3A Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Solon

<!-- 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 3A.<br><br><a href="https://prephoops.com/2026/04/3a-way-too-early-title-contenders-ballard/">3A Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Ballard</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reaching the state tournament this winter was a major win for the Solon basketball program. Frankly, it wouldn't have happened without the play of star and son of Iowa's head coach, [player_tooltip player_id='2530471' first='Tate' last='McCollum']. Generously listed at 5-foot-10, McCollum lit it up, especially from deep in 3A. A volume-shooting lead guard for the Spartans, McCollum put up 18.9 points per game while shooting 39.3% from three and 79.4% from the free throw line. An elite shooter that always found a way to get his shots off. Whether it was running around a screen and grabbing a pass to catch-and-shoot or creating sepration with his handle, the 2027 guard got shots off super quick, with a lightning-fast release. No matter the type of shot he'd get off, McCollum always got his feet set before firing, McCollum created off-the-dribble in the mid-range as well as on the perimeter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clearly having learned a thing or two from his dad, McCollum is high IQ player that has the fundamentals down. A pretty looking shot, a tight handle, the ability to finish through contact at the rim and passing ability that flashes here and there, MCollum kept his head up looking for teammates, even willing to throw cross-court passes to open shooters on the outside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Had he not gotten hurt in the substate championship game, the Spartans may have had a chance at upsetting Storm Lake in the first round of the state tournament this season. A senior next year, McCollum will be on Mr. Basketball watch, especially getting another offseason of work in with his father and the Iowa basketball program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The enforcer and dual sport star for the Spartans, [player_tooltip player_id='2906433' first='Maddox' last='Kelley'] helped out in the backcourt alongside McCollum. Serving as the team's second-leading scorer at 10.6 points per game and leading Solon with five rebounds and four steals per game. He not only led Solon in the steals category, but he was first in 3A and finished top ten in the statistic state-wide. A player that does all the little things and brings football toughness to the basketball court, Kelley is one of those players that every team could use and that most would need to contend for a title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A breakout star in the first round of the tournament, [player_tooltip player_id='2906429' first='Grant' last='Gordon'] was a major reason why the Spartans were able to hang with the Tornadoes. A stock-riser from the first day of games in Des Moines, this is what was written about the 2027 shooting guard: "Long and an underrated athlete, Gordon attacked the rim and was a ready and able shooter when the defense collapsed on his teammates. Initially viewing Solon as a team that solely had a conglomeration of football talent, plus their leading scorer, Gordon's play helped prove that the Spartans belonged at the state tournament in hoops too."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gordon averaged just 8.7 points per game, while shooting 37.9% from three, but with a confidence-boosting performance at state and growth a a playmaker, he could be another double-digit scorer for Solon next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a high-octane scorer and other complementary pieces, the Spartans could contend with the best in 3A next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->