Mercifully, 2020 has come to an end. But as the troubled year expires, let’s take a look at the state of high school basketball in the area.

The nine teams in the Times-Republican’s coverage area have had mixed success, with a couple performing above expectations and some struggling for health and consistency. In a year like no other, the winter break has come at an important time for some of the area’s best squads. From top to bottom — here’s the rundown.

WEST MARSHALL

(6-3, 3-1 HEART OF IOWA)

Fred Zeller and the Trojans have adjusted nicely so far to the new conference for 2020-21. West Marshall sits second in the HOI with a 3-1 record and its only loss coming against Nevada.

Key in the transition has been leading returner Katy Reyerson. The sophomore has initiated play, played in the high post and been a post presence on the defensive side of the ball for the Trojans, averaging 21 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 5.6 steals per contest. Sophomores Lauren Solberg and Kiki Pfantz have contributed more as the season has progressed with 7.4 and 6.5 points per game, respectively.

The Trojans play East Marshall Tuesday in Le Grand.

GLADBROOK-REINBECK (3-3, 2-0 NICL WEST)

G-R’s team relies heavily on a group of athletes who helped the Rebels reach a state volleyball final months ago — senior Saari Kuehl, juniors Katie Clark and Mahayla Olson, and sophomores Emma McClintock and Megan Cooley.

Kuehl leads the team in scoring at 11.6 points per game — followed closely by Clark at 8.3, Cooley at 5.6 and Olson at 5.4. The other key contributor in the team is starting point guard Belen Ellenberger.

With a new coach this season in Roger Oberhauser and no real time in the offseason to learn new sets and defenses, the Rebels have been learning on the fly.

Tuesday night they return to action against South Hardin.

BCLUW (3-5, 1-3 NICL WEST)

It’s been tough sledding for Dave Lee’s Comets this year, particularly on the offensive end of the floor. BCLUW lost a lot of starting talent and only two key starters remain — they just so happen to be the team’s only consistent scorers.

The Comets are led by the junior one-two punch of Allison Engle and Chloe Walters, averaging 15.4 and 13.1 points per game respectively. After that is senior Betula Messerly at 7.9 per game, and the Comets have crossed 50 points in only their three wins so far this year. Walters leads the team in rebounding at 7.9 per game.

Up next for the Comets is a Tuesday night game at Jesup.

EAST MARSHALL (3-5, 0-4 NICL WEST)

Despite coming in the bottom of the pile so far in the NICL WestEast Marshall has got signs of promise in underclassmen Morgan Neuroth and Delaney Runner. Runner is leading the team in scoring at 9.8 points per game, followed closely by Neuroth at 9.1 per game.

It’s another rebuilding year for the Mustangs after the loss of 2019-20 area Player of the Year Olivia Terrones to graduation, and with only one senior (Clare Veren) it’s going to be worth watching how the team continues to grow.

Tuesday night the Mustangs host rivals West Marshall.

NORTH TAMA (3-6, 2-3 IOWA STAR SOUTH)

North Tama has struggled this season but still has racked up two conference wins in its first half of the year. Led by junior trio Rylee McLean, Abby DeBoef and Aubree Monat, most of the team will be back next year. whether the Redhawks can get into any sort of consistent groove before postseason action will tell how successful the season will be.

The Redhawks travel to play Don Bosco Tuesday night.

GMG (2-5, 1-4 IOWA STAR SOUTH)

Another team with young players and coming off a difficult season in 2019-20, the Wolverines have faced another tough start to the 2020-21 campaign.

GMG has had struggles with pressure and with turnovers this year, but bright spots have been the play of senior Emily Vaughn (14.7 points per game) and junior Jenna Yilek (5.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per contest).

The Wolverines visit Waterloo Christian on Tuesday night.

MESKWAKI (1-6, 1-3 IOWA STAR SOUTH)

The Warriors are having a difficult season following an over .500 campaign in 2019-20, relying on Deandra Navarro and Geanna Bear to create offense in transition and in the half court. Navarro is averaging 13.3 a game and Bear is scoring 9.6 a game.

Apart from those two, the team is full of underclassmen and players who are making the jump from junior varsity to varsity. It will take time for the Warriors to grow into their new roles.

The Warriors play Tuesday night at home against Janesville.

MARSHALLTOWN (0-6, 0-2 CIML IOWA)

It’s not been a great year for the Bobcats. A season-ending injury to Paige Wertzberger and the injury that left Lily Roberts less than 100 percent are just two of the many things that have gone wrong for Marshalltown in its winless start.

A young team with one senior and only one returning varsity letterwinner (Roberts), the year has been full of growing pains and blowouts. Roberts leads the team in scoring at 8.3 points per contest, and junior guard Rachel Smith lead the group with 3.3 rebounds per game.

The Bobcats host Mason City Tuesday night.

SOUTH TAMA (0-5, 0-3 WaMaC-West)

The Trojans sit 0-5 heading into the second portion of the season with a closest loss of 13 and seniors Carissa Musgrave and Tylese Rosenberger leading the team on the offensive end of the floor (9.3 and eight points per game, respectively).

It’s been tough sledding for South Tama as they’ve only scored more than 40 points once.

The Trojans host Independence Tuesday night in conference play.