Conference Preview: Iowa Alliance

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>The Teams</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1405753,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/03/Lucas-Lueth-crop-2923x1919-1647056221.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/03/Lucas-Lueth-crop-2923x1919-1647056221-300x197.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1405753" /></a><figcaption>Lueth</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ames (23-3, 25.2% of scoring returning): </strong>The defending 4A state champs have a lot of production to replace, but the cupboard isn't bare heading into the new conference. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1167706' first='Lucas' last='Lueth'] (7.4) is arguably the most impactful defender in the state, a long 6-7 wing who can defend every spot on the floor at a high level as well as provide some shooting on the offensive end. He'll need to step into a bigger scoring role as a senior following the graduation of three double-figure scorers. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1476938' first='Jack' last='Wynter'] (3.9, 35.4 3P%) had a breakout week at the state tournament, knocking down 3 after 3, and he'll step into a primary scoring role this season, and sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1381418' first='Jamison' last='Poe'] (2.6) is small, but his quickness and feistiness on the defensive end are exactly what Vance Downs looks for. Ames will certainly take a step back this season, but the fall may not be nearly as pronounced as most around the state would expect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Des Moines East (3-19, 99.6%): </strong>Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1171694' first='Tyron' last='Wright'] (13.7, 12.7 rebounds) is a walking double-double who can control the glass and protect the paint. A 6-6 forward with great hands and athleticism, Wright's offensive game is still a work in progress, but he provides a ton of value with his domination of the glass on a nightly basis. JeCari Patton (9.9), an athletic guard who led the team in assists, and [player_tooltip player_id='1469835' first='Desante' last='McMurray'] (8.0) also return for the Scarlets, giving them a strong trio to continue building around. In all, the top 11 scorers from last year's team <em>should</em> be back for East, and they should be more competitive this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1198885,"width":300,"height":197,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/116-Elijah-Vos-1-crop-1855x1218-1621546748.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/116-Elijah-Vos-1-crop-1855x1218-1621546748-300x197.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1198885" width="300" height="197" /></a><figcaption>E. Vos</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Des Moines Hoover (16-9, 73.4%): </strong>The top three scorers return for the Huskies, who made it to the substate championship last year before losing to Ames. They're led by the dynamic one-two punch of point guard [player_tooltip player_id='956876' first='Chase' last='Henderson'] (22.6) and wing [player_tooltip player_id='956869' first='Elijah' last='Vos'] (14.6), who will be the best tandem in the conference. Henderson is a quick guard who can score from all three levels, get others involved, and create chaos on the defensive end. Vos is a big wing who can shoot it, but he's also willing to take smaller defenders onto the block for buckets. His younger brother [player_tooltip player_id='1381424' first='Abe' last='Vos'] (7.1, 45.0 3P%) had a very productive freshman season as a shooter and will be a solid third-scoring option. They'll need to find some pieces to fill in the rest of the rotation, but Henderson and the Vos boys will make them the team to beat in this new league. <em>(Writer's note: After publishing, we learned of a big transfer addition for the Huskies - Lincoln's [player_tooltip player_id='1381410' first='Markese' last='Harvey-Bell'], who will give the Huskies some additional size and rebounding in the frontcourt.)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Des Moines Lincoln (11-10, 64.8%):</strong> In juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1171658' first='Trovary' last='Cavil'] (17.1) and [player_tooltip player_id='1171699' first='Ja'Vion' last='Bell'] (11.8), the Railsplitters will have one of the best one-two tandems in the conference. Cavil is a shifty lead guard who can get to the bucket, and get others involved, and he's armed with a lethal mid-range game. He has really improved his efficiency and ball protection over the last year and looks primed to have a massive junior season. Bell is an athletic, long 6-6 forward who rebounds well on both ends of the floor and has shown an ability to put the ball on the floor on occasion and create for himself and others. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1288903' first='Deng' last='Gai'] (0.9) could provide this group with some athleticism and explosiveness on the perimeter. Lincoln probably won't push Hoover at the top of the conference, but they'll be in the mix for a runner-up finish. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1643090,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/27-Kenny-Brooks-scaled-crop-1707x1121-1666982238.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/27-Kenny-Brooks-scaled-crop-1707x1121-1666982238-300x197.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1643090" /></a><figcaption>Brooks</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Des Moines North (2-21, 98.4%): </strong>The top ten scorers return from last year's team for the Polar Bears, led by dynamic senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1367446' first='Kenny' last='Brooks'] (14.3), a quick and creative scorer who looks primed to have a big senior season. [player_tooltip player_id='1367458' first='David' last='Caulker'] (9.9, 7.1 rebounds), who has committed to play football at Iowa, gives them some much-needed size, athleticism, and physicality in the paint, and the trio of Kelvin Toe (7.9), Allen Matthews (6.7), and [player_tooltip player_id='2325327' first='Amos' last='Poe'] (6.0) provide some additional scoring punch on the perimeter. After giving up 67.7 points a game last season, improvements will need to be made on the defensive end if they want to be more consistently competitive this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Des Moines Roosevelt (7-14, 66.2%): </strong>Three of the top four scorers return for the Roughriders, led by a pair of double-figure scorers in senior wings [player_tooltip player_id='1367403' first='Jaekwon' last='Bradley'] (12.9) and [player_tooltip player_id='1167710' first='Sam' last='King'] (12.8). Bradley is an athletic, slashing wing, while King is a strong all-around playmaker who can get to the bucket, facilitate, and knock down jumpers. [player_tooltip player_id='1167697' first='George' last='Williams'] (5.9) returns to man the painted area, and look for junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1476972' first='Zahj' last='Collins'] (4.5) to have a breakout year for Roosevelt. He's a really good athlete who can score inside and out, rebound, and make plays for others. Roosevelt should be improved and may be one of the teams that benefit the most from playing in this new league.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fort Dodge (3-19, 24.9%): </strong>The bad news is that the Dodgers won just three games last season and lose 75% of their scoring from that team. The good news is that they bring back senior forward Javion Jondle (11.4), who led the team in scoring and rebounding last season as a junior. An athletic forward who rebounds well on both ends of the floor, Jondle will be asked to do a ton for this group that will be breaking in a ton of new faces. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marshalltown (11-12, 54.4%): </strong>The Bobcats lose Armonniey Thomas, who averaged nearly 22 points a game last season, but bring back the next four scorers from last year's team and should remain competitive within this conference. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1167669' first='Prince' last='Jallah'] (12.4) is an athletic wing who can defend multiple positions and get to the bucket, while the senior guard combination of [player_tooltip player_id='1167711' first='Drake' last='Kapayou'] (11.0, 38.5 3P%) and Jaxson Eisenbarth (6.0, 48.0 3P%) are a pair of flamethrowers from behind the arc who can help stretch the floor. Look for junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1476939' first='Dalen' last='Huston'] (6.3, 5.7 rebounds) to have an expanded role this season, coming off a strong summer with Pure Prep. He's a fantastic athlete who can create his own shot and dominate on the glass. With Jallah and Huston's athleticism, and Kapayou and Eisenbarth's shooting, the 'Cats will be formidable. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mason City (6-17, 40.6%):</strong> The top three scorers from last year's team graduated, leaving seniors Kale Hobart (6.3) and Malakai Johnson-Bassey (5.5) to take over for the Riverhawks. Hobart was a solid secondary ball-handler last year and should have the ball in his hands more this season. Look for junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1476943' first='Keenen' last='Wiley'] (2.1) to step into a bigger role. He'll provide some length and athleticism in the frontcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ottumwa (7-16, 33.2%): </strong>The Bulldogs have a lot of production to replace heading into the winter, with the top three scorers from last year's team graduating. Three players who saw significant time last year return in seniors Shakur Pope (5.5) and [player_tooltip player_id='1587365' first='Allen' last='Cook IV'] (4.4), and junior [player_tooltip player_id='2325471' first='Rahsha' last='Pope'] (4.3), but outside of that trio, it will be largely new faces taking the floor this season. The Pope boys are perimeter-oriented, while Cook will provide some size in the paint at 6-6. This trio will be leaned upon heavily, especially early in the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1258805,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Kewone-Jones.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Kewone-Jones-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1258805" /></a><figcaption>Jones (Credit: Sean Donohue | Echo Images)</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Waterloo East (6-15, 76.4%): </strong>The Trojans were dealt a blow when [player_tooltip player_id='1167721' first='Martez' last='Wiggley'] transferred to Aplington-Parkersburg, taking 14.4 points and 7.2 rebounds a game with him. But the good news is that the other six players who comprised the top seven last year return, led by senior combo forward [player_tooltip player_id='1167741' first='Kewone' last='Jones'] (17.4), who enjoyed a breakout junior season. He's a 6-3 scorer who can stretch the floor or score inside, and he looks primed to have a massive senior year for East. [player_tooltip player_id='1240087' first='Jamauryus' last='Bradford-Gates'] (11.1) led the team in assists and steals and provides a lot of quickness and dribble penetration ability on the perimeter, while [player_tooltip player_id='1469837' first='Jameel' last='Montgomery'] (7.5, 6.9 rebounds) and [player_tooltip player_id='1167737' first='Shakur' last='Wright'] (7.2, 5.8 rebounds) are both excellent athletes who contribute on the glass at a high level. This is a group that will be able to put a lot of athleticism on the floor and with Jones leading the charge, they could be a darkhorse pick for a top 3 finish in this conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Projected Order of Finish</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. Hoover<br>2. Ames<br>3. Lincoln <br>4. Marshalltown<br>5. Waterloo East<br>6. Roosevelt<br>7. Des Moines East<br>8. Mason City<br>9. North<br>10. Ottumwa<br>11. Fort Dodge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Analysis: </strong>Led by Henderson and Vos, the Huskies look like the team to beat in this new conference. Ames is always strong and despite the major personnel losses, they should compete on a nightly basis and there is enough talent there to stay near the top, and Lincoln, Marshalltown, East, and Roosevelt should all be competitive throughout the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1066742,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Chase-Henderson.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Chase-Henderson-300x197.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1066742" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Preseason Player of the Year</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 [player_tooltip player_id='956876' first='Chase' last='Henderson'], Hoover: </strong>A big-time scoring threat who can fill it up in a hurry from all three levels, Henderson has committed to play his college ball at Montana and will lead a Huskies team that we expect to be the best in this brand new conference, and potentially the best in Class 3A this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Players to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 [player_tooltip player_id='956876' first='Chase' last='Henderson'], Hoover<br>2023 [player_tooltip player_id='956869' first='Elijah' last='Vos'], Hoover<br>2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381424' first='Abe' last='Vos'], Hoover<br>2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1167706' first='Lucas' last='Lueth'], Ames<br>2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1476938' first='Jack' last='Wynter'], Ames<br>2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381418' first='Jamison' last='Poe'], Ames<br>2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171658' first='Trovary' last='Cavil'], Lincoln<br>2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171699' first='Ja'Vion' last='Bell'], Lincoln<br>2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1167741' first='Kewone' last='Jones'], Waterloo East<br>2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1240087' first='Jamauryus' last='Bradford-Gates'], Waterloo East<br>2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171694' first='Tyron' last='Wright'], Des Moines East<br>2024 JeCari Patton, Des Moines East<br>2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1367403' first='Jaekwon' last='Bradley'], Roosevelt<br>2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1167710' first='Sam' last='King'], Roosevelt<br>2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1167697' first='George' last='Williams'], Roosevelt<br>2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1167669' first='Prince' last='Jallah'], Marshalltown<br>2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1167711' first='Drake' last='Kapayou'], Marshalltown<br>2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1367446' first='Kenny' last='Brooks'], North<br>2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1367458' first='David' last='Caulker'], North</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->