Conference Preview: CIML

The Teams   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/69-Carson-Johnson.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/69-Carson-Johnson-300x200.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1290467"/></a></figure>   Ankeny (19-5, 60.3% of scoring returning): A young Hawks team may have been a year ahead of schedule last season, racking up 19 wins and a state tournament appearance, dropping a heartbreaker to Johnston in the quarterfinals by just two points. Two of their top four scorers last season were sophomores, and in all, four of the top six scorers return. They're led by the junior tandem of wing [player_tooltip player_id='1171676' first='Lio' last='Aguirre'] (10.6) and guard [player_tooltip player_id='1171660' first='Carson' last='Johnson'] (9.9). Aguirre is a tough, physical wing with a good feel for the game and the ability to get to the rim or create shots for others, while the oft-injured Johnson is the straw that stirs the drink for this attack. He's a gifted ball-handler and passer who can really shoot it at a high level from the arc. He's battled injuries throughout the last two years, but produces at a high level on both ends of the floor when he's on the court. Senior forwards [player_tooltip player_id='1167709' first='JJ' last='Kohl'] (10.3) and [player_tooltip player_id='1230688' first='Karson' last='Wehde'] (6.9) are the other key returnees for the Hawks. Kohl, an Iowa State football commit, is a mobile big man with great hands, soft touch, and excellent court vision, and Wehde is an athletic wing defender who can bump down and bang in the paint as well. The X-factor for this group could be junior [player_tooltip player_id='1476989' first='Joel' last='Mpore'] (3.0), an athletic forward who can rebound and defend multiple positions. Ankeny generally is able to go pretty deep into their bench, and I expect that to remain the same this year with a number of new pieces stepping into the rotation alongside the four main returnees.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/06/Reece-Robinson-crop-2938x1929-1624118547.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/06/Reece-Robinson-crop-2938x1929-1624118547-300x197.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1219141"/></a></figure>   Centennial (12-10, 47.6%): The top three scorers from last year's team graduated, but the next five from the rotation return, giving the Jaguars a solid quintet to build around. Included in that quintet are a trio of juniors that we really like in forwards [player_tooltip player_id='1171675' first='Reece' last='Robinson'] (9.7, 6.5 rebounds) and [player_tooltip player_id='1256299' first='Chase' last='Schutty'] (3.8, 4.3 rebounds) and point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1288923' first='Luke' last='Winkel'] (6.5, 40.4 3P%). Robinson is an athletic 6-7 forward who provides versatility and rim protection on the defensive end and he just keeps improving. Schutty is a physical forward who can control the glass, and Winkel was really productive after getting into the starting lineup last year. Role players [player_tooltip player_id='1240076' first='Evan' last='Bryan'] (4.2), Easton Pratt (4.0), and [player_tooltip player_id='1240066' first='Drew' last='Schreurs'] (2.8) are solid pieces who understand their role and play hard. Life will be tough in this loaded conference, but this is going to be a team that nobody wants to see in their substate grouping come February.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/86-Andrew-Mauro.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/86-Andrew-Mauro-300x200.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1290490"/></a></figure>   Dowling Catholic (9-15, 48.5%): Leading scorer [player_tooltip player_id='1288853' first='Andrew' last='Mauro'] (13.3) returns to headline the Maroons, coming off a strong junior year in which he showed that he can score from all three levels. The bad news is that the next three scorers from last year's group graduated, taking a lot of size and athleticism in the paint with them. Look for Dowling to be a little more perimeter-oriented this year with junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1378073' first='Joey' last='Coppola'] (4.3) stepping into a larger role alongside Mauro in the backcourt. Coppola is a heady lead guard who can get to the bucket, get others involved, and defend on the perimeter. He's coming off a strong summer with a really good [program_tooltip program_id='2268289' first='Iowa' last='Battlers'] team. [player_tooltip player_id='1469824' first='Davis' last='Scheck'] (7.1), the team's top perimeter shooting threat last season, is the other key returnee for this group. Dowling is always going to have some athletic pieces who can rebound and defend on the interior, but they may struggle at times to keep up with some of the high-powered offensive teams in the conference. Nonetheless, this is going to be the type of physical team that you won't want to be grouped with in February.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/Sam-Tornabane-crop-3226x2118-1652902088.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/Sam-Tornabane-crop-3226x2118-1652902088-300x197.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1459319"/></a></figure>   Johnston (21-4, 30.1%): The Dragons have finished runner-up in back-to-back years, and while that may not be in the cards this year, this is still a program filled with quality players that is going to be extremely competitive in this league. The top three scorers from last year's team graduated, taking a ton of production with them, but four players who saw significant time return in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1240090' first='Nathan' last='Ruisch'] (6.9) and [player_tooltip player_id='1469513' first='Samuel' last='Tornabane'] (6.4) and juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1171674' first='Jacob' last='Simpson'] (4.0) and [player_tooltip player_id='1376676' first='Taye' last='Proctor'] (2.8). Tornabane is an intriguing player at 6-6 with a ton of length. He shoots it at a really high level from the arc and is a dynamic rim protector. Ruisch and Simpson provide some physicality in the paint, and Proctor is an athletic wing defender. Guard play will be a question heading into the season, but Johnston always has players in the system ready to step into bigger roles, and they will no doubt have someone ready to take over.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/Lincoln-Cantrall-crop-3226x2118-1652902000.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/Lincoln-Cantrall-crop-3226x2118-1652902000-300x197.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1459316"/></a></figure>   Southeast Polk (7-16, 98.5%): The Rams lost just 18 points from last year's roster to graduation, and all of that experience that this really young team gained last year should be a major benefit this season. They got more and more competitive as the season progressed, playing some really good teams to tight games down the stretch. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1167719' first='Riley' last='Edwards'] (19.0) had a breakout junior year, establishing himself as a big-time three-level scorer with some size. He also led the team in assists last season, showing some playmaking skills. [player_tooltip player_id='1367397' first='Lincoln' last='Cantrall'] (8.8, 43.7 3P%) is one of the best shooters in the state, and he's 6-7 to boot, which means that he's a really difficult matchup. Look for sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1587368' first='Bode' last='Goodman'] (7.7), who had some really good moments as a freshman, to take another step this year and emerge as a strong second or third scoring threat. The major question for this group will be whether or not [player_tooltip player_id='1367393' first='Kadyn' last='Proctor'] (9.8, 7.3 rebounds), future Iowa left tackle, plays or not. He provides much-needed size and physicality in the paint, and if he's not going to play basketball this winter, that will be a significant blow to this team that needs help on the glass.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/Grant-Uecker-crop-3226x2118-1652914685.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/Grant-Uecker-crop-3226x2118-1652914685-300x197.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1459563"/></a></figure>   Urbandale (13-11, 71.0%): The J-Hawks reached the substate final last season, losing to Northwest with the trip to the state tournament on the line. This was a young team that got better and better as the year progressed, going 7-4 down the stretch with only a 12-point loss to Northwest coming by more than three points. They bring back a pair of double-figure scorers in the backcourt in junior [player_tooltip player_id='1172912' first='Grant' last='Uecker'] (11.0, 43.9 3P%) and senior [player_tooltip player_id='1367409' first='Brice' last='Lange'] (10.5, 36.6 3P%), which gives them a pair of guards who can play on or off the ball and knock down shots at a high clip. Jack Craig (6.3) was a strong role player last season, scoring inside and out, and senior forward Kai Black (5.9, 5.0 rebounds), an Iowa State football commit, provides length, athleticism, and physicality. The J-Hawks got an added bonus with the addition via transfer of [player_tooltip player_id='1476942' first='Brevin' last='Phillips'] from Johnston. Phillips is a physical forward who can control the glass, pass out of the post, and score around the bucket. He would've been a solid piece for the Dragons and will be a nice addition to Urbandale's roster. With the strong guard play and shot making the J-Hawks have returning, they should compete in this loaded conference on a nightly basis.   Valley (20-4, 40.6%): The Tigers lost a lot of production from a team that was playing fantastic basketball down the stretch last season, but they have the best 2025 class in the state ready to take over the reins. The tandem of point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1381422' first='Curtis' last='Stinson Jr'] (9.5) and wing [player_tooltip player_id='1381407' first='Kiki' last='Deng'] (6.8) are ready to step into starring roles as sophomores. Stinson, the son of the former Iowa State standout of the same name, is already one of the top two-way guards in the state. He's strong, athletic, and has an elite understanding of the game. He defends at a high level, gets others involved, and gets to the rim routinely. Deng is an athletic, slashing wing who can score from all three levels and defend on the perimeter. Two other 2025s could be ready to contribute this season in big man [player_tooltip player_id='1759895' first='Trevin' last='Jirak'] and guard [player_tooltip player_id='1288899' first='Xzavion' last='Robinson']. Neither played varsity ball last year, but are really talented pieces who can step in and contribute immediately. [player_tooltip player_id='1288925' first='Trevian' last='Carson'] (6.0) was a major contributor last year and will provide some much-needed senior leadership. He's a really talented passer and versatile defender. While 60% of last year's scoring is gone, the strength of the 2025 class and the return of Carson, in addition to being the biggest school in the state, filled with other pieces ready to step in, Valley should remain a major player not just in this league but in 4A as a whole.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/03/Omaha-BIliew-crop-2786x1829-1615434200-crop-533x350-1615434218.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/03/Omaha-BIliew-crop-2786x1829-1615434200-crop-533x350-1615434218-300x197.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1148396"/></a></figure>   Waukee (14-11, 99.8%): All but three points from last year's roster return for the Warriors, who exceeded expectations last season by winning 14 games with a roster that had no varsity experience heading into the season. So they were already going to be considered a legitimate contender within the league and in 4A. Then they re-added [player_tooltip player_id='956447' first='Omaha' last='Biliew'] to the roster and expectations have now skyrocketed for this group. Biliew spent his sophomore season at Waukee, helping lead the Warriors to the state championship, then spent his junior year at Link Academy (MO). He's now back at Waukee, and the five-star prospect who is ranked within the top-10 by most recruiting services, is ready to dominate. He really took his offensive game to another level during his year at Link, and his ability to dominate games on both ends of the floor will be unrivaled in the state. He'll join a group that gained a ton of valuable experience last season and will be led by big man [player_tooltip player_id='1167685' first='Vance' last='Peiffer'] (12.2, 6.7 rebounds) and guard [player_tooltip player_id='1288872' first='Cade' last='Littlefield'] (11.0, 49.4 3P%). Both were excellent last season for the Warriors and they play really well together. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1171683' first='Mason' last='Costello'] (9.0) has a ton of potential on the offensive end, and six other players who averaged at least 3.3 points a game last year are back as well. The Warriors also added [player_tooltip player_id='1240075' first='Skyler' last='Yazzie'] via transfer from Van Meter, who averaged 9.1 points and shot 37% from deep, and they expect freshman big man Evan Jacobsen to contribute as well, meaning this group could easily go 12-deep this season. That type of depth will allow them to play fast and apply all sorts of pressure on the defensive end, knowing they'll have plenty of reinforcements ready to come in.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/Pryce-Sandfort-crop-591x388-1640894408.png"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/Pryce-Sandfort-crop-591x388-1640894408-300x197.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1356612"/></a><figcaption>Photo: Sean Bock <a href="https://247sports.com/player/pryce-sandfort-46097292/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">247Sports</a></figcaption></figure>   Waukee Northwest (20-5, 95.4%): In their first year as a school the Wolves rolled to 20 wins and spent a majority of the season ranked within the top 3 in 4A. They bring back nearly everything from that team and will open the year ranked #1 by us in the class. [player_tooltip player_id='956868' first='Pryce' last='Sandfort'] (26.6, 10.3 rebounds) is the headliner, but this team will be able to go deep into their bench with talented scoring threats. Sandfort, an Iowa commit, is the frontrunner for Mr. Basketball and is one of the most dominant two-way players we've seen in Iowa in several years. His ability to shoot it, put it on the floor, and defend multiple positions provides Northwest with so much versatility. He's joined by a pair of double-figure scorers in [player_tooltip player_id='956887' first='Cade' last='Kelderman'] (16.0, 43.4 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1240092' first='Henry' last='Manning'] (10.9, 38.2 3P%) as well as junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1376673' first='Grant' last='Tigges'] (8.8, 44.8 3P%). When you pair that trio with Sandfort, you have a quartet of players who can shoot over 40% from behind the arc, and the Wolves' ability to torch teams from deep can turn competitive games into laughers in a hurry. Look for sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='1381421' first='Nitish' last='Sankaranthi'] (1.5) to step into a bigger role this season after spending most of last year with the sophomore team. He holds an offer from South Dakota State and is a long, versatile defender. Northwest is loaded.     Projected Order of Finish   1. Northwest 2. Waukee 3. Valley 4. Ankeny 5. Centennial 6. Johnston 7. Urbandale 8. Southeast Polk 9. Dowling Catholic   Analysis: This league is going to be an absolute war all year long, with four teams ranked within the top-five in 4A to open the year by us (Northwest 1, Waukee 2, Valley 4, Ankeny 5). Clearly all four of those teams are viable state tournament teams, while Centennial, Johnston, Urbandale, and Southeast Polk could also make deep postseason runs if things break their way. There won't be any easy games in this conference.     Preseason Player of the Year   2023 [player_tooltip player_id='956868' first='Pryce' last='Sandfort'], Waukee Northwest: Sandfort is the best player on the team that we expect to be the best in 4A this season. He's a dominant three-level scorer who can also control games on the defensive end with his length. He could put together one of the most impressive stat lines we've seen this season.     Players to Watch   2023 [player_tooltip player_id='956868' first='Pryce' last='Sandfort'] (Northwest) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='956887' first='Cade' last='Kelderman'] (Northwest) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1240092' first='Henry' last='Manning'] (Northwest) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1376673' first='Grant' last='Tigges'] (Northwest) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381421' first='Nitish' last='Sankaranthi'] (Northwest) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='956447' first='Omaha' last='Biliew'] (Waukee) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1167685' first='Vance' last='Peiffer'] (Waukee) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1288872' first='Cade' last='Littlefield'] (Waukee) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171683' first='Mason' last='Costello'] (Waukee) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381422' first='Curtis' last='Stinson Jr'] (Valley) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381407' first='Kiki' last='Deng'] (Valley) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1167719' first='Riley' last='Edwards'] (Southeast Polk) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1367397' first='Lincoln' last='Cantrall'] (Southeast Polk) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1367393' first='Kadyn' last='Proctor'] (Southeast Polk) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171676' first='Lio' last='Aguirre'] (Ankeny) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171660' first='Carson' last='Johnson'] (Ankeny) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1167709' first='JJ' last='Kohl'] (Ankeny) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1288853' first='Andrew' last='Mauro'] (Dowling Catholic) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1172912' first='Grant' last='Uecker'] (Urbandale) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1469513' first='Samuel' last='Tornabane'] (Johnston) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1240090' first='Nathan' last='Ruisch'] (Johnston)

The Teams