South Winn Seeks Postseason Success After Terrific Regular Season

The Warriors went 18-3 in the regular season and look to build on that momentum in the Class 1A playoffs.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The South Winneshiek boys basketball team is heading into the postseason on a high note after an 18-3 regular season performance. The Warriors, led by a trio of senior starters who have battled injuries in previous seasons, are finally healthy and looking to make a deep playoff run. South Winn finished second in the large school division of the new Upper Iowa Conference, avenging early-season losses to Crestwood and Waukon with big wins to end the regular season.

Why it matters

South Winn's success this season is a testament to the perseverance of its veteran players, who have overcome injury issues in past years to lead the team to an impressive regular season record. As one of the smallest schools in the large school division of their conference, the Warriors' ability to compete at a high level is an accomplishment for the program.

The details

The Warriors are led in scoring by senior forward-guard Matson Winings at 17.9 points per game, followed by senior guard-forward Carson Streeter (15.1 ppg), senior guard Braiden Todd (15.0 ppg), and sophomore Jordan Einck (10.2 ppg). Head coach Derek Taylor's son, freshman Evan Taylor, has also played a key role off the bench. South Winn's only losses came against Crestwood, Waukon, and Wapsie Valley, the top seed in their district.

  • The Warriors open Class 1A district play on Monday, February 17, 2026 at home against Lansing Kee (8-13).
  • South Winn lost its first matchups with Crestwood and Waukon but avenged those losses with back-to-back wins to end the regular season.

The players

Matson Winings

A senior forward-guard who leads South Winn in scoring at 17.9 points per game.

Carson Streeter

A senior guard-forward who averages 15.1 points per game for the Warriors.

Braiden Todd

A senior guard who scores 15.0 points per game for South Winn.

Jordan Einck

A sophomore who averages 10.2 points per game for the Warriors.

Evan Taylor

The freshman son of head coach Derek Taylor, who has played a key role off the bench for South Winn.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've had some ups and downs this year, but I'd say over the last two and a half to three weeks, and we've been healthy all year, we've played well. I mean, the two conference teams that we lost to early in the season, we beat both of them by 20 points here at the end of the season. We finally have had a chance to get everyone playing.”

— Derek Taylor, Head Coach (thegazette.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.