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<p><strong>Most Outstanding Player: 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765553' first='William' last='Gerdes'] (Cedar Falls)</strong><br><em>Stats: 25 points, 10 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.7 blocks, 82.4 FG%, 79.2 FT%</em></p>
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<p>This season, Gerdes took a monumental step forward. One of the most efficient scorers the state had to offer, making a whoppiing 74.7% of his shots. Somehow, the Northern Iowa signee improved on those numbers at the state tournament while beating out his season averages in points (20.7) and rebounds (6.8) per game. Gerdes used a mixture soft touch, high-level footwork, improved strength and knowhow to score at the rim and grab tough rebounds, leading Cedar Falls to their first title in over half a decade. </p>
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<p><strong>2026</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1777914' first='Jaydon' last='Kimbrough'] (Cedar Falls)</strong><br><em>Stats: 17 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.7 steals, 45.7 FG%, 33.3% 3PT%, 80 FT%</em></p>
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<p>The lead and primary ball-handler for for Cedar Falls, Kimbrough was another player that took a major step forward in his senior campaign. Going from a solid starter that contributed to the Tigers' run to Des Moines last season to the secondary scorer behind Gerdes on a team full of Division I athletes, Kimbrough became a primary reason why he and Cedar Falls won the 4A title.</p>
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<p><strong>2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2419846' first='Nicare' last='Cavil'] (Johnston)</strong><br><em>Stats: 17.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 36 FG%, 39.1% 3PT%, 87.5 FT%</em></p>
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<p>Cavil went from an unknown young player to the guy for Johnston during his junior campaign. An unflappable guard that plays with the same intensity and energy no matter the score or situation, Cavil served as the leading scorer and primary ball-handler for the Dragons, hitting a multitude of big shots and helping Johnston maintain their composure in two upset wins that led them to the state title game. </p>
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<p><strong>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765517' first='Tino' last='Daye Jr']. (Johnston)</strong><br><em>Stats: 12 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.7 steals, 44.8 FG%, 75% 3PT%, 87.5 FT%</em></p>
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<p>Daye's absence was cleary felt to start the year, as the Dragons began the 2025-2026 campaign with a 1-5 record before rallying and reaching the state title game. Once Day returned from injury, Johnston became one of the top teams in the CIML, ultimately upsetting two title favorites in Waukee and Waukee Northwest. Daye, like his teammate Cavil, had a never-too-high, never-too-low energy that allowed him to hit big shots throughout the tournament, including taking smart shots from the perimeter to finish with an incredible 75% shooting from three. </p>
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<p><strong>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2731790' first='Noah' last='Martens'] (Dowling Catholic)</strong><br><em>Stats: 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.5 steals, 38.4 FG%, 77 FT%</em></p>
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<p>Almost everybody struggled for Dowling in the semifinals of the tournament, but Martens kept his foot on the gas and did all he could, attacking and leading the Maroons in scoring. He was critical in getting Dowling's first state tournament victory in multiple decades, getting to the free throw line against Dubuque Senior while also grabbing boards and dishing out assists. </p>
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<p><strong>Second Team</strong></p>
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<p>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2617486' first='Charles' last='Crane'] (Dowling Catholic)<br>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2443978' first='Alfred' last='Kolee'] (Dowling Catholic)<br>2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2116043' first='Joshua' last='Jenkins'] (Johnston)<br>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765549' first='Leyton' last='Wolf'] (Cedar Falls)<br>2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2594655' first='Pete' last='Craig'] (Waukee)</p>
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<p><strong>Honorable mentions:</strong> 2026 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1765524' first='Evan' last='Jacobson']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/evan-jacobson/"></a> (Waukee); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1978099' first='Colin' last='Rice'] (Waukee Northwest); 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2446123' first='Carsen' last='Gary'] (Cedar Falls); 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2148648' first='Emri' last='Jones'] (Johnston); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1643192' first='Landon' last='Davis'] (Waukee Northwest); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765539' first='Max' last='Roach'] (Waukee); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1172887' first='Tevin' last='Schultz'] (Dubuque Senior); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2023719' first='Will' last='Wehr'] (Cedar Rapids Prairie)</p>
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