Stepp's 2A DII Region II Picks: District Projections and Playoff Outlook
Wellington will look to hold off fast-rising Wheeler for the 5-2A Division II crown as the Skyrockets must replace several key skill players lost to graduation. Wheeler brings back 16 starters from an area round squad, so they’ll be in contention. Winless Clarendon brings the house back and could be ready to take a step forward, but will it be enough to grab a playoff spot?
It appears Windthorst is loaded for a big run as the Trojans return 17 starters from last year’s 11-2 squad. But will it be enough to lead veteran HC Chris Tackett back to a regional crown? Things get really interesting after that with surprising Haskell looking like a possible team to challenge for second, while Petrolia, Archer City and Seymour could challenge. Seymour was riddled with injuries a year ago. If they stay healthy they’ll be a tough out.
Albany, which won state titles in 2022 and 2023, returns a deep and experienced squad as they look to get back to the regional round after an early playoff exit a year ago. Roscoe has a new head coach, but they return a lot of experience from last year’s playoff squad. Cross Plains also has a new head coach and they could end up being one of the district’s most improved teams on the strength of a defense that returns 10 starters. Miles was decimated by graduation and they’ll have to hold off Hamlin for the final playoff spot.
Defending state champion Muenster brings back many of the headliners from last year’s squad, and the Hornets will be the favorite for a repeat. But holding off Collinsville, a regional finalist a year ago, won’t be easy since the Pirates return 16 total starters. Lindsay, after an area playoff appearance, looks to be improved as well.
DISTRICT PREDICTIONS
District 5-2A Division II
- Wellington
- Wheeler
- Quanah
- Shamrock
- Clarendon
- Memphis
District 6-2A Division II
- Windthorst
- Haskell
- Archer City
- Petrolia
- Seymour
- Electra
- Munday
District 7-2A Division II
- Albany
- Roscoe
- Cross Plains
- Miles
- Hamlin
- Winters
District 8-2A Division II
- Muenster
- Collinsville
- Lindsay
- Santo
- Era
- Chico
PROJECTED BI-DISTRICT MATCHUPS
W5 Wellington vs F6 Petrolia
R8 Collinsville vs T7 Cross Plains
W6 Windthorst vs F5 Shamrock
R7 Roscoe vs T8 Lindsay
W7 Albany vs F8 Santo
R6 Haskell vs T5 Quanah
W8 Muenster vs F7 Miles
R5 Wheeler vs T6 Archer City
REGIONAL CHAMPION
Muenster over Windthorst
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