Preseason All-Conference: West Central Activities
Preseason Player of the Year: Ryan Schmitt, Van Meter — 2019
Van Meter has been to the state tournament the last two seasons, and this 6-foot-9 power forward has been integral to that success. This season, Schmitt is back as the Bulldogs’ leading scorer, shot-blocker and rebounder from a season ago. He’s one of the state’s best big-men and is a versatile one at that. Look for him to step out and can some mid-range jumpers this winter in addition to dominating the paint.
First Team
Ryan Schmitt, Van Meter — 2019
14.1 points, 2.3 assists, 1.2 steals, 3.0 blocks, 7.8 rebounds
He did a little bit of everything last season while leading the Bulldogs to a second straight state tourney. This season, look for him to be dominant again on both sides of the ball.
Trent Williamson, Earlham — 2019
16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds (two games)
Injuries have plagued Williamson throughout his career, but the fact remains, that he’s one of the more talented guards in the state. Hopefully he can stay in the floor this year, and expect big things from him if he does.
Ben Heeren, Ogden — 2019
17.3 points, 2.0 assists, 1.3 blocks, 9.6 rebounds
The Ogden combo-forward was on the verge of averaging a double-double a season ago, and we fully expect him to get over that hump this season he’ll add a slew of blocks and assists for good measure.
Seth Juhl, Des Moines Christian — 2020
11.3 points, 2.6 assists, 1.7 steals, 3.6 rebounds
Ultra quick and supremely athletic, the time is now for Juhl to take control of this always-good Lions squad. Des Moines Christian will again be very good, and Juhl will be leading the charge.
Bryce Achenbach, Woodward-Granger — 2020
11.6 points, 5.8 assists, 2.3 steals, 5.6 rebounds
The conference’s second-leading assist-man from a season ago is back for his junior season at Woodward-Granger, and he gets it done defensively, too; Achenbach is the conference’s leading returning steals guy.
Second Team
Braden Gibbons, Madrid — 2020
Devin Fuson, Madrid — 2019
Gracen Welburg, Panorama — 2019
Zac Rizzuti, Panorama — 2021
Keith Braunschweig, Woodward-Granger — 2020
Honorable Mentions: Richie Griglione, Ian Abrahamson, Anthony Pothoff, Kayden Kruse, Griffin Diggs, Brycle Littler, Brady Hewitt, Quynton Younker, Jackson Waring, Justin Groen, Curran Ingram, TJ Harkins, Luke South, Malachi Peasley, Grant Fouch, Cole Arnburg, Kaleb Badker, Rob Salley.