1A Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Woodbine

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taking a look at teams that could compete for the state championship in their respective classes in the 2026-27 season, now moving to 1A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/2026/04/1a-way-too-early-title-contenders-marquette-catholic/">1A Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Marquette Catholic</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unfortunately for Woodbine this season, they were forced to match up with top-seeded Fort Dodge-St. Edmond in the first round, an almost impossible task for the 8-seed in taking on what felt like the team of destiny in 1A. After bowing out in the first round the year prior, as well, the Tigers -- though they lose a couple key seniors -- look like one of the top teams in the state's smallest class in terms of avenging their recent losses at the state tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1977076' first='Landon' last='Blum'] has led the way for Woodbine the last few seasons. A Penn State football commit at wide receiver, Blum is the prototypical football player that also doubles as a basketball star for the Tigers. Tall, long and athletic with ball-skills, Blum's prowess on the gridiron translates well to the court. An all-state hooper in addition to his football accolades, Blum is a good enough athlete and possesses an all-around basketball game that allows him to take over contests on the regular. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the ability to handle the rock, attack the rim off-the-dribble, catch and shoot from outside, fly in for rebounds and even swat a shot from time-to-time, Blum's skillsest is perfect for his role with the Tigers, and assuming he sticks around next season and doesn't early enroll in Happy Valley, Woodbine should be right in the thick of the title conversation. As a junior, he put up 20.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals per game, while shooting 44.4% from the field and 73.8% from the free throw line. If he can cut down on the turnovers and shoot more consistently from three, he'll be one of the tougher guards in all classes next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of course, a title run can't come without some help aside from your star player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alongside Blum are sophomores Henry Gruver and Ayden Coenen, who have plenty of potential to fill with expanded roles next season. Coenen, who only started six games and posted eight appearances this last season, should have a ton of potential to fulfill in his third year of high school ball. With a 6-foot-4 frame, Coenen could be a major help on the glass and defending the rim alongside Blum, providing some rare collective team size on the roster. Gruver, a 5-foot-11 guard who scored 5.2 points per game while shooting over 41% from three on 77 attempts throughout the season. If he can increase those numbers while maintaining his percentage, Gruver will be an excellent spacer on the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Micah Moores is a name that can't be forgotten either, as a do-everything role player that will give his 100% effort on every possession. A hard-nosed running back for the Tigers on the football field, Moores will defend his tail off, fight for rebounds and get the occasional put-back layup around the bucket. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers aren't an immediate choice for the 1A title, but if things come together the way they could, they may be tough to beat when March roles around in 2027. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->