Class 2A District Final Preview
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District 1: #1 West Lyon (21-1) vs. #3 Spirit Lake (12-9) West Lyon has spent a significant chunk of the season ranked #1 in the class, and they blew out Spirit Lake earlier this month, 85-61, behind 30 points from…
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Continue ReadingDistrict 1: #1 West Lyon (21-1) vs. #3 Spirit Lake (12-9)
West Lyon has spent a significant chunk of the season ranked #1 in the class, and they blew out Spirit Lake earlier this month, 85-61, behind 30 points from
Carson Hoogeveen
Carson
Hoogeveen
5'10" | PG
West Lyon | 2025
State
IA
(15.6, 39.3 3P%). The Wildcats are one of four teams in the class to rank within the top 10 in both scoring offense (3rd, 72.4) and defense (45.5), and their depth and athleticism overwhelms teams on both ends of the floor. Hoogeveen is the only double-figure scorer, a skilled guard who can play with or without the ball in his hands, and then eight players average between 4.0 and 9.0 points a game, giving them a multitude of scoring options.
Trevor Ciesielski
Trevor
Ciesielski
6'1" | PG
West Lyon | 2024
State
IA
(9.0, 4.0 assists) pairs with Hoogeveen to control the backcourt, and this is a team that shares the ball tremendously well, averaging nearly 17 assists a game. Spirit Lake can put up points in bunches, led by junior forward
Dylan Stecker
Dylan
Stecker
6'4" | SF
Spirit Lake | 2025
State
IA
(24.1, 9.0 rebounds). He’s an athletic forward who finishes efficiently around the bucket, but he can also occasionally step out and stretch the floor.
Wesley Walz
Wesley
Walz
6'0" | SG
Spirit Lake | 2026
State
IA
(11.6) and
Ethan Stecker
Ethan
Stecker
6'5" | SF
Spirit Lake | 2025
State
IA
(11.0, 39.5 3P%) are also reliable scorers who can step up and take some pressure off of Stecker. There’s no doubt that the Indians will score, but will they be able to get enough stops against the ‘Cats to pull off a monumental upset?
Our pick: West Lyon
District 2: #1 Unity Christian (18-4) vs. #2 Emmetsburg (18-5)
Despite losing leading scorer
Braeden Bosma
Braeden
Bosma
6'0" | PG
Unity Christian | 2026
State
IA
to an injury nine games into the season, Unity Christian has put together a great year, racking up 18 wins in their initial season in the Siouxland Conference. The Knights are an athletic team that has posted impressive wins over Central Lyon (twice) and West Lyon. Sophomore guards
Dylan Bosma
Dylan
Bosma
6'1" | PG
Unity Christian | 2026
State
IA
(13.6, 2.9 assists) and
Austin Wieringa
Austin
Wieringa
6'0" | SG
Unity Christian | 2026
State
IA
(11.7) are the top scorers, but this is a team that can go pretty deep into their rotation with viable scoring threats, as six other players average between 4.0 and 7.2 points per game. If there is one thing that could hurt the Knights here, though, it’s ball security. They average more turnovers (13.7) than assists (11.5) a game. Emmetsburg is a young team, with seven juniors leading the team in scoring.
Byron Maina
Byron
Maina
5'11" | PG
Emmetburg | 2025
State
IA
(14.7, 42.1 3P%), Gavin Swanson (11.5, 4.6 assists), Carter Hudson (11.0, 7.7 rebounds),
Kale Fank
Kale
Fank
6'1" | SG
Emmetsburg | 2025
State
IA
(9.7), and Carson Baak (8.9, 44.7 3P%, 4.8 assists) are a dynamic quintet of players who have a ton of experience playing together, but they haven’t really played in many big games yet.
Our pick: Unity Christian
District 3: #1 Western Christian (18-3) vs. #3 Central Lyon (13-10)
The teams are the same as last year’s 2A championship game, won by Central Lyon, but many of the faces are new, especially for Central Lyon. The defending champion Lions have had an up-and-down year as they broke in new pieces, but they’ve played great ball in the first two rounds of the postseason, beating West Sioux and Kingsley-Pierson by a combined 65 points. The challenge against Western Christian is obviously going to be much more tough, but this is a team with an elite player in
Reece Vander Zee
Reece
Vander Zee
6'5" | SF
Central Lyon | 2024
State
IA
(24.5, 10.5 rebounds) and a number of talented shooters in
Ephraim Hoefert
Ephraim
Hoefert
6'8" | SF
Central Lyon | 2025
State
IA
(13.1, 37.4 3P%),
Koury Serck
Koury
Serck
6'2" | CG
Central Lyon | 2025
State
IA
(9.0, 43.1 3P%), and Matt Elbert (6.1, 37.3 3P%) to flank him with, which is a good recipe for an upset. Vander Zee, an athletic 6-6 combo forward, is headed to Iowa to play receiver, and with his athleticism and ability to score from anywhere, he could take over this game. Western Christian is the preeminent program in 2A basketball and have once again been great. Their three losses have come against Dakota Valley and Sioux Falls Christian, the top two teams in South Dakota, and Sioux City East, a top-5 team in 4A. They’ve pretty much steamrolled through everyone else on the schedule, with just three of their wins decided by single digits. Juniors
Kaden Van Regenmorter
Kaden
Van Regenmorter
6'3" | SF
Hull, Western Christian | 2025
State
IA
(19.3, 3.5 assists) and
Karsten Moret
Karsten
Moret
6'3" | SG
Western Christian | 2025
State
IA
(13.0, 40.4 3P%) are the headliners for the Wolfpack, a very talented tandem who complement each other well. Van Regenmorter is a tough, physical wing who excels in the free-throw line area, creating off the dribble, knocking down shots, and finding open teammates. Moret is a great athlete on the wing who thrives playing downhill, but he’s also a really good perimeter shooter who moves well without the ball. The ‘Pack are always a tough, physical team that shares the ball, plays disciplined defense, and isn’t going to beat themselves. Central Lyon has the athletes to play with them, but in the end, Western is the better all-around team.
Our pick: Western Christian
District 4: #1 Estherville Lincoln Central (18-3) vs. #3 Forest City (15-8)
The best player in 2A basketball, and arguably the best player in the state this season, takes the floor in this one in Estherville Lincoln Central guard
Owen Larson
Owen
Larson
6'1" | PG
Estherville Lincoln Central | 2024
State
IA
(28.0, 8.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 3.2 steals). Larson, who is headed to play his college ball at South Dakota State, has put up fantastic numbers with 48-36-82 shooting splits despite getting a ton of junk defenses thrown at him. His ability to score from anywhere or create for his teammates is rivaled by few.
Cael Miller
Cael
Miller
6'3" | SF
Estherville Lincoln Central | 2024
State
IA
(11.4), Sincere McMurran (11.2), and Jordan Jensen (11.0) have been the beneficiaries of Larson’s playmaking, and Forest City is going to have their hands full with him. If they want to upset the Midgets, they’ll need to force this into a halfcourt game and hope to get efficient scoring nights from
Carsen Hall
Carsen
Hall
6'2" | PG
Forest City | 2025
State
IA
(12.6), Tommy Miller (12.2, 5.0 assists), and Ty Sopko (11.4).
Our pick: Estherville Lincoln Central
District 5: #1 Hudson (21-2) vs. #2 Jesup (17-5)
Hudson has been building for this year for the last few years now, and the Pirates haven’t disappointed, with their two losses coming to the #1 team in 3A (Decorah) and the #1 team in 4A (Kennedy). They rank 2nd in the class in scoring offense (73.3) and 4th in defense (45.4), and they blasted Jesup early this season by 39 points. Senior forward
Camden Davis
Camden
Davis
6'5" | SF
Hudson | 2024
State
IA
(19.8, 10.0 rebounds, 59.1 FG%) is a fantastic finisher around the rim and his constant off-ball movement, paired with his size, athleticism, and IQ, make him nearly impossible to defend at this level. The Pirates are able to flank him with a number of skilled guards –
Culin Ugrin
Culin
Ugrin
6'1" | SG
Hudson | 2024
State
IA
(13.3, 43.9 3P%),
Lyle Olsen
Lyle
Olsen
6'0" | PG
Hudson | 2024
State
IA
(10.0, 5.7 assists),
Tanner Michael
Tanner
Michael
6'0" | PG
Hudson | 2024
State
IA
(9.6, 45.1 3P%), and Kiean Crile (7.1). They can play a number of different styles and have the athletes, IQ, and discipline to play great pressure defense. Jesup counters with senior guard
Jack Miller
Jack
Miller
6'0" | PG
Jesup | 2024
State
IA
(26.4, 40.8 3P%), an Upper Iowa signee, who is among the most explosive scorers in the state. He can score from anywhere, provides some highlight reel dunks in transition, and creates for his teammates off the dribble.
Ryan Treptow
Ryan
Treptow
6'3" | SF
Jesup | 2025
State
IA
(17.1, 7.1 rebounds, 38.1 3P%) is a really good second scorer alongside Miller. The J-Hawks can score in bunches, but can they slow down the Pirates?
Our pick: Hudson
District 6: #1 MFL MarMac (19-3) vs. #2 North Fayette Valley (20-3)
Since the return of
Wyatt Powell
Wyatt
Powell
6'1" | PG
MFL MarMac | 2024
State
IA
(10.7, 7.0 assists) to the lineup for MFL MarMac the Bulldogs have gone 14-0 and blown out just about everyone, and they were able to avenge an early-season loss to North Fayette Valley after he came back. Parker Kuehl (16.3) is the leading scorer while
Carver Blietz-Bentien
Carver
Blietz-Bentien
6'1" | SF
MFL MarMac | 2024
State
IA
(15.5, 7.8 rebounds) is a mobile, athletic forward who controls the glass on both ends of the floor. A team that relies on their speed, they force a ton of turnovers and turn defense into offense in the blink of an eye. North Fayette Valley counters with a dominant forward in junior
Cael Reichter
Cael
Reichter
6'7" | PF
North Fayette Valley | 2025
State
IA
(22.5, 13.2 rebounds, 2.8 blocks), a fantastic two-way player who protects the rim, scores inside and out, and dominates the glass on both ends of the floor. Reichter will need to be dominant if the TigerHawks are going to win this one and advance to the substate final.
Our pick: MFL MarMac
District 7: #1 West Burlington (20-0) vs. #2 West Branch (17-6)
There is going to be some really good guard play in this game between West Burlington’s
Mason Watkins
Mason
Watkins
6'2" | PG
West Burlington | 2025
State
IA
(21.6, 41.3 3P%) and
Brady Martin
Brady
Martin
6'0" | PG
West Burlington | 2024
State
IA
(15.9, 3.9 assists), and West Branch’s
Holden Arnaman
Holden
Arnaman
6'3" | PG
West Branch | 2024
State
IA
(23.8, 48.3 3P%). West Burlington has gone through another regular season undefeated, and while some questions persist about the relative strength of the schedule they’ve played, there is no doubt that the Watkins-Martin tandem has won a ton of games and become accustomed to winning on both ends of the floor.
Quincy Collins
Quincy
Collins
5'11" | SF
West Burlington | 2025
State
IA
(13.2, 8.1 rebounds) has emerged as a solid tertiary option for the Falcons, giving them more quickness and athleticism. For West Branch, Arnaman, a dynamic scorer and playmaker who can drop 40 on any given night, is the headliner, but
Reese Trepanier
Reese
Trepanier
6'0" | SF
West Branch | 2024
State
IA
(14.8, 9.0 rebounds) is a really good secondary option for the Bears. He’s a strong, physical forward who plays bigger than his listed 6-2 with his non-stop motor and toughness. This one should be a lot of fun, and while Arnaman is the best player on the floor, it’s hard to pick against an undefeated team here.
Our pick: West Burlington
District 8: #5 Beckman Catholic (7-16) vs. #2 Cascade (17-4)
Things really opened up in this district and substate following Beckman’s upset win over Monticello, and Cascade is the biggest beneficiary. The Cougars swept the season series against the Blazers, winning by 21 on December 19 and 10 on February 6. Junior guard
Jackson Lieurance
Jackson
Lieurance
6'2" | SG
Cascade | 2025
State
IA
(22.9, 39.7 3P%) is an electric scorer on the wing, a pure shooter with unlimited range, efficiency, and the ability to create off the dribble.
Mick Hoffman
Mick
Hoffman
6'2" | SF
Cascade | 2026
State
IA
(13.8, 42.5 3P%), a talented sophomore wing, has stepped into a reliable secondary scoring role alongside Lieurance, giving the Cougars a ton of shooting and shot creation, while
Nathan Schockemoehl
Nathan
Schockemoehl
6'1" | SF
Cascade | 2025
State
IA
(9.4, 8.9 rebounds) gives them some athleticism and rebounding. Beckman Catholic is in the midst of a bit of a rebuilding year, but the Blazers have a chance to pull off a second huge upset, and doing so against their biggest rivals would be a tremendous way to keep this run going. Eli Kluesne (11.2) and Max Oberbroeckling (9.0) are their top two scorers, but the X-factor here may be freshman wing
Jake Wegmann
Jake
Wegmann
6'1" | SG
Beckman Catholic | 2027
State
IA
(8.9). Wegmann is a streaky shooter who can score from all three levels, and if he can knock down some shots early and put some pressure on the Cougars, we could be in for a good one.
Our pick: Cascade
District 9: #1 Pella Christian (17-5) vs. #2 Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont (17-5)
Pella Christian dominated the Rockets in the season-opener for both teams, winning 77-51, and while this one may not be quite as big of a blowout, the Eagles should still be a pretty heavy favorite here. They’ve won eight of their last nine, with the lone loss coming to 4A Dallas Center-Grimes. Seniors
Tysen Devries
Tysen
Devries
5'9" | PG
Pella Christian | 2024
State
IA
(14.3, 45.2 3P%) and
Dane Geetings
Dane
Geetings
6'3" | PG
Pella Christian | 2024
State
IA
(13.5, 3.0 assists) have been fantastic for the Eagles this season, but have taken their games up another level during the last month and a half. They’re the team’s go-to scorers, but this is a deep, athletic, and long team that plays great defense, shares the ball, and has a proven winner in Devries who can take over games. Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont is led by senior forward
Brooks Moore
Brooks
Moore
6'5" | SF
Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont | 2024
State
IA
(25.9, 8.4 rebounds), an athletic combo forward who is a terror in transition.
Karic Stout
Karic
Stout
6'7" | PF
Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont | 2024
State
IA
(12.1, 3.2 blocks) is a bouncy rim protector who can make it difficult for the Eagles in the paint, and the backcourt tandem of Landon Glosser (11.2, 4.8 assists) and
Jesse Cornelison
Jesse
Cornelison
5'8" | PG
Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont | 2024
State
IA
(11.0, 4.9 assists) have done a nice job protecting the ball and getting others involved. EBF has the size advantage at a number of spots here, but PC is the team that has been much more tested throughout the year and has the best individual player on the floor.
Our pick: Pella Christian
District 10: #1 Alburnett (19-3) vs. #2 Regina (15-6)
Expect points to be at a premium in this one, as Alburnett is #1 in 2A in scoring defense, allowing just 42.4 points per game, while Regina ranks 21st, giving up 50.5. Alburnett hasn’t lost since December 16, riding a 15-game winning streak, and during that stretch they’ve held six opponents below 40 points.
Braydon Osborn
Braydon
Osborn
6'3" | SG
Alburnett | 2024
State
IA
(15.7, 39.2 3P%), an athletic wing who can defend and stretch the floor, leads the team in scoring, and he pairs with guard
Jordan Caton
Jordan
Caton
5'9" | PG
Alburnett | 2024
State
IA
(11.2, 42.2 3P%) to give the Pirates a pair of dynamic floor-stretchers. Payton Baker (6.3, 7.3 assists) isn’t a big scorer, but has been excellent in commanding the offense and putting Osborn and Caton in positions to succeed, and
Matthew Neighbor
Matthew
Neighbor
6'3" | PF
Alburnett | 2025
State
IA
(14.4, 66.7 FG%) has been remarkably efficient as the interior scoring presence. The Pirates don’t have a ton of traditional size, with Neighbor and Osborn, both listed at 6-3, the tallest of their regular contributors, but they’re athletic, disciplined defensively, and really have bought in on that end of the floor. They’ll make things difficult for the Regals in this one. Regina lost their first two games of the season but then caught fire, winning 13 straight under new coach Paul Rundquist. They stumbled down the stretch of the regular season, losing four of their last five games, but avenged a regular-season loss to Wilton to get here. Senior wing
Michael Martin
Michael
Martin
6'2" | SG
Regina | 2024
State
IA
(17.3, 43.7 3P%) is the leader of the bunch, a fantastic shooter, especially off the catch, and when he gets it rolling, he can score in bunches. The Regals have gotten great production out of a pair of freshmen bigs,
Tate Wallace
Tate
Wallace
6'3" | PF
Regina | 2027
State
IA
(12.5, 55.5 FG%) and
Will Litton
Will
Litton
6'4" | PF
Regina | 2027
State
IA
(8.7, 63.4 FG%), and that tandem as well as
Eddie Petersen
Eddie
Petersen
6'1" | PG
Regina | 2024
State
IA
(8.6) will need to be big in this one, as we wouldn’t be surprised to see Alburnett throw a few different “junk” defensive looks at Martin in an effort to take him and his shooting out of the game.
Our pick: Alburnett
District 11: #1 Kuemper Catholic (18-3) vs. #2 South Central Calhoun (17-5)
South Central Calhoun will have their hands full tonight with Kuemper’s explosive offense, averaging 76.1 points a game, best in 2A. The Knights come at you in waves with a multitude of players who can stretch the floor, shooting 38.1% from the arc as a team and averaging over 10 made 3-pointers per game. Sophomore guard
Brock Badding
Brock
Badding
6'1" | SG
Kuemper Catholic | 2026
State
IA
(13.2, 46.9 3P%) leads the team in scoring but is just one of four averaging double digits, with two others contributing 7.0 and 9.6 points a game. That gives the Knights six dynamic scoring options, and each of them is capable of launching from deep, which opens up the dribble penetration ability of junior point guard
Carson Kanne
Carson
Kanne
5'11" | PG
Kuemper Catholic | 2025
State
IA
(10.2, 5.3 assists). This is a quick, athletic group filled with scoring threats, and each of them are also capable of creating shots for themselves and their teammates off the bounce. The Titans will have difficulty slowing this attack down. So, if they can’t slow it down, will they have the firepower to keep pace?
Gavin Batta
Gavin
Batta
6'3" | SF
South Central Calhoun | 2024
State
IA
(19.7) and Cole Higgins (15.4) are a pair of big scorers, while Keegan Soard (9.2, 10.5 rebounds, 67.5 FG%), a 6-4 forward, could have an edge in the paint against a smaller Kuemper team. The Titans don’t shoot it particularly well from deep (32.4%), but in Batta and Soard, they have some physicality. If they’re able to slow the game down, they could keep this one close.
Our pick: Kuemper Catholic
District 12: #1 Grundy Center (18-3) vs. #2 Aplington-Parkersburg (17-5)
These teams met once in the regular season, an 82-67 Grundy Center win on December 19. Aplington-Parkersburg was playing that game without star guard
Gavin Thomas
Gavin
Thomas
6'1" | SG
Aplington-Parkersburg | 2024
State
IA
(19.7, 43.5 3P%), which was obviously a significant blow, but the Spartans also shot over 63%, outrebounded the Falcons 30-20, and won by double digits despite A-P shooting 30 free throws. A-P is led by the aforementioned Thomas, a skilled guard who can create for his teammates and score efficiently from all three levels, posting 53-44-75 shooting splits.
Benny Waller
Benny
Waller
6'1" | PG
Aplington-Parkersburg | 2026
State
IA
(16.2, 41.7 3P%), a sophomore guard, has been really good this season alongside Thomas, giving the Falcons more shooting, while
Nick Neuroth
Nick
Neuroth
5'10" | PG
Aplington-Parkersburg | 2024
State
IA
(9.9, 4.3 assists) is the lead guard who gets everything going on both ends of the floor. This year’s A-P team is much smaller than previous iterations have been, with no player on the roster listed taller than 6-2, which could be an issue again against a bigger Grundy Center team. The Spartans starting lineup goes 6-1, 6-4, 6-3, 6-5, and 6-6, giving them a size advantage at every spot on the floor.
Jalen Kirkpatrick
Jalen
Kirkpatrick
6'6" | SF
Grundy Center | 2025
State
IA
(15.8, 53.7 FG%), a 6-6 wing, is the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, a versatile three-level scorer with a pure stroke from deep and the ability to create off the dribble.
Tate Jirovsky
Tate
Jirovsky
6'5" | PF
Grundy Center | 2024
State
IA
(9.5, 3.0 blocks) is a difference-maker in the paint defensively, and the trio of
Tiernan Vokes
Tiernan
Vokes
6'4" | SF
Grundy Center | 2025
State
IA
(10.9), Colin Gordon (8.9), and
Brayden Wallis
Brayden
Wallis
6'4" | SG
Grundy Center | 2025
State
IA
(8.0) help round out a very balanced offensive attack. The Spartans move the ball incredibly well, averaging 21 assists a game as a team, and they have a number of players who can beat you. The size advantage and the rebounding edge is too much for A-P to overcome, unless Thomas goes nuts.
Our pick: Grundy Center
District 13: #1 Treynor (19-3) vs. #2 Van Meter (12-10)
Van Meter has really tested themselves this season, playing 12 games against teams that are still alive in their respective classes this season. The Bulldogs are a tough, physical, defensive-oriented team that prefers to play in a halfcourt game, using their strength and athleticism to their advantage. They don’t have a ton of traditional size, with only
Cael Trudo
Cael
Trudo
6'5" | SF
Van Meter | 2024
State
IA
(14.2, 7.0 rebounds) listed above 6-2 (6-5) among the players who play regularly, but they pack a punch, play disciplined defense, and always have a number of athletes they can throw at you. Senior forward
John Braun
John
Braun
6'2" | PF
Van Meter | 2024
State
IA
(15.2) leads the team in scoring and he and Trudo will be looking to take advantage of a smaller Treynor lineup.
Caleb Moore
Caleb
Moore
5'11" | PG
Van Meter | 2025
State
IA
(12.7, 3.8 assists, 40.0 3P%) is the “straw that stirs the drink” on the offensive end, getting his teammates involved and he’s their best perimeter shooter. Treynor plays a five-guard lineup that is able to space the floor and open up lanes to get to the rim, using their quickness to their advantage. The Cardinals play fast, averaging 70.2 points a game, and have three players in
Jace Tams
Jace
Tams
5'11" | PG
Treynor | 2024
State
IA
(18.9, 35.4 3P%), Ethan Konz (14.6, 36.5 3P%), and
Alec Lovely
Alec
Lovely
5'11" | PG
Treynor | 2026
State
IA
(9.7, 5.2 assists, 36.8 3P%) who can shoot it at a high clip and get the offense rolling in a hurry. Karson Elwood (9.8, 3.9 assists) pairs with Lovely as the primary playmakers, and Aaron Ehmke (5.1) is the glue guy of the unit, a player who scores efficiently (63.8 FG%) when the opportunity presents itself, but mostly plays strong defense and keeps the ball moving. What will win out here? The speed of Treynor or the physicality of Van Meter?
Our pick: Treynor
District 14: #1 Des Moines Christian (16-4) vs. #2 Grand View Christian (12-9)
This game became even more interesting in the last few weeks, as Grand View Christian gained the services of former Des Moines Christian guard
Jameson Scharnberg
Jameson
Scharnberg
6'0" | SG
Grand View Christian | 2026
IA
(12.0, 45.5 3P%) down the stretch. Scharnberg appeared in 11 games for the Lions earlier this season, averaging 11.7 points a game, and is now with the Thunder, where he has played in their last two games. He gives the Thunder something that they had been lacking – a playmaking guard who can create shots off the dribble for himself and his teammates, and a floor stretcher. His presence opens things up a little more for star forward
Emiliano Barrantes
Emiliano
Barrantes
6'9" | PF
Grand View Christian | 2025
State
IA
(27.6, 14.7 rebounds, 3.2 blocks, 61.4 FG%), who has been dominant on both ends of the floor. A mobile 6-8 big man who has added some range to his game, he can protect the rim, dominate the glass, and finish at the bucket.
Brayden Hoben
Brayden
Hoben
6'5" | PF
Grand View Christian | 2026
State
IA
(15.6, 9.1 rebounds) is a streaky shooter, but when he gets it going, he can light a team up in a hurry, as he did in the regular season finale against Grundy Center, and
Noah John
Noah
John
6'3" | PF
Grand View Christian | 2024
State
IA
(10.0, 6.1 assists) is a playmaking 6-4 forward who sees the floor really well. Des Moines Christian has dealt with some serious injuries throughout the year but still put together another strong season. The Lions are led by athletic guard
Sean Tunks
Sean
Tunks
6'1" | SG
Des Moines Christian | 2025
State
IA
(19.5, 3.4 assists), who has given them some quickness, three-level scoring, and playmaking in the backcourt. He looks to push the pace and attack the rim whenever he can.
Seaton Ingram
Seaton
Ingram
6'5" | SF
Des Moines Christian | 2025
State
IA
(12.8, 7.0 rebounds) missed the pre-holiday break portion of the season but has returned to give them an athletic, versatile defender, and
Tate Platte
Tate
Platte
6'0" | SF
Des Moines Christian | 2024
State
IA
(11.4, 7.3 rebounds) has been a mainstay in the rotation for several years now. Platte is a physical forward with a non-stop motor, and he and Ingram will need to make a concerted effort on the glass against Barrantes, Hoben, and John, trying to limit second chance opportunities for the Thunder. This one should be a ton of fun, and a very emotional game, but it’s hard to see DMC keeping up with GVC’s size on the glass, and the added element that Scharnberg provides gives the Thunder a boost.
Our pick: Grand View Christian
District 15: #1 Underwood (22-0) vs. #2 East Sac County (18-4)
Underwood is a senior-laden team that has been building towards this season for the last few years, and they have been fantastic. One of two undefeated teams left in the class, the Eagles rank 4th in scoring offense (72.0) and 3rd in defense (44.3), and have had just three games decided by single digits. They start five seniors: Mason Boothby (13.6), Josh Ravlin (12.6, 40.9 3P%),
Owen Larsen
Owen
Larsen
6'5" | PF
Underwood | 2024
State
IA
(11.1, 7.1 rebounds),
Jack Vanfossan
Jack
Vanfossan
6'3" | PF
Underwood | 2024
State
IA
(10.8, 10.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists), and Luke Seidler (9.5, 37.9 3P%). A balanced team that can beat you in a number of ways, they have been extremely efficient offensively, posting 52-38-62 shooting splits as a team. They pound the glass, averaging nearly 40 rebounds a night, including 12 on the offensive end, and the share the ball really well (17.2 assists). Oh, and scoring against them, especially in the paint, is nearly impossible, as they block six shots a night. East Sac County is led by a pair of 6-4 forwards in sophomore
Ryan Clair
Ryan
Clair
6'4" | PF
East Sac County | 2026
State
IA
(19.0, 10.9 rebounds, 62.5 FG%) and senior Luke Wright (11.5, 8.1 rebounds, 63.2 FG%), while Sam Julin (12.0, 39.6 3P%) and Caleb Eichorn (10.2, 42.9 3P%) provide some floor spacing. While Clair and Wright have been solid this season, they’re taking a significant step up in competition here against the length, athleticism, and IQ of the Eagles.
Our pick: Underwood
District 16: #1 South Hamilton (17-4) vs. #3 Pleasantville (14-9)
Despite having a pair of 20-point scorers, it was Trent Jolly (7.9, 36.2 3P%) who scored 26 points to help Pleasantville upset Roland-Story in the semifinals to advance to this district final. Jolly went 6-8 from behind the arc in that win, which is the type of performance that the Trojans needed with freshman wing
Braylon Bingham
Braylon
Bingham
6'2" | SG
Pleasantville | 2027
State
IA
(20.7, 7.6 rebounds) and senior forward
Dayson Leerhoff
Dayson
Leerhoff
6'5" | PF
Pleasantville Highschool | 2024
State
IA
(20.7, 11.2 rebounds) largely held in check against the Norsemen. Bingham is having a sensational freshman season, showing the ability to create looks off the dribble for himself and his teammates, and Leerhoff is a dominant force in the paint who pounds the glass, scores efficiently at the rim, and can stretch the floor, shooting 38% from 3-point range this season. South Hamilton counters with a trio of double-figure scorers in seniors
Ryland Ubben
Ryland
Ubben
6'5" | PF
South Hamilton | 2024
State
IA
(17.0, 9.1 rebounds), Reece Ricke (12.3, 8.7 rebounds), and Ty Koehnk (10.1). The Hawks don’t shoot it well from deep (27.4 3P%) and have struggled with turnovers (15.7 a game), but they have a lot of experience playing in, and winning, tight games, having gone 10-1 in games decided by single digits this season. Being able to remain calm late in a tight game will be big. The Leerhoff-Ricke battle in the paint will be entertaining, and whichever team takes better care of the ball will move on here.
Our pick: Pleasantville