Class 2A: Region Previews
Every team in the state is now 0-0. Whether you finished the regular season 22-0 or 0-20 – you can throw that out the window. Win and you move on, lose and your season is over. There will be a…
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Continue ReadingEvery team in the state is now 0-0. Whether you finished the regular season 22-0 or 0-20 – you can throw that out the window. Win and you move on, lose and your season is over. There will be a bit of a consolation prize for eight of the 80 Class 2A teams as there will only be a select few make it through their region and onto Wells Fargo at the beginning of March. From there, one will stand alone as the state champion. Before we get to Des Moines we have eight very interesting brackets to be played out. We preview each of those below with five different categories.
We will look at which team we think could pull off the biggest upset in the bracket as well as the team that has a chance to make a sustained run through the region. We will then predict the championship game and dive into players who are going to impact the region. You can see the 2A brackets in their entirety HERE.
Region 1
Team Most Likely to be a Bracket Buster: Rock Valley
Rock Valley has to face off with Sibley-Ocheyedan in the first round of the region, a team who they have both won and lost to by six points. I think that Rock Valley is the more mature and talented team even with a loss to them already this season. Rock Valley is my bracket buster because I think that they just matchup a lot better with the #1 seed Western Christian. I could see Sibley-Ocheyedan beating them in the first round but I just think that Rock Valley has a better chance at taking down Sibley-Ocheyedan.
Darkhorse That Could Make a Run: West Sioux
West Sioux is a team that has played a very tough schedule and seems to be well prepared for a deep run in the tournament. All but two of their losses have come by 12 or less points and they have also lost five games by one or two possessions. West Sioux and Boyden-Hull are matched up for the first game of the region and the winner will likely move on to play Western Christian. If West Sioux matches up with them I think it will be a long day.
Region Championship Prediction: West Sioux 50, Central Lyon 48
Region One can be anyone’s as almost all of these teams are very closely matched. The potential is there for five or six different teams to win it and make it to Wells Fargo. I am taking a wild swing and I am guessing that West Sioux makes it out of the region although I would feel just as confident with Western Christian, Boyden-Hull, West Monona, among others. This is going to be a highly competitive region and one that will likely head to the Well as an eight seed.
X-Factor Player: Mallory McCall, Jr., West Monona
McCall hit the 1000 point mark this year and will likely be pushing to get to 1,750 points by the end of her senior year. She has the ability to take over a game against anyone and she could be able to lead West Monona to Wells Fargo.
Ten Other Players To Keep an Eye on
Hayden Heimensen, Jr., Central Lyon
Kiley Metzger, Sr., Central Lyon
Lexi VanKekerix, Jr., Rock Valley
Abby Heemstra, Jr., Rock Valley
Brooke Zylstra, Sr., Boyden-Hull
Madison Brouwer, Fr., Sibley-Ocheyedan
Emma McMananan, Sr., West Sioux
Megan Waterman, Jr., West Sioux
Olivia Granstra, Sr., Western Christian
Abby Postma, Sr., Western Christian
Region 2
Team Most Likely to be a Bracket Buster: North Union
I don’t think that North Union is the best team in the region or even one of the top three teams in the region but I do think that they provide the best matchup for Osage in the region. Osae, the top seed, sits at 19-2 and North Union must get by Pocahontas Area first in order to have a shot at trying to take down Osage. North Union’s Chloe Lofstrom can provide matchup issues for Osage
Darkhorse That Could Make a Run: Ridge View
Ridge View has played Sioux Central once this year already and lost to them by three points. In this match-up, I could see that changing in the favor of Ridge View. They would then go on to play Emmetsburg, a team they have not played this year but it is a team that they could potentially lose to. I’m going to say that Ridge View has the capability to get to the championship. They will need a lot of stuff to line up for them but I won’t be shocked to see them there.
Region Championship Prediction: Osage 58, Emmetsburg 55
Even though I think these teams could both potentially get beat in their first game but it is hard not to foresee a matchup between them in the finals. Emmetsburg has a talent advantage with their guards but Osage has the advantage with their bigs. Osage has struggled a bit when playing teams over .500 this year as they are only 3-2 but they seem to be the most talented team in the region.
X-Factor Player: Dani Johnson, Sr., Osage
Johnson is a huge reason that Osage is where they are right now. She’s a dominant force at times for Osage and a big couple games from her should get Osage into the state tournaments pretty easily. Osage leans on her to make plays and she will want to get to state in her senior year.
Ten Other Players To Keep an Eye on
Chloe Lofstrom, Sr., North Union
Molly Schany, Sr., Emmetsburg
Abbie Schany, Jr., Emmetsburg
Sidney Brandau, Sr., Osage
Ellie Bobinet, Jr., Osage
Jess Gasteiger, Sr., Lake Mills
Kenzee Wunschel, Sr., Ridge View
Karly Boettcher, Sr., Sioux Central
Taylor Krager, Jr., Sioux Central
Akaysa Duitscher, Fr., Pocahontas Area
Region 3
Team Most Likely to be a Bracket Buster: West Central Valley
I think that West Central has a very good shot to knock off both ACGC and then take down Panorama in the second round. They struggle to score the ball at times but their defense is very good. They have split the season series but they beat ACGC just over two weeks ago. They haven’t beaten a ton of good teams but the teams that they have played are very good. I won’t be shocked to see them win two games in the region with how close they have been to beating Panorama this season.
Darkhorse That Could Make a Run: IKM-Manning
IKM-Manning has been very solid all year long and they have a great chance to make it all the way to the region final. In fact, I think they will end up being Panorama if they play in the second round. This is a team that has either blown out their opponent or has played them very close. In the regular-season finale they lost to Audubon by 13 points which was their biggest loss of the year. IKM-Manning is the three seed and at 16-5 might be overlooked.
Region Championship Prediction: West Hancock 68, IKM-Manning 47
West Hancock should easily roll back to Wells Fargo. Even though they lost a game in the regular-season West Hancock is clearly one of the top two teams in 2A this season. They have played solidly under pressure and have been able to score points in bunches. West Hancock should run away with it no matter who they have to face in the region finals.
X-Factor Player: Rachel Leerar, Jr., West Hancock
Leerar is the player that makes West Hancock tick. She’s a stellar defender and can get the ball out and run with it in transition. She is very smart with the ball knowing when to pass and when to take it to the rim. West Hancock hasn’t had many off games this season and when they do it is because of an off game from Leerar.
Ten Other Players To Keep an Eye on
Payton Beckman, So., Panorama
Amanda Chizek, Sr., West Hancock
Jade Hay, Sr., West Hancock
Riley Batta, Fr., South Central Calhoun
Raven Kinnetz, Jr., Clarion-Goldfield-Dows
Alexa Ahrenholtz, Jr., IKM-Manning
Lexie Branning, Sr., IKM-Manning
Maty Quirk, Jr., East Sac County
Madelyn Jaeger, So., West Central Valley
Sydney Neal, Sr., West Central Valley
Region 4
Team Most Likely to be a Bracket Buster: Grundy Center
I don’t think that Grundy Center has much of a shot to beat MFL-Mar-Mac but I wouldn’t put it out of the question with how they have been playing as of late. Grundy Center plays a solid zone and while it is susceptible to breakdowns at times they have a solid matchup in MFL-Mar-Mac. They only shoot the ball at a 28 percent rate from behind the arc which could hurt them if they get on a roll of trying to shoot the ball from the outside. I think MFL-Mar-Mac wins the game but Grundy Center has the potential to really bust this bracket.
Darkhorse That Could Make a Run: Aplington-Parkersburg
Aplington-Parkersburg has underperformed all season long and they have the draw in the tournament to bust out of that slump. They face off with Hudson in the first round who they’ve split with this season and then they will turn and play Maquoketa Valley who tries to pressure the ball all game long. I think that Aplington-Parkersburg has the ability to take down both teams with good play from their guards. It should be a few interesting games.
Region Championship Prediction: MFL-Mar-Mac 61, Maquoketa Valley 45
MFL-Mar-Mac is the most talented team in the entire region and they should be able to run through this region fairly easily. I can see them being tested by Maquoketa Valley but I tend to think that Maquoketa Valley disappears a little too easily which is a product of playing a trap style of defense against weak opponents running up the score in transition. MFL-Mar-Mac should be able to get out of here without much trouble.
X-Factor Player: Bailey Winter, Sr., MFL-Mar-Mac
Winter is one of the top players in this region and she is the player who makes her team click on a very good MFL-Mar-Mac team. She is a mismatch waiting to happen and she is very skilled on the defensive side of the ball as well. For MFL-Mar-Mac to get out of this region Winter is going to have to play her best.
Ten Other Players To Keep an Eye on
Ella Imler, Jr., Maquoketa Valley
Taya Tucker, Jr., Maquoketa Valley
Cassidy Pagel, Sr., Sumner-Fredericksburg
Emily Caspers, Sr., West Fork
Lainy Thoren, So., Grundy Center
Paiton Wallis, So., Grundy Center
Grace Hennessy, Fr., Denver
Riley Moreland, Jr., MFL-Mar-Mac
Rachel Davis. Sr., MFL-Mar-Mac
Sophia Jungling, Sr., Aplington-Parkersburg
Region 5
Team Most Likely to be a Bracket Buster: Regina Catholic
There aren’t really any true bracket buster candidates in this region just because Cascade is so dominant this season. Regina Catholic is the second seed and they have the best chance of anyone to take down Cascade. They have struggled against teams above .500 this season and out of everyone on the bottom half of the bracket Regina Catholic has likely the best shot to upset Cascade. It won’t happen but in a crowded region they have the best shot.
Darkhorse That Could Make a Run: Bellevue
There are many teams on the bottom half of the bracket that can make a run. Regina Catholic is the most talented of the bunch but Bellevue could have something to say about that. Bellevue opens with Northeast and then will likely play Regina Catholic. Bellevue is coming into the tournament on a three-game winning streak, they have beaten Northeast twice, and they only lost to Regina Catholic by seven points this year. I think it’ll be either Regina Catholic or Bellevue in the region finals.
Region Championship Prediction: Cascade 74, Regina Catholic 42
Cascade is by far
X-Factor Player: Nicole McDermott, Sr., Cascade
Cascade is the clear favorite and while they do have 4-5 players who can score the ball really well, McDermott is their best offensive player. The only way that they could get upset is if McDermott completely disappears, which she isn’t going to do. I expect a big few games from her to end her career.
Ten Other Players To Keep an Eye on
Skylar Dolphin, Sr., Cascade
Abby Welter, Sr., Cascade
Ally Hoffman, So., Cascade
Lindsey Banowetz, Sr., Banowetz
Kennedy Arens, Jr., Beckman Catholic
Claire Abbott, Sr., Northeast
Sam Greving, Sr., Regina Catholic
Annie Gahan, Jr, Regina Catholic
Megan Neighbor, Jr., Alburnett
Ally Happ, So., Durant
Region 6
Team Most Likely to be a Bracket Buster: Louisa-Muscatine
Louisa-Muscatine is very well prepared for the tournament this season. Their opponents are a combined 127-123 and they have four wins over teams above .500. They play Van Buren in the first round and I think that Van Buren is very overrated if you look at the talent on their team. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Louisa-Muscatine make it all the way to the finals and face West Branch. I think that they are going to be a very formidable opponent for anyone that they face off within the bracket.
Darkhorse That Could Make a Run: Wapello
Wapello has already taken down Van Buren this season and they open region play with a game at Pekin. If they beat Pekin they will travel out to play West Branch who I think is very beatable. I don’t think West Branch will be beaten but Wapello is a strong team despite being 14-5. They lost to Pekin already this season but have gotten a lot better since that time. This is a region where you could conceivably have 4 or 5 different teams come out of the region.
Region Championship Prediction: West Branch 54, Mediapolis 53
This region could go any way and I don’t think that there is a clear winner right now. West Branch is the top contender with their scoring ability but I think Wapello, Pekin, Mediapolis, and Van Buren could provide some resistance. Mediapolis should be able to take down Van Buren and get to the finals but in that bottom half it is tough to tell. Regardless of who is in the finals West Branch should be the team that advances to state from this tough region.
X-Factor Player: Sasha Koenig, Jr,. West Branch
Koenig is the most dynamic player in the entire region and a lot of the scoring for West Branch lies on her hands. She has improved a lot over the past few months and that should culminate in a trip to Wells Fargo. She’ll have to play her best to help her team get there but if she plays anything like she has this season that should be easy.
Ten Other Players To Keep an Eye on
Taryn Scheuermann, Sr., Van Buren
Isabel Manning, Jr., Van Buren
Kelsey Drake, So., Wilton
Helaina Hillyard, Sr., Mediapolis
Mackenzie Springsteen, Sr., Mediapolis
Kylee Sanders, Jr., Louisa-Muscatine
Hailey Sanders, Sr., Louisa-Muscatine
Rylan Druecker, Jr., West Branch
Eryka Dickey, Sr., Wapello
Holly Massner, Sr., Wapello
Region 7
Team Most Likely to be a Bracket Buster: Woodward-Granger
I think everyone is a step below North Linn in this bracket but I also think that Woodward-Granger has the best chance out of any of these teams to throw an upset in the mix. They have the most talented set of guards and they have seven wins over teams about .500. No one else, but North Linn, has more than four. It should be a close battle between Van Meter and Woodward-Granger but I think the three seed has the best chance at making it through.
Darkhorse That Could Make a Run: Colfax-Mingo
Colfax-Mingo has to play Pella Christian to start their tournament off but then they must travel to Pleasantville in the second game. This is a stacked deck against Colfax-Mingo but even though they didn’t get a bye they do have a pretty easy draw. They should be able to make it all the way to the region finals where they will play North Linn. That will be a tough one but if everything falls right for them they can make that a competitive game on the road.
Region Championship Prediction: North Linn 68, Van Meter 42
North Linn is easily the strongest team in this region and the only question is about who they will face in the region finals. Van Meter has been the team that has been the best all season and while they have a chance to get beat by Woodward-Granger, they should be able to reach the region finals. North Linn should win every game by 20 or more points and they will roll to Wells Fargo to compete for a state title.
X-Factor Player: Clair Lauterbach, Sr., Van Meter
Lauterbach is the best shooter on a team that struggles to score the ball at times. Lauterbach needs to have a good game against Woodward-Granger if she wants to take Van Meter to the state tournament. I wouldn’t put it past her to get on a roll but it’ll be a little tougher to do that in the championship game if they play North Linn.
Ten Other Players To Keep an Eye on
Olivia Terrones, Sr., East Marshall
Grace Flanagan, Sr., North Linn
Abby Flanagan, Sr., North Linn
Ellie Ware, Jr., North Linn
Allison Van Gorp, Jr., Pella Christian
Emma Anderson, So., Woodward-Granger
Finley Fitzgerald, Fr., Woodward-Granger
Jorja Hanselman, Jr., Van Meter
Gabby Ross, Sr., Ogden
Avery Rague, So., Colfax-Mingo
Region 8
Team Most Likely to be a Bracket Buster: Treynor
This is by far the most crowded and talented region in Class 2A is this one. There are really only four teams who could win the region and if you take away those four teams then I think that Treynor has the best chance of the remaining teams to pull off an upset. They have the toughest schedule in the region and that has gotten them ready for postseason play. Treynor has a +3.2 point differential which shows just how much they’ve been tested this year as 66% of their games have come against teams over .500.
Darkhorse That Could Make a Run: Underwood
Underwood has to play MVAOCOU in the first round and should easily be able to get by them. After that they’ll face AHSTW, a team that they have lost to twice this year already. They have played them well both times so there won’t be much of a surprise if it is a single-digit game. Underwood sits at 11-10 and has the makings of a team that could make a run if they get hot. I don’t think they’ll likely get by AHSTW but if they do they’ll have more than enough momentum to surge past Nodaway Valley too.
Region Championship Prediction: Logan-Magnolia 54, Nodaway Valley 53
This is going to be the toughest championship to pick as there are three teams with 18 or more wins in the bracket. Only one of those teams has an above .500 opponents win percentage and that is Logan-Magnolia. This region is the one that I had the toughest time picking in the entire state as you have four very good teams. This is just guesswork at this point and I think that Logan-Magnolia will end up coming out of this one.
X-Factor Player: Kylie Morrison, Sr., Logan-Magnolia
This is a loaded region and it could break any different way. I think that Logan-Magnolia can win this region and if they do then Morrison is going to be a huge part of that. She will need to bring her best game in the final two games of the region bracket and if she does that then Logan-Magnolia should be able to win.
Ten Other Players To Keep an Eye on
Sam Stewart, Sr., Mount Ayr
Channler Henle, Jr., Mount Ayr
Maddax DeVault, So., Nodaway Valley
Alyssa Davis, Sr., Nodaway Valley
Lexi Shike, Jr., Nodaway Valley
Kailey Jones, Jr., AHSTW
Kinsey Scheffler, Sr., AHSTW
Violet Lapke, Sr., Logan-Magnolia
Ashlyn Blake, So., MVAOCOU
Alli Boyle, Jr., Earlham