Preseason Top 10: Class 3A

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 3A 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 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.   Below you'll find our top 10 for Class 3A, along with some other teams that could make some noise, and a thorough capsule on why each team is in their respective spot. Enjoy.   1.) Clear Lake (State runner-up, 26-1 last season, 61.4% of scoring returning)   Nearly capped magical undefeated season with state title, dropping heartbreaker by 1 to MOC-Floyd Valley...Lose leading scorer and All-State forward Thomas Meyer to graduation, and three of top five scorers from last year's group...Cupboard far from bare with five rotation players returning and a program stocked with young, athletic talent...Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2419796' first='Jaxson' last='McIntire'] (10.7) and [player_tooltip player_id='2377642' first='Carson' last='Riser'] (10.1, 41.3 3P%) are the headliners of the group...[player_tooltip player_id='2413530' first='Max' last='Larson'] (5.2), [player_tooltip player_id='2389820' first='Trevor' last='Theobald'] (5.1, 3.7 assists), Gage Larson (2.5) all seniors with plenty of experience...Jeremey Ainley has built one of the best programs in 3A, have a real chance at winning it all this year with all their depth, balance, talent.   2.) ADM (State semifinalist, 22-5 last season, 79.3% of scoring returning)   Top three scorers return to a team that reached the semifinals last season...Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1978130' first='Hudson' last='Lorensen'] (24.3) is one of the most efficient scorers in the state, posting 54-42-88 shooting splits...Lead guard [player_tooltip player_id='1978115' first='Trey' last='Bryte'] (12.9, 6.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists) does a great job using size advantage to set the table...[player_tooltip player_id='1978146' first='Hudson' last='Shull'] (9.9, 42.7 3P%) is a reliable secondary ball-handler and high-level shooting threat...Look for sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2917300' first='Tate' last='Troster'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2772351' first='Walker' last='Holmberg'] to step into bigger roles this season, as well as seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2520020' first='Hayden' last='Dohlman'] and Treyton Lee...Tigers will be explosive, efficient offensively, have a ton of experience, and one of the best players in the state.   3.) Storm Lake (State qualifier, 22-2 last season, 91.0% of scoring returning)   Fresh off first state tournament appearance since 1994, Tornadoes bring back all but one player from that roster...Creighton signee [player_tooltip player_id='1765515' first='Jaidyn' last='Coon'] (23.9, 9.3 rebounds, 55.7 FG%) is one of the state's elite players, an athletic, long wing who can score from anywhere, control the glass, and defend multiple positions...Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1765508' first='Cameron' last='Boyd'] (14.5, 4.3 assists, 46.0 3P%) is a perfect complement to Coon, a knockdown shooter who moves really well without the ball and can create for teammates...Top five scorers return, and lots of young talent back as well alongside Coon and Boyd...Tornadoes had highest scoring offense in 3A last season, 76 points per game, and should be even more explosive this season.   4.) Xavier (State semifinalist, 16-10 last season, 60.5% of scoring returning)   Saints will be led by extremely experienced trio of seniors in [player_tooltip player_id='1978144' first='Zander' last='Murray'] (14.4, 35.7 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='1765554' first='AJ' last='Evans'] (11.0, 7.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks), and [player_tooltip player_id='1361499' first='Lorenzo' last='Pino'] (7.8, 3.4 assists)...Murray is a skilled shooting threat who moves well without the ball, has improved as a playmaker; Evans, a James Madison commit, can protect the rim and run the floor, finish at the bucket; Pino is a veteran presence in the backcourt who handles it well and gets teammates involved...Role players Carter Hoffman (2.7), Brady O'Donnell, and Sam Leuck will be among the rotational pieces alongside the Big Three...Murray-Evans-Pino trio will be fantastic, role players will determine just how far this group can go.   5.) Ballard (State qualifier, 21-3 last season, 64.1% of scoring returning)   Bombers reached state tournament and lost heartbreaker by 4 in quarterfinals to eventual champion MOC-FV...Bring back three of their top four scorers, led by senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1765518' first='Jude' last='Gibson'] (15.8), a lightning-quick guard who plays downhill, defends on the ball at a high level...Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2419750' first='Parker' last='Miller'] (10.2, 5.5 rebounds, 61.4 FG%) is an athletic big man who runs the floor well, can protect the paint, and [player_tooltip player_id='2731749' first='Easton' last='Ersland'] (8.2, 37.2 3P%, 1.4 blocks) can do a bit of everything on both ends of the floor...Role players [player_tooltip player_id='2886779' first='Caden' last='Agena'] (4.7) and [player_tooltip player_id='2754660' first='Bryce' last='Miller'] (3.6) return to fill out spots in the rotation, while seniors Dillon Shoen and Mojoe Nybong could emerge as rotation pieces as well...Big addition for Ballard is Centennial transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2419714' first='Evan' last='Abbott'], who averaged 12.3 points per game as a sophomore playing in the CIML...This group will be able to beat you in a variety of ways, defend at a high level, and has depth.   6.) Pella (18-7 last season, 70.4% of scoring returning)   Dutch bring back both double-figure scorers from 18-win team...Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2120763' first='Jack' last='McGuire'] (14.7, 64.1 FG%) is a highly efficient scorer, skilled playmaker with good size at 6-4; [player_tooltip player_id='2413561' first='Austin' last='Schulte'] (10.9, 35.0 3P%) can space the floor, as does Harrison Mullens (5.0, 44.8 3P%)...Look for junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2439145' first='Griffin' last='Simpson'] (5.6) to emerge as a reliable playmaker and tertiary scorer alongside McGuire and Schulte...Pella is always deep, and that should be the case again with nine players who saw time last season returning.   7.) Sergeant Bluff-Luton (13-10 last season, 87.2% of scoring returning)   Young Warriors team found their way to 13 wins last season and bring back top four scorers...All but one player from last year's roster returns...Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2754687' first='Ajay' last='Vander Schaaf'] (16.3, 46.5 3P%) is the headliner, leading a group that should be deep and balanced...[player_tooltip player_id='2754699' first='Gavin' last='Ahrendt'] (10.0, 6.2 rebounds) led team in rebounds last season, efficient interior scorer...Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1978139' first='Isaiah' last='Jervik'] (8.4, 4.4 assists) led in assists and gives them experienced presence in backcourt...Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2772340' first='Kylen' last='Vander Schaaf'] (8.1, 36.5 3P%) provides more shooting; role players [player_tooltip player_id='2731883' first='Dylan' last='Janzen'] (7.1), [player_tooltip player_id='2754698' first='Brody' last='Vankalsbeek'] (3.5), Carter Gehling (2.8) provide additional scoring, defense, and depth...Adam Vander Schaaf is one of the top coaches in the state, has plenty of talent at his disposal this winter...Warriors will be formidable, real threat to not only reach Des Moines, but make a deep run.   8.) Decorah (22-2 last season, 62.1% of scoring returning)   Senior center [player_tooltip player_id='2413531' first='Cael' last='LaFrentz'] (29.2, 12.7 rebounds, 3.7 blocks) may be the most dominant player in the state...A near 7-footer with length, mobility, and rim protection, he'll put up insane numbers as a senior for the Vikings...[player_tooltip player_id='2731781' first='Noah' last='Milburn'] (9.8) is an athletic wing who puts constant pressure on opposing players with his length and athleticism; Peyton Webb (4.7), Tanner Caddell (2.4), and Trevor Kuennen (1.9) return as well with experience...Guard play could be an area of concern following graduation of Zach Driscoll, will be an area of focus early this season.   9.) MOC-Floyd Valley (State champion, 23-4 last season, 37.6% of scoring returning)   Parker Mulder takes over for the legendary Loren DeJong and has to replace top three scorers...Good news is that the next six return, led by senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1978131' first='Draeden' last='Punt'] (10.0) and guard [player_tooltip player_id='2887838' first='Carter' last='Van Gelder'] (8.3, 3.9 assists)...Punt is one of the most versatile, physical, athletic defenders in the state; Van Gelder a marksman from 3 and talented playmaker...Carter Brightwell (3.7, 39.3 3P%) and Thatcher Doughan (2.0, 36.4 3P%) give them more shooting...Big addition for Dutchmen comes in the form of St. Albert transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1765504' first='Nicolas' last='Ballenger'], who averaged 14 points for the Falcons last season...Strong, tough, athletic players are commonplace at MOC-FV; should remain the same this season.   10.) Wahlert Catholic (13-10 last season, 23.7% of scoring returning)   Golden Eagles lost top three, four of top five scorers but still have very, very high expectations heading into this season due to additions of several transfers...Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1978134' first='Connor' last='Walsh'] (10.3, 48.0 3P%) is the top returnee, a high-level shooter with good size...Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2370429' first='Peter' last='Wedewer'] (5.5) came on strong down the stretch last season and should be excellent in a lead guard role this season...Notable transfer additions are sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2897197' first='Reid' last='Herrig'] from Dubuque Senior; junior [player_tooltip player_id='2419855' first='Brayden' last='Tanny'], who led Western Dubuque in scoring at 9.8 points per game last season; and the big addition will be 6-8 freshman forward Alex Tanny...The youngest Tanny has a ton of upside, has been invited to several high-level showcase events; will have growing pains throughout freshman year but should be big contributor...Wahlert will be big, athletic, and talented; depth will be a question.   Ten Others to Watch   Des Moines Christian (18-6 last season, 48.3% of scoring returning)   Lions lost five of their top seven scorers but bring back standout senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1978133' first='Max' last='Town'] (15.7)...Town can score from all three levels, using size to his advantage to shoot over defenders...Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2530654' first='Davis' last='Tokheim'] (6.7, 3.5 assists) is a quick lead guard who plays downhill and attacks the rim routinely...Role players Brody Farver (2.8), [player_tooltip player_id='2204865' first='Connor' last='Doohen'] (2.2), Judah Reed (2.0) return to provide some depth in rotation...Look for emergence of sophomore wing Ajay Baake and freshman guard Jimmie Binnie to help round out rotation with talented playmakers...DMC has averaged 20.3 wins per year over last 19 years.   Gilbert (15-9 last season, 50.5% of scoring returning)   [player_tooltip player_id='1765542' first='Preston' last='Stensland'] (17.0, 52.7 FG%) returns after putting up highly efficient junior year as high-level scorer...Guard [player_tooltip player_id='1765544' first='William' last='Terrones'] (9.0, 5.5 assists) is a talented playmaker who creates quality shots for himself and teammates...Role players Gabe Fierce (3.8), Ean Eldred (2.2), Matt Zoz (1.2) return, but will need to step up and play larger roles...Stensland-Terrones tandem is one of the best duos in Raccoon River, will win them plenty of games.   Glenwood (19-5 last season, 39.0% of scoring returning)   Rams must replace four of top six scorers...Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2731811' first='Jack' last='Johnson'] (10.8, 4.2 assists) is an experienced, talented lead guard who sets the table for teammates well...Colin Steele (7.4, 34.9 3P%) is a viable shooting threat alongside Johnson in the backcourt...Look for emergence of sophomore wing Evan Stanislav (3.2), junior [player_tooltip player_id='2617551' first='Xavier' last='Bowmaker'] (3.0) this season...Rams routinely win 15-18 games, so despite losing a lot of production, pieces are in place to continue that trend.   Heelan (11-13 last season, 60.4% of scoring returning)   Crusaders bring back three of top four scorers, led by senior lead guard [player_tooltip player_id='1765514' first='Noah' last='Conley'] (15.2, 37.2 3P%)...Conley is a really good two-way guard who can control games on both ends of the floor...Iowa football commit [player_tooltip player_id='2731823' first='Kasen' last='Thomas'] (9.1, 6.8 rebounds) provides athleticism and physicality on both ends of the floor...Look for breakouts from juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2420797' first='Grant' last='Whitcomb'] (6.2) and [player_tooltip player_id='2979490' first='Abe' last='Scott'] (3.2), as well as sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2523757' first='Carson' last='Nichols'] (2.2)...Playing in 4A-heavy MRAC, record probably won't accurately reflect how dangerous they'll be in 3A postseason play.   Keokuk (17-8 last season, 44.0% of scoring returning)   A month ago the Chiefs wouldn't have been on this list, but then Jaxon Clark (22.7, 14.4 rebounds, 2.1 blocks) announced he was coming back to Keokuk...Clark, highly skilled 6-10 big man can score inside and out, dominate the glass, protect the paint, and is a good passer; had previously announced he was going to play senior year at Montverde Academy (FL)...Only returnee to average more than 1.5 points per game, but he's one of the best players in the state, and far-and-away the most dominant player in the Southeast Conference...Chiefs will win plenty of games and with Clark, be tough to beat in postseason play.   Knoxville (State qualifier, 24-1 last season, 48.8% of scoring returning)   Magical season for Panthers ended at the state tournament last season...Lose two of top three, three of top five, scorers from last year's team, but bring back sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id='2231637' first='Lincoln' last='Norris'] (16.9, 42.0 3P%)...Norris had games in which he made 10 3-pointers last season, will have the ultimate green light this season...Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2731843' first='Drake' last='Larson'] (7.8, 5.1 assists) is a skilled lead guard who creates for his teammates...Role players [player_tooltip player_id='2906421' first='TaShawn' last='Conner'] (3.5), Tristan Stevenson (3.4) are back as well...Panthers won't be as good as last year's team, but should be best team in South Central again, and with the shooting they have, could be dangerous in postseason play.   Marion (9-13 last season, 46.6% of scoring returning)   Last year was just second in Bound era in which Marion didn't win at least 10 games, uncharacteristically down year...Should be improved this year despite losing two of top three scorers; buoyed by strong 2027 class...[player_tooltip player_id='2754695' first='Jaryn' last='Griffith'] (10.6, 42.0 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='2754674' first='Tait' last='Rahe'] (9.4, 37.8 3P%), and [player_tooltip player_id='2448279' first='Brooks' last='Coates'] (7.5, 2.2 blocks) were all big contributors last season and should take another leap as juniors...Not much else returning, but that "Big Three" will be among the best in the WaMaC, making them one of the better trios in 3A.   Mount Vernon (17-6 last season, 63.8% of scoring returning)   Mustangs lost leading scorer but bring back next four scorers, including senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2413532' first='Kellen' last='Haverback'] (16.7, 3.4 assists)...Haverback led team in assists, second in scoring last season; versatile three-level scorer with length...[player_tooltip player_id='2906497' first='Seth' last='Rushford'] (8.1, 35.2 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='2906500' first='Luke' last='Rushford'] (5.8, 2.5 assists), and Stratton Ellyson (4.1), all juniors, return as well in the starting lineup...Handful of role players also return to group that was really good defensively last season, allowing 49.3 points per game.   Nevada (19-5 last season, 63.4% of scoring returning)   Cubs rolled through Heart of Iowa Conference, except games against Grand View Christian, behind 4th ranked scoring defense in 3A (47.4 points per game allowed)...Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1765535' first='John' last='Nelson'] (15.2, 7.6 rebounds, 2.5 blocks) is the anchor of the team on both ends of the floor; long, athletic big man who can do a bit of everything...Drake Hinson (7.8, 6.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists) stuffs the stat sheet as playmaker, rebounder...Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2906523' first='Benjamin' last='Weiss'] (7.5, 43.0 3P%), senior Gavin Egeland (7.4, 40.9 3P%) provide some shooting and floor spacing...Cubs should once again be strong defensively, but level of competition could be detriment come postseason play.   Solon (18-6 last season, 36.3% of scoring returning)   Jared Galpin has kept Solon's tradition of strong defense, winning lots of games alive...Spartans have to replace top two, four of top six, scorers...Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2906433' first='Maddox' last='Kelley'] (8.7) and senior [player_tooltip player_id='2906429' first='Grant' last='Gordon'] (6.8) are top returnees...Will get a boost with addition of [player_tooltip player_id='2530471' first='Tate' last='McCollum'], junior guard and son of Iowa head coach Ben McCollum...Talented guard who can create plays off the dribble, knock down shots off dribble and catch...Spartans have a lot of new faces taking the floor this winter, but always have long, athletic weapons.

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 3A this winter.