Five 4A Freshmen Making an Early Impact
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PG Noah Conley (Sioux City North): A 5-11 lead guard, Conley has been strong for the Stars, averaging 10.0 points, 2.9 assists, and 3.4 steals a game. He’s a quick guard with a knack for jumping passing lanes, and he…
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Continue ReadingPG Noah Conley (Sioux City North): A 5-11 lead guard, Conley has been strong for the Stars, averaging 10.0 points, 2.9 assists, and 3.4 steals a game. He’s a quick guard with a knack for jumping passing lanes, and he has proven to be a strong ball-handler and decision-maker as well. He’s at his best when he’s playing downhill and attacking the rim, but he has proven that he’s capable of knocking down an occasional jumper as well.
SF Julian Manson (Iowa City West): The son of former Iowa quarterback Jason Manson, Julian (or JuJu) is a bouncy, athletic 6-3 wing with a ton of potential on both ends of the floor. He’s averaging 6.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists for the Trojans so far this season, shooting nearly 64% from the field. A lefty who can handle it and create plays for himself and his teammates, he’s also a versatile defender with the length and quickness to defend on the perimeter, and the size and strength to bump down into the paint and hold his own.
C Sam Mbingazo Sam Mbingazo 6'10" | C Ballard | 2025 CA-N (City High): A raw, athletic 6-10 center with tremendous length, size, and athleticism, Mbingazo moved to Iowa City shortly before the school year started and has been an impact player early for the Little Hawks, averaging 8.0 points and 5.0 rebounds a game. A bouncy big man oozing with potential, Mbingazo currently plays his grassroots ball on the EYBL circuit with Team Thad, but we’ll see if he makes a switch after moving to Iowa.
CG Jayden McGregory (Des Moines North): An athletic 6-1 combo guard, McGregory has provided a real spark for the Polar Bears this season, helping send them into the holiday break on a two-game winning streak. He’s averaging a team-high 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.7 steals a game, each of which leads the team. He’s a tremendous athlete who uses that bounce to dominate on the glass, and he’s an aggressive, attacking guard who can break down a defense and get to the bucket seemingly at will.
C Tevin Schultz Tevin Schultz 6'7" | PF Dubuque Senior | 2026 State IA (Dubuque Senior): The 6-7 big man has been a force in the painted area for the Rams early this season, averaging 10.3 points and 3.5 rebounds on 60% shooting. He’s a throwback, back-to-the-basket big with good hands, great footwork, and touch around the rim. He has shown the ability to step out and occasionally stretch the floor, and as he continues to get stronger and gain more varsity experience, he should be a strong interior defensive presence as well. He’ll be near the top of the initial 2026 rankings when those are released during the summer.