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. 

How well do these rankings predict what may happen over the course of the coming season? Well, of the 32 state tournament qualifying teams last year, we had 17 ranked in the top 10 in their respective classes, and another eight written about in the “others to monitor” sections. Two top-ranked teams (North Linn in 1A and Ames in 4A) won state championships, while #2 Dallas Center-Grimes took home the title in 3A. We were most successful in Class 4A, with five of our top seven teams making the state tournament, as well as two other “watch list” teams. Further, over the last five years, teams ranked #1 to open the year have reached the state semifinals at a 75% clip, and played for a state championship at a 60% rate. So, while this isn’t the definitive list of how teams are going to perform this year, it’s certainly a good thing to find yourselves near the top of these initial rankings.

Below you’ll find our top 10 for Class 4A, along with some other teams that could make some noise, as well as a brief summary of why each team is in their respective spot. Enjoy.

1.) Waukee Northwest (State qualifier, 20-5 last year, 95.4% of scoring returning)

The Wolves had a real chance at making history last year, spending a majority of the season ranked within the top-3 in the class in just their first year as a school. Led by dynamic wing Pryce Sandfort Pryce Sandfort 6'7" | SF Waukee Northwest | 2023 State #123 Nation IA (26.6), they were seen as a legitimate threat to Ames last season, and with the top five scorers from that group returning, they enter the season as the hunted team in 4A. Sandfort put together an incredible junior year, averaging 10.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.9 blocks a game with ridiculous 53-41-89 shooting splits and has committed to play his college ball with older brother Payton at Iowa. A lanky 6-7 wing with handles, he shoots it at a ridiculous clip, creates his own shot, and protects the rim. He’s the most dynamic player in the state and could put together a statistical season that is among the best the state has ever seen as a senior. He’s far from alone, however, with a pair of other double-figure scorers returning in senior guards Cade Kelderman Cade Kelderman 6'0" | PG Waukee Northwest | 2023 State IA (16.0, 43.4 3P%, 5.4 assists) and Henry Manning Henry Manning 6'1" | SG Waukee | 2023 State IA (10.9, 38.2 3P%), as well as junior guard Grant Tigges Grant Tigges 6'4" | SG Waukee Northwest | 2024 State IA (8.8, 44.8 3P%). As is evident by looking at those 3-point percentages, this group is filled with elite shooting threats to put alongside Sandfort, and despite having a dominant scoring threat, they do a really good job sharing the ball and limiting turnovers. Look for sophomore wing Nitish Sankaranthi Nitish Sankaranthi 6'7" | SF Waukee Northwest | 2025 State IA (1.5) to step into a bigger role this year after spending a majority of last season playing on the sophomore team. He’s another long and mobile wing who can provide some length and defensive versatility on the perimeter. This was one of the best teams in the state last year, and they bring nearly everyone back from that group. It makes all the sense in the world to peg them #1 to open the season.

2.) Waukee (14-11 last year, 99.8% of scoring returning)

Waukee was already going to be considered a top-10 team in the state heading into next year after the way they played, especially down the stretch, last season. A team that had no varsity experience put together a 14-win year in the loaded CIML and lost just three total points from that roster. Then, they added Omaha Biliew and expectations skyrocketed. Biliew spent his sophomore year at Waukee, helping lead the Warriors to the state title, before heading off to Link Academy (MO) for his junior season. He’s back in Iowa and back at Waukee, which really raises the potential for this group. Biliew is a five-star prospect who has committed to play his college ball at Iowa State, and is the type of athlete that is rarely seen within our state. Adding him to this group defensively really raises their potential, and he has really worked hard to improve his offensive game since people saw him as a sophomore, turning into a solid all-around scoring threat. The senior tandem of returnees in big man Vance Peiffer Vance Peiffer 6'7" | C Waukee | 2023 State IA (12.2, 6.7 rebounds) and guard Cade Littlefield Cade Littlefield 6'1" Waukee | 2023 IA (11.0, 49.4 3P%) were great last season as juniors in their first significant varsity time, and junior wing Mason Costello Mason Costello 6'3" | SG Waukee | 2024 State IA (9.0) is oozing with offensive potential. Six other players who averaged at least 3.3 points a game return to go with Peiffer, Littlefield, and Costello, so this group should easily be able to go 10 deep this season. That type of depth will allow them to do all sorts of things on both ends of the floor. Mark your calendars for December 6 and January 20, the two dates that Northwest and Waukee will meet during the regular season, because those are going to be must-see games.

3.) Kennedy (State semifinalist, 21-4 last year, 55.7% of scoring returning)

There’s a very strong argument to be made that the Cougars will have the best backcourt in 4A this season, with seniors Colby Dolphin Colby Dolphin 5'10" | PG Kennedy | 2023 State IA (14.0) and Kenzie Reed Kenzie Reed 5'11" | PG Kennedy | 2023 State IA (12.9), junior Cyrus Courtney Cyrus Courtney 6'1" | SG Kennedy | 2024 State IA (7.6), and sophomore Trey McKowen Trey McKowen 5'11" | PG Kennedy | 2025 State IA . And, as we know, guard play wins a lot of games in high school basketball. Dolphin and Reed have both been major varsity contributors for years now and that type of senior leadership on both ends is invaluable, while Courtney is a special athlete on the perimeter who provides length, explosive athleticism, and on-ball defense. McKowen is coming off a strong freshman season playing with the Cougars’ sophomore team and a good summer with Martin Brothers, and the son of Coach Jon McKowen is a high IQ guard who will assimilate well with this group, sliding into whatever role is needed. The Cougars will also add wing Trevan Krumrei Trevan Krumrei 6'5" | SF Kennedy | 2024 State IA to their lineup this season following his transfer from Linn-Mar. A long wing who can score from all three levels, Krumrei has a chance to have some big games alongside the dynamic guards who will be able to get him some open looks. McKowen is one of the best coaches in the state, and Kennedy always has a slew of talented pieces that he can throw at you who will buy into their roles. This group is going to defend, and they have elite guard play, which makes them very dangerous. This is the team to beat in eastern Iowa.

4.) Valley (20-4 last year, 40.6% of scoring returning)

Perhaps no team in the state was playing better basketball heading into the postseason last year than Valley, who won 13 straight games heading into the playoffs. They dropped a three-point game to Cedar Falls in the substate final in a game that featured a pair of teams that probably should have been playing in Des Moines. The Tigers lost a lot of production off of that group, but BJ Windhorst has arguably the best 2025 class in the state at his disposal, headlined by Curtis Stinson Jr Curtis Stinson Jr 6'4" | PG Valley | 2025 State IA . (9.5) and Kiki Deng Kiki Deng 6'4" | SG Valley | 2025 State IA (6.8). Stinson started all but one game as a freshman, while Deng was a reliable bench scorer who is ready to step into a bigger role. Stinson is already one of the best two-way guards in the state, a physical, high IQ guard who can defend, facilitate, and get tot he bucket. Deng is an athletic, slashing wing who can score in bunches with his ability to shoot it or get to the rim. The other 2025 who could become a contributor this year is Xzavion Robinson Xzavion Robinson 6'1" | PG Valley | 2025 State IA , who didn’t play varsity ball last year, but provides more quickness and athleticism in the backcourt. Treivan Carson (6.0) was a major contributor last season, especially following the injury to Eli Raridon, giving them an experienced playmaker who can occasionally knock down jumpers and use his physicality to get to the rim. A lot of rotation pieces need to be replaced, but the biggest school in the state always has a number of players ready to step into bigger roles, and the Stinson-Deng duo could emerge as one of the top in the state this season as just sophomores, they’re that talented.

5.) Ankeny (State qualifier, 19-5 last year, 60.3% of scoring returning)

The Hawks may have been a year ahead of schedule last year, winning 19 games, including an impressive win over Northwest, and qualifying for the state tournament where they lost a heartbreaker by two to Johnston. Two of the team’s top four scorers were sophomores last year, and in all, four of the top six return from that group. Junior wing Lio Aguirre Lio Aguirre 6'3" | SF Ankeny | 2024 State IA (10.6) and guard Carson Johnson Carson Johnson 6'0" | PG Ankeny | 2024 State IA (9.9) and seniors JJ Kohl JJ Kohl 6'8" | PF Ankeny | 2023 IA (10.3) and Karson Wehde Karson Wehde 6'4" | SG Ankeny | 2023 State IA (6.9) are the key returnees for this group. Aguirre is a physical wing who can get to the rim seemingly at will, Johnson is a dynamic playmaking guard who can really shoot it and get others involved; Kohl is a mobile big man with excellent hands, rim protection, and some passing skills, and Wehde is an athletic wing defender with physicality. Look for increased production out of junior forward Joel Mpore Joel Mpore 6'4" | PF Ankeny | 2024 State IA (3.0), who is a good athlete who can rebound and defend. This is a team that usually is able to go pretty deep into their bench, and I expect that to remain the same this season with new faces stepping into key roles alongside the four major returnees.

6.) Cedar Falls (State qualifier, 20-3 last year, 48.1% of scoring returning)

The Tigers have been the most accomplished team in eastern Iowa over the last handful of years, winning 21.3 games a year over the last seven. They’ve had a remarkable run of talent come through the school during that run, and despite the loss of Trey Campbell, now playing at Northern Iowa, the run of talent continues. They’ll be led by senior wing Dallas Bear Dallas Bear 6'8" | SF Cedar Falls | 2023 State #276 Nation IA (14.1), a knockdown shooter with elite size (6-8) and length. He recently committed to play his college ball at Augustana (SD), and is a much better shooter than he showed last year, when he shot 33.5% from behind the arc. Despite what should be even more attempts from deep, he should see his percentages get back up closer to the 40ish-percent shooter that he is. Junior combo forward Cade Courbat Cade Courbat 6'8" | PF Cedar Falls | 2024 State #120 Nation IA (6.6, 2.3 blocks) is an impressive athlete who can defend multiple positions and his offensive game came a long way throughout the summer with Martin Brothers. Look for him to have a breakout junior year as a two-way threat. Derek Woods (4.0) was a solid role player, and look for sophomore point guard Anthony Galvin Anthony Galvin 5'11" | PG Cedar Falls | 2025 State IA (3.4) to emerge as a reliable perimeter option for the Tigers. Ryan Schultz has built up a fantastic program at all levels, and there will certainly be some new pieces who are ready to step in alongside all of the returnees. If Bear can turn into the elite scoring threat that we think he can be, and Courbat can take his offensive game up another level, the Tigers will be a real threat to win it all.

7.) Indianola (17-5 last year, 87.5% of scoring returning)

After the holiday break last year, the Indians were one of the most dominant teams in the state, regardless of class. They went 14-2 after the break with an eye-popping +16.4 point differential, including a 30-point win over 3A champion Dallas Center-Grimes. They went cold in their substate semifinal loss to Urbandale, and some may point to the fact that they play in the Little Hawkeye Conference, largely filled with 3A teams, as a contributing factor. But the Indians went 3-2 against CIML teams during the year, including a very impressive 22-point road win over Waukee late in the season, so we’re leaning more towards just a cold shooting night as opposed to the “step up” in competition. A huge senior class returns, with 10 of the top 11 scorers from last season back and ready to make a real run at the state tournament. Drew Kingery Drew Kingery 6'4" | SF Indianola | 2023 State IA (18.7), the top uncommitted player left in the state, is the headliner here. Kingery is a highly skilled 6-5 wing who can fill it up in a hurry from all three levels, but they’re able to put enough around him that the defense can’t solely focus in on him. Guard Brayden Drea Brayden Drea 5'10" | PG Indianola | 2023 State IA (11.9, 43.0 3P%) was fantastic as a secondary scorer and ball-handler following his transfer from Ankeny, and combo forward Charlie Willmott Charlie Willmott 6'4" | PF Indianola | 2023 State IA (9.5) is a highly efficient finisher around the bucket who has some range as well. Casey Glascock Casey Glascock 6'0" | PG Indianola | 2023 State IA (7.0), Dakota Heimbaugh Dakota Heimbaugh 5'9" | SG Indianola | 2023 State IA (5.6), and Brady Blake (5.6) all saw significant playing time last season, and this team is going to be very, very deep with scoring options. After averaging 67.5 points a game last year, expect to see them north of 70 with the shot clock in effect. With their variety of scoring threats, they can play with anyone, and if they can tighten things up just a bit on the defensive end, they could make some real noise. Indianola hasn’t qualified for a state tournament since 2003. That drought has a real chance at ending this year.

8.) Pleasant Valley (22-1 last year, 44.5% of scoring returning)

The Spartans ran off 22 straight wins to open last season before falling to Burlington in the substate championship, going ice cold (29.8 FG%) in the upset loss. Many around the state are curious to see how this program adjusts to the adaptation of the shot clock, as PV has been notorious for playing low-scoring games with long, grueling offensive possessions that make opposing teams really work on the defensive end. Count me as someone who thinks that they’ll adjust just fine and continue to rattle off a ton of wins throughout the season. The loss of Ryan Dolphin is certainly a significant one, but senior guard Connor Borbeck Connor Borbeck 6'2" | SG Pleasant Valley | 2023 State IA (13.5, 37.4 3P%) returns, giving them a reliable 3-point shooting threat and three-level scorer and playmaker. He looks primed to step into the primary scoring role for the Spartans. Junior guard Coy Kipper Coy Kipper 5'8" | PG Pleasant Valley | 2024 State IA (2.7) didn’t put up big numbers last season but is a reliable ball-handler, decision-maker, and defender who put together a strong summer with the Iowa Mavericks, as did fellow junior guard Caden Rubel Caden Rubel 5'9" | PG Pleasant Valley | 2024 State IA . Another key piece of PV’s 2024 class, David Gorsline David Gorsline 6'2" | SG Pleasant Valley | 2024 State IA (6.2, 7.0 rebounds) is an undersized, but highly physical and athletic forward who dominates the glass and is a strong defender. Look for senior wing Aaron Trelstad Aaron Trelstad 6'3" | SG Pleasant Valley | 2023 State IA (2.3) to step into a bigger role this season as well. Pleasant Valley wins a ton of games every year, and while the adjustment to a quicker pace of play will be interesting to watch, it’s something that many MAC schools will need to contend with. And the thing that routinely separates the Spartans from the rest of the league is the incredible defense that they play. That will continue, this is still the team to beat in the MAC, and a real state tournament contender.

9.) Sioux City East (16-6 last year, 68.4% of scoring returning)

Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln has grabbed control of the Missouri River Conference for the last three years, but it appears as though it may be time for East to regain control of the conference that they’ve largely dominated over the last few decades. The Black Raiders love to play fast, and should have no issues whatsoever adjusting to the adaptation of the shot clock. They lose leading scorer Bie Ruei to graduation but bring back the next three scorers, and five of the top seven return in total. They’re led by a trio of seniors in Preston Dobbs Preston Dobbs 6'5" | SF Sioux City East | 2023 State IA (12.1, 38.6 3P%), Cole Ritchie Cole Ritchie 6'2" | SG Sioux City East | 2023 State IA (10.5), and Brandt Van Dyke Brandt Van Dyke 6'8" | PF Sioux City East | 2023 State IA (9.9), who will give them plenty of scoring. Dobbs emerged as a reliable 3-point shooting threat and all-around scorer. Ritchie is a solid forward who does a good job pounding the offensive glass, and Van Dyke is one of the more uniquely talented players in the conference, a big 6-7 wing who can score from all three levels, create for others, and defend multiple positions. Kelynn Jacobsen (6.5, 5.2 rebounds) gives them some additional size, and senior Sam Jons (5.6, 63.4 FG%) was very effective as a bench scorer last year. The Black Raiders are always going to win plenty of games, averaging 19.6 wins a year during the QuikStats/Bound era (last 16 seasons), and this will be no exception. Will they have the firepower and defensive chops to get by the Des Moines schools come postseason play and reach Des Moines? That remains the question.

10.) Cedar Rapids Washington (13-10 last year, 86.2% of scoring returning)

A strong 2023 class at Washington has been building for this year for the last three seasons, progressively getting a little bit better on both ends of the floor. The top four scorers return from last year’s group that reached the substate championship game, eventually losing to crosstown rival Kennedy. They’re led by senior wing Traijan Sain Traijan Sain 6'5" | SF Cedar Rapids Washington | 2023 State IA (17.1, 6.3 rebounds), a skilled, athletic perimeter threat who has gained more confidence in his game each year. He’s always been extremely talented, but he really started to put everything together last year, emerging as a dominant scorer who has gained a lot of confidence in his jumper. At 6-5 and with serious length, he could be one of the best two-way players in the class this year. Fellow seniors, guards Jesse Sellers Jesse Sellers 5'10" | PG Cedar Rapids Washington | 2023 State IA (11.4) and Jaden Harris Jaden Harris 6'0" | PG Cedar Rapids Washington | 2023 State IA (6.9) provide some quickness and playmaking on the perimeter next to Sain, while JJ Willis JJ Willis 6'3" | PF Cedar Rapids Washington | 2024 State IA (6.6) is a solid combo forward who can score a little bit both inside and out. They were dealt a bit of a blow when Willie Hodges Willie Hodges 6'2" | PG Aplington-Parkersburg | 2024 State IA transferred to Aplington-Parkersburg, as he was a solid secondary ball-handler, but they have enough talent in the backcourt to offset that loss. Look for increased production out of role players Bryce Brim (2.8) and Stephen Cain (2.6) this season as well. Sain is the star, and this is a program that has been building for this year for a while now. It’s time to put everything together.

Ten more to watch

Bettendorf (9-13 last year, 70.9% of scoring returning)

The Bulldogs had eight losses by single digits last season, including four which came by four or fewer points. With three of their top four scorers returning from that group, they should be able to turn some of those narrow losses into wins this year. Junior wing Caden Wilkins Caden Wilkins 6'7" | SG Bettendorf | 2024 State #69 Nation IA (16.1) is the top-ranked player in the state in the 2024 class, a big and versatile 6-6 scoring wing who is coming off a stellar summer with the Iowa Barnstormers. He’s picking up big-time high-major interest because of his remarkable feel for the game and effortless ability to score from anywhere. Look for Wilkins to have a breakout junior year and firmly establish himself as one of the elite prospects in the state and around the Midwest. Senior guard Jaden Tyler Jaden Tyler 6'1" | SG Bettendorf | 2023 State IA (6.8) provides some additional scoring out of the backcourt, but the player we’re really excited about is junior forward Asher Wade Asher Wade 6'7" | C Bettendorf | 2024 State IA (5.5), who played with Wilkins on the Barnstormers and had a great spring and summer as a two-way big who controlled the glass and the painted area. Role players Cameron Figgs (4.9), Spencer Del Vecchio (1.9), and Hyson Bey-Buie (1.9) also return with some experience. Wilkins is the headliner here, and is good enough to make this group competitive on a nightly basis. If Wade makes the leap that we expect, and a few role players can knock down shots to take a bit of pressure off of Wilkins, this group could rise to the top of the MAC and be a state tournament contender.

Centennial (12-10 last year, 47.6% of scoring returning)

The Jaguars lost their top three scorers from last year’s team, but bring back the next five rotation pieces from that group, including a trio of juniors that we are particularly high on in forwards Reece Robinson Reece Robinson 6'7" | SF Centennial | 2024 OH (9.7, 6.5 rebounds) and Chase Schutty Chase Schutty 6'4" | PF Centennial | 2024 State IA (3.8, 4.3 rebounds) and point guard Luke Winkel Luke Winkel 6'1" | PG Ankeny Centennial | 2024 State IA (6.5, 40.4 3P%). Winkel stepped into the starting lineup for the Jags fairly early on last season and played really, showing that he can knock down shots, get others involved, and get to the rim while also limiting turnovers. Robinson is a big, 6-7 forward with athleticism, length, and a ton of versatility on both ends of the floor. He looks primed to have a breakout junior year, and if he takes that big leap that we expect, this group could be really dangerous. Seniors Evan Bryan Evan Bryan 6'3" | SF Centennial | 2023 State IA (4.2), Easton Pratt (4.0), and Drew Schreurs Drew Schreurs 6'1" | PG Centennial | 2023 State IA (2.8) are solid, experienced role players, and Centennial will always have a slew of kids ready to step into new roles. Bob Fontana should have this group competing in the CIML again this year despite losing three double-figure scorers.

Iowa City West (13-9 last year, 48.8% of scoring returning)

It was the tale of two seasons last year for the Trojans, who got off to a strong 9-2 start, including wins in their first seven games. During those first 11 tilts, they posted a +6.8 point differential. Then they stumbled down the stretch, going 4-7 in their final 11 games, including just 1-6 in their last seven. In those final 11 games, they posted a -3.3 point differential. The offense really struggled in the second half of the year, dropping by nearly 11 points a game. The injury to Savion Taylor Savion Taylor 6'4" | SF The Burlington School | 2024 State NC was a major part of the downfall. Taylor was shooting the lights out (50.0 3P%) prior to his season-ending injury, and unfortunately for the Trojans, he won’t be around this year after his dad Billy Taylor took the head coaching job at Elon. That leaves sophomore forward Jack McCaffery Jack McCaffery 6'8" | SF Iowa City West | 2025 State IA (9.9) as the team’s top returning scorer. McCaffery got off to a really good start to his high school career, then hit a bit of a wall during the middle of the season, as should be expected. But he’s big, skilled, and is coming off a good summer with D1 Minnesota, and should be ready to step into a primary scoring role for this group. Junior guard Jacob Koch Jacob Koch 6'1" | PG Iowa City West | 2024 State IA (8.6, 40.4 3P%) showed a lot of potential as a playmaker and shooter last season, and look for junior wing Kareem Earl Kareem Earl 6'5" | SF Iowa City West | 2024 State #123 Nation IA (8.2) to have a bounceback year after a down sophomore season by his standards. If Taylor was back for this group, they’d easily open the year in the top 10. They’ll need to prove it this year, but the talent is there.

Johnston (State runner-up, 21-4 last year, 30.1% of scoring returning)

Coming off back-to-back state runner-up finishes, there are going to be a lot of new faces taking the floor this year for the Dragons, but they are bringing enough back for us to expect them to remain competitive in the loaded CIML. The top three scorers graduated, butt he next four return in seniors Nathan Ruisch Nathan Ruisch 6'4" | SF Johnston | 2023 State IA (6.9) and Samuel Tornabane Samuel Tornabane 6'6" | PF Johnston | 2023 State IA (6.4), and juniors Jacob Simpson Jacob Simpson 6'5" | SF Johnston | 2024 State IA (4.0) and Taye Proctor Taye Proctor 6'0" | SG Johnston | 2024 State IA (2.8), which will give them a solid quartet to build around heading into this season. In the 6-4 Ruisch, 6-6 Tornabane, and 6-5 Simpson, they should have some solid size to throw at opposing teams. Ruisch (42.0 3P%) and Tornabane (42.1 3P%) both showed themselves to be reliable 3-point shooting threats as well last season, which is a major boost given the size that they can provide. Tornabane is coming off a good summer with Pure Prep in which he showcased his shooting and rim protection at a high level, and his unique blend of size, length, shooting, and shot blocking will make him one of the most valuable players in the CIML this year. Guard play will be a question for the Dragons heading into the year following the graduations of Trey Lewis, Steven Kramer, and Masen Ryan, but this is one of the best programs in the state and they’ll find new pieces to plug in without a doubt.

Liberty (10-13 last year, 79.4% of scoring returning)

It was a season of ups-and-downs last year for the Lightning, getting off to a very slow 1-6 start before going on an impressive 8-2 run that included quality wins over Linn-Mar (twice), Wahlert, Wilton, and Iowa City West. They stubbed their toes a bit down the stretch, dropping four straight to end the regular season before beating Davenport Central to open postseason play, and falling to Cedar Rapids Washington in the substate semifinals. With their top three scorers, and six of their top seven, returning, Ryan Kelly should have his best team to date at Liberty. The standout is senior guard Da’Shon Fisher Da’Shon Fisher 6'2" | SG Liberty | 2023 IA (17.4), an athletic freak who is an absolute terror when he’s playing downhill and getting to the rim. He’s a threat to dunk on anyone, and he has steadily improved his stroke, turning into a good mid-range shooter and a better 3-point threat. Luke Ramsey Luke Ramsey 5'11" | SG Liberty | 2023 State IA (8.0) emerged as a solid secondary scorer last season, and the addition of wing Christian Barney Christian Barney 6'3" | SF Liberty | 2023 IA (5.5), who moved from Cedar Falls before the start of last year, provided the Lightning with some additional athleticism and versatility on both ends of the floor. Look for a major leap forward from junior big man Gage Kampman Gage Kampman 6'7" | PF Iowa City Liberty | 2024 State IA (4.5, 1.4 blocks), who is coming off a strong summer with the Barnstormers. He’s a long, athletic rim protector who should make this group better defensively, and expect to see junior wings Trey Hughes Trey Hughes 6'2" | SG Liberty | 2024 State IA (5.1) and Graham Beckman Graham Beckman 6'2" | SF Liberty | 2024 State IA (4.7) to become bigger parts of the offense as well. This team gained a lot of valuable experience last year, and showed that they can play with just about anyone. With everything they have coming back, and a star, go-to scorer in Fisher, they’ll be a threat to make it to the state tournament for the first time in program history.

Norwalk (12-11 last year, 79.9% of scoring returning)

By virtue of their location and the fact that they play in a 3A-heavy league, the Warriors are always going to be at a bit of a disadvantage come postseason play, being paired with a lot of the Des Moines-area powers. But they hung with a Johnston team that finished runner-up in the state in the substate semifinals and they’ll bring back six of the top seven from that group. Junior guard Redek Born Redek Born 6'3" | PG Norwalk | 2024 State IA (13.2), younger brother of former Mr. Basketball Bowen Born, led the team in scoring and assists last season and looks like he’s ready to take another jump up as a junior. He’s bigger than his older brother and uses that bigger frame to his advantage, taking smaller defenders into the paint for finishes, and he’s improving his perimeter stroke. Senior forward Braeden Carlson Braeden Carlson 6'4" | SF Norwalk | 2023 State IA (12.9, 7.3 rebounds) is an active forward with good hands who provides some versatility on the defensive end, and senior Landon Edwards Landon Edwards 6'5" | PF Norwalk | 2023 State IA (2.0) should step into a bigger role as an athletic, rim-running big. Look for increased production out of junior guard Aidan Harder Aidan Harder 6'3" | SG Norwalk | 2024 State IA (7.2), who is coming off a solid spring and summer as a three-level scorer. If he can emerge as a reliable secondary perimeter scoring option, that would be a big boost for Born and the team as a whole. Norwalk had a young group last year, but they gained a lot of valuable experience that will be big for them this season.

Prairie (State semifinalist, 18-7 last year, 27.0% of scoring returning)

The Hawks were a surprising semifinalist last year, using a stout defense and strong guard play to breeze through their substate and then knock off Cedar Falls in the quarterfinals before eventually falling to Johnston in the semis. They lose a ton of production from that group, but Jeremy Rickertsen has built up a strong program that is going to remain competitive with the way they’ll defend, rebound, and spread the ball around. Senior guard Jack Wagemester Jack Wagemester 6'1" | SG Prairie | 2023 State IA (7.2, 41.1 3P%) is the top returning scorer. He’s a long guard who will likely be tasked with more ball-handling this season for this group. He shot it well and is a high IQ player who can also defend multiple perimeter spots. Fellow senior guard Makelle Taylor Makelle Taylor 5'11" | PG Prairie | 2023 State IA (4.2) provided a spark off the bench last season with his quickness and toughness, and he’ll need to step up as a senior. Look for junior wing Reid Burkle Reid Burkle 6'5" | PF Prairie | 2024 State IA (3.8) to have a breakout year. He’s a physical, athletic wing who does a good job crashing the glass on both ends of the floor, and he should step into a much larger scoring role this season. Despite the heavy personnel losses, we have enough faith in Rickertsen and the program that he has built on the southwest side of Cedar Rapids to believe that they’re going to remain competitive in this class.

Senior (12-11 last year, 79.8% of scoring returning)

The Rams were really young last season as they bring back five of their top six scorers from that group and seven of the top nine. This group figures to be an athletic team with some serious length, which should allow them to be one of the best defensive teams in the class this season. Junior forward Jacob Williams Jacob Williams 6'4" | PF Senior | 2024 State IA (10.5) led the team in scoring and rebounding last season, a bouncy, long forward who is really developing his all-around game. Sophomore forward Jalen Johnson Jalen Johnson 6'2" | SF Senior | 2025 State IA (6.7) and senior Devonta Jackson Devonta Jackson 6'4" | PF Senior | 2023 State IA (6.2) provide some additional length and athleticism inside the arc, which could make this group really tough to score against in the paint. Johnson was very productive in stretches as a freshman, and Jackson is a solid role player who plays hard on both ends of the floor. Senior guard Hayden Jacobsmeier Hayden Jacobsmeier 6'0" | SG Senior | 2023 State IA (7.2) had an up-and-down junior year but is a talented scorer who can get to the bucket or knock down jumpers, and expect sophomore wing Josh Brauer Josh Brauer 6'4" | SF Dubuque Senior | 2025 State IA (4.2) to have a breakout year after producing as a freshman. Brauer has a lot of length and was a highly efficient (64.9 FG%) scorer last season. The X-factor for this group could be incoming freshman forward Tevin Schultz Tevin Schultz 6'7" | PF Dubuque Senior | 2026 State IA . A 6-7 big man with good footwork, hands, and touch, he could produce right away for the Rams if they put him on their varsity roster.

Southeast Polk (7-16 last year, 98.5% of scoring returning)

Another team that was really young last season, the Rams bring back their top eight scorers from last year’s team and lost just 18 total points from last year’s roster. Senior wing Riley Edwards Riley Edwards 6'3" | SG Southeast Polk | 2023 State IA (19.0) emerged as a talented three-level scoring threat last season for this team while also leading the team in assists. He had the ball in his hands a lot last year, but expect this year’s version of the Rams to be a bit more balanced, which will take some of the scoring pressure off of Edwards and allow this team to become a bit more efficient as a whole. Senior wing Lincoln Cantrall Lincoln Cantrall 6'8" | PF Southeast Polk | 2023 State IA (8.8, 43.7 3P%) is a matchup problem at 6-7 with his ability to shoot the ball. He’s coming off a great summer with Pure Prep, and he’s one of the best pure shooters in the state. Sophomore guard Bode Goodman Bode Goodman 6'0" | PG Southeast Polk | 2025 State IA (7.7) had an up-and-down freshman year, as any freshman playing in the CIML will, but there is a lot of talent here and he should shoot it at a higher clip as a sophomore. Four juniors – Jaxen Barton Jaxen Barton 6'5" | SF Southeast Polk | 2024 State IA (4.6), Connor Moberly Connor Moberly 6'4" | SF Southeast Polk | 2024 State IA (3.6), Jamari Williams (2.3), and Carson Robbins (2.0) – who saw time as role players as sophomores also return and should be strong contributors again. The question mark for this group will be senior forward Kadyn Proctor Kadyn Proctor 6'6" | PF Southeast Polk | 2023 IA (9.8, 7.3 rebounds), one of the country’s best offensive linemen prospects who has committed to play football at Iowa. We aren’t sure if he’s planning to be an early enrollee at Iowa, but if he plays basketball, he provides some much-needed size and physicality for this group in the paint. Regardless of Proctor’s status, however, SEP should be improved with all of the experience they have coming back. This is going to be a team that nobody will want to see in their substate grouping come February.

Urbandale (13-11 last year, 60.6% of scoring returning)

The J-Hawks made it to the substate finals last year before losing to Northwest. A young team that progressively got better throughout the course of the year, they went 7-4 from January 18th on, with the aforementioned loss to Northwest (12 points) the only one by more than three points. A pair of double-figure scorers return in the backcourt in junior Grant Uecker Grant Uecker 6'2" | PG Urbandale | 2024 State IA (11.0, 43.9 3P%) and senior Brice Lange Brice Lange 5'10" | SG Urbandale | 2023 State IA (10.5, 36.6 3P%), giving them a pair of talented shooters who can both play with or without the ball in their hands. Jack Craig (6.3) was a solid role player who can score inside and out, while senior forward Kai Black (5.9, 5.0 rebounds) provides a lot of length, athleticism, and physicality in the paint. Like Proctor from SEP, Black will play major college football, heading to Iowa State. The J-Hawks were dealt a blow when returning big man Kirby Schmitz Kirby Schmitz 6'6" | C Charlotte | 2023 State FL moved out-of-state, but with the guard play that they have coming back, they should remain very competitive in the loaded CIML.