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<p><strong>Preseason Player of the Year: </strong>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2886875' first='Jacoby' last='Johnson'] (Vinton-Shellsburg)</p>
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<p>Following a ton of losses to graduation at CCA, the West Division looks pretty open heading into the 2025-26 season. That could open the door for a Vinton-Shellsburg team that returns everyone. Take your pick from any of three different Vikings here, but we'll side with Johnson.</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>First Team</strong></p>
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<p><strong>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2731750' first='Eli' last='Patterson'] (Benton): 16.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.0 blocks</strong></p>
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<p>The leading returning scorer and rebounder in the division, Patterson enjoyed a breakout junior year for the Bobcats last season. A 6-4 combo forward with good size and athleticism, he can provide some real versatility on both ends of the floor.</p>
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<p><strong>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2731902' first='Dylan' last='Weisskopf'] (Williamsburg): 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists</strong></p>
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<p>Speaking of high-level athletes, Weisskopf, the younger brother of former Raiders standout Derek Weisskopf, is a bouncy wing scorer who can create looks off the dribble and he moves well without the ball in his hands. </p>
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<p><strong>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2886875' first='Jacoby' last='Johnson'] (Vinton-Shellsburg): 12.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.2 steals</strong></p>
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<p>Johnson led the Vikings in scoring, assists, and steals last season while ranking third in rebounding. A do-it-all guard who can get to the rim off the dribble and create quality looks for his teammates, he's also a strong on-ball defender with good instincts on that end.</p>
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<p><strong>2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2906467' first='Colt' last='Koeppen'] (Vinton-Shellsburg): 11.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.4 steals</strong></p>
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<p>Koeppen led the Vikings in rebounding and was second in scoring last season. He's an active wing who can score inside and out as well as provide some versatility on the defensive end.</p>
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<p><strong>2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2906415' first='Beckett' last='Boeset'] (Clear Creek Amana): 5.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals</strong></p>
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<p>Boeset was a nice role player for a veteran Clippers team last season and will step into a starring role as a junior. A skilled wing who had some big scoring games throughout the spring and summer, he'll be tasked with carrying a heavy scoring load this season, which he appears to be capable of handling.</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Second Team</strong></p>
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<p>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2887899' first='Carson' last='Pickering'] (Benton)<br>2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2906502' first='Kade' last='Sutton'] (Vinton-Shellsburg)<br>2026 Cyrell Etzen (South Tama)<br>2026 Tanner Lange (South Tama)<br>2027 Jakob Becker (Vinton-Shellsburg)</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Honorable Mentions</strong></p>
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<p>2026 Barrett Jesina (South Tama)<br>2026 Brody Timmerman (Benton)<br>2026 Jack Blais (Vinton-Shellsburg)<br>2028 Kaden Fisher (Vinton-Shellsburg)<br>2027 Leif Allen (Vinton-Shellsburg)<br>2026 Carson Nolan (Benton)</p>
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