Conference Preview: CIML Metro

The Teams (2016-17 record in parenthesis)   Des Moines East (4-19): With a new coach at the helm, there's a breath of fresh air on Des Moines' East side, and not just anyone, but longtime Pella coach (22 years) Mark Core. He'll take over a program that has not experienced much success of late, and its leading returning scorer has transferred into Des Moines Lincoln. It will take some time to get the Scarlets back to winning form.     Des Moines Hoover (17-5): They don't rebuild, but always reload. And even when they lose all-state players, the Huskies are always good -- this season will be no different. Last season's dominant post Douglas Wilson is gone, but guys like Devonte Thedford, Kenny Quinn, Hosea Treadwell and Nick Johnson will be around to ensure that Hoover remains in top form.     Des Moines Lincoln (1-21): After a miserable season last winter, the Rails will look to trend upward despite three of its top scorers graduating,. The good news is that leading scorer Will Feller is back, and he'll fight down low and step outside to be a match-up nightmare for opponents this season.     Des Moines North (18-6): One of the most talented teams in the state, the Polar Bears have been a mainstay in the win column for a few seasons now, and that will stay the same this season. Tyreke Locure is a junior now, and one of Iowa's best players. Lino Malual might be the the most underrated player in the conference, he'll provide some showstopping jams. Jahion McCaleb and Gatdoar Bijiek will make it rain from deep. Watch out for the Polar Bears.     Des Moines Roosevelt (11-11): The Roughriders are trending upward, and could be a threat to contend for a conference title this season after a middling 2016-17. Cade Moritz is one of the state's best bigs, and sophomore point guard Antonio Alzheimer might have a breakout season. Another breakout candidate is lengthy and bouncy 6'3 wing, Peter Ngo. there's lots to be excited about at The 'Velt.     Ottumwa (6-16): Andrew Curran will lead the Bulldogs, and the junior point guard should post some big-time numbers while doing so. Noah Boyer is also back, and will surely make all the hustle plays for an Ottumwa squad that has a new coach, and plenty of optimism while heading into the new season.       Projected Order of Finish

1. Des Moines North
2. Des Moines Hoover
3. Des Moines Roosevelt
4. Ottumwa
5. Des Moines Lincoln
6. Des Moines East

  Analysis: Last season Hoover and North were neck and neck atop the conference, and we expect this season to be much the same. The key difference is that the Polar Bears have the best player with Iowa's 3rd-ranked 2019 Tyreke Locure. Each Hoover/North game will be must-watch for hoops junkies in the Des Moines area. And watch out for Roosevelt, it'll be sneaky good, and should certainly improve upon its 11 win total from a season ago.   Preaseason Player of the Year: Tyreke Locure, Des Moines North (2019) After posting prolific numbers in each of his first two seasons, it's pretty clear that this 5-foot-10 point guard is the top dog in this CIML division. Locure spent his summer playing against the nation's best players on the Nike EYBL circuit with Kansas City-based MOKAN Elite, and that should pay dividends as he gets back to the high school grind this winter.       Biggest Sleeper: Peter Ngo, Des Moines Roosevelt (2019) Last season was the lengthy wing's first with the 'Riders after transferring in from Des Moines North, and after sitting out the first half of the season he played minimally when eligible. It's no certainly, but if Ngo gets his chance and performs anything like he did during the Urbandale Team Camp in June, then he'll be in-line for a breakout junior season.     PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE