all the experience they have back, and a group that really complements each other well, Emmetsburg could make some serious noise this winter.

Ten more to watch

Albia (13-9 last year, 90.2% of scoring returning)

The Blue Demons were really young last season, and with their youth, they had some high moments and some low moments. There was a five-game winning streak that included a big win over Clarke. That was followed by a four-game losing streak out of the holiday break. There was a five-game winning streak late in the year that included impressive blowouts of Montezuma and Ankeny Christian, and that was followed by a reality check at the hands of Pella Christian to end their season. With seven of their top eight scorers returning, expect some more consistency this season. Cael Schofield (11.9, 38.0 3P%) is the top returning scorer, a senior guard who can shoot it well off the catch and the dribble, but the real reason for excitement here is the development of sophomore guard Gage Chance Gage Chance 6'4" | SG Albia | 2027 State IA (9.8), who was one of the top stock risers in the state over the summer with his strong play with what is now Murray Elite. He has great size on the wing at 6-4, is a plus-athlete, and can score from all three levels. With his expected leap, the Blue Demons will have one of the best players in the South Central Conference. Seniors Luke Wynn (8.9), Cooper Bradley (8.6), and Rowen Archer (6.8) provide additional scoring and experience, and this is a group that should be able to comfortably go eight or nine deep. If they can protect the ball better (0.94 assist-to-turnover ratio last season), they could be dangerous.

Central Lyon (13-11 last year, 53.0% of scoring returning)

After winning the state title in 2023, a step back was expected last season, and despite the All-State level play of Reece Vander Zee, they struggled against the better teams on the schedule and unceremoniously bowed out at the hands of Western Christian. Vander Zee is now at Iowa playing football, but the next three scorers return in seniors Ephraim Hoefert Ephraim Hoefert 6'8" | SF Central Lyon | 2025 State IA (12.8, 36.6 3P%), Koury Serck Koury Serck 6'2" | CG Central Lyon | 2025 State IA (8.8, 44.2 3P%), and Matthew Elbert Matthew Elbert 6'0" | PG Central Lyon | 2025 State IA (6.1, 5.2 assists), giving them a trio of veteran options to build the 2024-25 squad around. Hoefert could make a major leap as a senior, a skilled 6-9 shooter with unlimited range, while the Serck/Elbert tandem in the backcourt is strong. If they can get some increased production out of youngsters Nathan Robinson (4.1) and Leo Groen (3.6), they could be a contender in the Siouxland.

Hinton (15-8 last year, 100% of scoring returning)

The Blackhawks played much better after the holiday break, going 10-4 after the hiatus, including an eight-game winning streak from January 22 to February 12. They bring back everyone from that group, led by junior guard Logan Kempema Logan Kempema 6'5" | SF Hinton | 2026 State IA (15.7, 6.2 rebounds), the team's leading scorer and rebounder. He's a three-level scorer who pairs with Karver DeGroot Karver DeGroot 6'0" | PG Hinton | 2026 State IA (8.8, 39.2 3P%) to give them some perimeter shooting. This group struggled with turnovers last season, giving it away over 14 times a game, but they were also extremely young, and that should get cleaned up a bit with more experience. Playing against largely 1A teams in the War Eagle is a bit of a detriment to their postseason hopes, but with everyone coming back to a 15-win team that improved greatly in the second half of the year last season, they certainly deserve to be mentioned here.

Manson-Northwest Webster (16-8, 96.9% of scoring returning)

In senior wing Logan Moline Logan Moline 6'3" | SF Manson Northwest Webster | 2025 State IA (25.0, 9.2 rebounds), the Cougars have one of the state's top scorers. He's an athletic, downhill wing who gets to the free throw line frequently and finishes through contact at a high level. His ability to score in bunches can keep MNW in every game, and they bring back the top seven scorers from last year's 16-win team, giving them a ton of experience and quality depth. Athletic guard Kelan Koval Kelan Koval 6'0" | PG Manson Northwest Webster | 2025 State IA (15.3) is another downhill, attacking guard who can score in bunches and create looks for himself and his teammates off the dribble, and Matt Condon (8.6) and Grant Pohlman (8.5) provide some size and rebounding in the paint.

Mid-Prairie (12-10 last year, 70.2% of scoring returning)

The Golden Hawks improved as the season progressed last season, posting quality wins against Williamsburg and Regina in the final few weeks of the year. They bring back four players who started at least 13 games last year, including three who averaged in double digits. Junior guard Bryce Henry Bryce Henry 6'1" | SG Mid-Prairie | 2026 State IA (14.4, 37.4 3P%) pairs with senior Ace Peck Ace Peck 6'1" | SG Mid-Prairie | 2025 State IA (13.4, 41.3 3P%) to give them a pair of dynamic shooting threats on the perimeter, while senior Brady Weber Brady Weber 5'10" | PG Mid-Prairie | 2025 State IA (10.7, 5.7 assists) is the straw that stirs the drink, leading the team in assists and posting a nearly 2.0 assist-to-turnover ratio. This is a team that can get scorching hot from behind the arc, knocking down 9.6 3s a game in the 2023-24 season, and 3-point shooting can be the ultimate equalizer in modern basketball. This group is going to put up a ton of points throughout the year, but their ultimate success will depend on how well they defend and rebound.

North Fayette Valley (21-4 last year, 67.5% of scoring returning)

The TigerHawks four losses last season came at the hands of Kee (22-3, twice), MFL MarMac (19-4), and Hudson (25-3), and they pretty much blasted everyone else on the schedule. One of the top defensive teams in the class, they allowed just 44.3 points per game last season, and they could be even better on that end this year. They're led by one of the most dominant two-way players in the state, senior forward Cael Reichter Cael Reichter 6'8" | PF/SF North Fayette Valley | 2025 State IA (22.1, 13.6 rebounds, 3.0 blocks), an athletic, mobile 6-7 big man who can do it all. He can step out and stretch the floor. He can create plays for himself and his teammates off the dribble. He can defend multiple positions. And he is an elite rebounder. Fellow seniors Decklyn Heins (7.8, 1.3 blocks), Kyler White Kyler White 5'11" | PG North Fayette Valley | 2025 State IA (3.8, 4.8 assists), and Lincoln Aeschliman (3.6) are solid role players who understand their strengths and play to them, but this group will go as far as Reichter can take them, and that could be pretty darn far.

Ridge View (12-10 last year, 81.0% of scoring returning)

The Raptors figure to be an extremely balanced team once again this season, with five players who averaged between 7.0 and 9.2 points per game returning. This group gave Unity Christian a really tough game in the substate quarterfinals, and with the experience they gained from that, they could add several more wins to their record this winter. Senior Kellen Jensen (9.2) and juniors Carter Todd (9.0) and Zach Kolpin (8.9) lead the balanced scoring attack, and this is a group that absolutely pounds the offensive glass, which helps offset some below average perimeter shooting. This is an athletic, physical, defensive-minded team that allowed by 46.4 points per game last season, sixth in the class, and they'll lean heavily on that end of the floor again this season.

Rock Valley (10-12 last year, 67.9% of scoring returning)

The Rockets had some ups-and-downs in the Siouxland last season, as should be expected with a group that was as young as they were - two freshmen and a sophomore among the top four scorers. But with those ups-and-downs, they gained a ton of valuable experience, and they should be among the top teams in the conference this year, and if you're one of the top teams in the Siouxland, you're one of the top teams in 2A. They'll be headlined by sophomores Kaden Van Schepen Kaden Van Schepen 5'11" | PG Rock Valley | 2026 State IA (12.2) and Layton Snuttjer Layton Snuttjer 6'3" | SF Rock Valley | 2027 State IA (7.9), and junior Colby Den Hartog (8.3, 3.3 assists), giving them a trio of skilled guards who can play with or without the ball in their hands. They turned the ball over way too much (16.9 a game) and if they can cut 5-6 turnovers a game off that number, their offensive production will skyrocket and they'll be a formidable team come February.

Treynor (State qualifier, 22-4 last year, 31.7% of scoring returning)

Scott Rucker has one of the most consistently successful programs in the state over the last few decades, with the Cardinals routinely posting 20+ wins and being a threat to make some serious noise at the state tournament. So, despite losing their top two scorers, and three of the top four, don't expect too much drop off from Treynor this season. Junior guard Alec Lovely Alec Lovely 6'0" | PG Treynor | 2026 State IA (10.8, 5.0 assists, 40.8 3P%) was one of the standout performers at the state tournament in March, and this is now his team. He's a quick guard with great handles, shot making, and vision, and he should be one of the best guards in the class this season. Fellow juniors Corbin Thien Corbin Thien 6'6" | PF Treynor | 2026 State IA (5.4), Ethan Hill Ethan Hill 6'3" | PF Treynor | 2026 State IA (1.7), Jude Mieska (1.5), and Dane Guttau (1.1) help comprise a really talented 2026 class at Treynor that is ready to step up and make this their team.

Tri-Center (14-9 last year, 51.9% of scoring returning)

It's not often that you'd see a team that lost three of their top four scorers and is moving up a class mentioned here, but that's how highly we think of sophomore guard AJ Harder AJ Harder 6'0" | PG Tri-Center | 2027 State IA (16.1, 5.1 assists, 2.5 steals, 41.7 3P%). He was sensational as a freshman and will be even better this year. A dynamic three-level scorer and playmaker who can control the game even when he isn't scoring, he'll be one of the best guards in the class. Juniors Tyler Baatz (7.1) and Cael Witt (6.0) each saw a good amount of time last season and return alongside Harder to give them some scoring and experience, and Chase Newland should step into a bigger role as well. The Trojans may not have a lofty record, especially early in the year, but come February nobody will want to see this group, and Harder in particular, in their district.