Way Too Early Top 10: Class 4A
With July’s evaluation period now behind us, and plenty of time to kill between now and late November, it’s time to take a look at who we believe will be some of the teams to keep an eye on in each classification this winter. And, since everyone likes rankings, why not roll out a de facto preseason top 10 for each class? This is our “Way Too Early” Top 10 for Class 1A.
How well do these rankings predict what may happen over the course of the coming season? Well, two teams that were ranked No. 1 to start the year won state titles (Grand View Christian in 1A, Oskaloosa in 3A), another was ranked No. 2 (North Linn in 2A), and the final was ranked No. 7 (Cedar Falls in 4A, but they played No. 1 Senior for the title). In all, 19 of the 32 state qualifying teams were either ranked or written about in our “others to watch” portion of the rankings (down from 27 of 32 the year before!). So, do the rankings mean anything this year? Perhaps not, but it’s probably better to find yourselves near the top of these lists than not.
Below you’ll find our top 10 for Class 4A, along with some other teams that could make some noise. We also provide a fairly detailed summary of why each team is in their respective spot. Enjoy, and, as always, leave a comment if you disagree with anything.
Josh Ollendieck
1.) Cedar Falls (State champion, 21-3 last year, 37.1% of scoring returning)
You look at the returning scoring and the fact that only one starter returns for the Tigers, and maybe some will question having Cedar Falls atop the rankings. But they’re here for two reasons. First, the top 21 scorers in Class 4A from last year either graduated, are injured for the year (Ames’ Tamin Lipsey) or have transferred out-of-state (Kennedy’s Jack Wetzel). So returning production doesn’t mean nearly as much as it does most years. And second, Cedar Falls has emerged as the best basketball program in the state. The two-time defending champions may only have one starter coming back in guard Josh Ollendieck (10.3, 45.5 3P%), but that doesn’t mean this group is going to be short on talent. In fact, they’re going to be loaded once again. Ollendieck, a 6-3 guard with immense length and the ability to shoot from anywhere, is a good place to start. 6-9 junior big man Chase Courbat (5.9, 36 blocks) is one of the best young big men in the Midwest, a versatile big man who moves extremely well and has a great understanding of how to defend and does what he needs to do on the offensive end. Look for him to have a huge junior year on both ends of the floor this season, displaying his continued development. He will anchor a group that will be among the best on the defensive end again this year. Also back are guards Jaxon Heth (3.6) and Ben Sernett (3.0), valuable pieces off the bench last year who saw plenty of time for the state champs. Both are capable perimeter shooters and secondary ball handlers. The key for this team, however, will be a quartet of players who weren’t even on the varsity roster last year because of how loaded they were. Cedar Falls’ sophomore team last season was better than a lot of varsity teams I saw, and the quartet of Carter Janssen, Landon Wolf, Joe Knutson and Trey Campbell are why. Wolf and Campbell are both long, athletic and versatile wings who should fit in alongside Ollendieck in the backcourt, while Janssen is a 6-5/6-6 wing with size and shooting ability. The big piece, literally, is Knutson, a 6-8 big man who was great for the Iowa Barnstormers this summer and showcased much improved athleticism and bounce. He’s skilled and big, and should fit in well alongside Courbat in the paint for the Tigers. Cedar Falls is always loaded with long, athletic kids who seem to cover an unfathomable amount of space on the floor, and this year will be no different. Ryan Schultz has this thing rolling in Cedar Falls, and despite losing a ton of talent and production from last year’s group, the Tigers are still going to be the team to beat in 4A. This system is loaded, and there is no end in sight.
Reid Grant
2.) Johnston (15-7 last year, 79.7% of scoring returning)
A young Johnston team did pretty much what they were supposed to do last year – they beat the teams that they were more talented than, and they lost to the teams that had more experience, and (maybe) more talent. This year, they’re going to have to adjust to being one of the hunted teams, with four starters returning in a 4A class that lost a lot of talent. Leading scorer and rebounder Peyton Williams graduated, but this was a balanced team that saw nine players average at least 2.5 points a game, and outside of Williams, those other eight are back, meaning the Dragons are going to be one of the most experienced, and deepest, teams in 4A. They’ll be playing for a new head coach, as the school’s handling of former coach Bobby Sandquist raised some eyebrows, but new coach Brian Frick was an assistant in the Johnston system for years and knows this group of talent. They’re led by junior wing Reid Grant (9.9), a tough, physical guard who does a great job getting to the rim and who should thrive in a more up-tempo system under Frick and without big man Peyton Williams in the middle. Grant should have the ball in his hands quite a bit after leading the team in assists last year, but he’ll be joined in the backcourt by a pair of diminutive, but talented, sophomores in Jacob Runyan (8.2) and Trey Lewis (4.3). Both were starters late in the season as freshmen last year, and despite being each listed at just 5-8 last year, are competitive, talented players who can handle the ball and shoot it (each shot about 37% from the arc last year). The last returning starter is 6-5 junior big man Max Roquet (8.3), an efficient big man who runs the floor well, and who, like Grant, should thrive in a more up-tempo system. Key bench players from last year returning are Lute Woodley (4.4), Garrett Miller (4.0), Jonathan Leth (2.5) and Brees Proctor (2.5), and they should also get a boost from sophomore guard Steven Kramer, who at 6-4, has developed into a good perimeter shooter and has the size to get his shot off whenever. This is a team that liked to play slower under Sandquist, especially with Williams controlling the paint. But this year’s group looks to be better suited to play a faster style, and we anticipate that happening. This is going to be one of the most talented teams in the state this year, and the scary thing is that Lewis, Runyan, Grant, Roquet and Kramer are all going to be either sophomores or juniors this year, so they’ll be really good again in the 2020-21 season.
Omaha Biliew
3.) Dowling Catholic (State qualifier, 13-11 last year, 72.8% of scoring returning)
The Maroons were last year’s surprise state tournament qualifier, taking advantage of the Southeast Polk upset over Valley to reach Wells Fargo Arena, perhaps a year ahead of schedule. And this year could be the year everything falls into place for Dowling, and they add a basketball title (it would be their first since 1979) to the trophy case that is filled with 4A football championships. The top three scorers return to that state tournament team in Matt Stilwill (13.3), Ryan Riggs (12.2) and Drew Daniel (8.1), and in all, five of the top six from last season are back. Stilwill should have the ball in his hands quite a bit this season after dishing out 61 assists last season, and if he can improve on his assist-to-turnover ratio (61-56), the Maroons offense could really click this year. Riggs is an ultra-talented, 6-9 junior big man who can do a bit of everything on the court. He finishes above the rim, runs the floor well and protects the paint, and he has worked on extending his range. Daniel is the team’s top perimeter shooter, having made 30 more 3s than anyone else on the roster last year at a 41.8% clip. Also back are Jack Keough (4.9) and Andrew Lentsch (4.3). Those five key returnees are nice, but the piece that may put this group over the edge is freshman phenom Omaha Biliew, a 6-8 wing who is regarded as one of the best players in the 2023 class nationally. A unique blend of athleticism, skill and size, Biliew has the ability to score from anywhere, handle the ball, pass it and defend, and should be a major impact player from the second he laces up his sneakers for the first time. If he is as good as advertised, Dowling Catholic needs to be on everyone’s short list of state title contenders. And there’s no reason to believe he won’t be. This team is going to have size with Riggs and Biliew, shooting with Daniel, and the Maroons are always great defensively, disciplined on the offensive end and tough as hell. This is a physical team that just got more imposing.
Ty Anderson
4.) North Scott (State semifinalist, 23-3 last year, 51.4% of scoring returning)
Death, taxes, and Shamus Budde having an elite defensive team at North Scott. Those are three things that we can count on right now. Since taking over the reigns in Eldridge, Budde’s teams have finished 1-3-10-3-4-1-1-3-13-4-5-4-25 in scoring defense in 4A, with that 25th place finish coming in his first year. Some of those low points against numbers can be attributed to the methodical style that they play on the offensive end, but a large chunk comes down to the fact that Budde can flat out coach, and he gets his kids to buy in on the defensive end. So, despite returning just two starters and only four players who saw significant playing time last year, the Lancers find themselves in the top five again, because they are going to be elite on the defensive end of the floor yet again. They’re led by Ty Anderson (13.7, 8.2 rebounds), a Northern Iowa commit and 6-7 power forward who will be a dominant force on both ends of the floor. He’s long and a great athlete who has gradually expanded his offensive game and can now comfortably stretch out and knock down 3s. He has the versatility to defend one through five at the high school level. The other returning starter is Sam Kilburg (7.8), who returns after leading the team in assists last year (74). He’s a solid decision maker and defender who does all the little things to help his team win. Landon Eiland (3.5) will be asked to step into a major scoring role this year. A 6-5 junior wing, he’s capable of being a big-time shooter from the arc, although his numbers last year (29.4 3P%) don’t show it. Expect to see him be much more efficient this year. You can also expect to see more out of Trent Allard (1.7), a 6-6 senior big man who should fit in well alongside Anderson. The Lancers return a number of other players who didn’t see much time last year, but they practiced every day against players who helped lead this team to an 18-0 start last year and should be ready to step into bigger roles this year. So keep an eye on players like Ben Belken, Luke Jennings, Jackson Guffey and Layne Hamann. They’ll contribute for this winning program, and the Lancers will be in the hunt for Des Moines again this winter behind an elite coach and an elite defense.
Even Brauns
5.) Iowa City West (State qualifier, 17-5 last year, 50.0% of scoring returning)
The end of the uber-successful run that the Trojans have had over the last 10+ years is nearing an end, but Steve Bergman and company have a chance to set another record this year. If they make another trip to Des Moines, it would be the Trojans’ 10th consecutive State appearance, which would break the record that they currently share with Linn-Mar. And they have the talent to make the run again. Obviously they have a huge piece to replace in the form of Patrick McCaffery, the school’s all-time leading scorer who will play his college ball for his dad at Iowa. But three starters return to a team that fell just short against Dubuque Senior in the quarterfinals last season, and there is yet another Division I player on the roster. They’ll be led by 6-9 senior big man Even Brauns (11.0), the aforementioned Division I player who recently committed to play his college ball at Belmont. After spending his first two high school seasons at Regina, Brauns transferred to West last year, and became a dominant force late in the season after getting off to a bit of a slow start. He’s a talented big man with good touch and footwork around the rim, a reliable free throw shooter, and if he plays like he did down the stretch last year all season, he’ll put up some huge numbers this year and be one of the best players in the state. Nick Pepin (7.7) and Marcus Morgan (7.4) also return as starters, giving the Trojans a solid backcourt to build around. Pepin shot 53.4% from behind the arc last season. Like Brauns, last year was his first year at West after spending two seasons at Waterloo West. Another year of familiarity with co-head coaches Bergman and Paul Rundquist should help Pepin. Morgan is one of the best all-around athletes in the state, a four-sport standout who will have some decisions to make in the next few years about what sport to pursue at the next level. At the high school level, he’s a strong, athletic, 6-3 guard with the ability to shoot it (39.3 3P%), pass it (66 assists to 33 turnovers) and he became one of the better perimeter defenders in the state last year. Bench players Joey Goodman (2.0), Tate Crane (1.9) and Ben Vander Leest (1.1) each saw a fair amount of time last season and return, and they should get a boost from sophomore guard Christian Barnes, a quick, defensive minded guard who can be a pest on that end of the floor. The talent level at West may not be what it has been in previous years, but this group has the ability to make a 10th straight trip to Des Moines, and if Brauns becomes that dominant force, they’ll have a chance at another state title.
Jaleque Dunson (Photo credit: Sioux City Journal)
6.) Sioux City East (State qualifier, 21-2 last year, 41.9% of scoring returning)
The Black Raiders are the best program in western Iowa, having represented Sioux City and Council Bluffs at State each of the last three years, and seven times since 2009. This year looks like it’ll be the same, despite losing one of the program’s most productive players (Aidan Vanderloo), and losing three starters from last year’s group. Jaleque Dunson (15.8) is the leading returning scorer, not just for East, but in 4A overall. He’s a long, athletic wing who can score from all three levels and led the team in made 3s last year with 53, making those 53 3-pointers at a 38.1% clip. He’s going to be asked to do a lot this year on the offensive end, but he has the skill set to be a big-time scorer. Sayvion Armstrong (8.7) is back at point guard, a lightning quick guard with playmaking abilities. He led East with 76 assists and 53 steals last season, and while he’s not a volume shooter, he showed the ability to knock down 3s, making 12 of his 26 attempts (good for 46.2%). The only other returnees who saw much time last year are Danny Callahan (2.8) and Jacob Maxey (0.9), but expect to see juniors Bennet Vanderloo, Aiden Ballard and Caden Budde become major players for the Black Raiders this year. East is the best program out west, and they’ll find pieces to plug in alongside the returnees, and coach Ras Vanderloo will likely find himself roaming the sidelines in Des Moines yet again.
Braxton Bayless
7.) Ankeny (13-8 last year, 64.0% of scoring returning)
Seven of the Hawks’ eight losses last year came by single digits, and with four starters returning for that group, they should be able to turn some of those losses into wins and make a state tournament run for the first time since 2012. They’ll have one of the quickest backcourts in 4A with Braxton Bayless (15.2) and Jaxon Smith (13.5) both returning. Each of them use their quickness and athleticism to their advantage, routinely getting into the paint and scoring, and each shot over 50% from the floor last year, great numbers for guards, especially at the 4A level. In addition to his scoring prowess, Bayless led the Hawks in every other major category, and the duo combined to come away with 97 steals last season, making them quality two-way players. Jordan Kumm (7.4) will be the team’s go-to perimeter shooter, and he should get plenty of open looks playing alongside Bayless and Smith, as their dribble penetration should cause defenses to collapse, leaving Kumm open for 3s. The other returning starter is Nolan Otten (4.8), a 6-3 forward who does most of his damage around the rim but is capable of stepping out and knocking down an occasional jumper. The Hawks were dealt a bit of a blow with the transfer of Jeron Crews, who was an effective bench player for them last year and would’ve been a starter this season, but he is now across town at Centennial. Brecken Manus (1.7) is the only bench player returning who saw significant playing time last year, so they’ll have some depth pieces they’ll need to fill in, but the Bayless-Smith tandem is a great place to start when you’re putting together a high school basketball team. This group was great offensively last year, averaging 65.7 points a game, which ranked 5th in 4A, but they struggled on the defensive end, ranking 35th at 60.2 points allowed. Get that number down to 54-55 a night, and this team could be not only State good, but title good.
Preston Kelling
8.) Ankeny Centennial (9-13 last year, 71.7% of scoring returning)
While crosstown rival Ankeny excelled on the offensive end and struggled a bit on defense, the Jaguars were on the other end of the spectrum. They were really strong on the defensive end, ranking 12th in 4A, allowing just 52.9 points a game. And they had some struggles offensively, ranking 33rd at just 54.0 points a night. Part of that can be attributed to the personnel, and the fact that Centennial has a taller roster, and likes to play a bit slower. But another, more significant part of that, is that the Jags were really bad from the arc last year. As a team, they shot just 22.3% from 3 last season. Only eight teams in the state, all tiny 1A schools, were worse than that. That number needs to drastically improve if this team is going to live up to their potential. And there is potential here. Their top three scorers return in wing Preston Kelling (9.2) and 6-7 big men Cody McCullough (11.9) and Micah Johnson (10.2). McCullough and Johnson are both really talented big man who should be able to control the paint on both ends of the floor, while Kelling is an explosive athlete who thrives getting out in transition or playing downhill and getting to the rim. This group will be boosted by the addition of Ankeny transfer Jeron Crews, who averaged 7.0 a game for the Hawks, mostly coming off the bench, and gives them a primary ball handler who can also shoot it a bit (37.5% from the arc last year). 6-6 Brady Petersen (4.5) also returns for this group, so Centennial should have plenty of size and they should control the glass on most nights. If Crews can become a lead scoring option on the perimeter and help open up some space or take pressure off of McCullough and Johnson on the interior, this group can become better offensively and win more games. If they improve their shooting, this could be a team that makes it to State for the first time in school history (opened in 2013). If not, they’ll be solid again on the defensive end and play quite a few ugly games, winning their fair share of them.
Caleb Haag
9.) Waterloo West (10-10 last year, 96.8% of scoring returning)
The Wahawks have been one of the most inconsistent teams in the state over the last five or so years, piecing together some great stretches of basketball, followed by some really odd play. For example, a month after beating Linn-Mar last season, they lost to the Lions by 31. Two months after beating Cedar Falls, they lost to the Tigers by 30, scoring just 28 points. Three weeks after that, they played the eventual state champs to just a five point defeat. There can be incredible highs with this group, and some really bad lows. They need to improve in that regard if they want to be considered a serious state tournament threat this year. The good news for them is that all five starters return and they should be one of the most athletic teams in the state. Only 36 points from last year’s roster are gone, and they have loads of experience. They’re led by senior wing Caleb Haag (12.5), an athletic, 6-5 wing with good size and length, and the ability to take over games and score from anywhere. He’s a versatile threat on both ends of the floor. Isaiah Johnson (11.3) is their top perimeter shooter, having made 28 3s last year at a 41.8% clip, and Daquavian Walker (11.1, 29 3PM) is a quick lead guard who can pressure the ball on the defensive end and is at his best when he’s attacking the rim. Perhaps the most important player for this team is Jaden Keller (7.1), a 6-5 point-forward who led the team in rebounding and assists, and was the only player of the regulars to have a positive assist-to-turnover ratio (64-46). His decision making needs to rub off onto his teammates, as the team posted a 257-188 ratio last year. Antonio Alexander (6.1) is the final returning starter, another athletic, slashing wing. Amar Kulijuhovic (5.0) gives the Wahawks some size and aggressiveness on the glass, especially offensively, while Mondre Lagow (2.9) is a solid shooter and Michael Robinson (2.9) provides another quality ball handler off the bench. This team reportedly played really well during the summer, and should be able to overwhelm plenty of teams with their athleticism and talent. But they need to become more consistent with their effort, take better care of the basketball, and get better at the free throw line (just 59.6% as a team last year) if they want to emerge as a serious contender. The pieces are in place for West to make their first state tournament since 1994.
Michael Duax
10.) Dubuque Hempstead (10-11 last year, 53.4% of scoring returning)
Iowa, watch out for Mustangs wing Michael Duax (14.8). Coming off a productive sophomore season, the 6-6 junior is about to become one of the state’s best players. He’s a long, athletic and incredibly talented wing who is coming off a great summer with Martin Brothers, and he’s the reason that the Mustangs crack our top 10 to start the year. He led the ‘Stangs in rebounding, ranked second in assists and steals, and posted 54-50-73 shooting splits last year, and all of those numbers should improve this year. Cameron Davis (5.0) is the other returning starter for Hempstead, a quick, 5-11 junior guard with blazing speed. He needs to improve his efficiency (37.6 FG%), but that should happen this year. Jamari Smith (7.6) is a 6-3 wing who was productive off the bench last year and is also coming off a big summer, his coming with the Barnstormers. Nick Kaesbauer (3.2) is the final key returning piece for Hempstead, a capable perimeter shooter. Hempstead doesn’t return a ton in terms of experienced players, and few teams with this much back would crack the top 10 in 4A. But with all the other losses across 4A, and having a dominant player on their side, Hempstead slides into the top 10 here, and they have a chance to be really good this year. This is a team that lost seven games by single digits last year, including four by four points or less. So they were close last year, and with another year of development from Duax, Davis and Smith, they should close out a few more of those games this winter.
Ten more teams to watch
Ames (State qualifier, 17-5 last year, 29.9% of scoring returning)
A young Ames team rebounded from a mid-season three game losing streak by rattling off 10 consecutive wins heading into State last year, before losing handily to North Scott. And the Little Cyclones looked primed to open this year as a top-five team in 4A. But then star point guard Tamin Lipsey, coming off of one of the best freshman seasons we’ve seen in a long time, tore his ACL over the summer, and there went Ames’ title hopes in 2020. Instead, this is a group that will be building towards the 2020-21 season, and pinning state title aspirations there. There is some serious talent coming back, with two returning starters in Casey Mumm (5.9) and Cooper Downs (4.2), and key bench player Corey Phillips (6.9) coming back after a strong freshman season. Mumm and Downs will each have the ball in their hands a lot this winter, and will be asked to be the team’s primary scoring options on the perimeter, while Phillips is a big bodied 6-5 combo forward capable of scoring from anywhere. Mumm and Phillips will both be back for the 2020-21 season, when Lipsey returns, and will be key pieces for that group. Ames is always a disciplined, well-coached, defensive minded team, and they’re going to win plenty of games again this season with the talent they still have in their program. But the loss of Lipsey certainly put a damper on this upcoming season for the Little Cyclones.
Bettendorf (21-2 last year, 29.7% of scoring returning)
The Bulldogs spent a fair amount of time ranked #1 in the state last year, behind the play of star point guard DJ Carton, who is now at Ohio State. That’s a massive loss, as he led the ‘Dogs in every major category except for blocks. In all, four starters are gone, and every player who made more than six 3-pointers last year has graduated. So why are the Bulldogs still worth monitoring? Well, coach Curtis Clark is one of the best in the state, and you know that Bettendorf is always going to be solid on the defensive end, and fairly disciplined on the offensive end. Lucas Hayes (6.4), a 6-8 senior big man, is a nice piece to start building around. He’s big, fairly mobile and an efficient scorer around the rim. Look for Bettendorf to be a little bit more of an inside-out team last year, as opposed to the perimeter dominant team they were last season. 6-5 Oliver Bakeris (5.2) and 6-2 Tynan Numkena (2.7) also return, and each of that trio are strong on the glass and should be enforcers in the paint. Look for the perimeter to get an athleticism boost from Moline (IL) transfer Harrison Bey-Buie, who is better on the football field but should give the ‘Dogs some quickness and strength on the perimeter. Additionally, they’ll get a shooting boost from the transfer of Zach Trevino, who averaged 11 points a game for Davenport West last season. He’s a solid shooter (36.5 3P%) who should help the ‘Dogs space the floor for their trio of interior-oriented players. They’ll also need guys like Joe Bryne (1.7, 5-11 3P) and Carter Furness (1.2, 6-16 3P) to emerge as go-to shooters. The Bulldogs are always going to be a tough, physical team that is going to try to grind teams down, and this year will be a return to that. Behind Carton last year, they were a little higher scoring than usual, and liked to play a bit more up-tempo. Look for this group to return to their slower, half-court offense look, and they’ll continue to stockpile wins.
Davenport Central (16-7 last year, 31.0% of scoring returning)
The Blue Devils were one of the most pleasant surprises around the state last year, getting off to a 13-2 start before stumbling down the stretch and falling to Iowa City West in the substate final. Using a deep rotation and an extremely athletic lineup, they were able to routinely overwhelm opponents with their length and speed, and Keshawn Pegues was dominant and gave them some outstanding rebounding in the paint. Unfortunately, Pegues is gone, as are two other starters (Josh English graduated, John Miller transferred to Rock Island (IL)). The good news is that there are two starters returning, and the most important piece back came off the bench last season. The two returning starters are Kaiden Phillips (10.0) and Amari Porter (2.7), while the key returnee off the bench is junior wing Emarion Ellis (8.6). Ellis had as good a spring as anyone in the state playing with the Iowa Barnstormers and putting his name on the radar with slews of Division I coaches. He’s a supremely athletic wing who thrives on getting into the paint, where he finishes over people or through contact. He also showed a much better jumper than his percentage during the high school season (26.9 3P%) indicated. The key for Ellis will be his shot selection, and becoming more disciplined as a ball handler and decision maker. He’s got a ton of talent, but he did shoot just 35% from the floor and had a negative assist-to-turnover ratio last winter. If that stuff starts to correct itself, watch out. Phillips is another intriguing player for the Devils, a 6-5 combo forward with immense length and athletic ability. He led the team in blocks last year, and he has the ability to score from all three levels. Like Ellis, his key is going to be becoming more consistent with his shot. Amari Porter led the team in assists (61) and had a nice assist-to-turnover ratio (24 turnovers). He’s listed at just 5-5, but he’s quick and a good decision maker who should thrive running this offense with a pair of potent, athletic wings next to him. Niiziar Rogers (6.3 in three games) and Dajion Greer (1.7) return with some experience, but it’s the trio of Ellis-Porter-Phillips that will make Central a team to keep an eye on this year.
Davenport North (10-13 last year, 65.6% of scoring returning)
The Wildcats will have a new face roaming the sidelines following the resignation of Joe Ewen, who resigned to spend more time with his wife and five kids. Their new coach is Marc Polite, who spent a year as an assistant at North a few years ago, and was the coach at East Moline United Township (IL) for seven years earlier in the decade. He’ll have some talent to build around, as the ‘Cats bring back three of their top four scorers from last year, headlined by Quincy Wiseman (10.4) and Jayden Houston (10.0), a pair of long, athletic wings who are at their best attacking the rim. Houston led the team in rebounding last season, and is a force on the glass, especially the offensive end, where he pulled down 84 offensive rebounds, good for 3.7 a night. Those extra possessions can be extremely valuable, especially for a team that lost eight games by 10 or less last year. Wiseman showed himself to be a capable perimeter shooter as well last season, burying 19 3s at a 44.2% clip. Also returning is lead guard Jamal Litt (7.0), a bulldog of a point guard who should prove to be one of the top perimeter defenders in the state this year. Mekki Sisk (6.3) was an effective player for the ‘Cats off the bench last year and had a solid spring and summer with the Barnstormers. He’s another athletic wing who excels in transition. Look for Sam Wellman (2.1, 5-9 3P) to get some more run this year, giving North some more shooting, and for guys like Mekhi Jacobs and Alec Brown to emerge as solid rotation pieces as well. The Wildcats have lots of athleticism, and if they can improve on the decision making/protection of the basketball (240 turnovers to 180 assists last year), they’ll become a more efficient offensive team and they can turn some of those close losses into wins this year.
Iowa City Liberty (8-13 last year, 100% of scoring returning)
In Liberty’s first two years as a school, the Lightning have won eight games each season. Look for that number to be beaten this year, as every single player from last year’s roster returns, and most of them have been playing varsity basketball for the Lightning for the last two years. They showed a glimpse of what they can be by upsetting Dubuque Senior last season, and if they can play with some more consistency this year, this could be a group that contends for a state tournament berth, given the right draw. They’re led by senior forward Andre Brandon (14.4), a talented 6-6 big man who can do a bit of everything on the floor. He suffered a torn Achilles in early April, but is expected to be ready for the start of the season. If he’s not able to go, that would be a big blow for Liberty’s hopes. Ethan O’Donnell (10.2), Isaac Bender (6.6), Ben Houselog (4.0) and Sam Funke (4.0) are the other returning starters, while Grayson Tyler (5.1), Ira Hazeltine (3.3), Basil Aldoss (3.6), Kelby Telander (1.4) and Bowen Gryp (2.9) all saw plenty of time last year. Two things need to drastically improve this year if this team wants to take a step forward. First, they need to clean up the ball handling and decision making. They had 339 turnovers last year (over 16 a game), compared to 250 assists. That number needs to be much better. They also need to improve a bit on the defensive end. They ranked 29th last year in scoring defense, allowing 58.0 points a game. Not atrocious, but not great, either. And surely, a decent sized chunk of those points can be attributed to the first problem. So clean up the ball handling, and the scoring defense improves, and they win more games. Seems like a pretty simple solution, but can they do it? If they can, they will finish above .500 and be a real threat in the MVC. If they don’t, then expect another 8ish win season. The pieces and experience are here now. It’s time to deliver.
Mason City (8-14 last year, 64.4% of scoring returning)
The Mohawks were dismantled a few times last year by high quality teams, and while the talent in Mason City still isn’t going to stack up with the upper-echelon teams in the CIML, there is reason for optimism here with three returning starters and five of the top seven scorers coming back from a group that improved throughout last season with two freshmen playing key roles. Those freshmen, Corey Miner (9.7) and Carter Thomas (4.7) are among the three returning starters, alongside Jeffrey Skogen (11.6). Also returning are Avery Mellman (7.2) and Austin Richardson (3.8), who played key roles off the bench. Miner is a good shooter who led the team in 3-pointers and is an intriguing young prospect, while Thomas will play more of a facilitator role for this group. The big area of concern for the Mohawks will be fixing the defensive end of the floor, as they ranked 46th (out of 48) in 4A last year, allowing 67.5 points a game. If they can get that number down closer to 60 a night, they’ll have a chance to have an above .500 season. If not, there could be some more long evenings in the CIML. With plenty of experience back, and lots of teams around the state losing significant chunks of their rosters, there is reason to think this team can compete.
Southeast Polk (8-15 last year, 55.1% of scoring returning)
One of the big surprises during the postseason last year was the Rams’ run to the substate final, where they lost by just four to Dowling Catholic. But perhaps we should’ve seen something coming. Ten of their 15 losses last year came by ten points or fewer, so this group was really close to having a much better record than they finished with, and they bring back three starters from that group, including one of the state’s best shooters in James Glenn (10.2). Glenn shot 46% from behind the arc last year and will be called upon to be the Rams’ go-to scoring threat following the graduation of older brother Sam, who contributed 15.5 points a game last season. Other returning starters, Dominic Caggiano (9.0) and Malichai Williams (5.7), provide the Rams with some size and toughness in the paint, although Caggiano has been working to extend his game out to the arc and could become a viable secondary shooting threat for this group. Kaleb Krier (2.3) and Fred Johnson (1.8) saw time last year off the bench, and look for sophomore guard Jaxon Dailey (0.8) to become a bigger piece for this group this season. They’ll need to clean up their decision making, as they had 308 turnovers last season, against 251 assists. That ratio needs to be positive. The Rams are headed in the right direction, and if Caggiano can take another step forward, and Glenn can emerge as an all-around scorer instead of just a shooter, this group could surprise some teams in the CIML again this year and be a legitimate contender for a State spot.
Waukee (State semifinalist, 22-3 last year, 31.4% of scoring returning)
The Warriors were probably the favorite to win the state title last year prior to the injury to standout point guard Noah Hart, an efficient lead guard who controlled the game on both ends of the floor. Still, Waukee made it to State, won a game then came up just shy in the semifinals against Dubuque Senior, losing 57-55. The bad news for Waukee is that only one starter returns from that group, junior wing Tucker DeVries (9.6, 62 3PM). DeVries, son of Drake head coach Darian DeVries, was a big boost to the Warriors last year following the family’s move from Omaha, and at 6-6, he has the size to get his shot off whenever he wants, and the length to be a versatile piece for them on the defensive end. The good news for the Warriors is that also back is junior wing Payton Sandfort (6.2), who may have had the biggest summer of anyone in the state, raking up offers from Air Force, Drake, Iowa, Minnesota and Utah. Another 6-6 wing, Sandfort is one of the best shooters in the state, knocking down 26 3s last year off the bench, at a 44.8% clip. He’s ready to be a dominant scorer for this group. Jackson Payne (3.3) is the only other returnee who saw significant time, but expect to see another lengthy junior combo forward, Wyatt Heston (1.5), take a major step forward. Few teams are going to be able to match the length and size that Waukee will put on the floor, and if they can find a few reliable ball handlers, they’ll have a real chance to make it to State and o damage again. Few teams in the state can put a pair of Division I wings on the floor, and Waukee can. That makes them dangerous.
West Des Moines Valley (18-5 last year, 30.5% of scoring returning)
The Tigers lose a lot of production off of last year’s team that was upset by Southeast Polk in the postseason, but one of the benefits of being the largest school in the state is that they have plenty of talent waiting to fill in those holes. Three players with starting experience return in guard Jake Auer (9.4), big man Will Berg (7.1) and wing Drew Jirak (4.3), giving Valley a nice nucleus of players to build around. Joining them will be Des Moines Roosevelt transfer Ty Walker, who led the Roughriders in scoring last year at just under 12 points a game, and shot 40.5% from the arc. He’ll pair with Auer (41.2 3P%) and Jirak (44.8 3P%) to give Valley a strong group of shooters to put alongside the 6-9 Berg, who should command double teams in the paint. Berg is the key to this group, as he’s as skilled as just about any player in the state, with the ability to score inside and out, run the floor and protect the rim. Consistency will be the key for him. The only other key returnee from last year’s group is Grant Rieker (2.9), another capable shooting threat. Valley always has a deep roster, and coach BJ Windhorst isn’t afraid to go deep into that bench, so expect that to be the case again this year. With the talent they have, and the shooting that the Walker-Auer-Jirak trio can provide, the Tigers will spend much of the year in the top 10, and will be competing for another state tournament berth after falling short last year.
Writer’s note: We had Davenport West as a “team to watch”, but learned of the transfer of leading returning scorer Zach Trevino to Bettendorf following the publishing of the article. We have taken the Falcons off the teams to watch list as a result.