Conference Preview: CIML Metro

<h2>The Teams</h2><p><strong>East</strong></p> <p>A program that’s been reeling for some time now, the Scarlets have just 11 combined wins over the last four seasons - that includes a 2-20 campaign last season. The good news for the East is four of its five leading scorers from a season ago return. At bare minimum that should at least project them to surpass last year’s win total.</p> <p><strong>Hoover</strong></p> <p>Renowned for being a program that reloads rather than rebuilds, the Huskies look to stay true to form this season after their state tournament appearance in 2015. Junior forward <strong>Doug Wilson</strong> is one of state’s best, and senior small forward <strong>Nate Lee</strong> brings a wealth of experience. Guard play from possible starters <strong>Y’vez Quinn</strong> and <strong>Devonte Thedford</strong> could be what sets Hoover apart once again.  </p> <p><strong>Lincoln</strong></p> <p>With its leading scorer from last year graduated, and its next best scorer gone to North, experience and scoring could be problematic for the Rails, at least to start the season. <strong>Zach Edwards</strong> is the team’s leading returning scorer after netting 6.5 per game last season.</p> <p><strong>North</strong></p> <p>A bevy of offseason additions could propel the Polar Bears to the top of the 4A rankings before too long. Chad Ryan will have a legion of talent to work with this season including Woodward Academy transfer <strong>Dontre English</strong>, Promise Academy transfer <strong>Jal Bijiek</strong>, Lincoln transfer <strong>James Deng</strong>, and incoming freshman point guard <strong>Tryeke Locure.</strong> Back from last season is <strong>Ben Hayes</strong>, he&#39;ll be starting his third year with the Polar Bears, and should emerge as the leader of this talented club. </p> <p><strong>Ottumwa</strong></p> <p><strong>Grant Giardino</strong> returns to anchor the backcourt, and a slew of role players will have to step up if the Bulldogs want to improve upon their 10-12 mark from a season ago. It could be another middle of the pack finish for the Ottumwa this season.</p> <p><strong>Roosevelt</strong></p> <p>The Roughriders brought in a coach with pedigree when they hired former Simpson College coach Charles Zanders; he won a state title with Hoover in 2006. Though they lost a handful of talented seniors last season, they do return long and athletic wing <strong>Gatdoar Keuth</strong>, and junior guard <strong>Ethan Shafer </strong>should blossom into a start this season. Former North guard Mhiyu Thomas has transferred to Roosevelt, and should make an immediate impact. </p> <h2>Projected Order of Finish</h2><p>1. Hoover</p> <p>2. North</p> <p>3. Roosevelt</p> <p>4. Ottumwa</p> <p>5. Lincoln</p> <p>6. East</p> <p><strong>Analysis: </strong>Hoover is typically the favorite in this conference, but North could very well dethrone the Huskies this season. It will almost certainly be one of these two to cut down the nets come February.  </p> <h2>Preseason Player of the year</h2><p><strong>Jal Bijiek, North, 2017:</strong> DNP (Promise Academy)</p><h2>Biggest Sleeper</h2><p><strong>Y&#39;Vez Quinn, Hoover, 2016:</strong> He&#39;s waited patiently for his turn to shine after playing sparingly behind Chris King, Alijah Thomas, and Kahlid Edwards last season. The supremely quick and athletic guard was dominant at times this offseason with All Iowa Attack.</p> <h2>players to watch</h2><p><strong>Doug Wilson, Hoover, 2017</strong></p> <p><strong>Jal Bijiek, North, 2017</strong></p> <p><strong>Dontre English, North, 2016</strong></p> <p><strong>Tyreke Locure, North, 2019</strong></p> <p><strong>Gatdoar Keuth, Roosevelt, 2016</strong></p> <p><strong>Y&#39;Vez Quinn, Hoover, 2016</strong></p> <p><strong>Nate Lee, Hoover, 2016</strong></p>