Preseason Top 10: Class 4A

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 4A 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 4A, 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.) Waukee Northwest (State runner-up, 23-4 last season, 54.9% of scoring returning)   Last year's runner-up enter this year as the state title favorites...Led by pair of Big Ten signees - Nebraska-bound [player_tooltip player_id='1978099' first='Colin' last='Rice'] (12.5, 7.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks) and Illinois-bound [player_tooltip player_id='1643192' first='Landon' last='Davis'] (10.1, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 blocks)...Rice is a 6-7 wing who can score from all three levels and defend multiple positions; Davis is a bouncy, modern big man who can space the floor, protect the rim at a high level...Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2419793' first='Mack' last='Heitland'] (6.9, 48.6 3P%) is a fantastic shooting threat who can help space the floor, as is sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2478747' first='Nash' last='Kooken']...Kooken picked up a pair of Division I offers (Arizona State, Oregon) with strong summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2270834' first='Iowa' last='United'], should be big contributor in sophomore year...Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1756989' first='Isaiah' last='Oliver'] (4.9) is a fantastic athlete who can defend on the wing...Wolves program is loaded with talent, has two high-level players leading the way...4A looks open this year, but Northwest has most high-level talent, making them the favorite.   2.) Cedar Falls (State semifinalist, 22-3 last season, 60.1% of scoring returning)   Four of top six scorers return to 22-win team that reached state semifinals, including two of top three...Led by senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1765553' first='William' last='Gerdes'] (16.5, 2.0 blocks, 65.9 FG%) and wing [player_tooltip player_id='1777914' first='Jaydon' last='Kimbrough'] (12.5, 40.2 3P%)...Gerdes, a Northern Iowa signee, is a versatile big man who can score inside and out, protect the paint, find open teammates out of low-and-high post...Kimbrough one of the best shooters in the state, pure release, extended range off the catch...[player_tooltip player_id='1765549' first='Leyton' last='Wolf'] (8.0, 5.5 rebounds, 1.2 blocks) is the X-factor, a big, versatile defender and playmaker...Role players [player_tooltip player_id='2886908' first='Trey' last='Reuter'] (4.3), Carsen Gary (2.7), [player_tooltip player_id='2381213' first='Jude' last='Hazell'] return...Look for Gary, skilled sophomore guard, to have a breakout year after a strong freshman year on both ends of the floor...Tigers will get big boost from addition of Waterloo West transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1765505' first='Parker' last='Berns'], who averaged 16.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists for the Wahawks; he'll give them more ball-handling, playmaking, perimeter scoring, on-ball defense...One of the top programs in the state, Tigers will be deep, athletic, balanced.   3.) Prairie (19-5 last season, 70.4% of scoring returning)   Hawks were excellent in Todd Kuntz's second year at the helm, posting impressive wins over Kennedy, Cedar Falls, Decorah, Senior...Bring back top two, five of top seven scorers from that group...Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2419791' first='Austin' last='Joens'] (11.9, 41.7 3P%) and senior [player_tooltip player_id='2023719' first='Will' last='Wehr'] (11.7, 48.8 3P%) give them arguably best tandem of shooting threats in the state...[player_tooltip player_id='2419754' first='Quantae' last='Alexander'] (8.3, 3.0 assists) and [player_tooltip player_id='2731874' first='David' last='Fason'] (7.6, 4.8 assists) give them a pair of quality playmakers in the backcourt who can set the table...Look for junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2419840' first='Cayden' last='Larson'] (6.5) to have a breakout junior year; able to score inside and out with quality footwork and touch, can protect paint defensively...Hawks could get a boost from young players like [player_tooltip player_id='2523899' first='Grant' last='Gammon'], Brycen Hadenfelt, both sophomores, as part of the rotation.   4.) Waukee (State qualifier, 18-7 last season, 75.0% of scoring returning)   Warriors reached state tournament last season, bring back four of top five scorers...Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1765524' first='Evan' last='Jacobson'] (18.3, 8.8 rebounds), headed to play football and basketball at Texas A&M, is the headliner of the group...Big, 6-7 athletic forward can score inside and out, posting 45-45-68 shooting splits...[player_tooltip player_id='1978110' first='Jaishon' last='White'] (14.7) and [player_tooltip player_id='1765539' first='Max' last='Roach'] (8.2, 3.4 assists) return in backcourt to lead the offense...White is an explosive, quick guard who plays downhill and attacks, can knock down shots from 3 routinely off dribble and catch...Roach a floor general with good command of the offense...Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='2594655' first='Pete' last='Craig'] (7.0, 5.6 rebounds) provides versatility on both ends of the floor, was big contributor as a freshman...Get a bit of a boost with addition of Northwest transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2823296' first='Landon' last='Hanson'] on the wing, providing more length and athleticism on the perimeter.   5.) Dowling Catholic (15-8 last season, 80.0% of scoring returning)   Maroons were really good last season and bring back top two, five of top six scorers...[player_tooltip player_id='2731790' first='Noah' last='Martens'] (12.0, 3.9 assists) is the top returning scorer, but [player_tooltip player_id='2617486' first='Charles' last='Crane'] (11.4, 7.8 rebounds, 3.3 blocks) is the real headliner of the group...Crane, who will play at the Naval Academy, is a mobile, athletic big man who is among the best rim protectors the state has seen in recent years...[player_tooltip player_id='1978098' first='Nathan' last='Jenkins'] (8.3), [player_tooltip player_id='2204869' first='Giovanny' last='Quiles'] (8.0), and [player_tooltip player_id='1383390' first='Maddox' last='Coppola'] (6.7) are all viable scoring threats as well who can score inside and out...Look for juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2443978' first='Alfred' last='Kolee'] (2.5), [player_tooltip player_id='2125403' first='Sam' last='Ralston'] (1.2) to step into bigger roles, lengthening their rotation a bit...Dowling will be tough, physical, athletic, deep, balanced; a real threat to win it all in 4A.   6.) Sioux City East (19-4 last season, 72.0% of scoring returning)   New coach Brian Drent replaces Ras Vanderloo, legendary coach...Black Raiders lost top scorer but bring back next four...Yusuf brothers - seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1765550' first='Bilal' last='Yusuf'] (12.4), [player_tooltip player_id='1765551' first='Naef' last='Yusuf'] (9.7), junior [player_tooltip player_id='2265812' first='Fami' last='Yusuf'] (11.3) - are all plus-athletes who play downhill, attack the rim, can score from all three levels...[player_tooltip player_id='2520031' first='Chris' last='Loggins'] (10.5, 52.5 FG%) gives them more perimeter scoring and playmaking...[player_tooltip player_id='1978132' first='Jack' last='Ohman'] (6.0) does it all and provides toughness...East will be extremely athletic, long, and deep.   7.) Johnston (14-9 last season, 50.4% of scoring returning)   Dragons were exceptional defensively last season, allowing just 45.4 points per game, 2nd in 4A...Posted impressive wins over Waukee, Dowling Catholic, Valley...Bring back leading scorer [player_tooltip player_id='1765517' first='Tino' last='Daye Jr'] (16.4), a dynamic playmaker and scorer who is among the best in the state with the ball in his hands...[player_tooltip player_id='2419846' first='Nicare' last='Cavil'] (7.2) gives them another skilled ball-handler and playmaker in the backcourt...Look for juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2384619' first='Ahvyance' last='Taylor'] (2.9), [player_tooltip player_id='2148648' first='Emri' last='Jones'] (1.1) to step into bigger roles this season; [player_tooltip player_id='2199094' first='Jaden' last='Houser'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2419751' first='Darren' last='Grandon'] could become contributors as well...Dragons will be pretty small, but really fast, create chaos defensively, play downhill offensively.   8.) Kennedy (State qualifier, 20-5 last season, 31.1% of scoring returning)   Cougars lose All-State guard Trey McKowen to graduation; top three scorers gone...[player_tooltip player_id='2399474' first='Sharief' last='Thomas'] (6.8, 40.6 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='2164515' first='Jaxson' last='Bean'] (5.4, 39.2 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='1978105' first='Justin' last='Powell'] (4.5, 36.4 3P%), and [player_tooltip player_id='2886904' first='Deacon' last='Kucera'] (3.2, 35.7 3P%) were all key contributors last season and return...All those returnees can really shoot it, should be a team filled with shooting threats who can space the floor, play fast...Look for freshman guard Drew McKowen to step into major role immediately, started during their game at Kennedy Jamboree...Rotation has lots of holes to fill, but Kennedy has routinely been one of the deepest, best defensive teams in the state under Jon McKowen.   9.) Senior (State qualifier, 17-7 last season, 72.3% of scoring returning)   Top three scorers return for Rams, led by senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1172887' first='Tevin' last='Schultz'] (18.1, 7.0 rebounds, 58.2 FG%)...Schultz is one of the most versatile scorers in the state, able to fill it up from all three levels as well as control glass...Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1765555' first='Drake' last='Medinger'] (13.6, 50.0 3P%) is a plus-athlete on the perimeter, dynamic three-level scoring threat who posted 52-50-82 shooting splits...[player_tooltip player_id='1765536' first='Cooper' last='Porter'] (8.0, 3.0 assists) is the team's top playmaker in the backcourt, posted a 2.28 assist-to-turnover ratio...Rest of rotation will be filled with new faces, lots of young talent in Senior's program.   10.) North Scott (12-11 last season, 54.7% of scoring returning)   Lancers headlined by Iowa State commit [player_tooltip player_id='2309944' first='Josiah' last='Harrington'] (19.0, 53.4 FG%), one of the best players in the state...Harrington is a 6-6/6-7 wing who scores effortlessly from all three levels, controls the game on both ends of the floor...[player_tooltip player_id='2107245' first='Zane' last='Rus'] (8.3, 45.2 3P%) provides more shooting, length and size on the wing...[player_tooltip player_id='2523928' first='Vasaun' last='Wilmington'] (4.7) could be breakout player this season after good freshman year; he'll have the ball in his hands a ton...[player_tooltip player_id='2419854' first='Drew' last='Fischer'] (3.3) provides length and athleticism on the wing, [player_tooltip player_id='2116035' first='Miller' last='Haedt'] (2.1) gives them another ball-handler...Lancers took a while to gel last season, may have had too many mouths to feed; Harrington should lead them to more wins this winter.   Ten Others to Watch   Ames (State qualifier, 21-3 last season, 32.0% of scoring returning)   Top-ranked scoring defense allowed just 39.3 points per game last season...Lost top three, four of top five, scorers from that group, but consistently dominant on defensive end...[player_tooltip player_id='1765516' first='Marach' last='Dau'] (8.6, 1.9 blocks) is an eraser around the rim with length, athleticism, shot blocking prowess...[player_tooltip player_id='1978102' first='Will' last='Thomas'] (6.2) is the top returnee on the perimeter, should have the ball in his hands quite a bit...A few role players return in Brandon Johnson, DJ Bijiek, [player_tooltip player_id='2868557' first='Kuach' last='Kuach'] who will need to step up and become key contributors...Get boost from addition of [player_tooltip player_id='2906523' first='Benjamin' last='Weiss'], who averaged 7.5 points and shot 43% from 3 at Nevada as a sophomore.   Ankeny (10-12 last season, 79.8% of scoring returning)   Hawks finished below .500 but showed what they're capable of with wins over Linn-Mar, Johnston, Dallas Center-Grimes, Dowling...[player_tooltip player_id='1977422' first='Rio' last='Aguirre'] (20.0, 5.2 assists) is one of the best players in the state, a skilled offensive weapon who scores from anywhere, creates quality looks for teammates...[player_tooltip player_id='2381210' first='Jasani' last='Campbell'] (12.4) gives them more perimeter scoring and playmaking with the ball in his hands...[player_tooltip player_id='2731746' first='Drew' last='Sorensen'] (7.7), Kael Roush (3.5), Samuel Cowart (2.4) returning role players who could step into bigger roles...Will get a boost in backcourt and to depth with addition of Centennial transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2519960' first='Cayden' last='Clark'], talented playmaker with the ball in his hands.   Bettendorf (15-8 last season, 11.9% of scoring returning)   Bulldogs lost top five scorers to graduation...Top returnee [player_tooltip player_id='2419216' first='Teral' last='Burge'] (3.4) is a quick, athletic guard who can play downhill and create quality looks...North Scott transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2754678' first='Michael' last='Gordon'] (8.4, 43.0 3P%) is a high-level shooter who will provide spacing...'Dogs don't bring much back but are always pretty good, athletic, and tough; should be no different this winter.   Cedar Rapids Washington (6-17 last season, 76.9% of scoring returning)   Warriors were extremely young last season, top three, and four of top five scorers were freshmen...Lost [player_tooltip player_id='2523901' first='Halbert' last='Jackson'] to transfer, but bring back a lot of young talent...Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2523925' first='Trae' last='Fields'] (17.6) was superb was a freshman, scoring from all three levels and creating quality looks...[player_tooltip player_id='2772342' first='Brian' last='Robertson'] (7.9, 56.3 FG%) is an athletic forward who finishes around the rim; [player_tooltip player_id='2396064' first='William' last='Rahe'] (6.6, 2.5 assists) a solid playmaker and floor general...Look for [player_tooltip player_id='2523892' first='Chuck' last='Crawley'] (3.0), Zaccai Walters-Page (1.7), [player_tooltip player_id='2523920' first='Quinton' last='Garner'] (0.2), three more sophomores, to emerge as reliable rotation pieces this year...Will be extremely young yet again, but should be fun to watch and competitive.   Council Bluffs Lincoln (19-3 last season, 48.5% of scoring returning)   Lynx lost three of top four scorers but bring back four key contributors, add talented transfer from Nebraska...Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2366206' first='Jeremiah' last='Slaughter'] (10.8, 43.8 3P%) top returning scorer, can knock down shots off dribble and catch and defend at a high level...[player_tooltip player_id='2617477' first='Braylin' last='De Jager'] (5.5) and [player_tooltip player_id='1978104' first='Easton' last='Klement'] (4.8, 4.4 assists) give Lynx a pair of good playmakers with the ball in their hands...[player_tooltip player_id='2886791' first='Jake' last='Babbitt'] (7.0) is a solid forward who can do a bit of everything on both ends...Blair (NE) transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2523932' first='Kalan' last='Steinbeck'] will be one of the top players in the state's 2028 class; was extremely productive as a freshman...Steinbeck has good size at 6-4/6-5, can shoot it at a high clip, create off the dribble...Will be CBAL and Sioux City East atop the MRAC.   Davenport North (16-8 last season, 48.3% of scoring returning)   Wildcats lost top two, three of top five scorers, to graduation, but bring back a number of key contributors and add two talented transfers...North Scott transfers [player_tooltip player_id='2595605' first='MarQwan' last='Morgan'] (13.2, 2.6 assists) and [player_tooltip player_id='2595698' first='Marcus' last='Morgan Jr'] (6.3, 4.0 rebounds, 51.0 3P%) were both really good as freshmen for Lancers...[player_tooltip player_id='2595605' first='MarQwan' last='Morgan'] is an athletic, slashing wing who can dominate games as scorer, playmaker, defender; [player_tooltip player_id='2595698' first='Marcus' last='Morgan Jr'] a plus-athlete, good shooter and defender...[player_tooltip player_id='2731773' first='Johnale' last='Johnson Jr'] (10.4) top returning scorer, quick, athletic guard who attacks the rim and shoots at a high level from 3...Jimmy Carter (7.9), [player_tooltip player_id='2886884' first='David' last='Joiner'] (7.2), Mekhai Richardson (3.5), Jamauri Walton (2.8) all return with experience as well...Wildcats will be deep, athletic, and have added needed playmaking with Morgan boys...Will be formidable in MAC and in 4A.   Lewis Central (12-10 last season, 79.0% of scoring returning)   Titans bring back top three, six of top seven scorers from group that got off to 10-2 start last season...Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='2523891' first='Carter' last='Thielen'] (13.8) is one of the top scorers in 2028 class; a gifted scoring threat from all three levels with size to shoot over defense, ball-handling to create...[player_tooltip player_id='2754694' first='Charles' last='Schaben'] (10.0, 7.1 rebounds) and Jimmy Scott (5.2, 5.2 rebounds) control the glass on both ends of the floor...Ramon Ware (9.8, 41.4 3P%) is a good shooter, Ty Paulson (6.3) an all-around player...Struggled in second half of season after that strong start, should finish year better with experience gained last season.   Linn-Mar (State semifinalist, 22-3 last season, 27.6% of scoring returning)   Lions lost four of top five scorers from state semifinalist team...Top returnee [player_tooltip player_id='2204894' first='Tyler' last='Hilton'] (11.9, 7.0 rebounds, 61.9 FG%) is a long, athletic combo forward who can defend multiple positions, score inside and out...Guard [player_tooltip player_id='2114707' first='Karson' last='Rains'] (4.0) figures to step into more prominent role as playmaker and perimeter scorer...Intrigued by upside of junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2617475' first='Blake' last='Ritze'], an athletic, mobile rim protector...Lions lost a lot of production but are always good.   Muscatine (18-4 last season, 47.4% of scoring returning)   Muskies had best season since Joe Wieskamp's senior year, winning 18 games, just eight fewer than last six years combined...[player_tooltip player_id='1574870' first='Spencer' last='Biah'] (10.2, 55.6 FG%) top returning scorer, high-level on-ball defender...[player_tooltip player_id='2419783' first='Sam' last='Church'] (10.1, 51.3 FG%) a 6-4/6-5 combo forward who shoots it well from 3, can defend multiple positions...Gaige Curtis (6.4), [player_tooltip player_id='1868399' first='Nate' last='Lukkarinen'] (3.7, 2.9 assists) both saw good time last season and will be quality rotation pieces...Big boost from addition of [player_tooltip player_id='1517427' first='Talan' last='Becker'] (8.5), who played in just six games last season due to injury; he may be their best player with length, size, explosive athleticism...Muskies one of the top teams in the MAC, makes them a team to watch in 4A.   Roosevelt (15-9 last season, 38.3% of scoring returning)   Roughriders bring back best player in the Iowa Alliance in junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2204081' first='Charlie' last='King'] (17.3, 7.2 rebounds), explosive scoring threat who can fill it up from anywhere...He shot just under 40% from 3-point line last season...[player_tooltip player_id='2772350' first='Frank' last='Lee IV'] (3.8), [player_tooltip player_id='2519967' first='Finley' last='Newman'] (3.5) were contributors last season and return...[player_tooltip player_id='2754693' first='D'Mir' last='Coleman'] is a big, literally, addition from Des Moines North who can protect the rim and finish at the bucket; 6-8 athlete...Waukee transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2136936' first='Chance' last='Burkett'] gives them some more playmaking in the backcourt.

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 4A this winter.