Class 2A, Substate 4 Preview
DISTRICT 7 The favorite: The highest scoring team in Class 2A, Camanche, is averaging 76 points a game and has hoisted the most 3-point attempts in the state, regardless of class. This group plays an up-tempo style, and they aren’t…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingDISTRICT 7
The favorite: The highest scoring team in Class 2A, Camanche, is averaging 76 points a game and has hoisted the most 3-point attempts in the state, regardless of class. This group plays an up-tempo style, and they aren’t afraid to let it fly from anywhere inside half court. Led by Dakota Soenksen (19.0), they’ve got four players averaging in double figures, each of whom is a capable threat from the arc. Dylan Hundley (15.7, 11.2 rebounds) is an animal on the glass, and Dev Patel (12.6) has become a stat sheet stuffer at point guard. Cameron Soenksen (14.1) is the team’s best shooter and is having a fantastic freshman year for the Indians, who have gone 7-0 against teams in the district, including a season sweep of their biggest threat, Northeast, Goose Lake. This team can put up points in bunches, with their relentless attack on offense and a swarming defensive philosophy that causes loads of turnovers. A team will need to slow them down substantially to have a chance at winning.
The biggest threat: Northeast, Goose Lake enters the postseason with a sterling 17-4 record. Unfortunately for the Rebels, two of those losses have come to Camanche, who they’ll have to come through to win this district. Northeast has used a stingy defense to roll up all those wins, ranking No. 7 in 2A in scoring defense, allowing just 45 points a game. They’ve got a solid inside-out combo with Luke Empen (13.5, 8.6 rebounds) and Zach Parson (15.4). Kyle Dell (3.1-to-1 assist-to-turnover) takes great care of the ball and does a nice job running the Rebels offense, and is a solid defender as well. This team will go as far as their defense takes them, and we’re just not sure they have the offensive firepower to keep up with a dynamic Camanche attack.
The dark horse: This year’s Anamosa team is lights years from what it was last season, but truth be told, they probably have a better chance at knocking off Northeast than North Cedar does of beating Camanche. The Blue Raiders have played the 2nd most difficult schedule in 2A, according to BC Moore’s power rankings, and they won’t be afraid of anyone.
Players to watch
Dakota Soenksen, Camanche, 2017
Dylan Hundley, Camanche, 2017
Cameron Soenksen, Camanche, 2020
Dev Patel, Camanche, 2018
Zach Parson, Northeast, Goose Lake, 2017
Luke Empen, Northeast, Goose Lake, 2018
DISTRICT 8
The favorite: West Branch enters the postseason red hot, having won 10 in a row. The Bears are led by a dynamic duo in Cooper Kabela (23.4) and Beau Cornwell (18.5). Kabela has been one of the best players in Class 2A this season, with the ability to score from anywhere, make an impact on the defensive end, and facilitate. He’s the best player in this district, and as such, he helps push them a touch over the district’s top seed, West Burlington. In a tight game, both Kabela (73% on 132 FTA) and Cornwell (72% on 105 FTA) are capable of icing a game away at the line, something that could very well come in handy in a tight district final.
The biggest threat: The district’s top seeded team is West Burlington, who won the SEISC and enters the postseason with a gaudy 18-3 record. The Falcons have three players averaging in double figures in Tate Snodgrass (14.7), Caleb Honieg (14.7) and Travon Ashby (11.8), and they’re the 5th highest scoring team in 2A, averaging 72.7 points a game. However, turnovers can be an issue for this group (246 assists to 235 turnovers), and both Snodgrass (56%) and Ashby (42%) can be liabilites at the free throw line, which could come into play in the district final. It certainly wouldn’t surprise us to see this group playing for the chance to go to state, but we’ve given the slightest edge to the team that has played the more difficult schedule and has the best player on the floor.
The dark horse: Wapello has shown their ability, playing to just a four-point loss against West Burlington earlier this season. The Indians have a big-time scorer in Trenton Massner (23.0), who can fill it up on any given night and could help this gropu make a push through the district.
Players to watch
Cooper Kabela, West Branch, 2017
Beau Cornwell, West Branch, 2019
Trenton Massner, Wapello, 2018
Tate Snodgrass, West Burlington, 2017
Caleb Honieg, Wes Burlington, 2017
Logan Hoffman, Tipton, 2018
SUBSTATE FINAL PREDICTION
Camanche vs. West Branch
A rematch of an earlier season conference game in which Camanche won by 12, we like the Indians again here. Their high powered attack carries them to Wells Fargo Arena over a red-hot West Branch squad.