Way Too Early Top 10: Class 2A

These preseason rankings are coming much later than they usually do. It's been a pretty busy late summer and early fall, and these rankings are going to be a much more abridged version than you're used to seeing, but we're still taking a look at 20 of the contenders that we expect to see in Class 2A 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 23 ranked in the top 10 in their respective classes, and another 3 written about in the "Others to Watch" sections. Teams that won state titles were ranked 2nd (Madrid), 1st (Western Christian, 10th (MOC-Floyd Valley), and 1st (Valley), and of the eight teams that participated in championship games, none were ranked lower than 6th (West Lyon) to start the year. We were most successful in Class 4A, with all eight teams written about to start the year (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and one in the "others to watch") reaching the state tournament. Further, over the last eight years, teams ranked #1 to open the year have reached the state semifinals at a 66% clip, and played for a state championship at a 56% 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, and a thorough capsule on why each team is in their respective spot. Enjoy.   1.) Kuemper Catholic (22-2 last season, 74.7% of scoring returning)   Appeared we were set for a Kuemper-Western Christian 2A championship all year before Knights were upset in substate final...Bring back top four scorers from a team that averaged nearly 83 points per game...Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1765513' first='Ryan' last='Clair'] (15.0, 6.6 rebounds) is a dominant force in the painted area on both ends of the floor...Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2420805' first='Dylan' last='Schon'] (13.6) and [player_tooltip player_id='2420798' first='Griffin' last='Glynn'] (10.0) can both score from anywhere and are really good without the ball in their hands...Senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='1765503' first='Brock' last='Badding'] (12.3, 37.8 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='2519974' first='Jack' last='Badding'] (8.2) are both electric shooters who can create quality looks for teammates as well...Carson Kanne's 7.1 assists and 6.33 assist-to-turnover ratio will be tough to replace, but Knights are going to be loaded with offensive talent and depth...Unconfirmed rumors of some reinforcements transferring in from Carroll public, which would only add more depth to one of the deepest, most talented teams in 2A.   2.) Unity Christian (State semifinalist, 21-5 last season, 63.1% of scoring returning)   Knights bring back top two scorers from state semifinalist team as well as a top role player...Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2413578' first='Dylan' last='Bosma'] (16.2) is one of the top two-way guards in the state, a high-level defender, three-level scorer, and great playmaker...Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2419800' first='Tyce' last='Van Donge'] (12.1, 8.5 rebounds) highly efficient scorer on the block with great footwork, soft touch, athleticism...[player_tooltip player_id='2407223' first='Keagen' last='Winterfeld'] (9.0, 50.0 3P%) is an elite shooter who can help space the floor for Bosma and the return of senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2413600' first='Austin' last='Wieringa'], another high-level playmaker and scorer who missed junior year with an injury...Of Knights' five losses last year, two came to state champs (Western Christian, MOC-Floyd Valley), other three came to 2A runner-up West Lyon...Group will be great defensively, balanced offensively, and a serious threat to win it all in 2A.   3.) Treynor (State qualifier, 22-4 last season, 77.9% of scoring returning)   Treynor may be best non-Western Christian program in small-school basketball, averaging 20.6 wins over last 19 years...Top three scorers return from state tournament team in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1978103' first='Alec' last='Lovely'] (19.0, 4.2 assists), [player_tooltip player_id='2886836' first='Ethan' last='Hill'] (11.4), and [player_tooltip player_id='2413619' first='Corbin' last='Thien'] (9.2)...Lovely is one of the top guards in the state, a skilled playmaker and dynamic three-level scorer...Hill gives more playmaking in backcourt, while Thien provides size and toughness in the paint...Look for sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2523912' first='Kalob' last='Lovely'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='2906551' first='Riley' last='Lauver'] (2.8) to step into much bigger roles this season alongside the top three returnees and senior Dane Guttau...Scott Rucker is one of the best coaches in the state and has a veteran, balanced team armed with one of the best guards in the state; smells like a winner.   4.) Grand View Christian (State semifinalist, 24-2 last season, 67.2% of scoring returning)   Emiliano Barrantes is a massive loss (literally), but new coach Greg Van Soelen has plenty of weapons at his disposal...Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2287857' first='Brayden' last='Hoben'] (17.3, 8.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists) is a stat-sheet stuffer with size, length, and athleticism...Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2413533' first='Jameson' last='Scharnberg'] (15.6, 5.0 assists) is a dynamic shooter and playmaker...Thomas Childs (8.6, 39.0 3P%) and William Seyler (3.7, 43.9 3P%) provide more perimeter shooting...Thunder have plenty of returnees who saw time last season and should step into bigger roles alongside Hoben-Scharnberg tandem...Hoben one of the best players in 2A, and that duo is arguably the best inside-out in the class.   5.) West Lyon (State runner-up, 23-4 last season, 51.5% of scoring returning)   Loss of Carson Hoogeveen to graduation can't be overstated, he was one of the best guards in the state last season...Wildcats bring back three of their top five from a runner-up team, led by senior [player_tooltip player_id='2731892' first='Jorden' last='Meyer'] (15.2), an explosive, athletic combo forward who had a breakout state tournament week...[player_tooltip player_id='2731896' first='Jared' last='Ciesielski'] (8.6, 68.2 FG%) provides more size and athleticism in the paint, as does [player_tooltip player_id='2887823' first='Ben' last='Meyer'] (7.0), another state tournament breakout...Guard play will be a question, especially early on, but 'Cats will be hyper-athletic, physical, and should have some real depth.   6.) Western Christian (State champion, 25-3 last season, 28.6% of scoring returning)   Record-setting Wolfpack have a ton of production to replace, but c'mon, it's Western Christian...Landon DeStigter (11.8, 39.6 3P%) is the top returnee; a long, athletic wing who can defend multiple positions and knock down shots off the catch...Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2772345' first='Tayden' last='Moret'] (7.0) is a star in the making, will shine this season after a strong freshman campaign...Outside of those two, not much else returns, but this program just produces great basketball players, and wins boatloads of games; why expect anything different?   7.) Regina Catholic (19-4 last season, 82.8% of scoring returning)   Few teams in the state will be able to match up with Regals' size and athleticism in the paint...Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2419815' first='Will' last='Litton'] (16.8, 8.9 rebounds) and [player_tooltip player_id='2419768' first='Tate' last='Wallace'] (16.2, 5.4 rebounds) are among the best forwards in 2A, while sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2523886' first='Ben' last='Wade'] (4.4, 1.6 blocks) already has early offers from Northern Iowa and Drake...Litton and Wallace are each around 6-3/6-4, but strong and hyper-athletic, while Wade is 6-10/6-11, growing, and is a great rim-protector...Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2886831' first='Drew' last='Greve'] (9.8, 5.8 assists) was great as a facilitator last year, does a nice job setting the table for his talented teammates...Perimeter shooting is the biggest area of concern, but this group should dominate the glass...Paul Rundquist is a fantastic coach who will get this group playing at a high level on both ends of the floor.   8.) Union (State qualifier, 17-10 last season, 81.9% of scoring returning)   Knights bring back all but one player from last year's surprising state tournament team...Eric Neipert is a big loss after averaging 11.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, but so many scoring threats return...Look for this group to play faster this year with so many skilled guards and shooters...[player_tooltip player_id='2678903' first='Tate' last='Van Dyke'] (12.2, 45.6 3P%) leads a potent, balanced attack...[player_tooltip player_id='1726227' first='Caden' last='Sorensen'] (11.3, 3.7 assists) and [player_tooltip player_id='2679273' first='Maddux' last='DeWinter'] (5.3, 5.1 assists) give them a pair of skilled playmakers...[player_tooltip player_id='1986602' first='Cameron' last='Mullen'] (10.8) is a three-level scorer, and [player_tooltip player_id='1943626' first='Sawyer' last='Spence'] (6.5) can do a bit of everything...Look for sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2729443' first='Bryson' last='DeWinter'] (1.7) to emerge as a high-level player this year, giving more ball-handling and scoring...Size may be a concern, but they'll be able to space teams out and use their speed to their advantage on both ends.   9.) Northeast (18-6 last season, 56.1% of scoring returning)   Rebels must replace leading scorer Gavin Kramer's 18.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, but bring back three-double figure scorers...Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2523908' first='Jaxen' last='Christiansen'] (15.8) was exceptional as a freshman, posting 46-42-88 shooting splits...Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2420792' first='Emerson' last='Kreinbrink'] (12.2, 64.7 FG%) is a highly efficient scorer, senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2731868' first='Colby' last='Gray'] (11.0, 35.5 3P%) a good shooter and playmaker...Group can score in bunches, strong defensively; physical, athletic group...Will need to find some depth, but have star power.   10.) Beckman Catholic (12-11 last season, 85.8% of scoring returning)   Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2419787' first='Jake' last='Wegmann'] (19.8) is one of the best players in 2A...After his growth spurt took him to 6-5, he was dominant last season as an efficient (48-45-74) three-level scorer and playmaker...Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2754692' first='Tayveon' last='Barnhart'] (13.5, 38.5 3P%) gives them more shooting and playmaking in the backcourt...[player_tooltip player_id='2772346' first='Noah' last='Kluesner'] (6.6) coming off a nice freshman year, ready to step into bigger role, as are senior role players Brenndan Engler (6.2) and Andrew Schlarmann (2.8, 3.1 assists)...Add in point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1765519' first='Brady' last='Gogel'] via transfer from Monticello, an experienced lead guard who can set the table for his teammates and play solid on-ball defense...Look for Blazers to play a bit faster this year with bevy of scoring options returning and continuity.   Others to Watch   Alburnett (16-6 last season, 40.4% of scoring returning)   Pirates lost two of top three scorers from 16-win team that dominated games defensively...Tandem backcourt of senior [player_tooltip player_id='2886808' first='Caiden' last='Bueckers'] (10.8) and junior [player_tooltip player_id='2754658' first='Laken' last='Caves'] (9.8, 4.5 assists) will win them a ton of games...Experienced, athletic backcourt with shooting and playmaking paces an attack that should be explosive, but still strong defensively...Need to find some size after losing Matthew Neighbor's 12.6 rebounds per game.   Aplington-Parkersburg (20-3 last season, 60.3% of scoring returning)   Falcons will have one of the top backcourts in 2A with senior [player_tooltip player_id='1765547' first='Benny' last='Waller'] (20.1, 38.8 3P%) and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2594659' first='Tyler' last='Wedeking'] (12.6, 41.2 3P%)...Sully Janssen (4.1) will need to step into bigger role as interior option and rebounder, and role players Trevan Thomas (2.0) and Wes Shirk (1.5) will be relied upon...Aaron Thomas has a dynamic one-two punch at his disposal, and a program that continually churns out good athletes who fill their roles well...Many new faces in bigger roles, but Waller-Wedeking tandem will win a ton of games.   Columbus Catholic (9-14 last season, 73.7% of scoring returning)   Sailors haven't had a winning season since 2013-14, that should change this year...Top two scorers return in [player_tooltip player_id='2629262' first='Amani' last='Robinson'] (17.2, 11.3 rebounds) and Owen Hosch (9.3)...Strong 2027 class led by Hosch also includes role players Bryce Noland (6.0), Thomas Fereday (3.8), and Austin Treinen (1.9)...Buoyed by the addition of Waterloo Christian transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2425904' first='Eli' last='Evans'], who averaged 26.0 points and 10.9 rebounds last season...After losing five games by single digits last season, having veteran guard in backcourt in Evans will be a big boost.   Hinton (16-7 last season, 76.5% of scoring returning)   Blackhawks bring back a pair of big scorers in [player_tooltip player_id='2413648' first='Logan' last='Kempema'] (15.6) and [player_tooltip player_id='2731835' first='Karver' last='DeGroot'] (12.2)...Role players Logan Coffee (6.3), Dawson Spies (5.7), Cole Friessen (3.0), and Will Hagestrom (2.6) also return, giving them some quality depth...Pretty good ball security last season, averaging 11 turnovers a game...Kempema-DeGroot tandem will win them plenty of games; ultimate success will depend on how role players improve.   Monticello (18-5 last season, 54.1% of scoring returning)   Tim Lambert has turned Panthers into a consistent contender...Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1765541' first='Conley' last='Schauf'] (21.2) is one of the best scorers in the class; posted 50-43-85 shooting splits last season and is an electric off-ball scorer...Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2886871' first='Alex' last='Jamison'] (5.9) is a lengthy, athletic, and versatile defender, and senior forward Lincoln Schneiter (5.7, 5.2 rebounds) looks ready to step into a bigger role...The name to watch here is freshman point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2894718' first='Hayden' last='Hackney'], who could start immediately following the transfer of [player_tooltip player_id='1765519' first='Brady' last='Gogel'] to Beckman Catholic...Schauf, tradition, and Lambert keep the Panthers in contention.   OABCIG (18-5 last season, 67.6% of scoring returning)   Falcons need to replace leading scorer Brysen Kolar, lost to graduation, but bring back next five...[player_tooltip player_id='2823320' first='Evan' last='Hoffman'] (14.8, 8.6 rebounds) was great as a sophomore, should be even better as a junior...Junior wing Jaxx Dejean (10.7, 8.4 rebounds) is a fantastic athlete with length, athleticism to defend multiple positions...Kade Spotts (8.6) and Raif Jensen (7.4) experienced players who can score alongside Hoffman and Dejean...Turnovers were an issue last year (17.2 a game), need to be cleaned up if OABCIG is to compete at a real level.   Osage (18-6 last season, 44.7% of scoring returning)   Green Devils always strong defensively, ranked 5th in scoring defense last year at 46.5 points per game...Leading scorer [player_tooltip player_id='1765543' first='Quinn' last='Street'] (19.1, 4.3 assists) returns to lead the offensive attack; skilled playmaker and three-level scorer...Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2385549' first='Griffin' last='Uhlenhopp'] (5.5) ready to step into bigger role as secondary scorer...Look for talented 2028 class to emerge as reliable options this season.   Pella Christian (10-14 last season, 40.0% of scoring returning)   Eagles return leading scorer [player_tooltip player_id='2724147' first='Gilbert' last='Flagel'] (11.2) but lose the next four to graduation...Flagel coming off a sensational spring and summer, appears primed for a massive senior year...Sophomore guard Trey Steinkamp (2.9) ready to take a step forward as well, giving them strong one-two punch...Look for senior forward Devan Runner (2.5) to emerge and become a reliable scorer and rebounder in the paint...Playing in 3A-4A Little Hawkeye will give them plenty of losses, but Eagles will be formidable come postseason play.   Ridge View (21-2 last season, 62.4% of scoring returning)   Raptors lost leading scorer to graduation but bring back next five, all seniors...Carter Todd (10.4, 7.7 rebounds) the leading returnee in scoring, rebounding, and assists...Adam Stephan (10.0) gives them an interior rim protector...[player_tooltip player_id='2853883' first='Zach' last='Kolpin'] (8.2), Drew Burk (7.1), and Kinnick Jensen (6.6) give them additional scoring and depth...4th-ranked scoring defense in 2A last season, allowing 46.2 points per game, should be just as good again this year.   Tri-Center (18-6 last season, 92.5% of scoring returning)   Trojans bring back top four scorers from 18-win team...Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2420786' first='AJ' last='Harder'] (19.1, 5.0 assists) and senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2628806' first='Tyler' last='Baatz'] (15.3, 7.8 rebounds) give them a dynamic one-two punch...Harder is a winner, pure scorer and playmaker in the backcourt...Cael Witt (8.0, 3.3 assists) provides another ball-handler, [player_tooltip player_id='2854618' first='Aiden' last='Osbahr'] (4.8) gives more size and scoring inside...Need to find a way to get over the Treynor hump if they want to be considered a serious threat.

These preseason rankings are coming much later than they usually do. It's been a pretty busy late summer and early fall, and these rankings are going to be a much more abridged version than you're used to seeing, but we're still taking a look at 20 of the contenders that we expect to see in Class 2A this winter.