Substate Preview: 1A-7

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/1A-13.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/1A-13.png?w=783" alt="" class="wp-image-2771966" /></a></figure>   District 13   The favorite: Coon Rapids-Bayard has been dominant this year, with the #3 scoring defense in the class, allowing just 40.1 points per game. Their two losses have come to ranked 1A teams Woodbine and ACGC, and they got revenge, in a huge way, against Woodbine a way ago with a resounding 54-25 win. The Crusaders are led by the Heydon brothers - junior [player_tooltip player_id='1765521' first='Cal' last='Heydon'] (22.1, 7.3 rebounds, 57.0 FG%) has been one of the most productive players in the 2026 class for the last three years, and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2906442' first='Ty' last='Heydon'] (11.0, 11.5 rebounds) has been a dominant force in the paint and on the glass this season. [player_tooltip player_id='2906452' first='Caden' last='Oswald'] (10.4) is the team's top ball-handler and playmaker, and while this team can score, they rely on their defense to spark things for them. They're big, long, disciplined, and athletic, and they're going to be very difficult to score against here.   The biggest threat: Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2886911' first='Jackson' last='Ruggles'] (19.7, 3.4 assists) has put together a fantastic year for Mount Ayr, posting 51-47-79 shooting splits and controlling the game on both ends of the floor on a nightly basis for the Raiders. He and senior guard Tyler Martin (13.0, 41.3 3P%) pace a team that is shooting above 40% from behind the arc, a mark that is pretty rare for a high school team, especially at the 1A level. In a district that features four of the top 15 teams in scoring defense in the class, points will be at a premium, and having a team that can shoot it from the arc will be dangerous.   The dark horse: Another one of the top defensive teams in the class resides in Malvern, the Wolverines of East Mills. They've allowing just 45.3 points per game and are more than comfortable playing in a halfcourt, slower style of game that often comes in postseason play. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2906418' first='Mason' last='Camden'] (15.5) and senior forward Jackson Embree (14.8, 8.5 rebounds) are the headliners of the group, bringing athleticism, toughness, and defensive versatility to the floor.   Players to Watch 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765521' first='Cal' last='Heydon'] (Coon Rapids-Bayard) 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2906442' first='Ty' last='Heydon'] (Coon Rapids-Bayard) 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2906452' first='Caden' last='Oswald'] (Coon Rapids-Bayard) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2886911' first='Jackson' last='Ruggles'] (Mount Ayr) 2025 Tyler Martin (Mount Ayr) 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2906418' first='Mason' last='Camden'] (East Mills) 2025 Jackson Embree (East Mills) 2025 Caden Page (Murray) 2025 Evan Gettler (Stanton)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/1A-14.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/1A-14.png?w=787" alt="" class="wp-image-2771967" /></a></figure>   District 14   The favorite: Coming off a state tournament appearance and bringing nearly everything back, expectations were high for Woodbine heading into the 2024-25 season, and they've (mostly) been met, earning the #1 seed in the district with a 19-2 overall record. The Tigers are one of just three teams in the class to rank within the top 10 in both scoring offense (8th, 69.8) and defense (3rd (40.3). Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1951827' first='Carter' last='Gruver'] (17.4, 4.4 assists) is the top scorer and leads the team in assists, and he has been tremendously efficient, posting 54-49-76 shooting splits. A tough, physical, quick guard who puts constant pressure on opposing defenses, he's the straw that stirs the drink for this group which can beat you in a variety of ways. Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='1977076' first='Landon' last='Blum'] (15.2, 7.2 rebounds) is one of the best athletes in the state's 2027 class, and the experienced trio of [player_tooltip player_id='2413631' first='Jax' last='Pryor'] (12.6, 55.9 FG%), [player_tooltip player_id='1951828' first='Carson' last='Kelley'] (8.9), and [player_tooltip player_id='2413639' first='Brody' last='Pryor'] (7.4) provide some more scoring and experience.   The biggest threat: Another one of those teams that ranks within the top 10 in both offense (6th, 71.7) and defense (2nd, 38.5) is Bedford, the #2 seed in the district. The Bulldogs have been suffocating on the defensive end and have used their defense to help spark an offensive attack that is scoring at a much higher clip than they have in previous years, good news for their prospects heading into postseason play. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1874772' first='Cal' last='Peterman'] (19.7, 9.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 4.1 steals) has been tremendous, using his physical frame and athleticism to control the game on both ends. Brody King (13.4, 37.1 3P%) is a skilled shooter, and four others average between 7.2 and 9.4 points per game. The 'Dogs are comfortable playing in a halfcourt game and using their defense to win games, or getting out in transition and scoring in bunches.   The dark horse: If you're looking for a potential sleeper to make some noise, take a look at Southwest Valley, the #4 seed in the district. The Timberwolves are led by a trio of double-figure scorers in [player_tooltip player_id='1765523' first='Cael' last='Hogan'] (16.8, 4.1 assists), Alex Morgan (15.0, 9.9 rebounds), and Wyatt Mendenhall (10.8). They've been solid defensively, allowing 46.4 points a game, and while getting through Woodbine won't be an easy task, they have the offensive weapons to play with the Tigers.   Players to Watch 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1951827' first='Carter' last='Gruver'] (Woodbine) 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1977076' first='Landon' last='Blum'] (Woodbine) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2413631' first='Jax' last='Pryor'] (Woodbine) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1874772' first='Cal' last='Peterman'] (Bedford) 2025 Brody King (Bedford) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1951833' first='Braedon' last='Godfread'] (Sidney) 2025 Grant Whitehead (Sidney) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765523' first='Cael' last='Hogan'] (Southwest Valley) 2025 Alex Morgan (Southwest Valley) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759951' first='Luke' last='Sternberg'] (AHSTW) 2026 Collin Harder (AHSTW)     SUBSTATE FINAL PREDICTION   Coon Rapids-Bayard vs. Woodbine   All things in this substate seem to be pointing towards Coon Rapids-Bayard/Woodbine, Part III. The teams split in the regular season, with Woodbine winning 58-57 back on January 3rd, and Coon Rapids-Bayard taking the rematch in blowout fashion, 54-25, on February 4th. While we don't expect another blowout in the substate final, it's hard to ignore that type of destruction. For the first time since 2010, Coon Rapids-Bayard punches their ticket to the state tournament.