Preseason Top 10: Class 1A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>These preseason rankings are coming much later than they usually do. It's been a pretty busy late summer and early fall, and these rankings are going to be a much more abridged version than you're used to seeing, but we're still taking a look at 20 of the contenders that we expect to see in Class 1A this winter.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>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 23 ranked in the top 10 in their respective classes, and another 3 written about in the "Others to Watch" sections. Teams that won state titles were ranked 2nd (Madrid), 1st (Western Christian, 10th (MOC-Floyd Valley), and 1st (Valley), and of the eight teams that participated in championship games, none were ranked lower than 6th (West Lyon) to start the year. We were most successful in Class 4A, with all eight teams written about to start the year (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and one in the "others to watch") reaching the state tournament. Further, over the last eight years, teams ranked #1 to open the year have reached the state semifinals at a 66% clip, and played for a state championship at a 56% 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.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Below you'll find our top 10 for Class 1A, along with some other teams that could make some noise, and a brief capsule on why each team is in their respective spot. Enjoy.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>1.) St. Edmond (State semifinalist, 23-4 last season, 91.6% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four starters and the top two bench players return for a state semifinalist team...Led by senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1907683' first='Hunter' last='Horn'], who averaged 23.7 points and 9.6 rebounds per game on 59-38-75 shooting splits last season...Classmate [player_tooltip player_id='2887801' first='Jakob' last='Koopman'] gives them a real edge on the glass, and backcourt of [player_tooltip player_id='2887821' first='Jack' last='McElroy'], Grant Galles, Ty Mericle, and [player_tooltip player_id='2517050' first='Carson' last='Bargfrede'] give the Gaels a bevy of perimeter scorers and playmakers...Playing in 2A-3A league North Central gives them a leg up in regular-season competition...Veteran team with arguably the best player in 1A leading the charge gives St. Ed a preseason nod in a pretty open class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2.) Bishop Garrigan (21-4 last season, 77.3% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of their four losses last season came to St. Edmond, other two came against 2A Forest City...Bring back the top three scorers, and four of the top five...Led by junior tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='2243086' first='Michael' last='Joyce'] (14.6) and [player_tooltip player_id='1781875' first='Carter' last='Schwab'] (14.1), a pair of skilled scorers and playmakers in the backcourt...Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2731752' first='Amaury' last='Thomas'] (13.4, 9.5 rebounds) provides size, bounce in the middle...Need to improve their shooting (31.9 3P% last season), but have size, length, athleticism, and depth...If they're separated from St. Edmond this season, could be a real threat to not only reach Des Moines, but make a run there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>3.) Boyden-Hull (State qualifier, 18-9 last season, 71.6% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Comets arrived a year ahead of schedule, qualifying for state tournament last season and giving champion Madrid tough game in quarterfinals...Tough, physical group that brings back top three scorers, all double-figures last year - [player_tooltip player_id='1765526' first='Carter' last='Kleinwolterink'] (17.3), [player_tooltip player_id='2731754' first='Garret' last='Van Es'] (12.9), [player_tooltip player_id='2412735' first='Jakob' last='Pottebaum'] (10.3)...Will need to fill out the rotation around their big three, but that trio will be among the best in the class...Shooting was a major problem last season (23.2 3P%), needs to be improved if they want to win a state title...Playing in always loaded Siouxland prepares them extremely well for postseason grind.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>4.) Coon Rapids-Bayard (22-3 last season, 88.3% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of three losses last season came to Woodbine, other to 22-win ACGC...Three losses by combined 14 points...Crusaders were excellent defensively, ranking 3rd in scoring defense (39.9)...Top four scorers return, led by senior [player_tooltip player_id='1765521' first='Cal' last='Heydon'] (22.2, 7.8 rebounds) and junior [player_tooltip player_id='2906442' first='Ty' last='Heydon'] (10.9, 11.1 rebounds)...Do a great job protecting the ball, committing just 9.0 turnovers per game last season...All but one player return to 22-win team that lost in substate final; true contender this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>5.) Woodbine (State qualifier, 23-3 last season, 52.0% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lose leading scorer and two of top four from back-to-back state tournament teams...Bring back star junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1977076' first='Landon' last='Blum'], 14.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game...Blum is one of the top athletes in the state in the 2027 class, ready to step into starring role...Tigers were 4th in scoring defense last season, allowing 41.1 points per game...[player_tooltip player_id='2413631' first='Jax' last='Pryor'] (11.6) and [player_tooltip player_id='2413639' first='Brody' last='Pryor'] (8.0) have tons of experience as starters on last two state tournament teams...Need talented 2028 class to produce some contributors alongside Blum and Pryor boys...This team will go as Blum goes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>6.) Bellevue (12-12 last season, 99.1% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Young Comets flashed their potential last year with quality wins over Beckman Catholic, Monticello...Will be led by quartet of seniors with loads of varsity experience in [player_tooltip player_id='2530470' first='KeShawn' last='DeShaw'] (13.8, 8.9 rebounds), [player_tooltip player_id='1765510' first='Cameron' last='Casel'] (12.0), [player_tooltip player_id='2413527' first='Spencer' last='Abbott'] (11.1), [player_tooltip player_id='2413528' first='Owen' last='Putman'] (8.9)...Shooting was an issue last season (29.3 3P%), but very good on the offensive glass, grabbing extra possessions...Need to clean up turnovers as well (15.2 per game)...Like with Boyden-Hull, Comets play really difficult, large-school schedule in the River Valley that prepares them for all sorts of different styles come postseason...Deep, tough, athletic, and talented.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>7.) Madrid (State champion, 28-0 last season, 34.0% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tigers were dominant in run to state title last season, just five games decided by single digits...Lose all their guard production but will have dominant one-two punch of forwards with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2439640' first='Jevyn' last='Severson'] (15.4, 8.0 rebounds) and junior [player_tooltip player_id='2420789' first='Emerson' last='Bridgewater'] (8.6, 6.9 rebounds)...Severson is dominant interior option with size, strength, nimble feet and tough; Bridgewater a long, lanky combo forward who will have the ball in his hands a lot...Guard play with be talented, but very young and inexperienced...Severson-Bridgewater tandem is fantastic, will lead to plenty of wins again, ultimate upside decided by guard play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>8.) Notre Dame (19-5 last season, 66.9% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three starters return to a 19-win team that finished 8th at BC Moore...Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1978106' first='Shay' last='Stephens'] averaged 20.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 2.8 steals per game as a junior; committed to Western Illinois...Stephens' size at 6-5, combined with athleticism and playmaking make him one of the best players in the class...Big expectations for junior wings Eli Oleson, Griffin Kies, and LJ Harris; one will need to step up as secondary scorer alongside Stephens.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>9.) MMCRU (23-3 last season, 67.0% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Royals posted several impressive wins last season, bring back top two scorers and four of top six...Senior tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='1765534' first='Brayson' last='Mulder'] (12.8) and Wyatt Alesch (10.1) headline a deep, talented group with a number of strong complementary pieces...Going to be balanced, tough defensively...Able to force copious turnovers, turn them into points in a hurry...Defense will feed offense again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>10.) Lynnville-Sully (18-6 last season, 77.8% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Traditionally strong program brings back top two, six of top seven scorers...Have two reliable shooters back in Sawyer Veldhuizen (11.0, 44.0 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='2419827' first='Will' last='Van Vark'] (9.0, 35.1 3P%), who combined to make 103 3-pointers...[player_tooltip player_id='2886854' first='Dawson' last='James'] (12.8, 6.3 rebounds) leading returning scorer and rebounder, veteran presence in the paint...Tough, disciplined team on both ends of the floor that won't beat themselves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Others to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"16px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:16px"><strong>ACGC (22-3 last season, 27.4% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chargers have become consistent contender in recent years...Lose top three scorers but bring back key contributor Joe Crawford (11.9)...Tommy Skram (4.9) saw lots of time last season, and junior guards [player_tooltip player_id='2381212' first='Jonny' last='Kading'] and Preston Kent ready to step into bigger roles...Won't be as dominant offensively as they've been in recent years, but should still be a player in 1A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake Mills (17-6 last season, 26.2% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kyle Menke has built powerhouse program that routinely competes no matter how much turnover there is...Lost top three scorers but bring back guard [player_tooltip player_id='2731844' first='Nash' last='Delger'] (10.6, 4.5 assists), a skilled scorer and playmaker...[player_tooltip player_id='2845971' first='Lucas' last='Helgeland'] (7.1) ready to step into bigger role as junior, as is big man [player_tooltip player_id='2406102' first='Asher' last='Stensrud']...Lots of new faces will join rotation, but Menke is a proven winner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"16px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:16px"><strong>Maquoketa Valley (16-7 last season, 93.8% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wildcats struggled against top teams last season but bring back all but one player from 16-win team...[player_tooltip player_id='2731675' first='Brady' last='Wall'] (21.5) is a dominant three-level scorer; Anderson Holtz (8.6, 4.1 assists) a skilled playmaker...Veteran team with depth and balanced scoring behind dominant Wall...Need to find a way to get over the hump against top-notch competition, but there is talent here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"16px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:16px"><strong>Marquette Catholic (State runner-up, 27-2 last season, 25.0% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After back-to-back runner-up finishes, Defenders lost a ton of production...Top four scorers graduated, leaving [player_tooltip player_id='2906540' first='Louis' last='Gonner'] (5.3) and Koen Roeder (4.7) as top returnees...Despite significant personnel losses, Marquette has established themselves as a strong program in recent years with depth within program...Faces will be new, should still be a player in 1A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"16px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:16px"><strong>Martensdale-St Marys (20-5 last season, 58.8% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blue Devils lost leading scorer but bring back next two...Senior forward Jack Gavin (8.7, 5.6 rebounds, 1.7 blocks) very impactful two-way player to lead the way...Colton Wright (10.1, 7.3 rebounds) strong on the glass and efficient scorer...Jack Rezac, Travis White, Dominic Yates all return with experience...Strong defensive team with size, length, and interior rim protection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"16px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:16px"><strong>Montezuma (20-4 last season, 63.2% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"16px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:16px">Three of Braves' four losses last season came to North Mahaska, the other to 2A Albia...Return electric scoring guard [player_tooltip player_id='1765506' first='Brady' last='Boulton'], fresh off 28.2-point-per-game season...Junior wing Dane Strong needs to emerge as reliable secondary scorer...Montezuma always strong, averaging 20.3 wins per year over last 11.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"16px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:16px"><strong>Mount Ayr (20-4 last season, 61.9% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stat-sheet stuffing senior [player_tooltip player_id='2886911' first='Jackson' last='Ruggles'] is one of the best players in 1A...Averaged 19.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.2 steals on 50-44-80 shooting last season...Classmate Tate Dugan returns to patrol the paint, averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds last season...Look for junior guard Adler Reed to step into bigger scoring role alongside Ruggles in backcourt...Level of competition is a concern come postseason play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Newman Catholic (17-5 last season, 52.3% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Knights bring back big scorer in junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2420788' first='Westley' last='Cole'] (18.6), versatile three-level scoring threat...[player_tooltip player_id='2420772' first='Thomas' last='McGuire'] (11.0) provides more perimeter scoring and playmaking...Private school in 4A town, has access to some talent to fill in the gaps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"16px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:16px"><strong>South O'Brien (17-8 last season, 50.4% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wolverines' 2-3 zone always a bear to prepare for with length, athleticism at the top...[player_tooltip player_id='2791362' first='Jaden' last='Kreber'] (15.0, 6.1 rebounds) led team in rebounding, second in scoring last season; will be among most impactful two-way players in 1A...Gabe Moermond (7.5) and Brody Van Beek (4.5) need to step into much bigger complementary scoring roles...Traditionally strong program averaging over 16 wins a year over last 11.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"16px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:16px"><strong>South Winneshiek (18-6 last season, 75.1% of scoring returning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warriors bring back three big-time scorers in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2520041' first='Matson' last='Winings'] (17.7), [player_tooltip player_id='1874773' first='Carson' last='Streeter'] (16.4), [player_tooltip player_id='2520046' first='Braiden' last='Todd'] (13.3)...Sophomore guard Jordan Einck (6.6, 47.7 3P%) is a skilled shooter to help space the floor...Experienced team with depth of scoring and playmaking options, but competition is a major question mark.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->