Preseason All-Conference: CIML Central
Player of the Year: Hunter Strait, Centennial (2018)
In an absolutely loaded division of the CIML, it’s this 6’2 point guard who we feel will make the biggest impact for his team. Not only does Strait have the necessary skills to thrive against the competition, but he’ll be tasked with leading a corps group of younger guys that will be the wave of the future on Ankeny’s north side.
First Team (2016-17 stats italicized)
Hunter Strait, Centennial (2018) 16.9 PPG, 40 3FG%, 2.7 APG, 1.6 SPG, 3.6 RPG
For years now we’ve seen Strait grow, not just in stature, but as a player. Now, the uncommitted 6’2 guard has one season left to put it all together; to not only lead his team to a state tourney berth, but gain some additional college attention while doing so.
Joe Evans, Ames (2018) 16.5 PPG, 58 FG%, 43 3FG%, 5.9 RPG
Currently, this 6-foot-3 forward is wrecking-shop on the gridiron as Ames’s starting quarterback. And if last winter is any indicator, he’ll be doing the same soon on the hardwood for what could be a very underrated Little Cyclones squad.
Blake Brinkemeyer, Valley (2018) 4.5 PPG, 65 FG%
Valley had Quinton Curry and Charley Crowley last season, probably the best front-court in the state, so Brinkmeyer came mostly off the bench. But make no mistake, this long and springy Indiana State commit will be ready to make a huge impact this winter as the front-court anchor for one of 4A’s best teams.
Nathan Johnson, Waukee (2018) 12.6 PPG, 51 FG%, 40 3FG%, 5.1 RPG
Not only will Johnson maybe lead the division in dunks, but the bouncy 6’6 senior has a chance to be one of the best and most efficient shooters, too. When Johnson’s at 100 percent, he’s certainly one of Iowa’s best talents; and a D1 talent at that.
Trayvon Williams, Valley (2019) N/A
We’re going out on a limb a bit here, being that this will be Williams’ first year actually playing varsity, and it could be tough to see a ton of minutes on a loaded Valley squad. But what we saw him do at the Urbandale Team Camp in June — dominate — can not be unseen. He nabbed a South Dakota State offer this summer, and could be the breakout star in Iowa this winter.
Second Team
Japannah Kellogg, Ames (2019)
Ben Lyon, Ankeny (2018)
Dylan Jones, Waukee (2019)
Noah Hart, Waukee (2019)
Grant Arnold, Southeast Polk (2018)
Honorable Mentions
Dillon Carlson, Ankeny (2019)
Willie Tunks, Southeast Polk (2018)
Micah Johnson, Centennial (2020)
Luke Sueppel, Valley (2018)
Carter Frey, Valley (2018)
Nathan Nelson, Waukee (2018)
Jackson Brannan, Centennial (2018)
Noah Samples, Valley (2018)
Jaxx Rittman, Waukee (2018)