Conference Preview: Northeast Iowa

<h2>The Teams</h2><p><strong>Charles City</strong></p> <p>After a disappointing 9-14 last season, the Comets will have a completely new-look starting lineup. Five seniors started last season, including one of the state’s best scorers Caleb Hageman, who averaged 20.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Senior Brandt Gebel is the team’s leading returning scorer, he averaged 4.5 points off the bench last season.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Crestwood</strong></p> <p>Things are looking up for the Cadets, who return their top two scorers from last season’s 12-11 squad. Seniors Tristan Bohr and Matt Goodman were one and two for the team in scoring and rebounding last season for Crestwood, who will be a threat to make a state tournament appearance this season.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Decorah</strong></p> <p>Like Charles City, the Vikings will have a completely revamped starting roster this season. Five seniors graduated from last season’s 12-11 team, and it will be up to sophomore Nick Bockham, and a bevy of seniors to carry the load this season.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>New Hampton</strong></p> <p>Tremendously successful a season ago, the Chickasaws fall into the common theme of the conference; rebuild. All five starters graduated, and one player with significant experience returns, that’s senior Matt Mulford, who averaged 5.3 points per game as a junior.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Oelwein</strong></p> <p>It can’t get much worse than last season’s 2-21 campaign. And it will be up to last season’s role-players to try and nudge the program in the right direction. Senior Tony Rex was the lone non-senior starter last season, and fellow senior Evan Suckow is the team’s returning leading scorer (5.2 ppg).</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Waukon</strong></p> <p>Haden Hammel is one of the conference’s leading returning scorers, he led the Indians with 10.9 points per game last season. Seniors Wyatt Wille, Brock Berns, and Peyton Hesse will have to step-up from role-players to key contributors for a Waukon team that looks to improve upon its 12-10 mark from a season ago.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Waverly-Shell Rock</strong></p> <p>Perennial favorites to not only win the conference, but to make a state tournament, this year is no exception for the Go-Hawks. A tremendous inside-out duo of Austin Phyfe -- one of the state’s best bigs -- and steady point guard Camry Moore, will be hard to contain. Seniors Andrew Epley and Christian Mosley bring back considerable experience from last season’s 22-3 team, which will not only be the best in the conference, but one of 3A’s best.</p> <h2>PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH</h2><p>1. Waverly-Shell Rock</p> <p>2. Crestwood</p> <p>3. Waukon</p> <p>4. New Hampton</p> <p>5. Decorah</p> <p>6. Charles City</p> <p>7. Oelwein</p> <p><strong>Analysis:</strong> Even with a very good Crestwood team here to challenge them, the Go-Hawks are clear-cut favorites to win the conference. Austin Phyfe could be an all-state player this season, and Camry Moore is the best point guard here. Waverly-Shell Rock will get every team&#39;s best shot each night out, and could still improve from last season&#39;s 22-3 mark. </p> <h2>Preseason Player of the year</h2><p><strong>Austin Phyfe, Waverly-Shell Rock, 2016:</strong> 13.7 ppg, 65 FG%, 2 bpg, 7.4 rpg</p> <h2>Biggest Sleeper</h2><p><strong>Peyton Hesse, Waukon, 2016:</strong> The senior point guard was more of a role-player last season for the Indians, but his production could exponentially increase. He has the ability to score the ball, and is one of the conference&#39;s leading assist-men. </p> <h2>players to watch</h2><p><strong>Austin Phyfe, Waverly-Shell Rock, 2016</strong></p> <p><strong>Tristan Bohr, Crestwood, 2016</strong></p> <p><strong>Matt Goodman, Crestwood, 2016</strong></p> <p><strong>Camry Moore, Waverly-Shell Rock, 2016</strong></p> <p><strong>Haden Hammel, Waukon, 2016</strong></p> <p> </p>