Way Too Early Top 10: Class 1A
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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…
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Continue ReadingWith 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 22 ranked in the top 10 in their respective classes, and another six written about in the “others to monitor” sections. Teams that won state titles were ranked 3rd (Grand View Christian), 3rd (Central Lyon), 5th (Bondurant-Farrar), and 4th (Valley), and of the eight teams that participated in championship games, none were ranked lower than 5th to start the year. We were most successful in Class 1A, with each of the top six teams making it to the state tournament, as well as #8 Dunkerton and “Others to Watch” New London, meaning all eight state tournament teams were identified by us as top teams heading into last season.. Further, over the last six years, teams ranked #1 to open the year have reached the state semifinals at a 71% clip, and played for a state championship at a 57% 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 1A, 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.) North Linn (Runner-up, 26-1 last year, 61.6% of scoring returning)
We say it in this article every year, but the run of success that North Linn has been on over the last seven years is unprecedented. The Lynx have a 187-6 record during that stretch, with four of their six losses coming in state championship games. It doesn’t matter who they lose, who they bring back, if there is a Hilmer manning the point, they’re going to win, win, and then win some more. They lose a pair of big-time players from last year’s runner-up in Tate Haughenbry and Ben Wheatley, but three starters return as well as a number of key bench pieces, so we know what to expect yet again. The tandem of senior wing Ty Pflughaupt Ty Pflughaupt 6'4" | SF North Linn | 2024 State IA (15.8 points per game, 7.8 rebounds) and junior point guard Mason Bechen Mason Bechen 6'1" | PG North Linn | 2025 State IA (14.8, 47.0 3P%) will be the best one-two punch in the class. Pflughaupt is a long, 6-4 wing who can defend multiple positions, stretch the floor, block shots, control the glass, and finish in transition. He’s coming off a great summer with Iowa Prep and should be a dominant two-way player this season. Bechen is one of the best guards in the state, regardless of class. He’s quick, a decisive decision-maker, and a knockdown shooter who puts constant pressure on opposing defenses and opposing ball-handlers. Those two are far from alone, however, with Breckyn Betenbender Breckyn Betenbender 5'10" | PG North Linn | 2024 State IA (8.4, 43.8 3P%) also returning. Betenbender is a tenacious on-ball defender and flamethrower as a shooter. Drew Ries (3.3) and Jake Van Etten (3.0) return to provide some bulk in the paint, and junior guard Cole Griffith (2.3) will be a valuable rotation piece. This year’s Lynx team may be a little smaller than the last few year’s rosters have been, but they are still going to play North Linn basketball – fly around on defense, create all sorts of turnovers, score in bunches in a highly efficient manner, and win.
2.) Grand View Christian (State champion, 27-0, 36.2% of scoring returning)
The Thunder were dominant last season en route to their fourth state championship since 2017. The lose three of the top four from that group, but if there is anything we’ve learned about GVC, it’s that they’ll find a way to re-load. They will once again be big, led by junior forward Emiliano Barrantes Emiliano Barrantes 6'9" | PF Grand View Christian | 2025 State IA (12.7, 10.1 rebounds), a mobile 6-9 big man who has gotten significantly stronger over the offseason and looks primed to have a breakout junior season. Senior point-forward Noah John Noah John 6'3" | PF Grand View Christian | 2024 State IA (10.7, 8.9 rebounds), a 6-5 playmaker, figures to have the ball in his hands quite a bit this season, especially early on as they break in an entirely new backcourt. Speaking of that new backcourt, we’re not sure who those options will be following the graduations of Josh Sanderson and Frankie Chiodo. Expect Brayden Hoben Brayden Hoben 6'5" | PF Grand View Christian | 2026 State IA (4.6) to step into a bigger role after playing quality minutes off the bench as a freshman, but the other backcourt spots are currently a mystery. With Dave Stubbs leading the charge, the Thunder will be really good yet again, we just don’t know how it will look yet.
3.) Lake Mills (23-1, 75.1% of scoring returning)
Few small-school programs have enjoyed as much success as Lake Mills has over the last four years, going 96-7 during that stretch. The Bulldogs bring back all but one player who saw significant time last season, and while the loss of Denton Kingland, their top 3-point shooting threat, will be a significant one, it’s hard not to think that this group will continue to dominate the Top of Iowa Conference with everyone returning. Lance Helming Lance Helming 6'5" | PF Lake Mills | 2024 State IA (17.7, 7.1 rebounds), the latest in a long line of Helming boys who have gone through this school in recent years, is the leading returning scorer. He’s a 6-5 combo forward who can score inside and out, and he provides some defensive versatility with his length. Aiden Stensrud Aiden Stensrud 6'6" | PF Lake Mills | 2025 State IA (12.4, 10.4 rebounds) is a dominant interior scorer and rebounder who can also occasionally stretch the floor, as can younger brother, freshman Asher Stensrud, who could see some time off the bench for this group. Senior guard Eli Menke Eli Menke 6'4" | SF Lake Mills | 2024 State IA (12.2, 42.5 3P%) is a sharpshooting off-ball guard with a quick release off the catch. Logan Bacon (4.5, 5.0 assists) isn’t a big scorer, but he gets his teammates involved and protects the ball well, while Alex Mannes (3.4), Nash Delger (1.3), Kane Koch (1.3), and Keaton Wempen (1.1) all gained some valuable experience by playing against talented players in practice as well as getting some run in blowouts. Those group fell one game short of the state tournament last year in 2A, and will drop back down to 1A this year, which should be a benefit for them.
EDIT: After publishing, we learned that Lake Mills is adding point guard Jackson Gaul Jackson Gaul 6'1" | PG Lake Mills | 2025 State IA , a transfer from Crestwood. Gaul averaged 8.3 points and 6.9 assists a game as a sophomore for the Cadets and will be a valuable addition for the Bulldogs as a primary ball-handler and facilitator.
4.) Madrid (State qualifier, 22-3, 61.9% of scoring returning)
Madrid qualified for their first state tournament last season and gave North Linn a great game in the quarterfinals before eventually falling by nine points. They lost two huge contributors from that group in Kadyn Severson and Jackson Newell, but bring back three starters in Toryn Severson Toryn Severson 6'4" | SG Madrid | 2025 State IA (20.6, 49.5 FG%), Brody Buck Brody Buck 6'0" | SG Madrid | 2025 State IA (10.8), and Fabian Ortiz-Alaniz Fabian Ortiz-Alaniz 5'8" | PG Madrid | 2025 State IA (10.1), a trio of juniors who have played a ton of basketball together and have great chemistry. Severson is a high IQ wing scorer who can fill it up from all three levels in a hurry, but he’s also not a selfish player who looks to force anything, rather letting the game come to him. With his size (6-3/6-4), handles, ability to shoot it, and create for his teammates, he’ll be one of the most dynamic players in small-school basketball as a junior. Buck and Ortiz-Alaniz are both streaky but dangerous shooting threats who can also create opportunities for their teammates. The loss of Newell, who blocked more than six shots a game last season, will be a major setback on the defensive end, as he allowed the guards to take more chances on the perimeter. They’ll need to get some increased production out of players like Jake Leonard and Max Havlik if they want to make another deep postseason run, but their “Big Three” will be among the best in the class.
5.) Lynnville-Sully (22-3, 68.1% of scoring returning)
Three starters return for the Hawks, including the top two scorers from last year’s team, which suffered a heartbreaking 3-point loss to Gladbrook-Reinbeck in the substate finals, falling a game short of the state tournament. Led by the senior tandem of Klayton Van Dyke Klayton Van Dyke 6'5" | PF Lynnville-Sully | 2024 State IA (11.8, 8.3 rebounds) and Mitchell Miller Mitchell Miller 6'2" | SG Lynnville-Sully | 2024 State IA (11.6), this year’s team will have a real chance to punch a ticket to Des Moines. Van Dyke is a hyper-efficient 6-3 forward who shot nearly 69% from the floor and led the team in rebounding while also serving as a dominant rim protector, while Miller is a solid secondary playmaking guard who can score from all three levels. The straw that stirs the drink for this group is Corder Noun Harder Corder Noun Harder 5'9" | PG Lynnville-Sully | 2024 State IA (7.1, 6.3 assists), one of the best pure point guards in the class. A pass-first guard who loves to get his teammates involved, he may be asked to do a bit more scoring this season, but his biggest value is as a ball-handler and decision-maker who values possessions, posting a 3.43-1 assist-to-turnover ratio last season. Look for senior Lucas Sieck (4.5) and sophomore Dawson James (6.7) to step into bigger roles this season after being solid role players last year. The Hawks are always one of the top defensive teams in the class, and last year was no exception, allowing 42.6 points a game, 9th best in the class. Look for more of the same this year, with their quick guards being allowed to take some chances on the perimeter knowing they have Van Dyke anchoring the defense behind them. Look for another 20+ win season and a possible state tournament trip.
6.) Marquette Catholic (22-4, 75.2% of scoring returning)
The Mohawks haven’t been to the state tournament since the days of Jordan Eglseder, but after a somewhat surprising 22-win season last year, they have a real chance to break through this season and make their first trip to Des Moines since 2006. This group posted some impressive wins last season over the likes of Bellevue and Prince of Peace, and lost by just one point to New London in the substate finals. They bring back five of the top six from that group and will most certainly be hungry and eager to break through and make that trip to Des Moines. Junior combo forward Spencer Roeder Spencer Roeder 6'5" | PF Maquette Catholic | 2025 State IA (12.9) was exceptional last season, a 6-4 forward who can score inside and out. He posted 52-48-79 shooting splits and was at times dominant. Kannon Still Kannon Still 5'8" | PG Marquette Catholic | 2024 State IA (9.8), Caden Kettmann Caden Kettmann 6'4" | SG Marquette Catholic Bellevue | 2024 State IA (8.0, 7.7 rebounds), Isaac Brinker (7.4), and Jacob Litterer (4.1) all return with significant experience, and Bryce Sieverding (3.9), Eli Scott (3.3), and Aidan Clausen (3.2) each saw a good amount of run with the number of blowouts the Mohawks were involved in. Kettmann is coming off a really good summer with DBCA on both ends of the floor and is arguably the team’s most important player with the athleticism he provides in addition to his versatility on the defensive end. This is an experienced group that was probably a year ahead of schedule last year. How will they adjust to being the “hunted” team this season?
7.) Remsen, St. Mary’s (State semifinalist, 23-3, 32.4% of scoring returning)
St. Mary’s has reached the point where we don’t care what they’re bringing back, we know they’re going to be competitive. The Hawks have reached the state tournament in seven consecutive seasons, and were a massive North Linn comeback away from playing for a state championship last year. So, despite the fact that only one starter returns, we expect to see this group playing for a chance to get to Des Moines yet again. Junior forward Collin Homan Collin Homan 6'5" | PF Remsen, St. Mary's | 2025 State IA (14.6, 8.2 rebounds) was dominant last season as an interior scorer and rebounder, and is the anchor of a defense that is always going to be good. Sam Schmillen Sam Schmillen 6'7" | SF Remsen St. Mary's | 2025 State IA (4.0) is the only other returnee with significant experience and will be leaned on to provide some perimeter scoring punch. Co-head coaches Justin and Scott Ruden have done a great job building up this program and making them a dominant defensive unit on an annual basis. Look for them to do the same this season, using the great athletes that come through this school to bully teams and frustrate them on the defensive end of the floor en route to dozens more wins and a potential eighth consecutive trip to Des Moines.
8.) West Fork (17-5, 85.3% of scoring returning)
With the top four scorers returning for the Warhawks, you could probably make an argument for them to be a bit higher than #8 here. They’ll be led by a dynamic tandem of guards in Cayde Eberling (16.4) and Sage Suntken Sage Suntken 6'0" | CG West Fork | 2024 State IA (14.5, 39.9 3P%). Both are big scorers, but they complement each other well and are also both capable ball-handlers and playmakers. Eberling does more of his damage by getting to the rim and with his mid-range game, while Suntken is the bigger perimeter threat. Gavin Cronk (8.2) and Edison Maske (7.8) are both returning starters as well and solid role players alongside Eberling and Suntken. A possible X-factor for this group could be junior forward Cannen Vold (1.6), who saw limited action last season, but if he’s able to step into a bigger role this season, that would be huge for this group. He’s a 6-4/6-5 forward who would provide some needed size, rebounding, and rim protection. This group will need to do a better job protecting the ball after turning it over 17 times a game last season, an area that was certainly an issue in their postseason loss to North Union.
9.) WACO (21-2, 53.3% of scoring returning)
In senior guard Hunter Hughes Hunter Hughes 6'3" | PG WACO | 2024 State IA (15.6, 42.2 3P%), the Warriors have one of the most overlooked players in 1A basketball. Hughes is a fantastic three-level scorer who can score in bunches, but also does so efficiently, posting 52-42-67 shooting splits last season. He’s also a fantastic playmaker who led the team in assists, and a lockdown defender on the perimeter. WACO used their size and athleticism to finish first in scoring defense in the class last season, allowing just 36.1 points a game. Some of that can certainly be attributed to the division they play in, but they still held ten opponents to 30 points or less last season, a remarkable feat in the shot clock era. While Hughes is the headliner, senior forward Colton Leichty (9.3), who was second on the team in scoring last season, also returns, giving them an efficient interior scorer who can also occasionally step out and stretch the floor. The Warriors have posted 20+ win seasons in three of the last four years, and will have a real chance to make that four out of five.
10.) Winfield-Mt. Union (19-5, 87.3% of scoring returning)
The Wolves have a pair of Division I football players on their roster in seniors Cam Buffington Cam Buffington 6'2" | PF Winfield-Mt. Union | 2024 State IA (19.7, 9.5 rebounds; Iowa) and Abram Edwards Abram Edwards 6'5" | PF Winfield-Mt. Union | 2024 State IA (11.1, 9.5 rebounds; Army), giving them a pair of dynamic athletes who can change games on either end of the floor in the blink of an eye. Buffington in particular is a special athlete with big, broad shoulders and the type of physicality that would make Charles Oakley proud. He’s a tough player to stop once he’s within five feet of the rim, and he’s also a dynamic athlete on the break who loves to finish above the rim. Jake Edwards Jake Edwards 6'3" | PG Winfield-Mt. Union | 2025 State IA (7.7, 4.0 assists), Abram’s younger brother, is the team’s primary ball-handler, a reliable facilitator who is getting more comfortable as a scoring threat as well. The Wolves were excellent defensively last season, allowing just 40.5 points a game, and with the athleticism and physicality they have, that shouldn’t change. They’ll need to shoot it better from both the arc (31.3%) and the free-throw line (52.7%) if they want to make serious noise, but there is plenty of talent here.
Ten more to watch
Ankeny Christian Academy (16-7, 86.5% of scoring returning)
ACA has been one of the most consistent programs in 1A basketball during the QuikStats/Bound era, averaging 17.9 wins a year over the last 17 seasons. That said, they haven’t had a 20+ win season in the last three years, a fact that should change this winter. The top three, and nine of the top 10, scorers return from last year’s 16-win team, led by senior combo forward Cade Wierck Cade Wierck 6'6" | PF Ankeny Christian | 2024 State IA (13.5, 8.1 rebounds), a 6-6 offensive weapon who can score inside and out. Eli Christensen (9.4, 3.1 assists) and Brody Hoefle (7.6, 4.0 assists), a pair of senior guards, give them a veteran presence in the backcourt and a pair of reliable ball-handlers. Playing the Bluegrass Conference doesn’t test them much, but they’ve done a much better job in the last few years stepping out and finding quality non-conference games to help prepare them for postseason play. With Wierck, Christensen, and Hoefle leading the way, a tradition-rich ACA program should once again be a factor in 1A.
Boyden-Hull (9-14, 71.9% of scoring returning)
A largely new-look Comets team struggled at times last season, especially before the holiday break, taking a 1-5 record into the new year. They used those two weeks of practices to get much better, and played nearly .500 basketball after the break. Sophomore guard Carter Kleinwolterink Carter Kleinwolterink 6'0" | PG Boyden-Hull | 2026 State IA (13.2) led the team in nearly every major category last season as a freshman and will be the headliner, but in all the top four scorers return for the Comets, giving them a solid quartet to build around. Kleinwolterink will be asked to do a big chunk of the scoring and ball-handling, but Blake Moser (8.5), Nate Van Otterloo (8.3), and Eric Milles (5.9), a trio of seniors, will provide some veteran leadership and experience. Look for Boyden-Hull to get back to being very competitive in the Siouxland, and the drop back down to 1A will be beneficial for them come postseason play.
Central City (15-10, 83.1% of scoring returning)
The Wildcats struggled against the best competition on their schedule last season, but handily took care of business in the games they were “supposed” to win. They bring back three double-figure scorers from that group in junior Matthew Klostermann Matthew Klostermann 5'10" | PG Central City | 2025 State IA (15.0, 4.6 assists) and seniors Mekhi Benton Mekhi Benton 6'3" | PF Central City | 2024 State IA (15.0) and Aiden Klostermann (10.4), so there is some hope that they can become more competitive against the better teams on the schedule in addition to continuing to take care of the teams that they are more talented than. The younger Klostermann brother led the team in scoring and assists, while Aiden is the team’s top perimeter shooting threat, knocking down over 40% of his 3-point attempts as a junior. 6-4 forward Mekhi Benton Mekhi Benton 6'3" | PF Central City | 2024 State IA is a potential matchup problem with his ability to score inside and out, and he provides some versatility and athleticism on the defensive end. They’ll need players like Daiton Price (2.9) and Jayden Hanson (2.4) to step into bigger roles this season, but the Klostermann-Klostermann-Benton trio will be among the best in the Tri-Rivers and should win them plenty of games.
Coon Rapids-Bayard (14-10, 76.7% of scoring returning)
In 6-5 sophomore wing Cal Heydon Cal Heydon 6'4" | SF Coon Rapids-Bayard | 2026 State IA (20.2, 7.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists), the Crusaders have a player who has already established himself as one of the best players in 1A basketball. A do-it-all wing with great size and a tremendous feel for the game, Heydon will continue to put up monster numbers for a Coon Rapids team that also brings back double-figure scorer Cade Behrens (11.9) and four other role players from last year’s team. Lance Clayburg will be a significant loss in the paint, a physically imposing forward who led the team in rebounding and was second in scoring, but Heydon should excel, Behrens is a quality player, and they bring back plenty of experience alongside that tandem.
Exira-EHK (19-5, 59.6% of scoring returning)
Senior guards Cash Emgarten (15.2) and Aiden Flathers (11.3, 40.2 3P%) will pair up to give the Spartans one of the best backcourts in southwest Iowa, and that will make this group dangerous. This is a program that has enjoyed a strong run of success over the last decade or so, with a number of talented athletes coming through. They are always going to play solid defense, share the ball, and pound the glass on both ends of the floor. They’ll need to replace a trio of valued players who graduated, but Jackson Radcliff (6.4) and Quintinn White (4.3) were both solid role players as a junior last season and should be ready to step into bigger roles as seniors. This will be a veteran team with a strong, experienced backcourt, and you know they are going to find some more athletes to fill in some of the holes.
George-Little Rock (11-11, 78.2% of scoring returning)
The Mustangs make the move from the Siouxland to the War Eagle Conference this winter, a league that should be a much better fit for them and give them an opportunity to be immediately successful. The top four scorers from last year’s team return, led by 6-4 forward Drew Denekas Drew Denekas 6'2" | PF George-Little Rock | 2024 State IA (13.2, 10.2 rebounds). He’s a strong, physical forward who can finish around the bucket and pound the glass on both ends of the floor. Charlie Hamilton (6.1, 5.3 rebounds), another 6-4 forward, gives the ‘Stangs some additional size in the paint, while Isaiah Johnson (7.1, 3.6 assists) and Matt Helkenn (6.7) provide some perimeter scoring. G-LR was overmatched routinely in the Siouxland against bigger schools, but the conference affiliation change should be beneficial for them.
Keota (21-4, 88.8% of scoring returning)
Three double-figure scorers return for the Eagles in seniors Sawyer Stout Sawyer Stout 5'10" | SG Keota | 2024 State IA (18.0), Cole Kindred (12.3, 5.1 assists), and Evan Vittetoe (11.6, 7.5 rebounds), as well as junior Billie Kindred (6.8, 8.0 rebounds), giving them a formidable quartet of experienced players to continue building around. Stout is a dynamic scorer who takes a ton of 3s (196 attempts last season), and if he can improve his efficiency even marginally, this team could be really dangerous in postseason play. Kindred is a reliable ball-handler and decision-maker, and Vittetoe and the younger Kindred give them some size and rebounding. The Eagles aren’t tested very often in conference play, winning all 11 games against divisional foes last year by an average of 25.9 points a game. And that fact does hurt them come postseason play. Nonetheless, this is an experienced group with some proven scoring threats and good balance. If they get a good draw in February, they could make some noise.
Notre Dame (17-6, 48.6% of scoring returning)
The Nikes lost their leading scorer from last year’s team, but bring back the next two, and three of the top five overall. Senior wing Liam Delaney (13.2) and guard Gedi Boal Gedi Boal 5'11" | PG Notre Dame | 2024 State IA (8.4, 3.7 assists) give them a solid foundation to build upon, and Spencer Brent (6.3) was a significant piece in their rotation last season as well. Look for sophomore guard Shay Stephens Shay Stephens 6'2" | PG Burlington Notre Dame | 2026 State IA (3.2, 39.4 3P%) to step into a much larger role following a productive freshman season. He can knock down shots from the arc and is another reliable ball-handler who can get his teammates involved. Outside of a down 2021-22 season (8-15), Notre Dame hasn’t won fewer than 14 games in the QuikStats/Bound era (dating back 17 years), and that shouldn’t change this year. They have three reliable guards and will always have good athletes coming through.
Prince of Peace (17-7, 58.9% of scoring returning)
A pair of double-figure scorers return for an Irish team that was better than expected last season. Junior Hakeal Powell Hakeal Powell 5'11" | SG Prince Of Peace | 2025 State IA (17.5) and senior Jhikeith McGraw (12.2) will give them one of the best backcourt duos in the class and should win this group plenty of games. Powell is an athletic, slashing guard who can get to the bucket routinely, and the Powell/McGraw tandem are both viable playmaking threats who see the floor well. They’ll need to find some perimeter shooting to go with them, but this group should be pretty athletic and strong defensively.
Woodbine (16-7, 91.7% of scoring returning)
The Tigers were led in scoring last season by two sophomores – Carter Gruver Carter Gruver 5'10" | PG Woodbine | 2025 State IA (18.8, 4.6 assists) and Carson Kelley Carson Kelley 6'3" | PF Woodbine | 2025 State IA (9.6), and two freshmen – Brodyn Pryor (9.4) and Jax Pryor Jax Pryor 6'3" | PF Woodbine | 2026 State IA (4.9). Against the top-notch teams on their schedule (West Harrison, Exira-EHK, East Mills), they struggled, as most young teams do, but there is clearly significant talent here to win 16 games with four underclassmen leading the way. Gruver is the team’s best two-way player, a quick guard who can get to the rim for finishes or set his teammates up, while Kelley and Jax Pryor Jax Pryor 6'3" | PF Woodbine | 2026 State IA are the interior options and the top rebounders. This is a team that didn’t shoot it very well from the arc last season (29.5%), an area that could limit their ceiling, but they lost just one player off of last year’s roster, so there is a ton of experience back and they should be better equipped to handle the tougher competition on the schedule this winter.