Class 2A: 5 2026 Players Who Could Break Out in 2025-26

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SG Thomas Childs (Grand View Christian)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Childs is a 6-1 combo guard who had a nice junior year for the Thunder, averaging 8.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He'll have a chance to have a much bigger senior year following the graduation of Emiliano Barrantes, opening up a number of shots. He's a gifted shooter who buried 39% of his 3-point attempts, and he'll pair with [player_tooltip player_id='2413533' first='Jameson' last='Scharnberg'] to give the Thunder a dynamic one-two punch of playmakers and shooters in the backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PG Cody Long (Roland-Story)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Long is a small guard, listed at 5-9, but he's fearless, looking to attack defenders off the dribble routinely and create quality looks for himself and his teammates. He dished out a team-high 3.9 assists per game as a junior, and if the Norsemen are going to be improved this season, he'll be a big part of that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SF [player_tooltip player_id='2886871' first='Alex' last='Jamison'] (Monticello)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jamison started all 23 games last season for the Panthers, but could be in line for a larger role as a senior. At 6-3, he's a long, athletic wing who can defend multiple positions, and his size gives him an edge on the offensive end as well, allowing him to shoot over most players who are defending him. He's active on both ends of the floor, and following the graduations of Carson Lambert and Jack Lambert, and the transfer of [player_tooltip player_id='1765519' first='Brady' last='Gogel'], Monticello will need someone to step up alongside [player_tooltip player_id='1765541' first='Conley' last='Schauf']. Jamison could be that guy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PG Brayden Davis (Grundy Center)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis came off the bench last season on a senior-heavy Spartans team to provide s spark as a two-way guard. He's a quick, active defender with good feet, quick hands, and on the offensive end he can play downhill and attack the bucket. He finishes with either hand around the rim and has good vision, finding open teammates. The Spartans lost five of their top six scorers, providing ample opportunity for Davis this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PG Brennen Dale (West Branch)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long 6-1 guard, Dale stuffed the stat sheet for the Bears last season, averaging 5.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. His length allows him to impact the game defensively, and he's an intelligent guard who puts his teammates in good positions to succeed. The Bears return a good chunk of production from last year's team, and if they're going to take a leap, a bit more scoring from Dale could be one of the reasons why.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->