Conference Preview: CIML CIC-East

<h2>The Teams</h2><p><strong>Ankeny</strong></p> <p>One of the deepest and most talented squads in the state, Ankeny will be lead by junior point guard <strong>Drew Maschoff, </strong>who has established himself as one of the state’s best guards. Along with Maschoff, <strong>Conor Riordan, Trystan Cummins</strong>, and <strong>Riley McCoy</strong> all return -- those were the Hawks’ four leading scorers from last season’s 10-13 squad. A host of other talent returns including <strong>Collin Shannon</strong>, who was sensational at our Combine last month. Look for Ankeny to be a top-10 team throughout the season.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Ankeny Centennial</strong></p> <p>The new-look Jaguars may have an entire new starting cast, but expectations, though tapered, will still be placed on the talented newcomers. Junior wing <strong>Connor Kasperbauer</strong> had a fantastic offseason with All Iowa Attack Nike, and <strong>Chase Edwards</strong> received plenty of run last season on a senior-laden club. Those two, along with a collection of inexperienced but capable newcomers, should make the Jaguars formidable this season.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Southeast Polk</strong></p> <p>Last season was rough for the Rams, who themselves will sport a bit of a new look this season. Their top two scorers are gone from a season ago, but <strong>Garrett Northway</strong> proved this summer that he’s ready to be one of the conference&#39;s best guards. Plenty of role players return from last year’s 7-15 team, including <strong>Keegan Van Kooten, Jackson Cole</strong>, and <strong>Chris Henderson</strong> -- the Rams could be sneaky good this season.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Waukee</strong></p> <p>A team that literally loomed larger than any other last season with Michael Jacobson (6’9), and Anthony Nelson (6’8) will have to replace a monster frontcourt, and become a guard-heavy team. <strong>Jacob Rau</strong>, a 6-foot-7 junior, looks to fill the void in the paint, and <strong>Michael Winger</strong> will anchor the frontcourt, he’s a sharpshooter and three year starter. <strong>Drew Johnson </strong>will be relied upon to man the point, and is perfectly capable. Senior guard <strong>Adam Rose</strong> brings back 7.4 points per game.</p> <h2>Projected Order of Finish</h2><p>1. Ankeny</p> <p>2. Waukee</p> <p>3. Ankeny Centennial</p> <p>4. Southeast Polk</p> <p><strong>Analysis: </strong>The Hawks return 12 guys who played at least some varsity last season, including a wealth of talent at the guard spots. They knocked off a supremely talented Iowa City West squad this June at the Urbandale Team Camp -- that captured our attention, and the state is on notice. Waukee could be a threat to take the conference title also, and there will be no easy wins inter-conference with the Rams and Jaguars both showing glimpses of proficient ball this offseason. </p> <h2>Preseason Player of the year</h2><p><strong>Drew Maschoff, Ankeny, 2017:</strong> 6.5 PPG, 43 3FG%, 1.7 RPG</p> <h2>Biggest Sleeper</h2><p><strong>Connor Kasperbauer, Ankeny Centennial, 2017:</strong> He played some last year as a sophomore on a senior-laden squad. But he averaged a mere 1.7 points and struggled shooting the ball. He was excellent this offseason on the grassroots circuit, and we believe he gained the necessary confidence to blossom into a star with the Jaguars this season. </p> <h2>players to watch</h2><p><strong>Drew Maschoff, Ankeny, 2017</strong></p> <p><strong>Conor Riordan, Ankeny, 2016</strong></p> <p><strong>Michael Winger, Waukee, 2016</strong></p> <p><strong>Garrett Northway, Southeast Polk, 2016</strong></p> <p><strong>Jacob Rau, Waukee, 2017</strong></p> <p><strong>Connor Kasperbauer, Ankeny Centennial, 2017</strong></p> <p><strong>Chase Edwards, Ankeny Centennial, 2016</strong></p>