2A Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Unity Chrisitan

<!-- 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 2A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The reigning champions lose their leading scorer and one of the top shooters in the state from this season, but Unity Christian will be as formidable as ever in 2026-27. Returning the 2A State Tournament MVP, another key piece of their rotation and a couple prospects with some major upside, the Knights will undoubtedly be just fine once again next winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The MVP of their state title run, [player_tooltip player_id='2419800' first='Tyce' last='Van Donge'] will lead the charge into next season. A completely dominant performance from the 2027 big was vital for the title run, as the Knights didn't get their typical production from their leading scorer, and Van Donge was sensational around the rim both offensively and defensively. Standing at 6-foot-4, Van Donge isn't intimidatingly big for the 2A level, but he uses a mixture of size, skill and speed to blow by bigger defenders, plus showing the ability to step out and shoot it. That, and if he gets switched onto a guard or wing, Van Donge uses that size and power to back them down and score with ease on the interior. He finished his junior campaign putting up 15.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, shooting 55.6% from the field and 45.5% from three on 55 attempts. Van Donge will likely be in the running for the 2A Player of the Year next season if he maintains his efficiency from the field and scores at a higher rate. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not the star this winter, but nonetheless a critical part of the squad as a starter, 2027 combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='2407223' first='Keagen' last='Winterfeld'] will likely take on a much bigger role next season as a primary ball-handler and the initiator of the offense. Finishing the season as the team's third-leading scorer by putting up 12.7 points per game while shooting 47.1% from the field, 37% from three and 70.3% from the charity stripe, Winterfeld's ability to score from deep and handle the rock will complement Van Donge's efforts on the interior <em>very </em>nicely. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another, lesser-known part of the rotation that caught the eye of both myself and Tony Roe at state, [player_tooltip player_id='3552760' first='Zekiel' last='Junius'] is a super intriguing player for the Knights. Here's what was written after watching him for the first time, and including him in the Wednesday 2A Stockrisers: "A prospect that would be a starter on 95-99% of teams in 2A -- if not in the larger classes, too -- Junius is a bouncey athlete that is a major plus on the boards and on the defensive side of the floor. He probably should be a starter for Unity Christian, based on talent and physical traits alone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Popping basically the moment he stepped onto the floor, Junius has a long stride, long arms and burst that most other players in his class don't have. Though he didn't play much, he appears to be locked in and does exactly what the Unity staff asks of him."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If there's a time for the 2027 wing/guard to breakout, it's next season. With his skillset, he should be playing college ball. We'll see if he can make a jump and help the Knights in their attempt to repeat next winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->