STATE TOURNAMENT: 2A Breakout Candidates
Photo Credit: Tracy Runneberg
Jon Schwarte (Treynor)
6’8 C, 2020
This sophomore provides a menacing presence down low for the undefeated and top-seeded Cardinals; and is a nice compliment to sharpshooting back-court of Dillon Faubel and Luke Clausen. Schwarte comes into the state tournament averaging 9.1 points per game on a whopping 71 percent from the floor. He leads the team in rebounding (7.8), but what’s most impressive is his show-blocking prowess — he’s swatting 2.9 per game.
Keaton Mitchell (Wapello)
6’7 C, 2019
Another big-man who has a chance to really turn some heads next week, Mitchell will go up against Schwarte in what presents a very intriguing battle of the bigs. Mitchell comes into the tournament with averages 14 points and 8.9 rebounds, and is getting it done defensively, too, blocking 1.7 shots per game.
Conner Hill (South Hamilton)
6’ G, 2019
This skilled junior guard is no secret to us, we’ve seen him at times with All Iowa Attack in past offseasons, and last season at the state tourney. But the Hawks made an early exit last March, losing to eventual champ Western Christian in the quarterfinals. Hill provides some serious skill, both ball-handling and shooting; and he and Marco Balderas make up one of the finer back-courts in the state.
Blaise Gunnerson (Kuemper Cathloic)
6’5 C, 2020
Not only does he have what could be the coolest name in the 2A field, but Blaise Gunnerson is one of the up-and-coming big-men in 2A, too. He’s provided some big-time minutes on Kuemper’s senior-laden squad, and will look to be a key contributor off the bench as the Knights try and make a run to the title game.
Anthony Potthoff (Van Meter)
6’1 G/F, 2020
The No. 3 seed Bulldogs have as good of a shot as anyone to bring home a state crown. And they’ll rely on a cast of five upperclassmen starters to do so. But, there are some sophomores waiting in the wings to take reins in the future, and Pothoff is leading the charge for the Bulldogs’ underclassmen. Look for him to provide some very valuable minutes off the bench next week.
Jack Stogdill (Treynor)
6’2 G, 2020
Treynor is the undefeated the top-seed in the 2A field, and by the looks of it, they could be back at the state tourney for years to come. Stogdill is just one of a quite a few underclassman that have made major contributions to the team this season. He comes into the state tourney averaging 8.8 points per game, and is a flame-thrower from deep, connecting on 31 3s at a 46 percent clip,
Blake Sadr (Treynor)
6’2 F, 2021
Only one of two freshman contributors we could find on any 2A state tourney team’s roster, Sadr may not light anyone up for 20 points next week, but the young forward should certainly see some minutes. If nothing else, a freshman just simply seeing minutes on a top-seeded team at state is impressive. He’s on our radar.
Caden Thomas (Wapello)
6’4 F, 2021
The other freshman contributor in this loaded 2A field, Thomas will bring some decent size off the bench for the Indians. He’s played in 21 games this season, and though he’s averaging just 1.8 points and 1.4 rebounds per game, the experience he will get playing down at Wells Fargo Arena as a freshman will be invaluable.