Way Too Early Top 10: Class 1A

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 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 17 ranked in the top 10 in their respective classes, and another 10 written about in the “Others to Watch” sections. Teams that won state titles were ranked 1st (North Linn), 2nd (Western Christian), 3rd (Assumption), and 1st (Valley), and of the eight teams that participated in championship games, none were ranked lower than 6th (Marquette Catholic, Hudson) to start the year. We were most successful in Class 3A, with all eight teams written about to start the year (2, 3, 4, 7, and four in the “Others to Watch”) reaching the state tournament. Further, over the last seven years, teams ranked #1 to open the year have reached the state semifinals at a 68% 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 (State champions, 26-1 last year, 51.4% of scoring returning)

It will be the beginning of a new era in Troy Mills, as perhaps the most shocking news of the offseason was delivered in the middle of May when future Hall of Famer Mike Hilmer announced his resignation, taking the superintendent job for the Belleuve Community School District and creating a gapping hole on the sidelines for the Lynx. What Hilmer has turned North Linn’s program into cannot be understated, and his presence will most certainly be missed. That said, new coach Travis Griffith, who has spent years as the top assistant for Hilmer, gets to inherit a roster led by the best player in 1A basketball – senior guard Mason Bechen Mason Bechen 6'1" | PG North Linn | 2025 State IA (21.3, 5.6 assists, 3.0 steals, 51.8 FG%). Bechen is one of the most dominant two-way players in the state, regardless of class; a physical, athletic, quick guard who loves to attack the rim and play downhill, but he’s also gifted with a pure stroke out to the arc, elite court vision, and a non-stop motor. He has an innate sense of when to take over a game on either end of the floor, as he displayed throughout the Lynx’s run to the 1A title in March, and if they are going to repeat, it will be on his back. Griffith’s son, Cole Griffith Cole Griffith 5'10" | PG North Linn | 2025 State IA (6.9, 3.4 assists), is the only other returning starter for the Lynx. He’s a quick guard who can knock down shots from deep (37.6 3P%) and play strong on-ball defense. Drew Ries (6.1), Hayden Schmidt (3.3), and Cael Benesh (2.7) each saw good run last season and will step into bigger roles, and after that it will be a lot of new faces. This figures to be a smaller Lynx team than we’ve seen for the last several years. North Linn has gone an eye-popping 213-7 (a 96.8% winning percentage), with four of those seven losses coming in state title games, over their last 220 games. That run also includes three state titles. While the faces and coach are new, there is no denying what this program is, and until proven otherwise, they’re the team to beat in Class 1A.

2.) Madrid (22-3 last year, 85.9% of scoring returning)

One of the best teams in the class last season, Madrid was upset in the substate championship by Woodbine, ending what was a spectacular year that saw them post impressive wins over West Fork, Des Moines Christian, and ACGC, among others. They bring back their top three scorers from that group in seniors Toryn Severson Toryn Severson 6'4" | SG Madrid | 2025 State IA (22.6, 39.1 3P%), Brody Buck Brody Buck 6'0" | SG Madrid | 2025 State IA (17.3, 37.5 3P%), and Fabian Ortiz-Alaniz Fabian Ortiz-Alaniz 5'8" | PG Madrid | 2025 State IA (15.4, 6.5 assists, 41.5 3P%), a trio of four-year starters. Severson is a long, athletic 6-4 wing who does everything on the floor and provides a ton of versatility. He can knock down shots off the catch or the dribble, create plays off the bounce, and defend all five positions at this level. Buck and Ortiz-Alaniz are both gifted ball-handlers and playmakers who see the floor well, and both are also deadly shooters from 3-point range. That trio alone would have been good enough for the Tigers to open the season among the top 2 or 3 in the state, but then things got better with the addition of South Tama transfer Emerson Bridgewater Emerson Bridgewater 6'5" | PF Madrid | 2027 State IA , and the addition of incoming freshman Jevyn Severson Jevyn Severson 6'5" | PF Madrid | 2028 State IA . Bridgewater averaged 9.8 points and 7.4 rebounds a game as a freshman for the Trojans, and he’ll provide Madrid with an athletic rim protecting big man who can also step out and stretch the floor. The younger Severson is the next in the line of Severson boys to come through Madrid, and as good as Kadyn and Toryn have been, Jevyn could end up being the best of the bunch. He’s a physically developed freshman with the frame to add even more strength to it, and he has advanced footwork and good touch around the rim as well as some go-to post moves and counter moves. Like Bridgewater, he can also step out and stretch the floor on occasion. Madrid will be able to put five players on the floor who could average 15 points a game, and their balance and experience will make them one of the elite teams in the class.

3.) Woodbine (State qualifier, 23-3 last year, 96.6% of scoring returning)

The Tigers put together their most successful season of the Bound era (dating back to 2006-07) last year, winning more than 16 games for the first time in that stretch and giving eventual champion North Linn a good game for three quarters. They bring back their top five scorers from that group and should be considered a serious threat to not only make a return trip to Des Moines, but to make some real noise when they get there. Senior guard Carter Gruver Carter Gruver 5'10" | PG Woodbine | 2025 State IA (20.2, 4.6 assists) led the team in scoring, assists, and steals last season and is the piece that makes the engine run for Woodbine. He’s a quick, athletic guard who loves to play downhill and attack the rim, and his dribble penetrating ability puts constant pressure on opposing defenses. The potential headliner of this group, however, is super sophomore Landon Blum Landon Blum 6'5" | SG Woodbine | 2027 State IA (13.4), who is a spectacular athlete on the wing with good size and length at 6-4/6-5. He’s garnering plenty of high-level interest on the football field as a receiver, and he has the raw tools and talent to become a coveted basketball recruit as well. Jax Pryor Jax Pryor 6'3" | PF Woodbine | 2026 State IA (10.7, 6.2 rebounds) is a big body in the paint with soft hands and good touch around the rim, while fellow role players Carson Kelley Carson Kelley 6'3" | PF Woodbine | 2025 State IA (9.2) and Brody Pryor Brody Pryor 6'2" | SF Woodbine | 2026 State IA (8.9) provide additional experience and scoring ability. One potential setback for Woodbine is that the Rolling Valley is not a traditionally strong league, but they overcame that last season and with the additional experience that playing in Des Moines gave them, they’ll be hungry to reach an even higher level this winter.

4.) Remsen, St. Mary’s (19-4 last year, 94.6% of scoring returning)

A streak of seven straight state tournament appearances was snapped with a 3-point loss to Lake Mills in the substate championship last year for the Hawks, but with nearly 95% of their production back, including the top six scorers, another streak may get started this year for St. Mary’s. The Hawks were once again absolutely dominant defensively, allowing just 38.9 points per game, and they should be even better on that end with additional experience. They’ll be a senior-laden team, with those top six returnees all seniors this season, led by big man Collin Homan Collin Homan 6'5" | PF Remsen, St. Mary's | 2025 State IA (16.4, 8.1 rebounds) and wing Sam Schmillen Sam Schmillen 6'7" | SF Remsen St. Mary's | 2025 State IA (12.6). Homan is an extremely efficient forward who shot over 56% from the floor as a junior, and he has been a key contributor since his freshman year, so he has a ton of experience to lead this group. Landon Waldschmitt Landon Waldschmitt 6'0" | PG Remsen, St. Mary's | 2025 State IA (8.5, 5.4 assists) led the team in helpers last season and is a reliable playmaker who limits turnovers, while role players Carter Tentinger (6.8), Daenon Loucks (5.5), and Keaton Harpenau (4.2) each contribute on both ends of the floor. Don’t be surprised if juniors Elijah Schroeder and Aiden Homan step into bigger roles this season as well, which will only give the Hawks more depth. Justin and Scott Ruden always have this group playing team basketball; disciplined and well-coached on both ends of the floor. A dominant defense carries them, and if they can shoot it a bit better from the arc (30.4 3P% last season) this year, they could be a serious state title contender.

5.) Marquette Catholic (State runner-up, 27-2 last year, 54.1% of scoring returning)

The Defenders were sensational last season, with both of their losses coming at the hands of state champion North Linn. In their 27 wins, they won by an average of 30.6 points per game, with only three games decided by single digits. That was a group that had building for the 2023-24 season for some time, so expect a little bit of a step back this season, but with two starters and the top bench player returning, this is still going to be a team that will be a major factor in the 1A title race. They bring back their top two scorers in seniors Spencer Roeder Spencer Roeder 6'5" | PF Maquette Catholic | 2025 State IA (16.0, 8.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists) and Eli Scott Eli Scott 5'8" | PG Marquette Catholic | 2025 State IA (11.1, 4.5 assists), giving them a pair of skilled scoring threats who complement each other well. Roeder led a balanced attack last season and with his 6-5 frame and ability to both stretch the floor and create looks off the dribble, he can be a matchup nightmare at the 1A level. Scott is a quick guard who creates chaos on both ends of the floor with his speed, and despite his small stature, he’s a fearless player who loves to attack the rim and finish through contact. The aforementioned top bench player is senior Jacob Litterer Jacob Litterer 6'2" | PF Marquette Catholic | 2025 State IA (9.6), who provided some real scoring punch off the pine, getting to the rim off of good off-ball movement as well as crashing the offensive glass. This is a program that has some young talent in it as well, and if they can get some of those pieces comfortable in larger roles, Roeder, Scott, and Litterer should be able to carry a heavy load, especially early in the year.

6.) Gladbrook-Reinbeck (State qualifier, 21-6 last year, 74.9% of scoring returning)

Of their six losses last season, only one (a blowout loss to 2A runner-up Hudson) came by more than nine points, and four came by a combined nine points. With their top two scorers, and four of the top five, returning, they’ll have a chance to be even better this season. They’re led by the forward tandem of Michael Boyd Michael Boyd 6'4" | PF Gladbrook-Reinbeck | 2025 State IA (14.0, 7.3 rebounds) and Drew Eilers Drew Eilers 6'3" | PF Gladbrook-Reinbeck | 2025 State IA (12.3, 10.3 rebounds). A pair of highly efficient scorers, they combined to shoot over 60% from the floor, and while neither has overwhelming size, they are both skilled around the rim, play with a lot of energy, and have really good footwork and touch that they use to score against opposing posts. The Rebels are able to put some shooting around that tandem as well in the form of senior guards Austen Mathern Austen Mathern 6'1" | SG Gladbrook-Reinbeck | 2025 State IA (8.8, 35.8 3P%) and Brandon Mathern Brandon Mathern 6'0" | PG Gladbrook Reinbeck | 2025 State IA (5.2, 36.3 3P%), a pair of reliable 3-point shooting threats who can help space the floor and allow Eliers and Boyd some more room to operate. Look for continued improvement from junior guard Hudson Clark (5.6) as well, which will make this offensive attack even more balanced and dangerous. In addition to his scoring, Clark also stuffed the stat sheet by averaging 3.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. This is a winning program, averaging over 19 wins a season over the last 16 years, and there is no reason to expect that to change this winter.

7.) Kee (22-3 last year, 84.5% of scoring returning)

A traditional baseball power, the Kee Hawks nearly made school history last season, reaching their first ever substate championship game before falling in heartbreaking fashion to the team right above them in this top 10, dropping a 3-point decision to Gladbrook-Reinbeck. They bring back their star tandem of Jordan Cota Jordan Cota 6'5" | SF Kee | 2025 State IA (19.6, 8.1 rebounds) and Dalton Mudderman Dalton Mudderman 6'2" | SG Kee | 2025 State IA (17.0, 5.6 assists), giving them one of the best one-two punches in the class. Cota is a highly athletic wing who can play downhill and attack the rim, but he’s also the team’s best 3-point shooting threat, knocking down 39.2% of his attempts from behind the arc as a junior. Mudderman is a tough, physical lead guard who doesn’t shy away from contact, sees the floor well, and is a pest on the defensive end. Those two accounted for over 57% of the team’s points last season, and will be asked to carry the load again on that end of the floor. That said, there are a number of returning role players who saw a lot of time last season and know how to play their roles. Senior Karsen Strong (6.5) provides some more perimeter scoring, as does sophomore Trey Cota (4.2). And then there’s the big man in the paint, Brayden Darling Brayden Darling 6'6" | C Kee | 2025 State IA (5.0, 2.4 blocks), a 6-6 center who blocked a ton of shots and altered several more last season. Knowing that they have Darling behind them protecting the rim allows the guards to play more aggressively on the perimeter. It will be interesting to see how Kee goes from being the hunter to being the hunted this season following their success last year, but this group has a real chance to make school history.

8.) Lake Mills (State semifinalist, 25-2 last year, 40.4% of scoring returning)

Kyle Menke has built one of the best programs in Class 1A, with the Bulldogs going 121-9 over the course of the last five years. So, despite losing their top two scorers, and six players who appeared in at least 21 games last season, the ‘Dogs open the season in the top 10 and should be expected to once again be a factor in the class. They bring back a pair of dynamic weapons who could be one of the best one-two punches in the class in senior forward Aiden Stensrud Aiden Stensrud 6'6" | PF Lake Mills | 2025 State IA (15.8, 9.6 rebounds) and point guard Jackson Gaul Jackson Gaul 6'1" | PG Lake Mills | 2025 State IA (11.4, 8.1 assists). Stensrud shot an eye-popping 71.8% from the floor as a junior, using his physical frame and deft touch to score at a high clip around the bucket, while Gaul, who shot extremely well himself (55.6 FG%) is one of the best lead guards in the class. He does a great job getting his teammates involved and protecting the ball, posting a 4.42 assist-to-turnover ratio. The Lake Mills attack really took off once he gained eligibility following his transfer from Crestwood. Junior guard Nash Delger Nash Delger 5'8" | PG Lake Mills | 2026 State IA (5.1) and seniors Kane Koch Kane Koch 5'11" | SG Lake Mills | 2025 State IA (1.9) and Jeremiah Jensen (1.4), as well as sophomores Lucas Helgeland and Asher Stensrud Asher Stensrud 6'4" | PF Lake Mills | 2027 State IA , figure to be key pieces in the rotation this season. Lake Mills has become a program that is going to find themselves in the top 10 of the preseason rankings until they prove otherwise.

9.) Dunkerton (20-5 last year, 81.3% of scoring returning)

After graduating two of the best players in program history, and losing their coach to Cedar Rapids Prairie, a step back last year could have been expected. Instead, the Raiders once again won 20 games and reached the substate final, where they fell to Marquette Catholic, setting themselves up for what could be a really special 2024-25 season. The Raiders bring back five of their top six scorers, including the top two, led by seniors Dylan Marquart Dylan Marquart 6'1" | SG Dunkerton | 2025 State IA (17.4, 38.8 3P%) and Noah Fuelling Noah Fuelling 6'0" | PG Dunkerton | 2025 State IA (15.8). Marquart has “in the gym” range, knocking down shots routinely off both the dribble and the catch, and he has really improved as a playmaker and ball-handler, creating looks for himself and his teammates. Fuelling is a solid secondary playmaker and skilled three-level scorer, while Dalton Weepie Dalton Weepie 6'2" | SF Dunkerton | 2025 State IA (10.0) gives them a third returnee who averaged double digits last season. Senior guard Mason Michels Mason Michels 5'8" Dunkerton | 2025 IA (7.9) and junior Aidan Hesse (4.5) provide some additional scoring punch and experience, and expect to see junior Colin Snyder (1.3) step into a bigger role this season as well. Dunkerton is a proud program, having won an average of 22 games the last three years, and this is a group that has bome accustomed to success. That will not change this year.

10.) Holy Trinity Catholic (19-6 last year, 66.2% of scoring returning)

One of the best players in 1A basketball is hidden down in Fort Madison at Holy Trinity Catholic in senior wing Luke Hellige Luke Hellige 6'5" | SF/SG Holy Trinity Catholic | 2025 State IA (23.9, 8.2 rebounds), an athletic, versatile three-level scorer who can take over games in the blink of an eye with his ability to get to the rim or knock down shots off either the dribble or catch. He posted 54-43-77 shooting splits as a junior, and could be even more dynamic as a senior. He’s the headliner of the group, but there are several key pieces returning alongside him in junior Layne Rung Layne Rung 6'4" | SG Holy Trinity Catholic | 2026 State IA (10.9) and senior Adam Sobczak Adam Sobczak 5'10" | PG Holy Trinity Catholic | 2025 State IA (5.3, 8.6 assists), who combine to give the Crusaders a really strong one-two punch in the backcourt. Both are good playmakers and passers who love to get their teammates involved, and Rung has certainly shown some scoring punch as well. Those three will be leaned upon heavily, especially early in the year as they break in the new pieces, but with Hellige leading the charge and a pair of veteran guards holding down the backcourt, this could be the year Holy Trinity breaks through and reaches their first state tournament after experiencing heartbreak at the hands of Winfield-Mt. Union (a 46-41 substate championship loss) last season.

Ten more to watch

ACGC (14-9 last year, 64.6% of scoring returning)

The Chargers were really close to putting together a special season last year, posting great wins over Des Moines Christian, Madrid, and Exira-EHK, and suffering six losses by single digits. With three of their top four scorers returning, all double-digit producers, they have a chance to turn some of those losses into wins and put together the best season in school history. They’ll be headlined by a quartet of seniors – Jathan South Jathan South 6'2" | SF ACGC | 2025 State IA (15.4), Noah Kading Noah Kading 6'3" | SG ACGC | 2025 State IA (12.0, 4.6 assists), Payton Policky Payton Policky 6'3" | SF ACGC | 2025 State IA (10.5, 9.6 rebounds), and Mason Wahl (0.4), while a talented 2027 group could be ready to step into spots as role players to provide some additional scoring punch and depth. South, the team’s top scorer, is a versatile wing who can score inside and out, playing on and off the ball. Kading led the team in assists and does a great job protecting the ball, posting a 3.79 assist-to-turnover ratio, and Policky, while undersized, is an athletic and physical forward who loves to pound the glass. Getting more out of Wahl, a physically imposing big man who takes up a lot of space in the paint, will be big for this group. They shouldn’t have any problems scoring after ranking 19th in the class in scoring offense in the 2023-24 season, but if they want to reach their ceiling, improvement will need to come on the defensive end. A strong argument could be made to put this group in the top 10.

Bedford (23-3 last year, 76.9% of scoring returning)

Three starters, and four of the top five scorers, return to a 23-win team that ranked 6th in the class in scoring defense last season, allowing just 42.2 points per game. Athletic guard Cal Peterman Cal Peterman 6'2" | PG Bedford | 2025 State IA (15.5, 8.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.8 steals) is the headliner of the group, a do-it-all guard who can take over the game on either end of the floor. He’s at his best when he’s attacking the rim, using his strength and athleticism to get to the bucket and finish through contact. Brody King (11.2), Garrison Motsinger (8.1), and Marcus Knighton (7.8) are all quality returnees as well, giving the Bulldogs four viable scoring threats. This is a group that didn’t shoot it well from the 3-point line, 29.5%, and that will need to improve some if they want to be seen as a serious threat to make a trip to Des Moines. Their defense will once again be really good, but they have to be able to knock down some shots as well if they want to break through and get to the state tournament for the first time in 17 years.

Bellevue (12-11 last year, 62.9% of scoring returning)

The Comets lost their leading scorer from last year’s team, but there is still plenty of reason for them to be excited heading into the 2024-25 season. Seven of their 11 losses last season came by single digits, and they were really young, with two freshmen and a sophomore comprising the top four scorers alongside the graduated Hunter Putman. KeShawn DeShaw KeShawn DeShaw 6'5" | PF Bellevue | 2026 State IA (11.8, 6.9 rebounds) and Cameron Casel Cameron Casel 5'10" | PG Bellevue | 2026 State IA (10.8, 4.1 assists) headline a deep and talented 2027 class at Bellevue, and they should be ready to take another leap. DeShaw is still a bit raw on the offensive end, but he’s a great athlete with good size at 6-4, and his size, length, and athleticism make him a difficult matchup. Casel is a quick, high IQ guard who sees the floor well, can knock down shots off the dribble and the catch, and he’s a strong on-ball defender. Look for other members of that class – Jack Kirk and Jaxton Leach – to contribute as well. Juniors Spencer Abbott Spencer Abbott 6'2" | SF Bellevue | 2026 State IA (10.9, 5.7 rebounds) and Owen Putman Owen Putman 6'0" | PF Bellevue | 2026 State IA (4.6) are the other notable returnees for the Comets. Abbott can do a little bit of everything on the offensive end, and Putman is a viable shooting threat. Despite being so young, and being the only 1A team in a 2A-heavy River Valley Conference, they competed on a nightly basis, and the young core gained a ton of valuable experience. This may be another year where the record doesn’t indicate just how good this team is, but they’ll be a group you don’t want to see in your bracket come February.

Bishop Garrigan (15-10 last year, 80.3% of scoring returning)

The Golden Bears bring back five of their top six scorers, including a player in sophomore wing Michael Joyce Michael Joyce 6'1" | CG Bishop Garrigan | 2027 State IA (14.8, 3.8 assists) who could be one of the best players in 1A basketball as early as this year. A highly skilled, long, and intelligent do-it-all wing, he’s capable of taking over games on either end of the floor. He can score from all three levels, create plays off the dribble for his teammates, and he provides versatility on the defensive end as well. Junior guard Carter Schwab Carter Schwab 6'2" | PG Bishop Garrigan | 2026 State IA (13.7, 4.2 assists) pairs with Joyce in the backcourt to give them another reliable ball-handler and scoring threat. Schwab knocked down 36.1% of his 3-point attempts as a sophomore while also leading the team in assists. The Joyce-Schwab tandem will be the dominant scoring options, but this is a Garrigan team that returns several key role players as well in seniors Drew Muller (7.0, 5.3 rebounds), Nick Leerar (6.1, 5.6 rebounds), and Trayton Cink (2.5), junior Amaury Thomas Amaury Thomas 6'3" | PF Bishop Garrigan | 2026 State IA (4.5, 6.3 rebounds), and sophomore Tate Foertsch (2.2). They should be a pretty deep team, and with one of the best players in the class on their side, they’ll compete against everyone on the schedule.

Coon Rapids-Bayard (19-5 last year, 72.4% of scoring returning)

Three of the Crusaders’ losses last season came at the hands of Woodbine (twice) and Madrid, and the other two came by a combined three points. They bring back three of their top four scorers, led by junior wing Cal Heydon Cal Heydon 6'4" | SF Coon Rapids-Bayard | 2026 State IA (20.4, 9.0 rebounds), a do-it-all weapon who has been among the most productive 2026 players in the state over his first two seasons. He’s a versatile player who can score inside and out, pound the glass on both ends, and get his teammates involved at a high clip. With his size, athleticism, toughness, and shooting, he’s really difficult to slow down at this level. Sophomore guard Caden Oswald Caden Oswald 5'10" | SG Coon Rapids-Bayard | 2027 State IA (8.0, 4.1 assists) and senior Parker Hays (4.4, 3.1 assists) give them a pair of solid ball-handlers and playmakers in the backcourt, and junior Gavin Heiderscheit (5.2) was strong in the paint on both ends last season. There are high hopes for a skilled 2027 class – Ty Heydon Ty Heydon 6'1" | SF Coon Rapids-Bayard | 2027 State IA (3.6), Bryce Lewis (2.9), and Jace Baker (1.3) join Oswald – and if that trio can step into bigger roles and contribute, the Crusaders could be a viable threat to break through and reach the state tournament for the first time since 2010.

Hillcrest Academy (15-8 last year, 100% of scoring returning)

The Ravens bring back everyone from a 15-win team, led by senior guard Seth Ours Seth Ours 5'11" | SG Hillcrest Academy | 2025 State IA (16.1, 49.3 3P%), who firmly established himself as one of the best shooters in the state as a junior. His ability to get scorching hot from behind the arc, paired with improved handles and shot creation, will make him a deadly offensive weapon as a senior. Fellow seniors Mason Bender (9.8), Bryce Bailey (8.6), and Phoenix Anderson (5.1) provide some additional scoring punch, and junior guard Rowan Miller Rowan Miller 5'9" | PG Hillcrest Academy | 2026 State IA (9.0, 5.2 assists, 41.7 3P%) is a reliable lead guard who protects the ball, gets his teammates involved, and can knock down shots from deep as well. Sophomore forward Kale Bailey Kale Bailey 6'2" | SF Hillcrest Academy | 2027 State IA (5.9) was productive as a freshman, shooting over 50% from the floor and showing the ability to occasionally step out and stretch the floor. As a team, Hillcrest shot a very respectable 37.3% from the 3-point line and ranked 17th in the class in scoring defense, allowing just 44.9 points a night. The bad news for this group is that they didn’t beat anyone who finished above .500 last year, and they’ll need to prove that they can compete against the better teams on the schedule. But with a shooter like Ours, several other weapons around him, and a ton of experience both on the court and on the sideline, the Ravens should be a factor come February.

Montezuma (15-8 last year, 76.8% of scoring returning)

Five of the top six scorers return for the Braves, a team that posted several high-quality wins last season (North Mahaska, Moravia, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont), so expectations should be pretty high heading into the 2024-25 season. They’ll be headlined by junior guard Brady Boulton Brady Boulton 5'9" | PG Montezuma | 2026 State IA (24.0, 3.8 assists), one of the state’s top scoring threats. Boulton had a down year shooting it last season (33.2 3P%), but he’s certainly capable of getting up closer to the 39.2% he shot as a freshman, and if he does that, watch out because he could easily average close to 30 points a night. Seniors Max Anderson (10.2) and Kohen Holland (7.1) provide some additional scoring punch, and role players Dane Strong (2.4) and David Rose (1.6) each saw significant time last year. The Braves were solid defensively yet again last year, allowing just 51.3 points per game, and with their 2-3 zone that emphasizes speed over length, they should continue to create difficult looks for opponents all year. Armed with one of the best scorers in the class, some solid pieces around him, and a program filled with winning tradition, Montezuma will once again be a factor come February.

North Mahaska (18-7 last year, 54.6% of scoring returning)

In a somewhat similar vein to Montezuma, North Mahaska is a program that is accustomed to winning a lot of games, and that should continue this season. The Warhawks bring back their top two scorers from an 18-win team that posted wins over Grundy Center (2A state qualifier), Oskaloosa (3A team), and two against Montezuma. They’ll be led by the senior tandem of Asher DeBoef Asher DeBoef 5'9" | PG North Mahaska | 2025 State IA (15.0, 9.0 rebounds) and Gabe Hora (14.2, 38.2 3P%), a dynamic one-two punch that complements each other well. DeBoef, despite being listed at just 5-9, was dominant on the glass last season, using his athleticism and non-stop motor to control that area of the game. He pulled down nearly five offensive rebounds a game, which, at that size, is strictly effort. In addition to his work on the glass, he’s also a talented playmaker who dished out 3.6 assists a game as a junior. He puts pressure on opposing defenses with his ability to drive and get to the rim, while Hora is a knockdown shooter who gets plenty of quality looks off of DeBoef’s penetration. Lucas Nunnikhoven (5.1, 38.6 3P%) is another quality shooting threat who will step into a bigger role as a senior, and Jack Kelderman (2.7, 3.5 rebounds) started half of NM’s games last year, so he has plenty of experience as well. The DeBoef-Hora tandem could be among the best in 1A this season, and that makes the Warhawks dangerous.

South Winneshiek (15-9 last year, 77.5% of scoring returning)

Three double figure-scorers return for the Warriors in juniors Carson Streeter Carson Streeter 6'2" | SF/SG South Winneshiek | 2026 State IA (15.6, 3.9 assists), Matson Winings Matson Winings 6'4" | SF South Winneshiek | 2026 State IA (14.5, 7.5 rebounds), and Braiden Todd Braiden Todd 5'10" | PG South Winneshiek | 2026 State IA (12.5, 4.0 assists), giving them a very solid foundation to build upon for not only this year, but 2025-26 as well. That trio complements each other well, each capable of handling the ball and getting their teammates involved, scoring from all three levels, and all of them are solid contributors on the glass as well. This group was swept by conference foes North Fayette Valley, Kee, and MFL MarMac last season, with seven of their nine losses coming at the hands of those three teams who combined to have a 62-10 record last season. Despite being a very young team, South Winn was pretty competitive, posting a +10.2 point differential, and with three of their top four scorers, and eight of the top nine, returning, they will be more prepared for the top-level competition that they’ll face throughout the year.

Southeast Warren (13-9, 100% of scoring returning)

The Warhawks are another team that brings back everyone from a winning roster. This group had four losses last season by five or fewer points, and with the experience they have returning, they should be able to turn some of those narrow losses into wins. In senior forward Cam Seuferer Cam Seuferer 6'4" | SF Southeast Warren | 2025 State IA (16.0, 14.7 rebounds), they have one of the most productive players in the class. An athletic, rangy 6-4 combo forward who can do a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor, he possesses the frame, athleticism, and skill to be a major matchup problem as a senior. He attacks the offensive glass with abandon, pulling down over six offensive rebounds a game as a junior, and he has the versatility to defend on the perimeter or protect the rim defensively. The junior backcourt of Lucas Dirkx Lucas Dirkx 6'0" | SG Southeast Warren | 2026 State IA (14.2, 38.3 3P%) and Jamison Ewing Jamison Ewing 6'0" | PG Southeast Warren | 2026 State IA (9.4, 3.3 assists) give them a pair of experienced ball-handlers and playmakers, and senior wing Brogan Ewing (9.8) provides some additional scoring punch. With Seuferer expected to take another jump, and some projected improvement from the junior guards, the Warhawks could be a team you don’t want to see in your bracket come February.