Conference Preview: CIML

The Teams   Ankeny (9-15, 71.5% of scoring returning): The top two, and four of the top six, return for the Hawks, who had an up-and-down season last year. They posted really strong wins over Ames, Waukee, and Dallas Center-Grimes, but going through the loaded CIML got the best of them over the course of the regular season. They'll look for more consistency this season, led by their senior backcourt of [player_tooltip player_id='1171660' first='Carson' last='Johnson'] (15.0, 42.0 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1171676' first='Lio' last='Aguirre'] (14.3). Johnson is a quick, skilled guard who is a fantastic ball-handler and shooter, while Aguirre is a physical wing who can bully his way to the rim for finishes. Both are quality scorers and playmakers who can play with or without the ball in their hands. [player_tooltip player_id='1751178' first='Cash' last='Schoolen'] (5.5, 4.5 rebounds) and [player_tooltip player_id='1751177' first='Devon' last='Akers'] (4.0, 4.5 rebounds) aren't major scoring threats, but they understand their roles and play them well. Both are good athletes who can defend multiple positions and control the glass. Look for sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='1977422' first='Rio' last='Aguirre'], Lio's younger brother, to step into a big role this season as well after a great summer. He's a versatile scoring threat and knockdown shooter. This group can contend for a top-3 finish in the league, and if you can finish in the top 3 in the CIML, you're good enough to contend for a state title.   Centennial (16-8, 59.8%): The Jaguars qualified for the state tournament last season and will be a threat to make it to Wells Fargo again this season behind the strength of senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1288923' first='Luke' last='Winkel'] (16.8), who has established himself as one of the best pure scoring guards in the state. He's an electric offensive weapon who can score from all three levels as well as create for his teammates. Fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='1751094' first='Nick' last='Vaske'] (9.1, 37.1 3P%) gives them some perimeter shooting and is a reliable secondary ball-handler. The Winkel-Vaske tandem will be one of the best backcourts in the state and should win this group plenty of games. [player_tooltip player_id='1256299' first='Chase' last='Schutty'] (5.0, 6.8 rebounds) and Connor Welch (2.5) are the other key returnees for this group, who will need to find some new role players to step up, but the Winkel-Vaske-Schutty trio is a great place to start building. This group is always good defensively and that should be the case again, and if you have a great backcourt and play good defense, you'll always be a threat.   Dowling Catholic (10-13, 46.9%): The Maroons lost two of their top three scorers, but bring back a trio of experienced seniors who give them a good foundation to build around this season. Point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1378073' first='Joey' last='Coppola'] (10.3) is the top returning scorer. He battled injuries throughout the summer, but he's a quick, smart guard who can score from all three levels and take over games as a facilitator. Wings [player_tooltip player_id='1171671' first='Ryan' last='Kleppe'] (6.0) and [player_tooltip player_id='1476967' first='Ridik' last='Meton'] (5.9) are versatile scorers as well, and both of them are able to create their own shots and power their way to the rim for finishes. There will be some questions about the perimeter shooting for this group (29.9 3P% last season), as they lost their top shooting threat from a team that didn't shoot it well from deep, but they'll be tough, physical, and defensive-minded again. They'll be a team that nobody wants to see in their substate when those groups are released.   Johnston (11-12, 55.0%): New head coach Courtney Henderson, coming over from Hoover, will have a stable of athletes at his disposal when he takes the sidelines for the Dragons this winter. Henderson, who is one of the best defensive coaches in the state, has to be excited about what he'll be able to do on that end of the floor with the athletes he'll have. Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1381420' first='Jalen' last='Richardson'] (11.3) is the top returnee, leading the team in scoring and rebounding last season. He's a long, athletic wing who can defend multiple positions and score from all three levels efficiently. [player_tooltip player_id='1376676' first='Taye' last='Proctor'] (9.2) and [player_tooltip player_id='1592892' first='Prestige' last='Taylor'] (7.5) are a pair of athletic, quick guards who play great on-ball defense and are able to put pressure on opposing teams with their quickness on the offensive end. The Dragons will also get a boost from the addition of two transfers - [player_tooltip player_id='1171658' first='Trovary' last='Cavil'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1476939' first='Dalen' last='Huston'] - coming over from Des Moines Lincoln and Marshalltown, respectively. Cavil averaged over 21 points a game at Lincoln in addition to over 6 assists. He's a quick guard who can score from all three levels, and he's one of the best ball-handlers in the state. Huston is a freak athlete who loves to play above the rim, and he'll provide some additional versatility on the defensive end. He averaged 14.4 points and 8.3 rebounds a game for the Bobcats as a junior, and he should complement Richardson, Proctor, Taylor, and Cavil well. If they're able to get increased production out of junior big man [player_tooltip player_id='1484411' first='Carter' last='Loney'] (1.7), they could be a sleeper team to win the league.   Southeast Polk (9-15, 54.8%): Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1587368' first='Bode' last='Goodman'] (15.5) led the Rams in scoring last season and returns to lead the charge this season. He looks like he's ready to have a huge breakout year, improving as an all-around offensive weapon who can attack the rim, create for his teammates, and shoot it from anywhere past halfcourt. He has also really improved as a defender and should be leaned upon to be a stopper on that end of the floor for this group. Senior forwards [player_tooltip player_id='1476966' first='Jaxen' last='Barton'] (4.9, 6.0 rebounds) and [player_tooltip player_id='1376682' first='Connor' last='Moberly'] (4.4, 6.2) aren't big scorers, but they are physical and athletic forwards who can control the glass, and expect to see increased production out of senior forward Jamari Williams, who gives them some additional athleticism in the painted area. The backcourt spots alongside Goodman could be a question mark heading into the year, but Goodman should be one of the better players in the league, and they'll have quality role players around him.   Urbandale (10-14, 43.7%): Two of the top three scorers return for the J-Hawks in senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1172912' first='Grant' last='Uecker'] (11.6) and forward [player_tooltip player_id='1476942' first='Brevin' last='Phillips'] (8.6), giving Urbandale a solid tandem to build around. Uecker is a talented shooter both off the dribble and the catch and he thrives in ball screen action. He plays really well with Phillips, who he plays summer ball with, and that two-man game should be very effective this season. The J-Hawks will get an added boost from the transfer of [player_tooltip player_id='1587372' first='Calvin' last='Flood'] from Waukee. Flood is a skilled shooter who can help space the floor and allow more room for Uecker and Phillips to operate. They have also added [player_tooltip player_id='1476989' first='Joel' last='Mpore'] from Ankeny to the roster via transfer. Mpore missed last season with an injury, but if he's back to his normal self, he's an athletic slasher who can provide some versatility on the defensive end of the floor as well. The J-Hawks probably lack the depth to compete consistently with the top-level teams in the league, but they'll almost certainly pick off a few teams that they aren't "supposed" to beat, and like Dowling, will be a team that you don't want to see in your substate, because there is enough talent and shooting on the roster to get hot on any given night.   Valley (21-5, 78.4%): Five of the top six scorers return for the Tigers, including each of the top four, from a team that rolled through the state tournament and delivered a state championship in dominant fashion. Sophomores accounted for 67 of the 75 points scored in that championship game, and Valley's 2025 class is one of the best graduating classes of talent that we've ever seen at one school. They're led by the perimeter trio of [player_tooltip player_id='1381422' first='Curtis' last='Stinson Jr'] (13.1), [player_tooltip player_id='1288899' first='Xzavion' last='Robinson'] (12.6), and [player_tooltip player_id='1381407' first='Kiki' last='Deng'] (10.1), who are each capable of taking over and dominating games on any given night. Big man [player_tooltip player_id='1759895' first='Trevin' last='Jirak'] (9.9, 7.3 rebounds) and off-ball guard [player_tooltip player_id='1759897' first='Kyle' last='Cason'] (6.4, 39.1 3P%) are also juniors who can contribute in major ways. All five complement each other really well and have a ton of experience playing together. [player_tooltip player_id='1759899' first='Marcus' last='McGregor'] (2.3) is another part of that loaded 2025 class and gives them some additional size and toughness in the paint. They added [player_tooltip player_id='1765532' first='Jayden' last='McGregory'], a Des Moines North transfer, to the roster as well. He's an athletic wing who averaged nearly 15 points a game as a freshman, and he'll pair well with Stinson, Robinson, and Deng on the perimeter, giving them additional length and athleticism. The one question for this group will be the health of Robinson, who underwent shoulder surgery and is missing the football season. If he isn't able to play, this is still the team to beat in the conference and in the state, but if he is able to suit up, this team is going to be extremely difficult to beat.   Waukee (23-3, 26.5%): It will be a new look for the Warriors this season, with four of their top five scorers graduated, but there is still a lot of talent in this program and they should be a factor again. [player_tooltip player_id='1171683' first='Mason' last='Costello'] (8.6, 4.0 assists) is the lone returning starter from last year's semifinalist team. He's a talented 6-3/6-4 wing who impressed last season as a playmaker. Largely known for his scoring prowess prior to last year, it was his court vision and passing that really stood out as a junior. Role players [player_tooltip player_id='1171657' first='Keysean' last='Moore'] (3.3), [player_tooltip player_id='1476941' first='Deion' last='Kinnetz-Jenkins'] (2.7), and [player_tooltip player_id='1476990' first='Jaden' last='Rogers'] (2.4) return on the perimeter after seeing spotty playing time last season, but each of them are good athletes who can do a little bit of everything. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1476969' first='Owen' last='Schipper'] (2.0) is another who saw inconsistent time last season, but he had a really good summer and should be able to step into a major role as a senior. He has good size at 6-7 and can stretch the floor. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1765524' first='Evan' last='Jacobson'] is one of the best players in the 2026 class and should be a major player for this group this season, and fellow sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='1978110' first='Jaishon' last='White'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1978118' first='Ryder' last='Knapp'], as well as juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2230501' first='Jacob' last='Attleson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1874780' first='Ian' last='Samples'], could be role players as well this season. This group is largely inexperienced, and may take some lumps early on, but there is a lot of talent here and they'll compete.   Waukee Northwest (23-3, 28.5%): The Wolves, runners-up last season, lost Pryce Sandfort and Cade Kelderman to graduation, which are obviously significant losses. So while this team may not be quite as dynamic offensively as they were last season, they, like their crosstown rivals, will still compete as there is still a ton of talent in the program. They have a little more experience coming back in [player_tooltip player_id='1376673' first='Grant' last='Tigges'] (11.1, 47.9 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1751176' first='Andrew' last='Cose'] (5.1, 48.2 3P%), a pair of elite shooting threats who can really shoot it off the catch. Look for junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2204886' first='Mateo' last='Dzolota'], a standout at the Top 250 Expo in September, to step into a significant role this season. He's a dynamic, playmaking guard with great handles and excellent court vision. [player_tooltip player_id='1381421' first='Nitish' last='Sankaranthi'] (2.3) is a long wing with upside, and senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2325550' first='Sandro' last='Bilic'] and guard [player_tooltip player_id='1288864' first='Luke' last='Hart'] could be quality role players as well. This group is loaded with talent in the 2026 class in [player_tooltip player_id='1643192' first='Landon' last='Davis'], [player_tooltip player_id='1978099' first='Colin' last='Rice'], [player_tooltip player_id='2055726' first='Tyson' last='Davis'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1973559' first='Jackson' last='Davis'] (the latter two are twin brothers), each of whom could play a role this season. Tigges should be one of the best players in the league, and if Dzolota is as good as I think he can be, this group will be a threat in the league.   Projected Order of Finish   1. Valley 2. Centennial 3. Johnston 4. Waukee Northwest 5. Ankeny 6. Waukee 7. Urbandale 8. Southeast Polk 9. Dowling Catholic   Analysis: Valley is a clear favorite in the loaded CIML, with or without Robinson in the lineup, but it will never be easy in this league. Top-to-bottom, these are all teams that are capable of making a postseason run and reaching the state tournament. (Seriously, I have Dowling finishing last here, but if I were to rank all 48 4A schools, they would probably be in the 16-20 range. That's how good this league is.) It should be another fantastic year in the CIML, with competitive games every night.   Preseason Player of the Year   2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381422' first='Curtis' last='Stinson Jr'] (Valley): The Tigers are not only the team to beat in the CIML, but around the state, and Stinson is their most important piece. A dominant two-way player who can control the game on either end with his size, physicality, and IQ, he should have a huge junior year for the Tigers, looking to help them repeat as state champions.   Players to Watch   2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381422' first='Curtis' last='Stinson Jr'] (Valley) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1288899' first='Xzavion' last='Robinson'] (Valley) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381407' first='Kiki' last='Deng'] (Valley) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759895' first='Trevin' last='Jirak'] (Valley) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1288923' first='Luke' last='Winkel'] (Centennial) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1751094' first='Nick' last='Vaske'] (Centennial) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171660' first='Carson' last='Johnson'] (Ankeny) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171676' first='Lio' last='Aguirre'] (Ankeny) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1977422' first='Rio' last='Aguirre'] (Ankeny) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171658' first='Trovary' last='Cavil'] (Johnston) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381420' first='Jalen' last='Richardson'] (Johnston) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1476939' first='Dalen' last='Huston'] (Johnston) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1376676' first='Taye' last='Proctor'] (Johnston) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1587368' first='Bode' last='Goodman'] (Southeast Polk) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1376673' first='Grant' last='Tigges'] (Waukee Northwest) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1643192' first='Landon' last='Davis'] (Waukee Northwest) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381421' first='Nitish' last='Sankaranthi'] (Waukee Northwest) 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2204886' first='Mateo' last='Dzolota'] (Waukee Northwest) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171683' first='Mason' last='Costello'] (Waukee) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1476969' first='Owen' last='Schipper'] (Waukee) 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765524' first='Evan' last='Jacobson'] (Waukee) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1172912' first='Grant' last='Uecker'] (Urbandale) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1476942' first='Brevin' last='Phillips'] (Urbandale) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1378073' first='Joey' last='Coppola'] (Dowling Catholic)

The Teams