Preseason All-Conference: North Iowa Cedar West
Player of the Year: 2018 Zaine Leedom, East Marshall
Outside of Joe Smoldt, you could make the argument that Leedom was the division’s best player last season once he became eligible. A double-double threat with the ability to score from anywhere on the floor, protect the rim on the defensive end and provide plenty of highlights above the rim, he’s one of the most well-rounded players in the state in the 2018 class. He should have a huge senior year for the Mustangs.
First Team
2018 Zaine Leedom, East Marshall (17.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.9 blocks, 59.8 FG%)
The leading returning scorer in the division, Leedom was sensational last year after becoming eligible following his transfer from Grinnell. A gifted all-around player who can provide plenty of highlights, his non-stop motor and tremendous skill level make him a nearly impossible matchup at the 2A level.
2018 Caden Kickbush, Gladbrook-Reinbeck (11.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 48 3PM)
A long and skilled 6-5 wing, Kickbush is ready to take the reigns over from Joe Smoldt for the Rebels. He’s a capable scorer behind the arc and can also get to the rim in the halfcourt. Look for his scoring number to skyrocket this winter.
2018 Zane Johnson, East Marshall (14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 53.4 FG%)
An active and skilled combo forward, Johnson plays with a relentless motor and attacks the glass on both ends of the floor. He’s strong around the rim, can step out and hit an occasional 3 and should have a big senior year with one of 2A’s best teams.
2018 Tyler DeBondt, East Marshall (10.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 2.7 steals, 53 3PM)
Is there any question as to which team we like in this division? DeBondt is the third Mustang to make the first team. The senior guard took a huge step forward last year for the Mustangs, finishing second in the state in assists and posting an eye-popping 5.4-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio (190-35). He’s a solid shooter from distance, swiped nearly three steals a game on the defensive end, and he’s clearly a top-notch floor general.
2020 Peyton Pope, West Marshall (10.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, 44.0 3P%)
Pope put together seven strong games last season for the Trojans, averaging just under 11 points a game as a freshman. A capable long range shooter, look for the sophomore to have another productive year for West Marshall.
Second Team
2018 Troy Dolfin, BCLUW, Conrad
2018 Alex Dickey, West Marshall
2019 Cam Bannister, West Marshall
2018 Kevin Rewoldt, South Hardin
2018 Beau Coberley, West Marshall
Honorable Mentions
2019 Joseph Halverson, West Marshall
2019 Cade Spieker, South Hardin
2019 Alex Hames, AGWSR, Ackley
2019 Cauy Teske, South Hardin
2018 Sage Klar, Grundy Center
2019 Jonny Neff, BCLUW, Conrad
2018 Logan Nicholson, East Marshall
2018 Walker Thede, Gladbrook-Reinbeck