Iowa Class 3A Mid-Season Title Favorites: Solon

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A series of at least three schools per class that have the best chance at winning the state title. Now wrapped up with 4A, we move one class smaller to 3A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/2026/02/iowa-class-3a-mid-season-title-favorites-clear-lake/">Iowa Class 3A Mid-Season Title Favorites: Clear Lake</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/2026/02/iowa-class-3a-mid-season-title-favorites-pella/">Iowa Class 3A Mid-Season Title Favorites: Pella</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Case for the Spartans:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Transferring from Waukee Northwest after his sophomore campaign with the Wolves, junior star [player_tooltip player_id='2530471' first='Tate' last='McCollum'] has burst onto the scene, showing the ability to light it up from deep and serve as the primary playmaker for a team at the 3A level. The team-leader in scoring, and a top ten scorer in 3A, McCollum is putting up 21.1 points per game while shooting 73-of-176 (41.5%) from three -- the only Spartan with more than 40 attempts from deep) and posting an effective field goal percentage of 57.7%. Getting to the free throw line with regularity, too, McCollum is 59-of-77 from the stripe shooting 76.6%. McCollum has been key -- if not <em>the </em>key -- to Solon's 16-1 start with wins over 1A power Regina Catholic, plus several top 3A squads in the eastern part of the state like Center Point-Urbana and Mount Vernon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2906429' first='Grant' last='Gordon'], a 6-foot-2 guard that provides length and the ability to score at the cup, is the second scorer for the Spartans. A part-time starter and full-time rotational piece for Solon as a sophomore, Gordon has taken on a bigger role for his team, increasing his scoring numbers, efficiency and rebounding. So far this season, he's putting up 8.8 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 38.5% from three, a ten percent jump from his sophomore campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The third scorer for Solon is multi-sport star, [player_tooltip player_id='2906433' first='Maddox' last='Kelley']. A standout on the gridiron and the baseball field, as well, Kelley shines in his own way on the court for the Spartans. He's not an elite scorer, putting up just 8.3 points per game, but he uses his speed and athleticism effectively, also showing off his football-prowess by playing a tough, do-it-all mentality (illustrated in his 2.6 fouls per game) to the court that Solon needs to compliment McCollum's scoring. In addition to his scoring output, Kelley leads the Spartans in rebounding with 4.4 per game, while leading 3A in steals with 4.2 per contest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Solon's got their high-scoring lead guard and quick, athletic players to compliment his skill set, making them a tough backcourt to defend. If McCollum gets hot, Kelley imposes his will and Gordon can get to the cup, it will be difficult for most teams to stop the Spartans. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->