iowa sports connection volume 13 issue 9

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Wow! How time flies. Fall sports have wrapped up and it’s once again time to move to the winter sports season here in Iowa. Hard to think that it’s been a few months since The Iowa Sports Connection’s staff was digging in, preparing for high school football season. It feels like it was just yesterday. But now, student-athletes from the Missouri to the Mississippi are trading footballs and volleyballs for basketballs, while some are hitting the mats for another historic Iowa high school winter sports season. Before we dive into winter sports, I’d first like to congratulate all the high school fall sports champions and competitors on a great 2011 season! Our staff has made the transition from fall to winter and is ready to provide you with the best multi-platform coverage in our great state. This Hoops Preview issue is always a hit because we preview every conference in Iowa high school boys and girls basketball. Inside this edition, Tony Atzeni gives you our all-state teams and preseason rankings, as well as all the information you’ll need as you follow the basketball season all the way to “The Well” in Des Moines for the state tournaments. As the high school sports season transitions, so does college. Most Iowa teams have wrapped up their college football seasons. As I’m writing this column, Iowa and Iowa State are anxiously awaiting bowl game announcements, while the UNI Panthers are in the middle of a playoff run. That means it must be time for the Big Four to hit the court. Let me tell you, Iowans are ready for some basketball! With leaders such as Fran McCaffery, Fred Hoiberg, Ben Jacobson and Mark Phelps, fans of all Iowa major schools are pumped up and ready to cheer on their favorite teams. This year’s major question is which teams will improve. Can the Hawkeyes and Cyclones take the next step? Will Jacobson and the Panthers

CONTENTS

4 Pee Wee Profiles

17 Prep Connection

44 Collegiate Corner

54 Minor but Major

2928 Ingersoll Ave. • Des Moines, IA 50312PH: (515) 283-1933 • FAX: (515) 283-1646

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Volume 13 Issue 8

The Iowa Sports Connection is published once per month with copies available by subscription. The magazine can also be found at all Casey’s General Stores across the state in addition to a few select locations in Iowa. All stories and pictures produced by ISC staff © 2011 Iowa Sports Connection. All rights reserved. Stories, pictures and other content produced by contributors © 2011 their respective owners, with limited reprint rights reserved by the Iowa Sports Connection. The Iowa Sports Connection logo is trademark ™ Iowa Sports Connection.

Iowans Prepare for another Great Winter Sports Season; Iowa Sports Connection Has You Covered!

reload for another great Missouri Valley Conference season? Does Drake have what it takes to make a run in a tough MVC? Only time will answer these questions but I trust these coaches will find what it takes to make things interesting. For

now, though, as the cover of this issue suggests, the jury is still out on which teams can make the leap. While you’re following your favorite teams this winter sports season, The Iowa Sports Connection gives you the best multi-platform coverage available. With our stable of radio and television shows — the award-winning Friday Night Live, On the Tee (Iowa’s only year-round golf show), and The Iowa Sports Connection show — airing on WHO Weather Plus, KCRG 9.2 and all of our great radio affiliates on The Iowa Sports Connection Radio Network, you can be sure to catch us on the airwaves. The new and improved iowasportsconnection.com, along with our Twitter, Facebook and YouTube sites, allow you to stay connected with all Iowa sports — “from the Pee Wees, to the Preps, to the Pros.” It’s also easier than ever to log on to our website from your web-enabled device. Make sure to check out all The Iowa Sports Connection has to offer to keep you updated on everything sports-related in Iowa, “from the Missouri to the Mississippi.” I’d like to thank you for picking up a copy of The Iowa Sports Connection Magazine, which can be found in all Casey’s General Stores and Scheels Sporting Goods across Iowa. Good luck to all the student-athletes competing this winter.

God Bless You and God Bless America!

MidAmerican Energy Team of the MonthThis month’s Team of the Month is the West Des Moines Select Bengal Tigers, which won the Westside Classic Football Tournament in West Des Moines and the Midwest Classic.

High School Hoops PreviewThe Iowa Sports Connection’s annual Hoops Preview. Check out conference breakdowns for all boys and girls basketball conferences, including players to keep an eye on and which teams are contenders.

Mike Rickord ISC Publisher

Collegiate Basketball PreviewsPreviews of the Big Four men’s and women’s basketball teams, plus Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference team-by-team previews and more Iowa small college teams.

Iowa Energy Prepare for Repeat RunThe Iowa Energy has announced its roster for the 2011-12 season. Can the defending NBA D-League champions repeat this year? Find out which players will help make that a possibility.

STAFFMIKE RICKORD • President/[email protected]

TONY ATZENI • Radio Account [email protected]

LANE SMITH • Sales [email protected]

TIM WEIDEMAN • [email protected]

ADAM OESTREICH • Graphic [email protected]

LAUREN SMITH • Graphic Artist/[email protected]

JOHN STREETS • Business [email protected]

JOE STASI • Sr. Sales [email protected]

DELBERT CHRISTENSEN • MarketingCedar Rapids/Sioux City

LISA PRINGLE • Sales [email protected]

MIKE RICKORD JR • Marketing

EDUARDO ZAMARRIPA • Staff Writer

Prosefrom the Pub

Contributing Writers: Bob Protexter, Rod Brown, Ashley Lewis, Larry Happel, Jeff Davick Contributing photographers: Roy Tucker (Pep Rally Photo), Charlie McCardle, Sam Taylor (Impact Imagery)

Cover: Coaches of Iowa’s “Big Four” will attempt to sort out which team is the best in the state. Photos courtesy of Drake, Iowa, Iowa State and UNI athletics communications offices.

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Featuring Aplington-Parkersburg, Madrid, Solon, Emmetsburg,Harlan, North Fayette, Decorah, Earlham, Meskwaki

Available at www.webwrites.com

A new book that tells the stories and shares the traditionsthat make high school football in Iowa so great.

Pee-WeeProfiles

Team of the Month: WDM Select Bengal Tigers Tim Weideman Editor

When it comes to youth football success in central Iowa, look no further than the West Des Moines Selelct Bengal Tigers. The Bengal Tigers are composed of players in the seventh grade select

age group. The Bengal Tigers completed a very successful tournament season in 2011, winning the preseason Midwest Classic in August and the West Des Moines Youth Football Classic in October. Throughout those two tournaments, the the Bengal Tigers compiled a record of 6-0, beating the Ankeny Hawks in both finals, along with the

Ankeny Storm (twice), Waukee Warriors, and Dowling Catholic Chiefs. In the Westside Classic, the Bengal Tigers were able to capture an easy victory over the Ankeny Storm, 28-0. After that impressive display, the team took care of business against the Dowling Chiefs of the CFL, 26-16. As expected, the

championship game against the Ankney Hawks was a little more difficult but the Bengal Tigers were up for the challenge. West Des Moines won in a defensive battle, 12-8. Coaches, parents and players have plenty of reasons to be proud of this team’s accomplishments.

In each magazine we feature a Team of the Month. The Team of the Month is recognized for its success, growth as a team, support of the community, etc. If you know of a youth sports team that deserves to be recognized for its achievements and would like to nominate the team for the MidAmerican Energy Team of the Month, please contact us at [email protected] or call 515-283-1933.

Bottom Row (L to R)--Ben Campos, Luke Patzner, Brendan Roe, Cade McChune, Ben Koele, Ethan Williams, Tanner SmithSecond Row--Will Rodruck, Sam Rogers, Nate Yencer, Noah Barr, Sam Rogers, Connor CorbinThird Row--Jacob Spann, John Mahoney, Dillon Sampson, Austin Hinkle, Jack Hamborg, Andrew RidgeFourth Row--Quinton Curry, Austin Koch, Bedal NabaCoaches--Craig Mahoney, Tait Hines, Brett Ridge, James Campos, Danny Spann, John Smith, Kyle Yence

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Pee-WeeProfiles

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Start an American Legion Baseball TeamBob Protexter ISC Contributor

Here is a New Year’s resolution to keep: start an American Legion Baseball Team. It is easier than getting back into shape, losing weight, or quitting all of those bad habits you picked up over the last year. So how do you start an American Legion Baseball Team? It is as easy as one, two, three. American Legion baseball was started in 1925 in South Dakota with the first American Legion Baseball World Series held in Philadelphia in 1926. Today there are some 5,000 teams across the nation, and they still narrow it down to just one team in the end with the annual American Legion World Series in August at the championship’s new permanent home of Veterans Field at Keeter Stadium in Shelby, North Carolina. Eden Prairie, Minnesota won the 2011 American Legion World Series. Eden Prairie advanced to the Series by winning the Central Plains Regional tournament by beating none other than Carroll County, Iowa in the championship game with a barn burner 11-9 victory. Carroll County started an American Legion baseball team in 2011 after a five or so year hiatus of not having a team, and advanced to the Regionals by defeating West Des Moines Legion Post 620 in the American Legion Iowa State Championship game in Des Moines on May 16. It was a nail biter that went 11 innings. Carroll advanced to that championship game by defeating the Sioux City Bancrofts of Edward H. Monahan Post 64 and Iowa Lakes Legion on May 14 in Carroll. Currently there are about twenty senior Ameri-can Legion baseball teams, ages 19 and under, in the state of Iowa. Sound like fun? You can do this too in your home town.

1. You need players! There is no shortage of baseball players in the state of Iowa with over 250 high schools participating with baseball teams. Iowa is the only state in the union with a mandated summer high school baseball season so while the rest of the nation is playing Legion baseball in the summer we are playing high school baseball; hence the Ameri-can Legion baseball season in Iowa in the spring. The Area Tournaments (state qualifiers) in 2012 will be held on April 28 and 29 with the State Tournament scheduled to take place on May 12 and 13. The first permitted Iowa high school games in 2012 are to take place on May 21; so this avoids any conflict with the high school game schedule. It also allows our base-ball players to get a full month and a half in of practices and games in with their Legion team before high school baseball starts. So where do you get your players from? The Ameri-can Legion’s national office sets recruiting guidelines that are

then adopted by each state; so for example in Iowa your players can come from just one high school like West Des Moines Post 620 where all of the players attend Dowling Catholic High School, and also like the Mason City American Legion team where all of the players attend Mason City High School; OR your players can come from multiple high schools like the Sioux City Bancrofts Post 64 team where the eighteen man roster in 2011 came from a total of ten Sioux City area high schools. It is not a coincidence then that the 4A Iowa High School State Baseball Championship game included Dowling and Mason City! In fact, full American Legion teams or portions of American Legion baseball teams that played during Iowa’s spring season this past year were then represented by no less than TEN high schools from all various classes in the 2011 Iowa High School State Baseball Tourna-ment. This is great testimony to the advantages offered by this traditional sport in our spring season. American Legion baseball is famous across the United States with Major League Baseball alumni with the likes of Jeff Bagwell, Johnny Bench, George Brett, David Eckstein, Josh Hamilton, Albert Puljos, Ryne Sandberg, Mark Teixeira, and Ted Williams just to name a few. Iowa stars include former Major League Baseball players Bruce Kimm, Mike Boddicker, and, of course, the late Bob Feller!

2. You need coaches! The Iowa High School Athletic As-sociation does not allow on-field interaction with high school coaches and their players prior to their first allowable practice in the first week of May, so coaches in American Legion baseball in the state of Iowa come from the ranks of parents, personal baseball instructors, and enthusiasts. Every team in the state has a different make up on their respective coaching staffs, but what they all have in common is the ambition to get out on the field as soon as the last flake of snow melts from the winter, and to get their players on the diamond. Most teams have spring tryouts, and then start practice in March with our Iowa Legion season primarily being a weekend sched-ule in April as to not conflict with other high school activities.

Nothing like extra baseball. So how cool was it for Eden Praire to win it all? Their players and coaches enjoyed the national spotlight at Busch Stadium in St. Louis during the Major League Baseball World Series as they participated in an 85-year-old tradition of on-field recognition in a pregame ceremony. Prior to Game 2, the Eden Prairie team was escorted on to the field where it received an MLB award from Executive Vice President Joe Torre, who is also a Legion Baseball

alumnus. They then took their seats to watch the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers battle it out. How cool would that be for your local boys to receive some national recognition!

3. You need the Legions! If you want to start an American Legion baseball team please contact and then visit your local American Legion hall at their monthly meetings in December and January. The team registration deadline for the 2012 season is February 3. You will need a Legion Post to ‘sponsor’ your team. This sponsorship may be moral support or financial in nature; regardless you must have a Legion post to be your sponsor. Costs are minimal and fund raisers are available through your local Legion halls. With an alumni base that includes more than half of current Major League Baseball players, American Legion Baseball is one of the most prominent and tradition-rich amateur athletic leagues in existence. To be a part of this in Iowa, and for ad-ditional information go to the national American Legion baseball website: www.legion.org/baseball, to the state American Le-gion baseball website: www.ialegion.org/baseball, and you can email or call the American Legion Programs Director for Iowa; Kathy Nees at [email protected] & 515-282-5068. This is for sure one New Year’s resolution you want to keep. Bob Protexter is the Head Coach of the Sioux City Bancrofts American Legion baseball team sponsored by Edward H. Mo-nahan Post 64, and is the owner and operator of Total Baseball Development (TBD), a baseball school in Sioux City, Iowa that offers personalized one on one baseball instruction for players of all ages, out-of-season league play, clinics, camps, and profes-sional and college player placement services. Protexter also works with USA Baseball’s NTIS program.

Carroll County - 2011 Central Plains Regional runner-up


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found senior tight end Nick Williams in the back of the endzone for a score, putting the Knights up, 26-0, after a two-point conversion.

Scarborough added a 59-yard rushing touchdown, a 77-yard interception returned for a touchdown and another pass to Nick Williams -- all in the first half. He finished the game 2-for-2 with two touchdowns. At the 10:25 mark of the second quarter, Nate Meier ran 54 yards for another score, bulldozing through several Murray defenders along the way. Meier added an eight-yard touchdown run with 1:35 remaining in the half,

putting the Knights up 61-0. Meier’s only score in the second half came on a four-yard run with 8:34 to go in the third quarter. Murray senior quarterback Austin Halls finished with 164 yards passing. Fremont-Mills sacked him five times and intercepted him five times. Fremont-Mills senior linebacker Logan Wood returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the second half. Murray junior tight end Cody Scroggie had three receptions for 87 yards for Murray. This was Murray’s first 12-win season and first trip to the UNI-Dome.

recovered at the Lions’ 32-yard line. The short field and momentum led to senior running back Chris Schleuger’s touchdown run that put West Hancock up 12-6 with 8:13 to go in the third quarter. The two-point conversion

failed. Schleuger led all rushers with 157 yards, most coming after contact. He scored once. On the next Lisbon drive, Simpson ran 38 yards to West Hancock’s 26-yard line, then had the ball stripped away and West Hancock’s Ryan Fedders recovered. The Lisbon defense came to the rescue and held on from there, allowing the offense to do its job. Despite the fumbles, Simpson played a key role in Lisbon’s victory, rushing for 110 yards and a

touchdown. Lisbon struck first when Simpson hurdled into the endzone on a three-yard scamper with 10:57 to go in the second quarter. West Hancock thwarted the two-point conversion, keeping the score, 6-0, Lisbon. West Hancock responded at the 5:39 mark in the second quarter when senior running back Zac Schleuger ran 13 yards for the score. Schleuger was wrapped up several yards shy of the goal line but shook off the tackler and backed into the endzone. Zac Schleuger finished with 50 yards on 17 carries. Senior Gerardo Ibarra’s extra point was blocked to keep the score knotted, 6-6. Lisbon’s Tyler Smith led all tacklers with eight, three of which were for loss.


Coach of the Year • Kent Allison, LisbonCoach of the Year • Keith Shields, Murray

The Iowa Sports Connection 2011 All-State Team - Class A

The Iowa Sports Connection 2011 All-State Team - 8/Player

OffenseQB • Jacob Wrage JR - North Tama (Traer)

QB • Zach Wurth SR - Gehlen Catholic (LeMars)

RB • Trevor Bouma SR - Gehlen Catholic (LeMars)

Class A Player of the YearRB • Joseph Burgmeier SO - Newman Catholic (Mason City)

RB • John Gormley JR - Iowa Valley (Marengo)

RB • Chris Schleluger SR - West Hancock (Britt)

WR • Brandt Becker SR - Don Bosco (Gilbertville)

WR • William Dougherty JR - Woodbury Central (Moville)

OL • Sean Loew SR - Madrid

OL • Weston Nuendorf SR - Colo-Nesco

OL • Pat Smith JR - West Hancock (Britt)

OL • Tyler Smith SR - Lisbon

UTL • Ben Knake SR - Lisbon

K • Abdeel Hernadez SR - Postville

OffenseQB • Tyler Fedderson SR - Armstrong-Ringsted

QB • Luke Schaefer SR - East Mills

RB • Dalton Ciavarelli JR - Clarksville

RB • Jason Fedderson SR - Preston

RB • Tyler McDanel SR - Moravia

RB • Nate Meier SR - Fremont-Mills (Tabor)

8/Player Player of the YearWR • Daniel Duysen SR - East Mills

WR • Trevor Sherrard SR - Seymour

OL • Ben Banser SR - Janesville

OL • Corey Burtram JR - Clarksville

OL • Dallas Franks SR - Fremont-Mills (Tabor)

OL • Alex Hinerichsen SR - Preston

UTL • Marcus Mechaelsen SR - Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg)

K • Brett Thackery SR - Armstrong-Ringsted

DefenseDL • Gunnar Clark JR - West Hancock (Britt)

DL • Brandon Imoehl SR - Postville

DL • Micah Neary SR - Gehlen Catholic (LeMars)

DL • Tait Simpson SR - Lisbon

LB • Nolan Hefty JR -North Tama (Traer)

LB • Cody Jarnes SR - Postville

LB • Ryan Langan SR - Madrid

LB • Kane Louscher JR - Newman Catholic (Mason City)

DB • Riley Brockway SO - Postville

DB • Nathan Schmadeke SR - Grundy Center

DB • Tyler Reicks SR - Van Meter

P • Cooper Northrup SR - Belle Plaine

DefenseDL • Ben Banser SR - Janesville

DL • Ross Dawson JR - Melcher-Dallas

DL • Jordan Wheatley JR - Adair-Casey

LB • Caleb Ciavarelli SR - Clarksville

LB • Dakota Oderman SR - Armstrong-Ringsted

LB • Josh Despard JR - Janesville

LB • Joel Watson SR - Ventura

DB • Austin Halls JR - Murray

DB • Clay Harreld SR - Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg)

DB • Logan Wood SR - Fremont-Mills (Tabor)

P • Clayton Wilson JR - Fremont-Mills (Tabor)

Fremont-Mills (Tabor) Rolls to 8-Player State Championship

Lisbon Edges West Hancock for First Class A Championship

By Tim Weideman Editor By Tim Weideman Editor

Fremont-Mills of Tabor was an unstoppable force Friday as it cruised to an 81-0 victory over Murray in the Iowa high school 8-player championship game. Fremont-Mills senior running back, Nate Meier, dominated in his final performance as a Knight. Meier carried the ball just 12 times but amassed 218 yards and five touchdowns -- both records for the 8-player championship game. The Knights rushed for 352 yards in an impressive display of power. Meier put the Knights on the board first with a 39-yard touchdown run. The Knights added a two-point conversion to go up 8-0 with 6:47 left in the first quarter. Fremont-Mills never looked back. The Knights held Murray and forced the Mustangs to punt out of their own endzone. Three Knights reached the punter before he could get the kick off and pushed him out the back of the endzone for a saftey, putting the Knights on top, 10-0, with 5:47 left in the first quarter. Meier added a 32-yard touchdown run on Fremont-Mills’ first play from scrimmage after the free kick. With 1:51 to go in the first quarter, senior quarterback AJ Scarborough

Top-ranked Lisbon overcame #4 West Hancock of Britt, 14-12, in the Class A championship game to earn the school’s first-ever state title. Up 14-12 with 5:14 left to play, senior Skylar Ellerbach stepped in front of West Hancock quarterback Eric Cox’s pass and intercepted it. The Lions marched down the field and ran out the clock to seal the victory. Lisbon’s offense came through in the clutch earlier in the game. Down 12-6 with 1:02 remaining in the third quarter, Lisbon senior quarterback Ben Knake scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak. He then found senior Seth Hall in the endzone for a successful two-point conversion, putting Lisbon up, 14-12. Knake rushed for a team-high 143 yards and one score. He completed 7-of-12 passes for 97 yards. Though total output wasn’t high, moving the ball wasn’t the problem for either team. Lisbon tallied 346 yards of total offense, while West Hancock recorded 289. Scoring was harder to come by for both teams, especially Lisbon, who turned the ball over four times. Lisbon fumbled on two consecutive drives in the third quarter. West Marshall capitalized on the first third-quarter turnover when Lisbon senior running back, Tait Simpson, lost the ball and West Hancock junior Ryder Clark

Nate Meier, Fremont-Mills (Tabor)

Roy Tucker / Pep Rally Photo


Ben Knake,Lisbon

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Coach of the Year • Josh Bollyut, Spirit LakeCoach of the Year • Drew Clevenger, Saint Ansgar

The Iowa Sports Connection 2011 All-State Team - Class 2A


OffenseQB • Jesse Ertz SR - Mediapolis

QB • Conner Golden SR - Beckham (Dyersville)

RB • Hutch Burns SR - PCM-Monroe

RB • Dalton Ferch SR - West Marshall (State Center)

RB • Jake Greco SR - North Fayette (West Union)

RB • Michael Strautman SR - Kuemper Catholic (Carroll)

WR • TJ Buyert SR - Sioux Center

WR • Jacob Darbyshire SR - Mediapolis

OL • Dustin Aiken SR - West Marshall (State Center)

OL • Sawyer Harms SR - Spirit Lake

OL • Zach Reis SR - Iowa City Regina

OL • Trevor Thompson SR - Albia

UTL • Luke Kabele SR - Spirit Lake

K • Brett Cochran-Bray JR - Spirit Lake

OffenseQB • J.D. Culjat SR - St. Albert (Council Bluffs)

QB • Jace Engstler SR - Garner-Hayfield

RB • Mitchell Harger SR - Alburnett

Class 1A Player of the YearRB • Paul Hutson JR - Logan-Magnolia

RB • Andrew McCune SR - Woodward-Granger

RB • Vincent Otdoerfer SR - Starmont (Arlington)

WR • Cory Crnkovich SR - Woodward-Granger

WR • Kris Alesch SR - Ridge View

OL • Peyton Buchholz SR - Aplington-Parkersburg

OL • Derrick Miller SR - West Branch

OL • Nathan Somsky SR - Woodward-Granger

OL • Jackson Steinberg SR - Saint Ansgar

UTL • Tony Heimer SR - Saint Ansgar

K • Abe Wolfe SR - West Central Valley (Stuart)

DefenseDL • Andrew Broocks SR - Spirit Lake

DL • Jerod Franzen SR - North Fayette (West Union)

DL • Will Janssen SR - Mediapolis

DL • Cass Weitl SR - Kuemper Catholic (Carroll)

LB • Will Klocke SR - Kuemper Catholic (Carroll)

LB • Colton Hageman SR - South Winneshiek (Calmar)

LB • Noah Pickard SR - North Polk

LB • Jacob Vollstedt SR - Iowa City Regina

Class 2A Player of the YearDB • Dominic Brandt SR - Clarion-Goldfield

DB • Nick Clark SR - St. Edmond (Fort Dodge)

DB • Alex Dau SR - Spirit Lake

P • David Hicks SR - Kuemper Catholic (Carroll)

DefenseDL • Sam Bowers SR - Alburnett

DL • Dante Copeland JR - Panorama (Panora)

DL • Marco Naughton SR - St. Albert (Council Bluffs)

DL • John Sievert SR - Saint Ansgar

LB • Brady Berkland SR - Emmetsberg

LB • Si Eikelenborg SR - Dike-New Hartford

LB • Nathan Folkers SR - West Fork

LB • Tanner Tenley SR - North Cedar (Stanwood)

DB • Parker Bolt SR - Gladbrook-Reinbeck

DB • Jacob Musser SR - Woodward-Granger

DB • Adam Teunissen SR - West Lyon (Inwood)

P • Cameron Vinsand JR - Highland (Riverside)

Saint Ansgar started the second half with a bang when sophomore Kyle Hanson scooted 93 yards on the kick return for a touchdown to open up the third quarter. The PAT was no good, putting the Saints up, 18-0. St. Albert then showed heart by putting itself back into the game, driving 83 yards down the field for a score. Senior Kellen O’Neill capped off the drive with a one-yard touchdown run with

7:52 left in the third quarter. After forcing a Saint Ansgar punt, the Falcons put together another solid drive. Senior Zane Cozad punched it in from a yard out for the score with 3:02 remaining in the third, cutting Saint Ansgar’s lead to three, 18-15. Saint Ansgar responded with tough defense and enough offense to put the game out of reach. Saint Ansgar fumbled and St. Albert recovered at the

Saints’ 16-yard line, however, the Falcons gave the ball right back when senior Cael Halfman intercepted senior JD Culjat’s pass in the endzone. Culjat was intercepted again with 2:18 left in the game by senior Dylan Johnson. The Saints’ offense was able to run out the clock to complete the upset. Not including a two-point conversion attempt, Saint Ansgar only passed the ball once, gaining all its yards on the ground.

to the Regina one-yard line but lost four yards on the next three plays. Junior kicker Brett

Cochran-Bray added a 21-yard field with 5:56 left in the game to narrow the gap to 24-20. Regina had to fight to get back into the game as Spirit Lake put together an impressive half of football, leading 10-3 at the break. The Indians made a living off special teams in the first half. Spirit Lake got on the scoreboard first on a 30-yard field goal by Cochran-Bray. Regina fumbled the ball on the ensuing drive and the Indians’ Casey Jones recovered

it at the Indians’ 35-yard line with 5:27 to go in the first quarter. After moving the ball down field, Spirit Lake employed a bit of trickery. Lining up for what would have been a 36-yard field goal attempt, Adam Dau took the snap and found Rick Mavis in the endzone for a 19-yard touchdown pass with 2:52 remaining in the first quarter. The Regals put three points on the board after Nick Dolezal nailed a 43-yard field goal at the 5:25 mark in the second quarter, making the score 10-3. Spirit Lake out-gained Regina in total yards, 302 to 288.

Saint Ansgar Upsets St. Albert to Win Class 1A Championship

Iowa City Regina Wins Second Straight 2A Title


Saint Ansgar came ready to play against #1 St. Albert of Council Bluffs in the Class 1A championship game, knocking off the Falcons, 25-15. The Saints relied on their running game to lead them to the school’s first state title. Senior John Sievert finished with 126 yards on 26 carries and two touchdowns. With 1:29 left in the third quarter, Sievert ran 22 yards for a touchdown, capping off what ended up being the game-winning drive for Saint Ansgar. Though St. Albert applied pressure late in the game, Saint Ansgar remained calm and in control. The Saints established the tone early. Midway through the first quarter, Saint Ansgar scored on a one-yard touchdown run by senior Cael Halfman. The PAT was blocked, keeping the score, 6-0. Senior John Sievert scored for Saint Ansgar on a two-yard run in the second quarter. The Saints went for the two-point attempt but couldn’t convert, making it 12-0. St. Albert didn’t do itself any favors in the first half. The Falcons fumbled the ball on their first possession of the game. Saint Ansgar recovered at the Falcons’ 16-yard line, which led to the Saints’ first score of the game.

Top-ranked Iowa City Regina bounced back from a slow start in the first half to defeat #6 Spirit Lake, 24-20, in the Class 2A State Championship game. The Regals scored 24 unanswered points to take control of the ball game. Regina tied the score at 10 at the 10:27 mark of the third quarter after senior Jacob Vollstedt scored from three yards out. The Regals got an interception by senior George Sehl to stop Spirit Lake. Regina then marched 49 yards in nine plays before Joe McCaffery scored on a six-yard touchdown run, which gave Regina its first lead of the game, 17-10, with 5:24 left in the third quarter. After forcing a Spirit Lake punt, senior quarterback Nate Streb hit Sehl on a 49-yard touchdown pass to give the Regals a 24-10 lead with 3:14 to go in the third. Spirit Lake wasn’t done, though. With 0:45 left on the clock in the third, junior quarterback Paul Brown found Zach Herrig for a 22-yard touchdown pass, bringing the Indians to within a touchdown, 24-17. Late in the fourth, Spirit Lake drove

John Sievert, Saint Ansgar



George Sehl,Iowa City Regina

PrepConnection


Coach of the Year • Gary Swenson, West Des Moines ValleyCoach of the Year • Joe Hadachek, Union (LaPorte City)



OffenseQB • Blake Gimbel JR - Marshalltown

QB • Charles Rogers SR - Iowa City West

RB • Barkley Hill SR - Cedar Falls

RB • Trey Lewis SR - West Des Moines Valley

RB • Ronald Thompson SR - Iowa City High

RB • Kippie Ward SR - Des Moines Lincoln

WR • Amara Darboh SR - Dowling Catholic

WR • Andy Henry SR - Linn-Mar (Marion)

OL • JP Flynn SR - Bettendorf

OL • Trevor Hansen SR - West Des Moines Valley

OL • Luke Guenther SR - Southeast Polk

OL • Austin Stephens SR - West Des Moines Valley

K • Cole Netten SR - Ankeny

OffenseQB • Gavin Glenn SR - A-D-M (Adel)

QB • Zach Osborn SR - Harlan

RB • Wes Burnside SR - Union (LaPorte City)

Class 3A Player of the YearRB • Sam Lahr SR - West Delaware (Manchester)

RB • Keagan Parks SR - Webster City

RB • Adam Rowley SR - Oskaloosa

WR • Jordan Ely SR - Grinnell

WR • Lane Hovey SR - A-D-M (Adel)

OL • Nick Erritt SR - Webster City

OL • James Lowery SR - Decorah

OL • Robert Rathje SR - Benton Community (Van Horne)

OL • Noah Taylor SR - A-D-M (Adel)

UTL • Ozzie Adams SR - Clear Lake

K • Nathan Criswell SR - Grinnell

DefenseDL • Amos Lavela JR - Iowa City High

DL • Sam Raridon JR - West Des Moines Valley

DL • Jordan Studer SR - Ankeny

DL • Justin VanHoutan SR - Bettendorf

LB • Mark Atwater SR - Linn-Mar (Marion)

Class 4A Player of the YearLB • Ben Chalgren SR - Cedar Falls

LB • Tanner Donovan SR - Southeast Polk

LB • Nate Shaw SR - Bettendorf

DB • Tim Kilfoy SR - Davenport Assumption

DB • Allen Lazard SO - Urbandale

DB • David Tann SR - Cedar Rapids Washington

UTL• Riley McCarron SR - Dubuque Wahlert

P • Zach Brown SR - Sioux City East

DefenseDL • Levi Balvanz SR - Waverly-Shell Rock

DL • Colin Bevins SR - Creston/Orient-Macksburg

DL • Joe Carber SR - Central Clinton (DeWitt)

DL • Jay Pike SR - Solon

LB • Jake McDonald SR - Marion

LB • Jeremy Nelson SR - Bishop Heelan (Sioux City)

LB • Kane Seely SR - Perry

LB • Cole Stephen SR - West Delaware (Manchester)

DB • Trev Hadacheck JR - Union (LaPorte City)

DB • Josey Jewell JR - Decorah

DB • Brandt Van Roekel JR - Boyden-Hull / Rock Valley

P • Alex Bainter SR - Nevada

evenly matched in the first half, with the Knights picking up a slight edge. Petersen put the Knights on the board first with a 21-yard field goal at the 4:50 mark in the first quarter. Union had been threatening deep in Decorah territory but the Knights were turned away when the

Vikings’ defense remained tough. Wes Burnside took off 33 yards toward the endzone for a touchdown with 0:15 left in the first quarter, putting the Knights up, 10-0. Decorah responded when junior running back Joesy Jewell capped off an 80-yard drive with an eight-yard touchdown run. Petersen nailed a 35-yard

field goal as time expired to make the score 13-7 in Union’s favor. Union had to fight back after Jewell scored on a 10-yard run that put the Vikings on top, 14-13, with 5:44 to go in the third quarter. The Union defense held strong the rest of the game, not allowing the Decorah offense to gain momentum. Burnside provided plenty of momentum for the Knights, carrying the ball 25 times for 127 yards and one touchdown.

opportunities. Bettendorf never reached the Tigers’ redzone but capitalized on big plays. Bettendorf got on the board first with help from its special teams. Senior linebacker Keaton Jurevitz blocked Jon Brueggen’s punt and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown. Mason responded with his first score for

Valley to tie the game just before the end of the first half. Valley’s Nick Galles nailed a 29-yard field goal with 4:58 left in the third quarter to put the Tigers up, 10-7. Heimendinger helped the Bulldogs’ offense find some rhythm in the fourth quarter. He finished 10-of-19 for 163 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Bettendorf only totaled 64 yards on

the ground due to Valley’s stout defense. The Tigers found more success running the ball. Mason and senior Trey Lewis formed an effective duo for the Tigers. Lewis led all rushers with 69 yards. The Tigers totaled 141 yards on the ground. Valley’s Jeff Pullen was 3-for-11 with 82 yards but he found Clint Boffelli twice for big plays, which helped the Tigers move the ball. Bettendorf senior linebacker Nate Shaw led all tacklers with eight, 2.5 were for loss. Senior defensive end Justin VanHoutan had seven tackles with five being for loss and a sack. Valley was led on defense by senior linebacker Tarin Phillips, who had 6.5 tackles. Senior Spencer Hellman had 6 tackles for the Tigers. Senior Ryan Knoff recorded two sacks.

Union Takes Down Decorah First Class 3A Championship

Valley Defeats Bettendorf, 17-14, in Class 4A Championship


Union of LaPorte City defeated Decorah in Week 0 of the regular season and defeated the Vikings again, 21-14, to win the school’s first Class 3A Football Championship Saturday night in the UNI-Dome. Down 14-13 with 6:12 left in the thrid quarter, Union sophomore quarterback, Jay Scheel, found senior Brad Gallup for a touchdown. Scheel then sprinted in to the endzone on the two-point conversion to put the Knights up, 21-14. With little time remaining in the game, Decorah marched down the field behind senior quarterback Blake Moen, who completed passes to seniors Jacob Humpal and Kyle Kregel to get Decorah all the way to the Union 33-yard line. Moen, who was running the Viking offense at a much faster pace than it had all game, tossed up another heave but it found the hands of Union senior Brendan Kuhn, who sprinted down the field, deep into Viking territory. Union lined up in victory formation and took a knee to end the game. Union and Decorah proved to be

When #1 West Des Moines Valley’s defense had to buckle down, it did. When the offense had to drive, it did. The Tigers defeated #6 Bettendorf, 17-14, in a defensive battle that required both offenses to dig deep. Valley dug a little deeper. Sophomore Tyus Mason helped secure the win from both sides of the ball. With 1:19 left in the game, Mason scored from nine yards out, putting the Tigers up, 17-14. Mason finished with 56 yards on nine carries and recorded both Valley touchdowns. On Bettendorf’s following drive, Mason intercepted Bettendorf quarterback Nick Heimendinger. Valley wasn’t able to score on offense but forced the Bulldogs to use their timeouts and took too much time off the clock for the Bettendorf offense to do anything. The Bulldogs appeared to be in control after they scored on a 94-yard pass from Heimendinger to senior Nick Hughes with 6:31 left in the game. Bettendorf’s defense couldn’t hold the Tigers at bay. In fact, the Tigers offense clicked when in the redzone, converting on 3-of-4

Jay Scheel,Union (LaPorte City)



Tyus Mason,West Des Moines Valley

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Champions Across Iowa

Senior Nate Meier

trucked his way to leading

Fremont-Mills (Tabor)

to the 8-player state

championship. Meier set

new 8-player championship

game records of 218

yards rushing and five

touchdowns. He had just

12 carries. Meier was

named the ISC 8-Player

Player of the Year. (Photo

by Roy Tucker/Pep Rally

Photo)

Football

Name: Nate Meier

School: Fremont-Mills

(Tabor)

Class: 8-PlayerBen Knake, a senior, was a

key part of Lisbon’s Class

A championship run. Knake

finished the season with

1,084 yards passing, 583

yards rushing, 60 total

tackles, five interceptions

and a punting average of

34.9 yards (long of 58

yards). Knake was an ISC

Class A All-State First

Team selection. (Photo by

Charlie McCardle)

Football

Name: Jackson Steinberg

School: Saint Ansger

Class: 1A

Saint Ansgar senior

Jackson Steinberg was

a disruptive force on the

defensive line and a brick

wall on the offensive line.

He earned a spot on the

ISC Class 1A All-State

First Team as an offensive

lineman. Steinberg finished

the year with 106 tackles,

including three sacks and

seven tackles for loss.

Football

Name: Joseph Burgmeier

School: Newman

Catholic (Mason City)

Class: A

If this year was any

evidence, sophomore

Joseph Burgmeier will

have a great career at

Newman Catholic (Mason

City). Burgmeier had

1,541 rushing yards, 6.4

yards per carry and 25

touchdowns this season.

He also landed a spot on

the ISC Class A All-State

First Team. (Photo by

Charlie McCardle)

Football

Name: Ben Knake

School: Lisbon

Class: A

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Morgan Fjelstad, Sr., Lake MillsJenna Horstman, Sr., Pella ChristianMeagan Kearns, Jr., Maple Valley-Anthon-OtoKendra Korporal, Sr., Sumner-FredericksburgMeghan Krausman, Sr., Grundy Center

3rd TeamKaylee Blake, Jr., IKM-ManningTabitha Blaser, Sr., Forest CitySarah Faber, Sr., Pella ChristianSarah Frisch, Sr., Grundy CenterKim Kroeze, Jr., Western Christian (Hull)Gina Montagna, Sr., West LibertyKasey Rueter, So., HintonOlivia Sulentic, Sr., Interstate 35 (Truro)

IGCA Class 1A All-State1st TeamMikaela Foecke, Fr., Holy Trinity Catholic (Fort Madison)Megan Gilbert, Sr., TripoliSara Hoppenworth, Sr., TripoliBailey Kirshoff, Jr., TripoliKatelin Langel, Jr., Gehlen Catholic (LeMars)Karlie Schut, Sr., Iowa Christian AcademyKendyl Sorge, Fr., JanesvilleWhitney VanderMaten, Sr., Boyden-Hull

2nd TeamMaddie Bardole, Jr., Woodward-GrangerKari Ludingson, Sr., River Valley (Correctionville)Ashley Tinguely, Sr., Holy Trinity Catholic (Fort Madison)Cailia Raymond, Sr., BedfordKatie Rice, Sr., East Union (Afton)Steph Rohe, Sr., Gehlen Catholic (LeMars)Carmen Subbert, So., StantonAmber Timmins, Sr., Gehlen Catholic (LeMars)

3rd TeamJessica Balek, Sr., Newman Catholic (Mason City)Cali Beyer, Sr., TripoliKatie Dentlinger, Sr., Coon Rapids-BayardHanna Feller, Sr., EarlhamBrittany Hansen, Jr., JanesvilleKelli Herrig, Jr., Marquette Catholic (Bellevue)Lindsay Reinhart, Sr., Holy Trinity Catholic (Fort Madison)Allison TeSlaa, Jr., Boyden-Hull

IGCA 2011 Volleyball All-State TeamsIGCA

The Iowa Girls Coaches Association has released its 2011 Iowa High School Volleyball All-State Teams and the Elite All-State Team.

Iowa Girls Coaches Association (IGCA) Elite All-State TeamMegan Gilbert, Sr., Tripoli (Player of the Year)Allie Hutcheson, Sr., Cedar Rapids KennedyMorgan Kuhrt, Sr., Waverly-Shell RockMichaela Nelson, So., Iowa City HighShelly Stumpff, Sr., Iowa City WestNatalie Vondrak, Sr., Bishop Heelan (Sioux City)Briana Weber, Fr., Dike-New HartfordBrooke Wolerstorff, Jr., Western Christian (Hull)

IGCA Class 4A All-State1st TeamCarly DeMarque, Sr., Lewis Central (Council Bluffs)Olivia Fairfield, Sr., Iowa City WestAllie Hutcheson, Sr., Cedar Rapids KennedyMaddie Manning, Sr., AnkenyErin Muir, Iowa City HighMichaela, Nelson, So., Iowa City HighAudrey Reeg, Jr., Dubuque HempsteadShelly Stumpff, Sr., Iowa City West

2nd TeamKaz Brown, So., Cedar FallsMaddie Nevenhoven, Jr., WaukeeAnna Pashkova, Sr., Iowa City WestErin Rettenmaier, Sr., Dowling CatholicAlexus Rodgers, Jr., Cedar Rapids KennedyMorgan Waterman, So., Pleasant ValleyAlyssa Wing, Jr., ClintonJaali Winters, Fr., Ankeny

3rd TeamBailey Banach, Sr., AmesMelissa Bartholomew, Sr., NewtonZinka Duric, Jr., Waterloo WestJamie Farley, Sr., Cedar FallsKellie Fliehler, Sr., Iowa City WestLiz Hubing, Jr., Iowa City HighKyla Inderski, So., UrbandaleRachel Rhinehart, Jr., Iowa City High

IGCA Class 3A All-State1st TeamKelsey Cave, Jr., SolonKinsey Caldwell, Sr., Waverly-Shell RockMadeline Hanno, Sr., Bishop Heelan (Sioux City)Morgan Kuhrt, Sr., Waverly-Shell RockEllie Rausch, Sr., Dubuque WahlertJess Schaben, Fr., HarlanLindsay Schulz, Sr., CarrollNatalie Vondrak, Sr., Bishop Heelan (Sioux City)

2nd TeamMacKenzie Bigbee, Sr., WilliamsburgAmanda Bries, Sr., West Delaware (Manchester)Gabi French, Sr., Red OakMakenzie Harbaugh, Sr., West Delaware (Manchester)Amy Ihm, Sr., Dubuque WahlertMegan McCarthy, Sr., Bishop Heelan (Sioux City)Jessie Sindliger, So., Charles CityTori Zempel, Sr., Union (LaPorte City)

3rd TeamBobbi Jo Borrows, Sr., Bondurant-FarrarAlexis Conway, So., MOC-Floyd ValleyKelsey Hinrichs, Jr., SolonSara Jesse, Sr., Union (LaPorte City)Hannah Miller, Sr., MarionDevan O’Connell, Jr., MaquoketaKarli Schadler, Sr., Charles CityBeth Walker, Sr., Dubuque Wahlert

IGCA Class 2A All-State1st TeamJosie Brackey, Sr., Lake MillsJamie Gesink, Fr., western Christian (Hull)Kellie Goedken, Sr., SheldonHeather Hook, Jr., Grundy CenterSam Meyers, Jr., Grundy CenterAbbie Perez, Sr., Dike-New HartfordBriana Weber, Fr., Dike-New HartfordBrooke Wolterstorff, Jr., Western Christian (Hull)

2nd TeamKaity Brouwer, Sr., Dike-New HartfordMadi Drees, Sr., Kuemper Catholic (Carroll)Kayln Ertz, Sr., Mediapolis

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Every Friday 7 pm - 11 pm• Streaming Live on

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Lisbon Football: The Lisbon Lions brought home the school’s first ever state football title by defeating West Hancock, 14-12, for the Class A State Championship.Union of LaPorte City Football: The Union Knights of LaPorte City defeated Decorah, 21-14, in the Class 3A State Championship game for their first state football title in school history. Tripoli Volleyball: Tripoli did it again. For the fourth consecutive season, the Panthers won the Class 1A state volleyball championship. Senior Megan Gilbert was named the IGCA Elite Player of the Year.Shelly Stumpff (Iowa City West, Senior): Stumpff led Iowa City West to its second straight Class 4A volleyball championship. Stumpff was named captain of the 4A all-tournament team and selected to the IGCA Elite All-State Team.Trevor Bouma (Gehlen Catholic (LeMars), Senior): Bouma was named the Iowa Sports Connection’s Class A Player of the Year. Bouma led Gehlen Catholic in tackles with 113 and had three interceptions. He ran for 2,696 yards and 42 touchdowns. He averaged an amazing 11.5 yards per carry.Underwood Wrestling: Underwood opens the season ranked No. 1 in The Predicament’s Class 1A team rankings. Junior Andrew Foutch (120) and senior Drake Fanslau (160) lead a strong team.

A quick look at some of the state’s best performances from the Missouri to the Mississippi

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Amber Timmins (15) Gehlen Catholic (LeMars); Brittany Hunwardsen (4) and Kari Ludvigson (6), River Valley Kim Kroeze, Western Christian (Hull)

Brooke Wolterstorff, Western Christian (Hull)

Steph Rohe, Gehlen Catholic (LeMars)Becca Vonnahme, Gehlen Catholic (LeMars)

of the MonthMorgan Kurht Brooke Wolterstorff

High School: Waverly-Shell Rock Class: 2012GPA: 3.97Sport: Volleyball

High School: Western ChristianClass: 2013GPA: 3.38Sport: Volleyball

Academic Achievements/Honors: National Honor Society member, Academic All-State for volleyball, A Honor Roll every semester of high school

Sports you play:Volleyball, tennis

Athletic Achievements/Honors: 2011 Class 3A Player of the Year, 2008,09,10,11—NEIC 1st Team All Conference and 1st Team All-District;2008—IGCA 3rd Team All-State 3A; 2009—IGCA 1st Team All-State 3A, Captain of 3A All-Tournament Team; 2010—IGCA Elite Team All-State & 1st Team All-State 3A, Gatorade Player of the Year Candidate; 2011—IGCA Elite Team All-State & 1st Team All-State 3A, Gatorade Player of the Year Candidaate, AVCA Under Armour High School All-American Honorable Mention Team, KWWL Athlete of the Week; Iowa High Performance Team 2007-2009(2008 2nd place); Member of USAV Na-tional Champion Team 2011 and All-Tournament Team member; 2010—6th place State Doubles in tennis.

What is your favorite sports memory?Winning State my sophomore and senior year, winning nationals this summer in Atlanta with my club team.

Do you have any fun pre-game “rituals” that prepare you for an event? I usually paint my nails the night before. I listen to music to get me focused and ready to play.

What’s your favorite subject in school and why? I really like business classes because it’s what I want to study in college, but I also like math.

College or post-high school plans: Attend Iowa State University to play volleyball and study Business.

Sports you play:Basketball, volleyball and track

Athletic Achievements/Honors: All Conference volleyball, All Conference track, All-Tournament Team 2010, All-Tournament Team 2011, Volleyball Elite All-State

What is your favorite sports memory?Setting in the Spencer home game considering I’m a hitter

Do you have any fun pre-game “rituals” that prepare you for an event? Take an ice bath every night the first week of basketball practice

What’s your favorite subject in school and why? Health because I love the teacher and it’s the same thing I’m interested in.

Favorite type of music: Country

Who inspires you? Why? Kayla Gesink because when I was a freshman she took me in and I have just looked up to her.

What was the best movie you saw in the

last year? Tangled

What is your dream job? Physical Therapist

Student Athletes

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Boys’ Top Ten

Class 4a1-Iowa City West2-West Des Moines Valley3-Ankeny4-Cedar Falls5-Sioux City East6-Davenport Central7-Linn-Mar (Marion)8-Waukee 9-Dubuque Senior10-Cedar Rapids Kennedy

Class 3a1-Waverly-Shell Rock2-MOC-Floyd Valley3-Iowa Falls-Alden4-Dubuque Wahlert5-Davenport Assumption6-Storm Lake 7-Harlan8-Webster City9-Pella10-Washington

Class 2A1-PCM-Monroe2-St. Edmond (Fort Dodge)3-Mount Vernon4-Forest City5-Des Moines Christian6-West Marshall (State Center)7-North Cedar (Stanwood)8-Central Lee (Donnellson)9-Western Christian (Hull)10-Pekin10-Mediapolis

Class 1A1-St. Mary (Storm Lake)2-Danville 3-Nodaway Valley (Greenfield)4-Iowa Mennonite (Kalona)5-Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg)6-Gladbrook-Reinbeck7-Lisbon8-Gehlen Catholic (LeMars)9-Marquette Catholic (Bellevue)10-Harris Lake Park 10-Murray

Girls’ Top Ten

Class 4A1-Iowa City West2-Ankeny 3-Southeast Polk4-Mason City5-Waukee6-Cedar Rapids Washington7-Muscatine8-Dowling Catholic9-Ames10-Cedar Rapids Kennedy

Class 3A1-Dubuque Wahlert2-Williamsburg3-South Tama4-Sergeant Bluff-Luton5-Benton (Van Horne) 6-Davenport Assumption7-Glenwood8-Spirit Lake9-Bishop Heelan (Sioux City)10-Washington

Class 2A1-Odebolt-Arthur/Battle Creek-Ida Grove2-Estherville-Lincoln Central3-Kuemper Catholic (Carroll)4-Pella Christian5-IKM-Manning6-West Hancock (Britt)7-Lawton-Bronson8-Monticello9-St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) 10-Panorama (Panora)

Class 1A1-North Tama (Traer)2-Tripoli3-North Mahaska (New Sharon)4-Bedford5-Gehlen Catholic (LeMars)6-North Butler (Greene)7-Ar-We-Va (Westside)8-Central Lyon (Rock Rapids)9-Adair-Casey10-Iowa Christian Academy

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2011 Kiwanis Basketball Jamboree

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Prince of Peace (Clinton) once again won the Big East title last season but will need to fill some key senior leadership lost from that team. Northeast (Goose Lake) returns Mitch Haferbrier and his 14-plus points per game and runner-up finish. Ben Knake (Lisbon) is the top returning scorer form the league with his 21.5 points per game average. Lisbon also returns nearly all of the roster and looks to challenge for the title this season. Marquette Catholic (Bellevue) also looks to improve and with its past tradition, I would keep a close eye on their balanced group of returners.

Some of the other top returners in the Big East include Kasey Lasack (Midland, Wyoming), Colton Bormann (Preston) and Jordan Bahl (Lisbon) who all averaged in double figures. Also returning are Jake Hendrichs (Lisbon), Isaac Sturm and Tim Nass (Marquette Catholic, Bellevue), Brandon Keating (Andrew) and Dylan Rittmer (East Central, Miles).

Conference Prediction: 1. Lisbon 2. Marquette Catholic (Bellevue) 3. Calamus-Wheatland

Conference Teams: Andrew, Bellevue, Calamus-Wheatland, Camanche, East Central (Miles), Lisbon, Marquette Catholic (Bellevue), Midland (Wyoming), Northeast (Goose Lake), Olin, Preston, **Prince of Peace (Clinton)

Big East ConferenceConference Outlook:

Bluegrass ConferenceConference Outlook:

Murray won the Bluegrass last season and looks poised to repeat this season with the return of the conference’s leading scorer Austin Halls and his 23.3 points per game and Codie Scroggie and his 14.1 points per game. The top half of the conference could look much the same with Moulten-Udell, Melcher-Dallas, Moravia and Lamoni all returning key players. Austin Cosgrove averaged 14.7 for Moravia, while Kenneth Wadle and Deven Breese combined for 27 points per game for Melcher-Dallas. Moulten-Udell will counter with the one-two combo of Kalen Martsching and Quentin Fowler who combined for nearly 25 per game. Jackson Carr and Jeremy Deemer gained a ton of experience and combined for 24 a game.

Other individual returners to watch are Austin Leer, Ben Heath and Chase Wik (Mormon Trail, Garden Grove), Trevor Banks (Seymour), Grey McCoy and Kyle Neher (Moulten-Udell), Coy Moore (Twin Cedars, Bussey), and Ross Dawson (Melcher-Dallas).

Conference Prediction: 1. Murray 2. Moulten-Udell 3. Lamoni

Conference Teams: Diagonal, Lamoni, Melcher-Dallas, Moravia, Mormon Trail (Garden Grove), Moulten-Udell, **Murray, Seymour, Twin Cedars (Bussey)

Cedar Valley ConferenceConference Outlook:

North Cedar (Stanwood), West Branch and Mid-Prairie battled for the title last season with Knights getting the edge. Jordan Hay is back with his conference leading scoring average of 23.4 points per game and leading returning rebounder at 9.4 per game. West Branch and Iowa City Regina look to be formidable challengers as the Bears return Rylan Murray with his nearly 15 points and the Regals with Ryan Lynch and his 11.4 points per game. West Liberty would like to think they can improve with nearly its entire roster back.

Some of the other top individual returners include Avery Meyers (West Liberty), Kyle Jackson and Seth Bendixen (North Cedar, Stanwood), Jaemin Powell (Mid-Prairie, Wellman), Vance Glaser (Durant-Bennett), Ethan Powers (Tipton) and Danny Amelon (Iowa City Regina).

Conference Prediction: 1. North Cedar (Stanwood) 2. West Branch 3. Iowa City Regina

Conference Teams: Durant-Bennett, Iowa City Regina, Mid-Prairie (Wellman), **North Cedar (Stanwood), Tipton, West Branch, West Liberty, Wilton

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= Ankeny and Dowling Catholic tied for the balanced and tough CIML-Central title last season. The league lost a ton of senior leadership but usually reloads and the Hawks should once again be tough with the return of Cole Myers and Ted Friedman. Cory Myers should also be back after missing nearly all of last season with an injury. Southeast Polk returns Kyle Starcevich and his nearly 10 points per game.

Other top returners include Amara Darboh (Dowling Catholic), Kale Render (Indianola), Bryan Sumner and Conner Schabel (Ankeny).

Conference Prediction: 1. Ankeny 2. Southeast Polk 3. Dowling Catholic

Conference Teams: **Ankeny, **Dowling Catholic, Indianola, Johnston, Southeast Polk, Urbandale

CIML Central ConferenceConference Outlook:

CIML Iowa ConferenceConference Outlook:

Waukee won the CIML-Iowa title last season and may have lost its top scorer but returns a strong nucleus to once again fight for the top spot with Jordan Stotts, Cole Pederson and Chad Gutschenritter — who combined for 32 points per game. Cale Abrahamson led the league in scoring last season at 21 per game and is back to lead West Des Moines Valley. Add Des Moines Roosevelt transfer Peter Jok — who should be 100 percent later this season as he heals from off-season surgery — and his 18.5 points per game and the Tigers will be very tough. Ames was young last season and should improve. Ames will be led by Justin Solter and Adam Maher, who combined for 18 points a game. Maher is the top returning rebounder in the league at 5.6 per contest.

Other top returners are Sam Skogen (Mason City) and his nearly 17 per game average along with Blake Gimble (Marshalltown).

Conference Prediction: 1. West Des Moines Valley 2. Waukee 3. Ames

Conference Teams: Ames, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown, Mason City, **Waukee, West Des Moines Valley

CIML Metro ConferenceConference Outlook:

Des Moines Hoover once again claimed the CIML-Metro crown and to repeat will look for leadership from Dwight Sistrunk. Des Moines Roosevelt will count on Sam Norman and his 15 points and 8 rebounds per game, both top returning marks in the league. Ottumwa also could be tough with Faith Pope, Ben Kramer and Erik Thorgaard all back after combining for nearly 38 points per game. Des Moines Lincoln returns Rodney Walker, Kippie Ward and Trevon Young and 39 points combined per game. This may be the most balanced the league has been in a while after the recent runs by the Huskies and Railsplitters.

Other top returners are Darius Clemons, Ben Rodney and Teyontae Jenkins (Des Moines North), Chris Bennett (Des Moines Roosevelt) and Brandon Long (Des Moines East).

Conference Prediction: 1. Des Moines Lincoln 2. Des Moines Roosevelt 3. Ottumwa

Conference Teams: Des Moines East, **Des Moines Hoover, Des Moines Lincoln, Des Moines North, Des Moines Roosevelt, Ottumwa

West Fork took it one step further last season, not only sweeping through the conference but also claiming the Class 2A state basketball title. Now the question is can they defend. Payton Plagge will be the key for that to happen with his 12.6 points and conference best returning mark of 8 rebounds per game. With most of the league’s best graduated, the underclassmen will be heavily counted on. Saint Ansgar was solid last year and returns Cael Halfman and Jackson Steinberg, who combined for nearly 24 points per game.

Conference Prediction: 1.Saint Ansgar 2. West Fork 3. North Butler (Greene)

Conference Teams: Central Springs (Manly), Nashua-Plainfield, North Butler (Greene), Northwood-Kensett, Riceville, Rockford, St. Ansgar, **West Fork

Clay Central-Every, Harris-Lake Park and Armstrong-Ringsted were the best in the Corn Belt overall last season. Two teams no longer make up the conference with Twin River Valley and Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka consolidating. Harris-Lake Park will return two key players from last season’s success in Eli Ihnen and Brady Nissen, who combined for nearly 27 points per game. West Bend-Mallard returns its top two scorers in Chris Schmidt and Jason Zinnel and 21 points per game.

Some of the other top returners in the Corn Belt are Jared Schloerman (Clay Central-Everly), Travis Larson (North Sentral Kossuth), Evan Hagebock (Armstrong-Ringsted) and Dylan Smith (Ruthven-Ayrshire).

Conference Prediction: 1. Harris-Lake Park 2. West Bend-Mallard 3. Clay Central-Everly

Conference Teams: Armstrong-Ringsted, Clay Central-Everly, C-W-L (Corwith), Graettinger-Terril, **Harris-Lake Park, North Sentral Kossuth, Ruthven-Ayrshire, Ventura, West Bend-Mallard

Sidney and Clarinda Academy battled for the Corner title last season and both should be the best this season. Jeff Titsworth was a double-double player last season for Clarinda Academy with 15 points and 10 rebounds per game. He will be once again joined by Damani Matthews and his 10 points per game. Sidney will counter with the return of Brendon Hardy and Casey Cruickshank, who combined for 25 points per game.

Some of the other top returners include Luke Shafer (East Mills), who put down nearly 18 points per game, along with Nate Meier (Fremont-Mills, Tabor), Andrew Thompson (Nishnabotna), Jeff Marshall (Stanton) and Zackery Niehart (South Page, College Springs) who also return averaging in double figures. Others to watch are Greg Focht (Stanton), Levi Allen (Essex) and Max Mauderly (Villisca).

Conference Prediction: 1. Sidney 2. Clarinda Academy 3. East Mills

Conference Teams:**Clarinda Academy, East Mills, Essex, Fremont-Mills (Tabor), Nishnabotna, **Sidney, South Page (College Springs), Stanton, Villisca

Cornbelt-West ConferenceConference Outlook:

Corner ConferenceConference Outlook:

Corn Bowl ConferenceConference Outlook:

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Harlan and Kuemper Catholic (Carroll) shared the conference crown last season. Zach Osborn is back for the Cyclones with his 11.6 points per game, while the Knights will counter with David Hicks and his 11.4 per game average. A ton of experience has graduated so their leadership will be vital for a return to the top. Atlantic may be the sleeper team here with a strong group back led by Dalton Franken and his 16.5 points per game, best of all returners in the league. Add Chad Christensen and Sam Markum who combined for 20 points per game and the Trojans could be a challenger. Brandon Sweet and Tyler Steeve are back for Clarinda who also looks to improve. The combo combined for nearly 25 points per game.

Some of the other top returners include Luke Neitzel and Colby Taylor (Creston), Tanner Johnson and Gustavo Rodgrigues (Red Oak), Jarod Juhl (Harlan), Alex Hiatt and Jarod Stansbury (Clarinda).

Conference Prediction: 1. Harlan 2. Kuemper Catholic (Carroll) 3. Atlantic 4. Clarinda

Conference Teams: Atlantic, Clarinda, Creston, Denison-Schleswig, Glenwood, **Harlan, **Kuemper Catholic (Carroll), Lewis Central (Council Bluffs), Red Oak, Shenandoah

Hawkeye Ten ConferenceConference Outlook:

Heart of Iowa Large Conference

Conference Outlook:

Heart of Iowa Small Conference

Conference Outlook: It was all PCM last season as the Mustangs swept through the conference schedule and once again will be the favorite with the return of the HOI-Large’s leading scorer Scott Bruxvoort and his 20 points per game average. Bruxvoort also pulled down 7.7 rebounds per game, which is tops of all the returners. The question is where will the challenges come from in conference play. North Polk will count on Jake Hadaway with is nearly 12 points a game, while Bondurant-Farrar returns its top two scorers in Paden Ridgeway and Paul Newby, who both averaged 11.5 points per game last season. Nevada has a solid group to improve around in Brook Thompson, Colynn Black and Tate Handsaker who combined for 30 points per game.

Other top returners to watch include Otto Oathout (Jefferson-Scranton), A. J. Rutter and Trevor Jackson (Gilbert) and Jordan Van Roeckel (PCM-Monroe).

Conference Prediction: 1. PCM-Monroe 2. North Polk 3. Nevada

Conference Teams: Bondurant-Farrar, Gilbert, Jefferson-Scranton, Nevada, North Polk, **PCM-Monroe

Ogden prevailed over Grandview Park Baptist (Des Moines) and Roland-Story to claim the HOI-Small title. Byron Klauenberg and Josh Turner are both back after combining for 26 points per game. Klauenberg is the top returning scorer and rebounder in the league from last season. Collins-Maxwell-Baxter looks to improve with the return of Andrew Broderick and Josh Zeiser who combined for 24 points per game. Roland-Story, will count on Ryan Skaar for leadership with his 11.8 scoring average from last season.

Other top returners include Conner Arrasmith (Grandview Park Baptist, DM), Cody Schmitz (Collins-Maxwell-Baxter), Cody Good (Ogden) and Tim Schlorholtz (Roland-Story).

Conference Prediction: 1. Ogden 2. Collins-Maxwell-Baxter 3. Roland-Story

Conference Teams: Colfax-Mingo, Collins-Maxwell-Baxter, Grandview Park Baptist (Des Moines), **Ogden, Roland-Story, South Hamilton (Jewell)

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NE Hamilton won the North title last season and returns the league’s leading scorer in Marcus Mechaelsen and his nearly 20 points per game. Add the second leading scorer as well, Clay Harreld, and his 17-plus points and you can see why the Trojans are once again favored. Tripoli will be in the mix with the return of Karter Schult and James Barz, who combined for 20 per game. Nick Watson is the top returning rebounder at 9.5 boards per game and also brings back his 13.5 per game average for Janesville along with Hunter Meyer and his 11.5 per game average.

Other top returners include Dillon Anderson (Dunkerton), Joel Johnson (CAL, Latimer), Ethan Seiser (Northeast Hamilton, Blairsburg), Nick Wessels (Clarksville), Josh Despard (Janesville) and Austin Drewis (Tripoli).

Conference Prediction: 1. Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg) 2. Tripoli 3. Janesville

Conference Teams: CAL (Latimer), Clarksville, Dunkerton, Janesville, **Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg), Tripoli

Iowa Star North ConferenceConference Outlook:

Iowa Star South ConferenceConference Outlook:

Colo-Nesco and North Tama (Traer) shared the South title last season but both will have to reload to repeat. The Royals will look for leadership from Weston Neuendorf and Ethan Jamison who combined for 18 points per game, while the Redhawks will count on Mitchell Boerm and his 11.6 scoring average. Ryan Wynthein of Waterloo Christian pulled down 9.3 boards per game making him the top returning rebounder in the league, while teammate Chris Doering averaged 13.9 and Lucas Segerstrom chipped in 11.1 per game.

Some of the other top returning players include Vincent Lasley (Meskwaki Settlement, Tama) and his 13.4 per game average, Brandon Lolwing (G-M-G, Garwin), Peter Bernstrom (Waterloo Christian) and Brandt Becker (Don Bosco, Gilbertville).

Conference Prediction: 1. Waterloo Christian 2. North Tama (Traer) 3. Colo-Nesco

Conference Teams: **Colo-Nesco, Don Bosco (Gilbertville), GMG (Garwin), Meskwaki Settlement (Tama), **North Tama (Traer), Waterloo Christian

Lakes ConferenceConference Outlook:

Not hard to figure out who won the Lakes title last year as Western Christian (Hull) once again played for the Class 2A championship, falling in overtime to West Fork. The conference was a senior-dominated one last year so new faces will make an impact and that usually means the Wolfpack will reload as well. LeMars should be a factor once again with the top returning scorer in the league back in Austin Homan and his 17-plus points per game. Storm Lake will look to improve with Ethan Kenkel, Pel Deng and Trey O’Brien all back after combining for 30 points per game. Kenkel also pulled down 8.7 rebounds per game, tops of all league returners.

Some of the other top returners include Paul Brown (Spirit Lake), Jordan Eisma (LeMars), Ryan Kliegl (Emmetsburg) and Matthew Klemme (Spencer).

Conference Prediction: 1. Storm Lake 2. LeMars 3. Western Christian (Hull)

Conference Teams: Cherokee, Emmetsburg, Estherville-Lincoln Central, LeMars, Spencer, Spirit Lake, Storm Lake, **Western Christian (Hull)

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It was a new year but it had the same outcome as Pella and Norwalk shared the league title last season. This season looks to be wide open with the loss through graduation of most of the Little Hawkeyes’ top players. Grinnell may be in the best position with the return of Dillon Gretzky and his 16.3 points per game, along with Eli Dunne and Joe Nowasell who combined to add another 15 per game. Other top returners are Brian Rose and Shamus Baltisberger (Newton). Look for tradition to rise up with many new faces on the court this season.

Conference Prediction: 1. Grinnell 2. Pella 3. Norwalk

Conference Teams: Grinnell, Knoxville, Newton, **Norwalk, Oskaloosa, **Pella, Pella Christian, South Tama

Little Hawkeye ConferenceConference Outlook:

Mississippi Athletic Conference

Conference Outlook:

Davenport West won the MAC title last season but will have to reload behind its top scorer Joe Scott and his 14.4 per game average. Zach Burnham is back for Davenport Central after leading the league in rebounding with 8.8 per game and his 11.2 average along with Tyler Case. Davenport Assumption will count on Peter Finn and his 12-plus average. Nobody really jumps off the page so watch early in the season for some of the newest faces making an impact.

Some of the other top returners are Xzavion Jones (Davenport North), Griffin Gaeta and Ty Wagg (Muscatine), Nick Hughes (Bettendorf), Jordan Arp (North Scott, Eldridge) and Billy Daniel (Davenport Assumption).

Conference Prediction: 1. Davenport Central 2. Davenport Assumption 3. Davenport West

Conference Teams: Davenport Assumption, Bettendorf, Burlington, Clinton, Davenport Central, Davenport North, **Davenport West, Muscatine, North Scott (Eldridge), Pleasant Valley

Mississippi Valley- Mississippi Conference

Conference Outlook:

Cedar Rapids Kennedy won the Valley division of the MVC and returns Josiah Coleman, its top returning scorer at 10.1 points per game. Jake May and Riley McCarron are back for Dubuque Wahlert. The combo averaged 22 points per game. Iowa City West will be tough with most of its leadership back, including Dondre Alexander and his 13.2 scoring average.

Some of the other top returners are Dale Jones and his 14.7 average for Waterloo West and Jeremy Morgan (Iowa City West).

Conference Prediction: 1. Iowa City West 2. Dubuque Wahlert 3. Cedar Rapids Kennedy

Conference Teams: **Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Cedar Rapids Xavier, Dubuque Hempstead, Dubuque Wahlert, Iowa City West, Waterloo West

Iowa Falls-Alden won the NCC title last season and return Kade Olson and Derek Bradley with their combined nearly 26 points. Bradley also led the league in rebounding with nearly 11 per game. The Gaels are always in the picture and return the league’s leading scorer, Nick Clark, and his 20 per game average and another 12 points per game from Neil Flattery. Webster City should be tough once again with the return of Jonny Davis and Bryan Swon who combined for 24 per game. Clear Lake is still another to watch in this league that returns a ton of talent from last season. The Lions will count on Chase Crosby and Ozzie Adams who also averaged 24 per game. Austin Vakse and John Burns also scored in double figures and will lead the Bishop Garrigan (Algona) charge.

Others that return to keep your eye on include Charlie Friedl and Andrew Swan (Humboldt), Sam Lipps (Algona), Andrew May and Boone Myers (Webster City), Sam Butson and Tanner Brolsma (Hampton-Dumont), Casey Schlatter (Iowa Falls-Alden), Brandon Johnson (Eagle Grove), Dominic Brandt (Clarion-Goldfield) and David Flattery (St. Edmond, Fort Dodge).

Conference Prediction: 1. Iowa Falls-Alden 2. St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) 3. Webster City 4. Bishop Garrigan (Algona)

Conference Teams: Algona, Bishop Garrigan (Algona), Clarion-Goldfield, Clear Lake, Eagle Grove, Hampton-Dumont, Humboldt, **Iowa Falls-Alden, St. Edmond (Fort Dodge), Webster City

North Central ConferenceConference Outlook:

Mississippi Valley- Valley Conference

Conference Outlook:

Linn-Mar (Marion) won the conference and Class 4A state title last season behind Marcus Paige who returns for his senior season with his 17.7 points per game average. The pieces around him will look a lot different so the expectations should not be as high as last season. Cedar Falls looks to be in position with James Harrington and Caleb Konieczny back combining for 31 per game. Dubuque Senior was young last season and, though not usually mentioned, should be watched this season with Josh Weeber and his 20.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, along with Kyle Haber and his 9 per game.

Some of the other top returners include Matt MacDougall and Jacob Aune (Cedar Rapids Prairie), Alec Saunders (Cedar Rapids Jefferson), Desmond Vanarsdale (Waterloo East) and Tony Johnson (Cedar Falls).

Conference Prediction: 1. Cedar Falls 2. Linn-Mar (Marion) 3. Dubuque Senior

Conference Teams: Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Cedar Rapids Prairie, Cedar Rapids Washington, Dubuque Senior, Iowa City High, **Linn-Mar (Marion), Waterloo East

Bishop Heelan and Sioux City East shared the Missouri River title last season but the Crusaders took it one step further when they claimed the Class 3A state title. Heelan is missing Wesley Staten this season so it will look to point guard Shane Graves for leadership. The Black Raiders also return one of the state’s best in Adam Woodbury who averages double figures with 18.5 points and with 12.4 rebounds per game. Add Alex Imming and his 12-plus points per game for Sioux City East and the Black Raides have to be favorites.

Some of the other top players returning include Cole Croston (Sergeant Bluff-Luton), Alex Crowl (Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln), Wade Tompkins (Sioux City West) and Brian Collinson (Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson).

Conference Prediction: 1. Sioux City East 2. Bishop Heelan (Sioux City)3. Sergeant Bluff-Luton

Conference Teams: **Bishop Heelan (Sioux City), Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln, Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson, Sergeant Bluffs-Luton, **Sioux City East, Sioux City North, Sioux City West

Missouri River ConferenceConference Outlook:

Marcus Paige, Linn-Mar (Marion)

Adam Woodbury, Sioux City East

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Garner-Hayfield edged Lake Mills last season for the NCC title. Jake Engstler is back to lead with his 12.6 points per game. Forest City looks to get back on top, led by Kyle Rosaker and Tyler Flugum and their combined 27 points per game. North Iowa (Buffalo Center) also looks to be part of the chase with the return of a young but experienced group led by Troy Kettwick and Eric Krull, who combined for 26-plus per game. Isaac Ibrarra won the scoring title last season with his 17.6 average, while his teammate Jacob Patterson is back as the top returning rebounder at nearly 8 per game for West Hancock (Britt).

Some of the other top returners include Ryan Fedders (West Hancock, Britt), Justin Putney (Forest City) and Keaton Mallen (Belmond-Klemme).

Conference Prediction: 1. Forest City 2. North Iowa (Buffalo Center) 3. Garner-Hayfield

Conference Teams: Belmond-Klemme, Forest City, **Garner-Hayfield, Lake Mills, Newman Catholic (Mason City), North Iowa (Buffalo Center), Osage, West Hancock (Britt)

North Iowa ConferenceConference Outlook:

North Iowa Cedar-East Conference

Conference Outlook:

NUH-Cedar Falls and Dike-New Hartford shared the NIC-East title last season. Eric Hines is back to lead NUH with his 11 points per game, while Josh Rekkers is the leader for the Wolverines. Abe Folkers led the league in rebounds with an 11.7 average and also averaged 13.8 points per game to lead Aplington-Parkersburg. Denver returns a ton of experience led by Joe Frost and his league returning best scoring average of 16.1 per game. Sam Schumacher and Marcus McMahon combined for another 22-plus per game.

Other top returners are Mitchell Boevers and his 13.2 per game average for Wapsie Valley (Fairbank), along with Justin Petersen and Connor Wrage (Hudson), Dakota Cox (Aplington-Parkersburg) and Sean Morgan (Dike-New Hartford).

Conference Prediction: 1. Denver 2. Aplington-Parkersburg 3. Dike-New Hartford

Conference Teams: Aplington-Parkersburg, Denver, **Dike-New Hartford, Hudson, Jesup, **NUH-Cedar Falls, Union (LaPorte City), Wapsie Valley (Fairbank)

North Iowa Cedar-West Conference

Conference Outlook:

West Marshall (State Center) swept the 12-game conference schedule in the NIC-West last season and returns the league’s co-scoring leader, Michael Newton, and his 16.2 average along, with Dalton Ferch and his nearly 13 per game. AGWSR (Ackley) hopes to return to the challenger’s position with Josh Bagley leading the way with his 12.4 average. Gladbrook-Reinbeck looks to be in the best position of improving with the NIC-West co-scoring leader, Parker Bolt, along with Colby Luethje and Jacob Smoldt who combined for another 20 per game. South Hardin (Eldora) is also expecting to improve with its top three scorers back, led by Andrew Stone and Dayton Blvanz. Stone is the league’s top returning rebounder at just over 8 per game.

Other top returners are Cole Thompson (BCLUW, Conrad), Ben Ferris (South Hardin, Eldora), Tysen Streeter (West Marshall, State Center), Hunter Drake (AGWSR, Ackley) and Nathan Schmadeke (Grundy Center).

Conference Prediction: 1. West Marshall (State Center) 2. Gladbrook-Reinbeck 3. South Hardin (Eldora)

Conference Teams: AGWSR (Ackley), BCLUW (Conrad), East Marshall (LeGrand), Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Grundy Center, South Hardin (Eldora), **West Marshall (State Center)

Southeast Warren (Liberty Center) won the large POI title last year with just one defeat. To repeat, it will count on Austin Allen and his 15.9 points per game. Nodaway Valley (Greenfield) has had past success and has the looks of at least a league title challenger with most of its roster back, led by Brad Baulder and TJ Bower who combined for 24-plus per game. Corning has the league’s top returning scorer in Wyatt Henkenius and his 20 per game average, along with his 11 rebounds per game. Martensdale-St. Mary’s may be ready to jump into the picture with JD Nielsen and Zeb Noel back, who together combined for 29.1 points and 13.1 rebounds per game.

In one of the largest leagues in any class, here are a number of other top returners that will have an impact on the season: Jordan Reed (Lenox), Brent Banks (Wayne, Corydon), Jake Hoff and Michael Weinkoetz (East Union, Afton), Brody Brownlee (Interstate 35, Truro), Braydee Poore (Mount Ayr), Hunter Van Haalen, Jake Burgett and Collin Thomas (Pleasantville), Kolten Sefrit (Bedford), Bryson Durrow (Central Decatur, Leon), Daniel Ehrsam (Nodaway Valley, Greenfield) and Reggie Perrin (Corning).

Conference Prediction: 1. Nodaway Valley (Greenfield) 2. Corning 3. Martensdale-St Mary’s 4. Southeast Warren (Liberty Center)

Conference Teams: Bedford, Central Decatur (Leon), Corning, East Union (Afton), Interstate 35 (Truro), Lenox, Martensdale-St. Mary’s, Mount Ayr, Nodaway Valley (Greenfield), Pleasantville, **Southeast Warren (Liberty Center), Wayne (Corydon)

Pride of Iowa ConferenceConference Outlook:

Northeast Iowa ConferenceConference Outlook:

Well, the only thing left after last season for Waverly-Shell Rock is to win the Class 3A title after sweeping through the conference and finishing as the runner-up in the state tournament. Connor Coleman is back to lead the way but the Go-Hawks are not as deep a team as last season. Klinton Carlson and Jesse Hendrickson will be counted on for more minutes. Decorah was young last season and looks to improve with a balanced group led by James Ostlie. New Hampton also has some pieces in place led by Kyle Smith who gained valuable experience as a freshman. Charles City has the league’s top returning scorer in Jon Blumberg with is 15.2 average. Crestwood (Cresco) returns its top two scorers, Leyton Bohr and Kolter Freidhof, who combined for nearly 20 per game.

Other top returners include Christian Fahey (Waukon), Zach Isakson (Charles City), Jacob Mohlis (Oelwein), Dakota Sweitzer (New Hampton) and Nick Nelson (Decorah).

Conference Prediction: 1. Waverly-Shell Rock 2. Decorah 3. Charles City and New Hampton

Conference Teams: Charles City, Crestwood (Cresco), Decorah, New Hampton, Oelwein, Waukon, **Waverly-Shell Rock

After years of regular season success, St. Mary (Storm Lake) finally had the results it had been striving for in the post season when it claimed the Class 1A state championship. Now St. Mary will have to play with the target on its back. A strong nucleus of that title team is back, led by Luke Lenhart and Kennedy Drey who combined for 29-plus points per game. Alta/Aurelia looks to improve led by Jalen Henningsen and his 12.3 scoring average. Brad Ripke is back as the conference’s top returning scorer at 18 per game for Sioux Central (Sioux Rapids).

Other top returners include A. J. Lange, Austin Glawe and Jaden Holton (Alta/Aurelia), Nate Lenhart and Andy Drey (St. Mary, Storm Lake) and Andrew Temple (Newell-Fonda).

Conference Prediction: 1. St. Mary (Storm Lake), 2. Alta/Aurelia 3. Sioux Central (Sioux Rapids)

Conference Teams: Alta/Aurelia, Laurens-Marathon, Newell-Fonda, **St. Mary (Storm Lake), Sioux Central (Sioux Rapids)

Northwest Iowa ConferenceConference Outlook:

Connor Coleman, Waverly-Shell Rock

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Carroll and Dallas Center-Grimes shared the RCC conference title last season. The Tigers will look for leadership from Casey Kasperbauer, who has played since his freshman season and led the league in scoring last year, averaging 20-plus per game. The Mustangs will ask for more from Tyler Peyton and his 12 points per game. Most of the teams that hope to challenge have a player to lead them but all are looking to replace tons of experience at the same time. A-D-M (Adel) has Austin Hudson and his 13-point scoring average, while Carlisle counters with Jeremy Flaws and his 14-plus per game average.

Other returners that will be counted on include Taylor Pyle and Colin Green (Boone), Casey Robson and Jack Carney (Ballard, Huxley), Lane Hovey and Gavin Glenn (A-D-M, Adel) and Zach Arceo (Perry).

Conference Prediction: 1. A-D-M (Adel) 2. Carroll 3. Dallas Center-Grimes

Conference Teams: A-D-M (Adel), Ballard (Huxley), Boone, Carlisle, **Carroll, **Dallas Center-Grimes, Perry, Saydel, Winterset

Raccoon River ConferenceConference Outlook:

Rolling Hills ConferenceConference Outlook:

Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton was the RHC title last season and returns Zach Himmelberg in hopes of repeating. Adair-Casey played a young group last season and returns Spencer Rochhloz and his 13.2 points per game. Ryan Aupperle (CAM, Anita) returns after leading the league in rebounding last season with 10.3 per game to go along with his 14.5 scoring average, which is tops among those that return in the conference.

Some of the other top returners include Lucas Blum (Walnut), Aaron Brown (Orient-Macksburg), Josh Johnson (Glidden-Ralston), Cole Palmer (Adair-Casey) and Dan Holst (CAM, Anita).

Conference Prediction: 1. Adair-Casey 2. Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton 3. CAM (Anita)

Conference Teams: Adair-Casey, Ankeny Christian Academy, CAM (Anita), East Greene (Grand Junction), **Elk Horn-Kimballton/Exira, Glidden-Ralston, Iowa Christian Academy, Orient-Macksburg, Paton-Churdan, Walnut

SEISC-North ConferenceConference Outlook:

Iowa Mennonite (Kalona) swept through the league last season and will return Chance Miller and his nearly 15 points per game, plus Brian Hagedorn and Johnny Lackender with their 10-plus points per game. Mediapolis and Pekin should once again contend and possibly overtake IMS. Pekin returns Trey Sathoff and his league-leading 24.8 points per game. Sathoff also averaged nearly 11 rebounds a game. Mediapolis will counter with Jesse Ertz and Jacob Darbyshire, who combined for nearly 22 points per game. Lone Tree also returns a strong group led by Bryan Forbes and his 16-plus average. This is a deep conference.

Other top returners include Clayton Robison (Winfield-Mount Union), Rafael Cardenas (Columbus, Columbus Junction), Logan Forbs (Lone Tree), Jesse Kleopfer and Jake Hootman (Highland, Riverside), Brant Shelman and Alan Hesseltine (WACO, Wayland), A. J. Steahr (Louisa-Muscatine, Letts), Wil Janssen (Mediapolis) and Brice Sines (Pekin).

Conference Prediction: 1. Iowa Mennonite (Kalona) 2. Pekin 3. Mediapolis and Lone Tree

Conference Teams: Columbus (Columbus Junction), Highland (Riverside), **Iowa Mennonite (Kalona), Lone Tree, Louisa-Muscatine (Letts), Mediapolis, Pekin, WACO (Wayland), Wapello, Winfield-Mount Union

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Danville rolled through the conference last season and continued that streak until it lost in the championship game in Class 1A. Double-trouble is back in the Soukup twins, Steve and Michael, who combined for nearly 38 points and 13 rebounds per game. Van Buren (Keosauqua) looks to be a challenger with the return of Colin Weaver and his 19-plus points and nearly 10 rebounds per game, along with Elliott Remick and his 15 points per game. Central Lee (Donnellson) is another to keep an eye on with Andrew Mathison, who averaged 16.7 points and was at the top of the league with 9.7 rebounds per game, along with Brandon Pezley and Matt Kurtz and 18 combined points per game.

Other top returners include Tony Huffman and Lucas Giertz (Burlington-Notre Dame), Collin Bartsch (Danville), Zach Boyd (Van Buren, Keosauqua), Kyler Nelson (Harmony, Farmington) and Kyle Krauter (Central Lee, Donnellson).

Conference Prediction: 1. Danville 2. Central Lee (Donnellson) 3. Van Buren (Keosauqua)Conference Teams: Cardinal (Eldon), Central Lee (Donnellson), **Danville, Harmony (Farmington), Holy Trinity Catholic (Fort Madison), Maharishi (Fairfield), New London, Notre Dame (Burlington), Van Buren (Keosauqua), West Burlington

SEISC-South ConferenceConference Outlook:

Siouxland ConferenceConference Outlook:

MOC-Floyd Valley won the Siouxland title last season and returns the league’s top scorer and rebounder in Daniel Jansen with 20 points and 9 rebounds per game. Most of the contenders in the league from last season look to be in the same position this year but all will depend on their returners stepping up and newcomers making the biggest difference. Sioux Center will count on TJ Buyert, while Sheldon will count on Dallas Ennema who both average about 13.5 points per game.

Some of the other top returners who will impact the conference include Brandt Van Roekel and Bryce Moss (Boyden-Hull), Ross Ackerman and Kyler Huisman (Central Lyon, Rock Rapids), Caleb DeHaan and Keegan Mulder (MOC-Floyd Valley), Bryson McCabe (Okoboji, Milford), Eric Schilling and Matt Nagel (George-Little Rock) and Brandon Snyder (West Lyon, Inwood).

Conference Prediction: 1. MOC-Floyd Valley 2. Sioux Center 3. Sheldon

Conference Teams: Boyden-Hull, Central Lyon (Rock Rapids), George-Little Rock, **MOC-Floyd Valley, Okoboji (Milford), Rock Valley, Sheldon, Sibley-Ocheydan, Sioux Center, West Lyon (Inwood)

South Central ConferenceConference Outlook:

Centerville edged Davis County (Bloomfield) for the SCC conference championship last season and Jake Hawkins is back with his league-leading scoring average of 17.1 per game. For the Big Red to repeat they will need improvement from Payton Busch and Logan Dabney, who combined for 16 points per game. Most of the conference teams lost senior leadership and will need to replace them so newcomers will have a huge effect this season.

Others that return with playing experience this season include Brandon Reed (Eddyville-Blakesburg), Josh Martsching and Calvin Mathews (Davis County, Bloomfield),

Conference Prediction: 1. Centerville 2. Davis County (Bloomfield) 3. Eddyville-Blakesburg

Conference Teams: **Centerville, Chariton, Clarke (Osceola), Davis County (Bloomfield), Eddyville-Blakesburg

BoysBasketball

Top: Michael Soukup, Bottom:

Steven Soukup; Danville

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The South Iowa Cedar was a battle last season with Keota, Lynnville-Sully and Sigourney all at the top. Casey Sieren and his 15.4 points per game is back for Keota but the rest of the pieces will need to be replaced with new faces. Chase Cullen is in the same position at Lynnville-Sully with his nearly 17 points per game average. Sigourney may be in the best position, despite losing their top scorer, with Andrew Fritz and J.C. Abrahamson who combined for 27-plus points per game. B-G-M (Brooklyn) will look to improve with a number of returners, including Chase Faas and Jake Flathers who combined for 22 points per game.

Other top returners include Clayton Korrell and Trent Lindemen (North Mahaska, New Sharon), Stephen Vavroch (Montezuma), Lincoln Parmenter (English Valleys, North English), Matt Merical and Derek Cavin (H-L-V, Victor).

Conference Prediction: 1. Sigourney 2. B-G-M (Brooklyn) 3. Lynnville-Sully and North Mahaska (New Sharon)

Conference Teams: Belle Plaine, B-G-M (Brooklyn), English Valley North English), H-L-V (Victor), Iowa Valley (Marengo), **Keota, **Lynnville-Sully, Montezuma, North Mahaska (New Sharon), **Sigourney, Tri-County (Thornburg)

South Iowa Cedar Conference

Conference Outlook:

Southeast ConferenceConference Outlook:

Once again, Mount Pleasant won the Southeast title but it will have to reload to do so this season. Nick Lyon and Jordan Ashton will be counted on for their experience. With most of the leadership gone from this conference, look for Washington to be a contender this season with the return of Colin Steele and Brock Kimball, who combined for 17 points per game.

Other top returners include Kevin Jennings and Dimitre Galbreath (Keokuk), Davis Lowenberg (Fairfield) and Josh Nagel (Fort Madison).

Conference Prediction: 1. Washington 2. Mount Pleasant 3. Keokuk

Conference Teams: Fairfield, Fort Madison, Keokuk, **Mount Pleasant, Washington

Tri-Rivers ConferenceConference Outlook:

Cascade won the conference title last season but graduated the nucleus of the past two conference championship teams. North Linn (Troy Mills), however, returns nearly its entire roster led by Jake Oswald and his 13 points per game. Maquoketa Valley (Dehli) looks to contend with the return of Jordan Mensen and Kyle Whitman, who combined for 18 points per game.

Others back that will impact their teams’ hopes include Brent Barth (East Buchanan, Winthrop), Alec Philipp (Alburnett), Isaac Wolf and TJ Rieniets (Monticello), Michael Kelchen (Edgewood-Colesburg), Nicholas Aberle, Nick Price and Hunter Pflughaupt (North Linn, Troy Mills), Jake Hulett (Springville) and Blake Johnson (Starmont, Arlington).

Conference Prediction: 1. North Linn (Troy Mills) 2. Maquoketa Valley (Dehli) 3. Monticello

Conference Teams: Alburnett, **Cascade, Central City, East Buchanan (Winthrop), Edgewood-Colesburg, **Maquoketa Valley (Dehli), Monticello, North Linn (Troy Mills), Springville, Starmont (Arlington)

Solon won the WAMAC-East last season but lost the core of that team. Turner Wentzien and Joe Weeks will be asked to lead for the Spartans to challenge this season. Mount Vernon was really close last season and returns a ton of experience from that team led by Jacob Timm and Micah Russell, who combined for nearly 27 points per game. Beckman (Dyersville) will also look to improve with Todd Manternach and Travis Gudenkauf back with their nearly 23 points per game combined. Maquoketa could be a sleeper with a balanced group back. Western Dubuque (Epworth) lost its leader but has enough experience back to be a contender.

Returning individuals to watch include Jack Keleher (Mount Vernon), Logan Pitz and TJ Lake (Western Dubuque, Epworth), Nate Steger (Beckman, Dyersville), Peyton River, Jon Bopes and Chase Coakley (Maquoketa).

Conference Prediction: 1. Mount Vernon 2. Beckman (Dyersville) 3. Western Dubuque (Epworth) and Solon

Conference Teams: Anamosa, Beckman (Dyersville), Central Clinton (DeWitt), Western Dubuque (Epworth), Mount Vernon, Maquoketa, **Solon, West Delaware (Manchester)

WAMAC-East ConferenceConference Outlook:

Twin Lakes ConferenceConference Outlook:

Pocahontas Area/Pomeroy-Palmer scraped out a conference title last season but lost most of its roster through graduation. East Sac County will look to improve for a shot at the title with the return of its top two scorers, Collin Schrader and Reed Tellinghuisen, who combined for nearly 27 points per game. Schrader is the top returning scorer in the conference. Manson-NW Webster will counter with Brody Eischeid and his more than 10 points per game scoring average.

Other top returning players to keep an eye on are Joe Lennon and DJ Stowers (Southeast Webster-Grand, Burnside), Cole Black (Prairie Valley, Gowrie), Jacob Ricke (East Sac County), Jake Petzenhauser (South Central Calhoun) and Aaron Youngbereg (Pocahontas Area/Pomeroy-Palmer).

Conference Prediction: 1. East Sac County 2. Manson-NW Webster 3. Prairie Valley (Gowrie)

Conference Teams: East Sac County, Manson-NW Webster, **Pocahontas Area/Pomeroy-Palmer, Prairie Valley (Gowrie), Southeast Webster-Grand (Burnside), South Central Calhoun

Sumner-Fredericksburg rolled through the UIC last season but to repeat will need Cole Becker and Keegan Meier to take over the leadership role. The two combined for 15 points per game last season. MFL, Mar-Mac (Monona) looks to be one of the choices with the return of five of its top six scorers, led by Brandon Hertrampf and CJ Mason who combined for 25-plus points per game. North Fayette (West Union) has a solid group back and is looking to build on last season. North Fayette will be led by Steve Schroeder and his 13.3 scoring average.

Other top returners that will impact their respective teams include Zach Steffans and Dallas Imoehl (Postville), Jordan Schmitt (Turkey Valley, Jackson Junction), Michael Lincoln (West Central, Maynard), Jared Holien and Nate Lensing (South Winneshiek, Calmar), Tom Heying (North Fayette, West Union), Dakota Schroyer and Billy Auer (Clayton Ridge, Guttenberg), Jordan Milton (Kee, Lansing) and Jacob Dotzler (MFL, Mar-Mac, Monona).

Conference Prediction: 1. MFL, Mar-Mac (Monona) 2. North Fayette (West Union) 3. Postville and Sumner-Fredericksburg

Conference Teams: Central (Elkader), Clayton Ridge (Guttenburg), Kee (Lansing), MFL, Mar-Mac (Monona), North Fayette (West Union), Postville, South Winneshiek (Calmar), **Sumner-Fredericksburg, Turkey Valley (Jackson Junction), Valley Community (Elgin), West Central (Maynard)

Upper Iowa ConferenceConference Outlook:

Washington


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Marion was the winner of the WAMAC-West but was a senior-dominated team. Clear Creek-Amana has the top returning scorer in the league back in Clay Miller at 17.4 points per game. Williamsburg is another contender with a strong nucleus back, led by Mick Donohoe and his 17 per game average and Jackson Petz with another 10 per game. No doubt that underclassman will impact this league with the graduation of most of the statistical leaders.

Other top returners include Josh Jirak (Center Point-Urbana) and Ben Markland (Benton, Van Horne).

Conference Prediction: 1. Williamsburg 2. Clear Creek-Amana 3. Marion

Conference Teams: Benton (Van Horne), Center Point-Urbana Clear Creek-Amana, Columbus Catholic (Waterloo), Independence, **Marion, Vinton-Shellsburg, Williamsburg

WAMAC-West ConferenceConference Outlook:

War Eagle ConferenceConference Outlook:

Unity Christian (Orange City) won the War Eagle title last season and usually reloads and could with the return of Blake Zomermaand, Dylan Hoekstra and Ross Groeneweg, who combined for 19 points per game. Adam Paulsen led the league in scoring at 19.7 per game last season and is back for South O’Brien (Paulina). Gehlen Catholic (LeMars) was close last season and also has its top two scorers back led by Trevor Bouma, who averaged 13 points per game. Hinton had a tough season last year but if it learned anything, it was that it have the pieces to be a sleeper this year led by Seth Butler and Jason Vander Kooi who combined for 21 points per game.

Other top returners in the War Eagle are Beau Pick and Cody Colling (St. Mary’s, Remsen), Alex Hansen (Remsen-Union), Dylan Speiler and Zach Specht (Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn), David Berkes and Zach Tindall (Akron-Westfield) and Michael Whitehead (Gehlen Catholic, LeMars).

Conference Prediction: 1. Gehlen Catholic (LeMars) 2. Remsen-Union 3. Unity Christian (Orange City)

Conference Teams: Akron-Westfield, Gehlen Catholic (LeMars), Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, Hinton, Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn, Remsen-Union, St. Mary’s (Remsen), South O’Brien (Paulina), Spalding Catholic (Granville), **Unity Christian (Orange City), West Sioux (Hawarden)

West Central ConferenceConference Outlook:

Des Moines Christian swept the WCC last season and should do the same this year with the return of Michael Carney, Jared Jones, Austin Stubbs and Sean Glenn, who all averaged in double figures and combined for 52-plus points per game. The rest of the league looks to be playing for second and an upper division finish.

The returning individuals that will impact this season are Michael Folkerts and Austin Waldorf (Van Meter), Gage Reis (Coon Rapids-Bayard), Adam Courtney (Guthrie Center), Dante Copeland (Panorama, Panora), Jacob Musser (Woodward-Granger), Tyler Book and Denton Hopkins (Earlham).

Conference Prediction: 1. Des Moines Christian 2. Panorama (Panora) 3. Coon Rapids-Bayard and Van Meter

Conference Teams: Coon Rapids-Bayard, **Des Moines Christian, Earlham, East Green (Grand Junction), Guthrie Center, Madrid, Panorama (Panora), Van Meter, West Central Valley (Stuart), Woodward-Granger

Lawton-Bronson and Woodbury Central (Moville) battled for the WVC-North title last season. Lawton-Bronson looks to be in a better position this season to challenge again with the return of Austin Lefler and his 17.7 points per game. Kingsley-Pierson could be the team to beat with the return of its top-four scorers, led by Colin Henrich and Tate Rhode and their combined 29 points per game. Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto lost its leader but do return the rest of a young roster and could be a sleeper this season.

Other top returners include Beau Wolfe (Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto), Zak Gander and Brody Reidemenn (River Valley, Correctionville), Seth Johnson (Ridge View), Joey Luft and Colin Freese (Odebolt-Arthur/Battle Creek-Ida Grove), Brandon Bainbridge and Evan Colfack(Kingsley-Pierson).

Conference Prediction: 1. Kingsley-Pierson 2. Lawton-Bronson 3. Odebolt-Arthur/Battle Creek-Ida Grove and Woodbury Central (Moville)

Conference Teams: Kingsley-Pierson, **Lawton-Bronson, Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto, Odebolt-Arthur/Battle Creek-Ida Grove, Ridge View, River Valley (Correctionville), Westwood (Sloan), **Woodbury Central (Moville)

Western Valley-North Conference

Conference Outlook:

Western Iowa ConferenceConference Outlook:

Treynor won the WCC crown last season but to repeat will count on the leadership of returners Chris Zimmerman, Conn Meis and Alec Sorensen, who combined for nearly 20 points per game. Tri-Center (Neola) returns its leading scorer, Britton Barrier and his 16 points per game average. Riverside (Oakland), behind the league’s top returning scorer Ricky Williams and his nearly 20 points per game, hopes to improve and become a challenger. Griswold is in solid position to improve from its .500 conference finish last season.

Other top returners include Devin Bates (Griswold), who averaged 14.7 per game, along with teammates Jared Schoning and Grant Haynes. Also returning are Austin Eckrich (Tri-Center (Neola), Todd Schmidt and Bill Price (AHST, Avoca), Andrew Irlmeier (Audubon) and Ean Patrick (Riverside, Oakland).

Conference Prediction: 1. Tri-Center (Neola) 2. Riverside (Oakland) 3. Griswold and Treynor

Conference Teams: A-H-S-T (Avoca), Audubon, Griswold, Missouri Valley, Riverside (Oakland), **Treynor, Tri-Center (Neola), Underwood

Logan-Magnolia swept the conference games last season and could do it again if it can make up for the graduation loss of Levi Ettleman. Nate Fender, Paul Hutson and Brennan Azinger, who combined for 28 points per game last year, give Lo-Ma a solid group to reload with. IKM-Manning will be a big part of the title chase with nearly its entire roster back, led by TJ Sterk and his 16.3 points per game average. West Monona (Onawa) could be a sleeper with the return of Jacob Willey and Taylor Pratt, who combined for nearly 22 points per game.

Other top returners include Ross Pawletzki (Ar-We-Va, Westside) with his 14.9 average per game, along with Jameson Delaney and Davis Hackman (Woodbine), Joey Herbers (IKM-Manning), Dylan Beeck (Charter Oak-Ute), Reid Linden (Whiting) and Gabe Madsen and Josh Westendorf (West Monona, Onawa).

Conference Prediction: 1. Logan-Magnolia 2. Boyer Valley (Dunlap) 3. IKM-Manning

Conference Teams: Ar-We-Va (Westside), Boyer Valley (Dunlap), Charter Oak-Ute, IKM/Manning, **Logan-Magnolia, West Harrison (Mondamin), West Monona (Onawa), Whiting, Woodbine

Western-Valley South Conference

Conference Outlook:

BoysBasketball

Cono Christian (Walker)Iowa School for the Deaf (Council Bluffs)Morning Star Academy (Bettendorf)Rivermont Collegiate Prep (Bettendorf)St. Albert (Council Bluffs)Scattergood Friends (West Branch)Siouxland Community ChristianTrinity Christian (Hull)Valley Lutheran (Cedar Falls)Woodward Academy

Independents

Williamsburg

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Fellowship of Christian Athletes Heart of an Athlete: Peyton MellmanAshley Lewis Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Peyton Mellman

Hometown: Mason City, IowaSchool: Mason City High SchoolSport: Basketball

Chosen Attribute: Perseverance

What is your personal definition of this word?

To continuously strive for improvement and not lose heart in the face of adversity What are some of your favorite quotes from other people about this word?

“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail”.

“People of mediocre ability sometimes achieve outstanding success because they don’t know when to quit”. What is your favorite Biblical passage that deals with this characteristic?

Through they may stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. – Psalm 37:24 Why did you choose that particular passage?

It serves as a great reminder that in hard times and

when confronted by challenges, God is always there to sustain us, and help us to persevere through any predicament. Please give an example of Perseverance in your life.I am taking 4 advanced placement classes this year and that has been really challenging. I have to put in a lot of extra time and effort to fully understand the material.

How do you apply this word in your sport?

Basketball is a game of mistakes. You have to learn to forget the turnovers and missed shots, by instead focusing your attention on the next play. Perseverance plays a vital roll in overcoming failure and improving your game. How did you first become involved in FCA?

I heard about it from some of my friends on the football team and started coming to meetings. How active within FCA are you?

I am a student leader of our FCA huddle.

How has God impacted you through FCA?

He has allowed me to share my faith with other athletes and I’ve also grown in my relationship with Him because of all I have learned from my fellow teammates and coaches. What is your athletic experience?

I’ve started varsity the past 3 years at Mason City High School, been captain my sophomore and junior years and will be a senior this year. Who is your athletic role model?

Maya Moore

Share one tip that helps you be a Christ-like competitor:

Praying before games and practices Future goals:I want to play basketball in college and become an oncologist. For the complete interview with Peyton or to learn more about FCA go to www.iowafca.org/newsletters.

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•SimpsonisconsistentlyrecognizedamongthetopcollegesanduniversitiesintheMidwestbyU.S.News & World Report

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•MultiplecommunitypartnershipswithDesMoinesorganizationsprovidequalitylearningexperiences

•Nationallyrecognizedundergraduateoperaprogramandhomeofthe

DesMoinesMetroOpera

www.simpson.eduIndianola,Iowa

Last season, Camanche and East Central shared the title in a highly contested conference. Cassie Aldis is the top returning scorer in the conference with her 13 points per game for East Central, along Kelsey Ernst of Bellevue. Some of the other top players that return this season look to be Ali Reeg (Bellevue) and Melissa Alger (Lisbon). Both averaged in double figures last season. Alger is also the top rebounder back with her 10.2 points per game average.

It looks to be another tight race this season with many of the same teams near the top. Camanche will count on a young group that gained experience last season. Bellevue looks to be the favorite with its top three scorers returning and all but two last year’s roster back. Lisbon should be right in the battle along with Prince of Peace (Clinton).

Conference Prediction: 1. Bellevue 2. Camanche 3. Lisbon 4. East Central (Miles)

Conference Teams: Andrew, Bellevue, Calamus-Wheatland, **Camanche, **East Central (Miles), Lisbon, Marquette Catholic (Bellevue), Midland (Wyoming), Northeast (Goose Lake), Preston, Prince of Peace (Clinton)

Big East ConferenceConference Outlook:

Bluegrass ConferenceConference Outlook:

Lamoni and Mormon Trail (Garden Grove) shared the conference title last season but look for a few others to challenge for the top of the league this season. Moravia is one with Katelynn Tracy back with her 16.5 points per game, tops of the returning in the Bluegrass. Tracy also averaged nearly 10 rebounds per game. Mouton-Udell is the second of the teams that looks to improve, led by Natalie Potter and Madison Probasco who combined for 23 points per game. Twin Cedars (Bussey) is also on the list of contenders with Alee Hugen and her 16 points per game.

Other individuals to watch are Mikaela Millslagle (Lamoni), Ashley Jarred (Diagonal) and Kate Patton (Murray) who all averaged double figures in scoring last season. Millslagle was also second in the conference in rebounding with nearly 12 per game. Elly Brown (Diagonal) returns after she led the league in rebounding last season with 13. Other teams that could be on the rise are Melcher-Dallas and Murray. The Mustangs return nearly their entire roster.

Conference Prediction: 1. Twin Cedars (Bussey) 2. Moulten-Udell 3. Murray 4. Moravia

Conference Teams: Diagonal, **Lamoni, Melcher-Dallas, Moravia, **Mormon Trail (Garden Grove), Moulton-Udell, Murray, Seymour, Twin Cedars (Bussey)

Cedar Valley ConferenceConference Outlook:

Iowa City Regina posted a perfect conference season and things could look much the same this season with the return of Zoe Dutchik whois the top returning scorer in the league with her 17.6 average. Also back for the Regals is Jenna Lehman who added 10.5 points per game. Other top returners in the Cedar Valley are Kristi Feldman (West Liberty), Taylor Doermann (Tipton) and Kelly Trimble (West Branch), who all averaged in double figures offensively last season. Feldman also led the league in rebounding last year.

A few other players to watch include Sidney Lilienthal (Durant-Bennett), Leah Duffe (Wilton), Heather Poula (West Branch) and Marissa Kelly (West Liberty). In the team race behind Regina, look for Durant-Bennett to improve along with Mid-Prairie (Wellman), which gained a ton of experience with a nearly all-sophomore roster last year. West Branch looks to be the best of the challengers.

Conference Prediction: 1. Iowa City Regina 2. West Branch 3.Mid-Prairie (Wellman) 4. Durant-Bennett

Conference Teams: Durant-Bennett, **Iowa City Regina, Mid-Prairie (Wellman), North Cedar (Stanwood), Tipton, West Branch, West Liberty, Wilton

GirlsBasketball

Zoe Dutchik, Iowa City Regina

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Southeast Polk was a bit of a surprise last season early but they will now go from up-and-coming to contender this season with the return of Caitlin Ingle and Whitney Van Wyk and their combined 28 points per game average. Ankeny is a perennial power and returns Maddie Manning and her 16 points per game, tops in the CIML-Central. No doubt the conference title will go to one of these two teams.

The top players to watch that return this season are Renise Collier (Urbandale), Haley Faber (Dowling Catholic), Rachel Kaale (Indianola) and Shayla Starkenburg and Maddie Muhlenbruck (Ankeny). Collier is the top returning rebounder with just over eight boards per game.

Conference Prediction: 1.Southeast Polk 2. Ankeny 3. Dowling Catholic

Conference Teams: Ankeny, Dowling Catholic, Indianola, Johnston, **Southeast Polk, Urbandale

CIML Central ConferenceConference Outlook:

CIML Iowa ConferenceConference Outlook:

Once again, Waukee won the Iowa crown and will be strong once again along with runner-up Mason City. Jadda Buckley led the league in scoring at 16.3 points per game for the Mohawks, while Megan Goodson is back for the Warriors with her 11.1 points per game along with Megan Shryack and her 10 points per game. Look for Ames to be a contender as well with the return of Cheyenne Pritchard and Shayla Kellogg and their combined 18 points per game. Kellogg led the conference with 8.8 rebounds per game.

Other individuals to watch are Amy Nestingen and Britney Boland (Waukee), Myah Mellman and Cortni Rush (Mason City) and Jenna Power (Ames).

Conference Prediction: 1. Mason City 2. Waukee 3. Ames

Conference Teams: Ames, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown, Mason City, **Waukee, West Des Moines Valley

CIML Metro ConferenceConference Outlook:

Des Moines East not only won the conference title but was crowned the Class 4A champions with their perfect season. It will look a lot different in Scarlet country this season if they are to repeat with the loss of four Division I basketball players. Look for Shareece Burrell and Roichelle Marble to lead DM East. Ottumwa would like to think they will be part of the league race with the return of Kelsey Nickerson who led the league in scoring with her 16.9 points per game. Des Moines Lincoln will count on the one-two punch of Brittan Knoebel and Darian Polson who combined for 23 points per game. Polson is the top returning rebounder with her 7.4 average.

Some of the other top players back are Rachel Hinebaugh and Ashley Salgado (Ottumwa), McKenna Brown and Sunday Duop (Des Moines Hoover).

Conference Prediction: 1. Des Moines East 2. Ottumwa 3. Des Moines Lincoln

Conference Teams: **Des Moines East, Des Moines Hoover, Des Moines Lincoln, Des Moines North, Des Moines Roosevelt, Ottumwa

Stanton and Sidney battled for the conference crown last season but both lost their top and the conference’s top scorers. Villisca was young last season but the experience and the solid season should pay off as they will probably be the team to beat this season led by Amanda Focht and Jill Vanderhoof who combined for nearly 24 points per game. Narissa Freemont (Clarinda Academy) is the league’s top returning scorer with her 13.1 points per game.

A few of the top returners include Devin Laughlin (East Mills), Molly Goltz (Nishnabotna), Carmen Subbert (Stanton), Seana Perkins and Haley Fundermann (Essex).

Conference Prediction: 1. Villisca 2. Stanton 3. Essex 4. Nishnabotna

Conference Teams: Clarinda Academy, East Mills, Essex, Fremont-Mills (Tabor), Nishnabotna, **Sidney, **Stanton, Villisca

Note: South Page consolidated with Essex in all sports except boys’ basketball.

Corner ConferenceConference Outlook:

Corn Bowl ConferenceConference Outlook:

North Butler (Greene) won the conference title last year in a battle with West Fork and Central Springs (Manly). Britney Low of Northwood-Kensett is the top returning scorer with her 13 points per game. Sadie Wyborny (Rockford) and Caitlyn Hanig (West Fork) both are back after averaging double figures last season. The Bears return nearly their entire roster led by Nikki Boomgarden and Cassidy Bangasser and their always tough defense.

Some of the top returning scorers in the conference include Madison Wood (Rockford) and Callie Matthews (Nashua-Plainfield). The team race looks to be headed by North Butler and wide-open after that but watch for Rockford and Northwood-Kensett to improve.

Conference Prediction: 1. North Butler (Greene) 2. West Fork 3. Rockford

Conference Teams: Central Springs (Manly), Nashua-Plainfield, **North Butler (Greene), Northwood-Kensett, Riceville, Rockford, St. Ansgar, West Fork

Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka won the conference title last season but, as much as we enjoyed saying the school’s name, the it no longer exists. So who will prevail this season? Emily Mathews is back as the top returning scorer in the Cornbelt with her 13.3 points per game for Ventura. Kelsey Gerhart (North Sentral Kossuth), Lydia Brandt (Harris-Lake Park) and Emily Jobst (Clay Central-Everly) also return with their double-figure averages from last season. The team race should involve Clay Central-Everly, Graettinger-Terril, Harris-Lake Park, North Sentral Kossuth and West Bend-Mallard with the edge going to North Sentral Kossuth.

Other top individual returners are Tiffany Harris (Graettinger-Terril), Taylor Fahnlander (Clay Central-Everly), Maggie Ludwig (C-W-L, Corwith), Collete Haag (North Sentral Kossuth) and Jessica Abrahanson (West Bend-Mallard). Ludwig was second in the conference with her 10.5 rebounds per game last season. Harley Lindell (Armstrong-Ringsted) was next at 10.2.

Conference Prediction: 1. North Sentral Kossuth 2. Clay Central-Everly 3. Graettinger-Terril 4.Harris-Lake-Park and West Bend-MallardConference Teams: Armstrong-Ringsted, C-W-L (Corwith), Clay Central-Everly, Graettinger-Terril, Harris-Lake Park, North Sentral Kossuth, Ruthven-Ayrshire, Ventura, West Bend-Mallard, **Woden-Crystal Lake-TitonkaNote: Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka and Twin River Valley (Bode) was dissolved

Cornbelt ConferenceConference Outlook:

Caitlin Ingle, Southeast Polk

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Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) won the league title last season with challenges from Glenwood and Kuemper Catholic (Carroll). Both should be in the mix again this season as Glenwood returns the conference’s top scorer, Morgan Lucy, with her 15.5 points per game. Kuemper Catholic is led by Madi Drees and her 13.2 average. A handful of others return with double-figure scoring averages, including Lexi Fisher (Glenwood), Bailey Ellerbeck (Denison-Schleswig), Kaylee Buch (Clarinda), Kerri Potthoff (Kuemper Catholic) and Gabi French (Red Oak) who led the league in rebounding with her 12 boards per game.

Others to watch in the team race still should include Lewis Central and maybe an improving Creston and Denison-Schleswig. Other players to place on the watch list are Delaney Higgins (Lewis Central), Lexi Albrecht (Kuemper Catholic), Grace Newman (Glenwood) and Blake Bergren (Red Oak).

Conference Prediction: 1. Glenwood 2. Kuemper Catholic (Carroll) 3. Lewis Central (Council Bluffs)

Conference Teams: Atlantic, Clarinda, Creston, Denison-Schleswig, Glenwood, Harlan, Kuemper Catholic (Carroll), **Lewis Central (Council Bluffs), Red Oak, Shenandoah

Hawkeye Ten ConferenceConference Outlook:

Heart of Iowa Large Conference

Conference Outlook:

Bondurant-Farrar edged PCM-Monroe for the HOI-Large title last season and will once again be the target this season with the return of Bobbi Burrows and Jackie Yount, who both averaged 13.4 points per game last season. North Polk looks to improve with Miranda Murphy back after a solid freshman season and Melanie Leach, who together combined for nearly 21 points per game.

Other individuals to watch returning this season are Jennifer Kennedy (Jefferson-Scranton), Katie Klingbeil and Tiffany Stubbs (Gilbert), Mallory McDonald and Megan Murphy (North Polk).

Conference Prediction: 1. Bondurant-Farrar 2. North Polk 3. Jefferson-Scranton

Conference Teams: **Bondurant-Farrar, Gilbert, Jefferson-Scranton, Nevada, North Polk, PCM-Monroe

Heart of Iowa Small Conference

Conference Outlook:

Roland-Story did it again but now has to move from the Maddie Oliver era. Britny Halleland is back with her 10 points per game for leadership. South Hamilton (Jewell) looks set to make the jump from conference runner-up to champion, led by Taryn Wicks, second in scoring last season and the top returning scorer this season with her 15.3 average. Elizabeth Humberg (Grandview Park Baptist, Des Moines) hopes to help the Defenders improve with her 12.5 points per game, as does Nicolette Husson (Colfax-Mingo) at 12.1 scoring average and league-leading 12.4 rebounds per game.

A few of the other returning individual leaders include Abbie Haupert (Collins-Maxwell-Baxter), Maddie Diggs (Ogden), Hannah Cook (Grandview Park Baptist) and Shannon Hoyle (South Hamilton).

Conference Prediction: 1. South Hamilton (Jewell) 2. Roland-Story 3. Grandview Park Baptist (Des Moines)

Conference Teams: Colfax-Mingo, Collins-Maxwell-Baxter, Grandview Park Baptist (Des Moines), Ogden, **Roland-Story, South Hamilton (Jewell)

Estherville-Lincoln Central edged Western Christian (Hull) and Spirit Lake for the conference title. Look for much the same this season with all three teams filled with talent. KJ Veldman led the league in scoring last season at 21.2 points per game for Spirit Lake. Brooke Wolsterstorff is back to lead the Wolfpack and the Midgets will look for Alyssa Johnson, Emily Kirchner and Allie Sievert. The trio combined for 33 points per game. Spencer was young last season and would like to be in the conference title mix, as well, led by Ashley Williamson. Paige Naig (Emmetsburg) led the league in rebounding (10.4) and was third in scoring (13.4).

Other individuals to watch include Megan Hummel, Katie Sambrano and Shanon Shaefer (Cherokee), Alyssa Pollema and Elissa Jansma (Western Christian) and Tiffany Martindale (Spencer)

Conference Prediction: 1. Estherville-Lincoln Central 2. Western Christian (Hull) 3. Spirit Lake 4. Spencer

Conference Teams: Cherokee, Emmetsburg, **Estherville-Lincoln Central, LeMars, Spencer, Spirit Lake, Storm Lake, Western Christian (Hull)

Lakes ConferenceConference Outlook:

Iowa Star North Conference

Conference Outlook:

Tripoli rolled through a perfect conference season and led by Megan Gilbert and her 16.8 points per game will be a factor once again. Clarksville looks to improve with the return of Hannah Poppe and Megan Backer, who combined for 23-plus points per game.

Other top returning players are Bailey Kirchhoff (Tripoli), Kayla Mennenga (Clarksville) and Hanna Pals (CAL, Latimer).

Conference Prediction: 1. Tripoli 2. Clarksville 3. CAL (Latimer)

Conference Teams: CAL (Latimer), Clarksville, Dunkerton, Janesville, Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg), **Tripoli

North Tama (Traer) won the conference title last season and with the conference’s leading scorer, Kailey Kladivo, back with her nearly 20 points and 14 rebounds per game, they will be tough once again. Colo-Nesco should again be an upper-conference contender with Madison Eley and Jessica Johnson back with their 22 combined points per game. Don Bosco (Gilbertville) will be better with most of their roster back.

Other individuals to watch are Tiana Thompson, Jaden Davenport and Hunter Youngbear (Meskwaki Settlement School, Tama), Melissa Ament and Brittany Hickson (Don Bosco, Gilbertville), Emily Havelka (GMG, Garwin), Allison Zobel (North Tama, Traer) and Anna Doering (Waterloo Christian)

Conference Prediction: 1. North Tama (Traer) 2. Colo-Nesco 3. Don Bosco (Gilbertville)

Conference Teams: Colo-Nesco, Don Bosco (Gilbertville), GMG (Garwin), Meskwaki Settlement (Tama), **North Tama (Traer), Waterloo Christian

Iowa Star South Conference

Conference Outlook:

GirlsBasketball

Alyssa Johnson, Estherville-Lincoln

Central

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One of the great stories last season was South Tama in Class 3A, which won the Little Hawkeye title led by Madison Baier who averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, both placing her in the top three in the conference. Regardless, Pella and Pella Christian will also be very much a part of the race once again. The Eagles will count on Jasmin Schelhaas and her 13 points per game. Oskaloosa hopes to improve and can with Kenzie Gott and MaKena Veldhuizen, who both averaged 11.9 per game last season.

Some of the top returners also include Dia Keahna and Jade Rohach (South Tama), Kaylie Rhoads (Newton), Hali VanVelzen and Paige Lammers (Norwalk) and Taylor Stursma (Pella Christian)

Conference Prediction: 1. South Tama 2. Pella Christian 3. Oskaloosa 4. Norwalk

Conference Teams: Grinnell, Knoxville, Newton, Norwalk, Oskaloosa, Pella, Pella Christian, **South Tama

Little Hawkeye ConferenceConference Outlook:

Mississippi Athletic Conference

Conference Outlook: Davenport Assumption was not only perfect while capturing the conference title but went on to win the Class 3A championship, as well. Danielle Moore and Kate Fennelly return for the Lady Knights. The pair combined for nearly 18 points per game last season. The conference was senior-dominated last season so the race looks to be wide open this season. Muscatine had success and returns the league’s second-leading scorer in Leti Lerma and her 16.2 points per game and the top returning rebounder at 6.2 per game.

Emily Clemens (Muscatine), Emily Soy (North Scott, Eldridge), Larissa Brewer (Clinton), Cellina Vesey (Davenport North) are a few of the top returners in the MAC.

Conference Prediction: 1. Davenport Assumption 2. Muscatine 3. North Scott (Eldridge)

Conference Teams: **Davenport Assumption, Bettendorf, Burlington, Clinton, Davenport Central, Davenport North, Davenport West, Muscatine, North Scott (Eldridge), Pleasant Valley

Mississippi Valley-Mississippi Conference

Conference Outlook: Four teams finished 14-2 in the Mississippi Valley last season: Linn-Mar (Marion), Cedar Rapids Washington, Waterloo West and Iowa City West. In the Valley Division. Dubuque Wahlert should be part of the battle with Claire Till returning with her 12.7 points per game. Iowa City High will count on the experience of Mickey Hansche and her 12.3 average.

Some of the top returners include Jazz Royster (Cedar Rapids Washington), Tessa Leytem and Amy Ihm (Dubuque Wahlert), Courtney Strait (Cedar Rapids Kennedy), Mykaela Brandt (Linn-Mar) and Zinka Duric (Waterloo West).

Conference Prediction: 1. Dubuque Wahlert 2. Cedar Rapids Washington 3. Iowa City High 4. Linn-Mar (Marion)

Conference Teams: Cedar Rapids Kennedy, **Cedar Rapids Washington, Dubuque Senior, Dubuque Wahlert, Iowa City High, **Linn-Mar (Marion), **Waterloo West

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Four teams finished 14-2 in the Mississippi Valley last season: Linn-Mar (Marion), Cedar Rapids Washington, Waterloo West and Iowa City West. In the Mississippi Division, Iowa City West finished the best with a runner-up finish in Class 4A and returns a strong nucleus led by Shelly Stumpff and Mckenzie Piper on the boards and Ally Disterhoft at the point of the offense with her 15 points per game. After West, the rest of the league looks to be up in the air a bit. Taylor Jacobson hopes to help Cedar Rapids Jefferson improve with her 12-plus points per game. Brittani Graves returns to lead Dubuque Hempstead along with her 6.7 rebounds per game. Cedar Rapids Xavier is always competitive and always play defense to keep it in games.

Cedar Falls was young last season and returns Kaz Brown and Allie Wirth, who combined for 14-plus points per game. Others to watch include Madison Dellamuth and Alyssa Weiland (Cedar Rapids Prairie), Jessica Schull (Iowa City West), Emily Walvoord (Cedar Rapids Xavier) and Rachel Broghammer (Cedar Rapids Jefferson).

Conference Prediction: 1. Iowa City West 2. Cedar Rapids Jefferson 3. Cedar Rapids Xavier 4. Cedar Falls

Conference Teams: Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Cedar Rapids Prairie, Cedar Rapids Xavier, Dubuque Hempstead, **Iowa City West, Waterloo East

Mississippi Valley-ValleyConference Outlook:

Missouri River ConferenceConference Outlook:

Sergeant Bluff-Luton and Sioux City North shared the conference title last season but it will be the Warriors as favorites when this season begins with the return of Cassidy Breon and Betsy Thomas, who combined for nearly 32 points a game. Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) looks to move up as well with MaKayla Augustine and Madison Yohe back. The pair combined for 21 points per game. The question is: Who will come next? Sara Neighbors (Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson) returns as the top rebounder in the league with nearly 12 boards per game.

Other key returners are Tanya Meyer and Khyrie Johnson (Sioux City West), Reyna Mikulicz (Sioux City East), Natalie Vondrak and Megan McCarthy (Bishop Heelan) and Emily Wisecup (Sergeant Bluff-Luton)

Conference Prediction: 1. Sergeant Bluff-Luton 2. Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) 3. Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln

Conference Teams: Bishop Heelan (Sioux City), Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln, Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson, **Sergeant Bluffs-Luton, Sioux City East, **Sioux City North, Sioux City West

North Central ConferenceConference Outlook:

Algona swept through the conference season at 16-0 but lost most of the senior-dominated roster. That is good news for St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) and Iowa Falls-Alden, who tied for second and have some key pieces returning. The Gael returns Lydia Harvey and Theresa Doyle who combined for nearly 26 points per game. Jamie Peterson is back for the Cadets with her 14.6 points per game. Other team contenders are Clarion-Goldfield, led by MacKenzie Haupt with her 11.9 scoring average, and Bishop Garrigan (Algona), with Emily Bell and Mallory Bormann who combined for 17 points per game. Taryn Barz is back for Hampton-Dumont as the top returning scorer in the league at 15.1 per game and her league-leading 12.6 boards per game.

Other key returners are Kaitlynn Vought (Humboldt), Aubriegh Yetmar and Emily Hindt (St. Edmond), Meg Monson (Clear Lake) and Lexie Miller (Eagle Grove). Vought also grabbed 11 rebound per game last season.

Conference Prediction: 1. St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) 2. Iowa Falls-Alden 3. Bishop Garrigan (Algona) 4. Hampton-Dumont

Conference Teams: **Algona, Bishop Garrigan (Algona), Clarion-Goldfield, Clear Lake, Eagle Grove, Hampton-Dumont, Humboldt, Iowa Falls-Alden, St. Edmond (Fort Dodge), Webster City

West Hancock (Britt) was perfect on its way to the conference crown last season and returns much of that roster again led by Anna Mallen, Kellie Schmit and Sarah Mallen, who together combined for nearly 28 points per game. Newman Catholic (Mason City) should be in the league race again with Jessica Balek and Sam Grant back. Balek is the top returning scorer in the NIC with her 16.8 average and top returning rebounder at 10.1 per game. Osage looks to improve with Lexi Friesen and Jessica Rogers back. The duo combined for 26 points per game.

Others that will impact their teams’ success include Alicia Savoy, Liz Tusha and Jasmine Doble (Garner-Hayfield), Amanda Busta and Connor Thompson (Forest City), Ahna Burns, Brooklyn Savoy and Brooke Heusinkveld (West Hancock) and Megan Johnson (Lake Mills).

Conference Prediction: 1. West Hancock (Britt) 2. Newman Catholic (Mason City) 3. Osage 4. Garner-Hayfield

Conference Teams: Belmond-Klemme, Forest City, Garner-Hayfield, Lake Mills, Newman Catholic (Mason City), North Iowa (Buffalo Center), Osage, **West Hancock (Britt)

Union (LaPorte City) edged out Wapsie Valley (Fairbank) and Hudson for the NIC-East title last season. Kylie Powell is back with her 13.4 average for Union along with Sam Barz, the conference’s top returning rebounder and 10 points per game. Aplington-Parkersburg would like to improve from its mid-pack finish. The Falcons are led by Haleigh Hempen who is the top returning scorer at 14.6 per game. Wapsie Valley will count on Aarika Wittenburg to once again challenge, while Hudson will have to reload behind Casey Miles.

Some of the other top returners include Alissa Brown (Jesup), Taylor Burhow and Whitney Matlack (Denver), Brittany Frush and Peyton Bockholt (Union), Katie Thompson and Ashley Dohlman (Aplington-Parkersburg).

Conference Prediction: 1. **Union (LaPorte City) 2. Aplington-Parkersburg 3. Denver

Conference Teams: Aplington-Parkersburg, Denver, Dike-New Hartford, Hudson, Jesup, NUH-Cedar Falls, **Union (LaPorte City), Wapsie Valley (Fairbank)

AGWSR (Ackley) won the NIC-West crown last season but lost most of that roster to graduation. West Marshall (State Center), Gladbrook-Reinbeck and especially Grundy Center look poised to improve and battle for the top of the conference this season. Courtney Amundson (BCLUW, Conrad) is the top returning scorer in the league at 16.3 points per game. Grundy Center returns the one-two punch of Sarah Frisch and Heather Hook, who combined for 26 points per game. East Marshall (LeGrand) also is a danger with Abby Nuese and Alyssa Whitmore who both averaged double figures last season.

Gladbrook-Reinbeck was a junior-dominated team last season and brings back its top-five scorers who averaged between 7.1 and 11.7 points per game, led by Addi Kickbush, Paige Thompson and Emily Dinsdale. This looks to be one of the more competitive leagues from top-to-bottom. Others to watch that return are McKenzie Shipley and McKenna Hotopp (West Marshall (State Center), Samantha Meyers (Grundy Center), Danielle Montgomery (BCLUW), Jenna Roeding and Emily Stoakes (Gladbrook-Reinbeck) and Chelsea Whitmore (East Marshall).

Conference Prediction: 1. Grundy Center 2. Gladbrook-Reinbeck 3. East Marshall (LeGrand) 4. BCLUW (Conrad)

Conference Teams:**AGWSR (Ackley), BCLUW (Conrad), East Marshall (LeGrand), Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Grundy Center, South Hardin (Eldora), West Marshall (State Center)

North Iowa Cedar-EastConference Outlook:

North Iowa Cedar-WestConference Outlook:

North Iowa ConferenceConference Outlook:

GirlsBasketball

Jessica Balek, Newman Catholic

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Waverly-Shell Rock won the league title last season and will count on Aftin Phyfe to repeat that effort with her 12.2 returning points per game. Mullen Wacker is back for Waukon. Her 18.7 points per game ranked second in the conference last season. It’s a pretty balanced outlook here with newcomers looking to make a big difference.

Some of the top returners who averaged double figures include Hayley Drewelow (New Hampton) and Cari Knowlton (Charles City). Other top returners are Ashley Rosenstiel (Oelwein), Raelyn Webster, Rebecca Crooks and Holly Gorman (New Hampton), Daneshia Snitker (Waukon).

Conference Prediction: 1. Waverly-Shell Rock 2. Waukon 3. New Hampton

Conference Teams: Charles City, Crestwood (Cresco), Decorah, New Hampton, Oelwein, Waukon, **Waverly-Shell Rock

Northeast Iowa ConferenceConference Outlook:

Northwest Iowa ConferenceConference Outlook:

The Northwest Iowa Conference only has five teams but that did not mean the battle for the top of the Norwest was not contested with three teams tied for the title last season. Alta/Aurelia, Newell-Fonda and Sioux Central finished 6-2 in league play but the edge this season might go to Sioux Central with two of the league’s top scorers back in Morgan Walker and Rachel Hamilton. They combined for nearly 23 points per game and Sioux Central returns the majority of its roster to back them up. The Mustangs also have some experience back, led by Renee Maneman and Alyssa Henrich.

Other top returners include Jasmine Demers and Hannah Sitzmann (St. Mary’s, Storm Lake), Hallie Ehlers (Sioux Central, Sioux Rapids) and Andrea Christensen (Newell-Fonda)

Conference Prediction: 1. Sioux Central (Sioux Rapids) 2. Newell-Fonda 3. St. Mary’s (Storm Lake)

Conference Teams: **Alta/Aurelia, Laurens-Marathon, **Newell-Fonda, St. Mary’s (Storm Lake), **Sioux Central (Sioux Rapids)

Pride of Iowa ConferenceConference Outlook:

It was not only a perfect conference season for Martensdale-St. Marys but it also won the Class 1A state basketball championship. To be competitive again, the Blue Devils will count on Morgan Halverson and Meagan Streyffeler. Mount Ayr has been solid the past few years and will counter this season with Claire Andresen who is the POI’s top returning scorer at 12.5 points per game.

Bedford looks to be ready to make the jump with a strong group back led by Savanna Thornton and Caila Raymond, who averaged 24 points per game. The team’s top five scorers also return. Interstate 35 (Truro) returns the league’s top scorer last season in Olivia Sulentic and her 16.4 points per game.

Other top returners include Bailey Boswell and Sadie Greene (Central Decatur, Leon), Mackenzie Barton and Ella Akin (Corning), Sara Kerber (Nodaway Valley, Greenfield) and Hannah Lain (Wayne, Corydon) who all averaged in double figures. Amy Williams of Southeast Warren (Liberty Center) is back as the top returning rebounder at 10.5 per game.

Conference Prediction: 1. Bedford 2. Mount Ayr 3. Martensdale-St. Marys 4. Corning

Conference Teams: Bedford, Central Decatur (Leon), Corning, East Union (Afton), Interstate 35 (Truro), Lenox, **Martensdale-St. Mary’s, Mount Ayr, Nodaway Valley (Greenfield), Pleasantville, Southeast Warren (Liberty Center), Wayne (Corydon)

Ballard (Huxley) has been the dominant force here this past decade and once again won the conference title last season. That being said, this year may be different and many in the conference would love to dethrone the perennial power. Jenny Schultz will lead Carroll with her 14.5 points per game last season, while Winterset will look to improve with the return of Taylor Benshoof of Winterset and her nearly 12 points per game. Perry would like to think they can get back to some of their past tradition with the return of Glenna Gibbons and Frankie Eklund and their combined 23 points per game.

Other individual returners to watch are Brittany Holdsworth and Sara Pettitt (Carroll), Randi-Jo Gorman and Lauren Weber (Boone), Kelsey Hoffman (A-D-M, Adel), Shelbi Copper (Carlisle) and Katie Ahrenholtz (Ballard, Huxley). Weber is back as the league’s top rebounder.

Conference Prediction: 1. Carroll 2. Winterset 3. Ballard (Huxley)

Conference Teams: A-D-M (Adel), **Ballard (Huxley), Boone, Carlisle, Carroll, Dallas Center-Grimes, Perry, Saydel, Winterset

Adair-Casey won the battle for the top of the Rolling Hills last season, outlasting CAM (Anita), Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton and Iowa Christian Academy. Much of the top players return this season, which will once again make this a highly-contested league. Karlie Schut led the league in scoring with her nearly 18 points per game for Iowa Christian while Maddy Peppers was next at 15 points per game for Exira/EH-K. The champion Rockets return London Vais, Quinn Ruth and Katie Clark who combined for 31 points per game. Emily Beerman is back to lead CAM (Anita) with her 11.4 points per game.

Some of the other top returners in the RHC are Kristin Klocksiem (Glidden-Ralston), Shelby Roberts and Tess Mittag (Orient-Macksburg), Madison Laib and Morgan Phillips (Ankeny Christian Academy), Jessica Helms (Walnut), Erica Groen and Jenna Anderson (Iowa Christian Academy). Ashli Walker (Walnut) is the top returning rebounder with nearly 12 per game.

Conference Prediction: 1. Adair-Casey 2. Iowa Christian Academy 3. Ankeny Christian Academy and Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton.

Conference Teams: **Adair-Casey, Ankeny Christian Academy, CAM (Anita), East Greene (Grand Junction), Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton, Glidden-Ralston, Iowa Christian Academy, Orient-Macksburg, Paton-Churdan, Walnut

Mediapolis won the SEISC-North last season, edging Pekin by one game in the final standings. The one-two combo of Haley Hillyard and Jessica Holsteen is back. Both had 10.4 scoring averages last season. Pekin will count on Emily Ellis and her 10.1 points per game. Wapello hopes to improve behind the league’s leading returning scorer in Erika Massner and her nearly 19 points per game.

Other top returners are Heaven Chandler (Columbus, Columbus Junction) and Michaela Kremer (WACO, Wayland) who both averaged double figures. Others to watch include Madelyn Flemr (Lone Tree), Torrie Blake (Wapello), Ella Feldman (Lone Tree), Laura Hochstetler and Kristen Davis (Iowa Mennonite, Kalona). Kremer is the top returning rebounder as well with her 10.2 average.

Conference Prediction: 1. Mediapolis 2. Pekin 3. Winfield-Mount Union

Conference Teams: Columbus (Columbus Junction), Highland (Riverside), Iowa Mennonite (Kalona), Lone Tree, Louisa-Muscatine (Letts), **Mediapolis, Pekin, WACO (Wayland), Wapello, Winfield-Mount Union

Rolling Hills ConferenceConference Outlook:

SEISC-North ConferenceConference Outlook:

Raccoon River ConferenceConference Outlook:

GirlsBasketball

Waverly-Shell Rock

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GirlsBasketball

Van Buren (Keosauqua) and West Burlington tied for the SEISC South crown last season and both should be right back in the top of the league battle once again. Van Buren returns the league’s top scorer in Makenzie Zeitler and her nearly 16 points per game. West Burlington returns Kassidy Guihan, Jamie Johnson and Emily Siefken, who combined for 30 points per game. Central Lee (Donnellson) is also right there with Traci Keller, Taylor Burdette and Jessica Beam, who combined for 37-plus points per game and finished just one game back in the standings.

Other individuals to keep an eye on are Cory Campbell (Cardinal, Eldon), Katy Kirk (Burlington-Notre Dame), Hannah Haines (Van Buren, Keosauqua), Brittany Hoelzen and Lindsay Schaffer (Danville). Haines was second last season in the league pulling down 12.6 rebounds per game.

Conference Prediction: 1. West Burlington 2. Van Buren (Keosauqua) 3. Van Buren (Keosauqua)

Conference Teams: Cardinal (Eldon), Central Lee (Donnellson), Danville, Harmony (Farmington), Holy Trinity Catholic (Fort Madison), Maharishi (Fairfield), New London, Notre Dame (Burlington), **Van Buren (Keosauqua), **West Burlington

SEISC-South ConferenceConference Outlook:

Siouxland ConferenceConference Outlook:

MOC-Floyd Valley swept the conference last season, its second straight title. Back is Alexis Conaway but gone are some important senior leadership. Conaway averaged nearly 14 points per game. The league will be much younger this year through graduation so it looks to be a wide-open race. Central Lyon (Rock Rapids) may be in the best position with Lexi and Kelsey Ackerman back. Lexi averaged 12.6 point per game. Boyden-Hull returns their top-four scorers led by Whitney Vander Maten and her nearly 15 points a contest.

Other top returners include Aylssa Hibbing (Sibley-Ocheyedan) and Josie Godfredsen (Rock Valley).

Conference Prediction: 1. MOC-Floyd Valley 2. Boyden-Hull 3. Central Lyon (Rock Rapids)

Conference Teams: Boyden-Hull, Central Lyon (Rock Rapids), George-Little Rock, **MOC-Floyd Valley, Okoboji (Milford), Rock Valley, Sheldon, Sibley-Ocheydan, Sioux Center, West Lyon (Inwood),

South Central ConferenceConference Outlook:

Clarke (Osceola) won the league title last season and returns its top scorer in Kacey Klemesrud and her 13.5 points per game. Centerville looks to challenge this season behind Olivia Starcevich and Mallory Oden, who combined for 24 points per game. Eddyville-Blakesburg should also be part of the race with Tarah Alexander and Nicole Harnisch back with their combined 21 points per game.

Other individuals to watch are Presley Swan (Chariton), Shelby Graves (Davis County, Bloomfield), Kylar McCann and Sarah Pate (Clarke, Osceola) and Tasha Alexander (Eddyville-Blakesburg. Rylee Eakins (Davis County) was second in the league with her 9.7 rebounds per game average as a freshman.

Conference Prediction: 1. Clarke (Osceola) 2. Centerville 3. Eddyville-Blakesburg

Conference Teams: Albia, Centerville, Chariton, **Clarke (Osceola), Davis County (Bloomfield), Eddyville-Blakesburg

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North Mahaska (New Sharon) won the battle over Iowa Valley (Marengo) and Lynnville-Sully for the SIC title. The Warhawks will be tough again with Mallory Boyle, Kate Ray and Tara Smith back. All three averaged in double figures. Montezuma should improve with the return of the league’s top scorer Brittany Bryan and her 17-plus and Emily Long and her 11 points per game. Briana James is back for the Hawks with her 11.7 points and 7.2 rebounds per game average. Kacy Brumbaugh (Tri-County, Thornburg) is the top returning rebounder at 9.4 per game.

Others to watch include Tori Albaugh (Sigourney), Macy DeMeulenaere and Kameo Pope (Belle Plaine) and Miranda Rathjen (Iowa Valley, Marengo).

Conference Prediction: 1. North Mahaska (New Sharon) 2. Lynnville-Sully 3. Montezuma

Conference Teams: Belle Plaine, B-G-M (Brooklyn), English Valleys (North English), H-L-V (Victor), Iowa Valley (Marengo), Keota, Lynnville-Sully, Montezuma, **North Mahaska (New Sharon), Sigourney, Tri-County (Thornburg)

South Iowa CedarConference Outlook:

Southeast ConferenceConference Outlook:

Keokuk was perfect in the Southeast last season but lost its top players to graduation and will look to Alexis Lozano-Dobbs for leadership this season. Washington looks poised to return to the top of the league with Sydney Grier and her second-best 16.1 scoring average. Lauren Vittetoe and Regan Enfield add 18 points per game and experience. Mount Pleasant looks to improve with the league’s top scorer Taylor Shull and her 20-plus points per game and 7 rebounds per game.

Some of the other top returners include Fairfield’s Serena Ward and her 15.1 per game average and Tori Ogden and her 11.1 points per game.

Conference Prediction: 1. Washington 2. Mount Pleasant 3. Keokuk

Conference Teams: Fairfield, Fort Madison, **Keokuk, Mount Pleasant, Washington

Tri-Rivers ConferenceConference Outlook:

As expected, last season was an all-out battle between Maquoketa Valley (Dehli), North Linn (Troy Mills) and Monticello. When it was over, it was Monticello that prevailed. Brooke Stahlberg is back for the Panthers as league’s top returning scorer at 12.6 per game. along with Nikki Niehaus (Edgewood-Colesburg), which looks to improve after their 8-8 conference season. Unlike last season, with many veteran starters back, this season will be one of the new faces making an impact.

Some of the top returners include Jordan Aitchison (Monticello) and CJ Fitzgerald (Springville).

Conference Prediction: 1. Monticello 2. Maquoketa Valley (Dehli) 3. Edgewood-Colesburg

Conference Teams: Alburnett, Cascade, Central City, East Buchanan (Winthrop), Edgewood-Colesburg, Maquoketa Valley (Dehli), **Monticello, North Linn (Troy Mills), Springville, Starmont (Arlington)

GirlsBasketball

Brooke Stahlberg, Monticello

www.middendorfins.com


Last year looked more like a reload than a rebuild for Manson-NW Webster as they swept through the Twin Lakes. Amanda Bush is back along with Ellie Herzberg as the duo combined for nearly 15 points per game. East Sac County should once again be strong led by Dakota Blum, Maria Scott and Brooke Tellinghuisen who combined for 30 points per game.

Other top returners are Hannah Binder and Morgan Strutzenberg (Prairie Valley, Gowrie), Nicole Roetman and Hannah Stafford (Pocahontas Area/Pomeroy-Palmer).

Conference Prediction: 1. Manson-NW Webster 2. East Sac County 3. Prairie Valley (Gowrie)

Conference Teams: East Sac County, **Manson-NW Webster, Pocahontas Area/Pomeroy-Palmer, Prairie Valley (Gowrie), Southeast Webster-Grand (Burnside), South Central Calhoun

Twin Lakes ConferenceConference Outlook:

Upper Iowa ConferenceConference Outlook:

Carly Pagel is back as the Upper Iowa’s top returning scorer and the league’s defending champions, Sumner-Fredericksburg. Pagel scored nearly 14 points per game. New faces will make a huge difference this season as most of the top players last season have graduated. Look for South Winneshiek (Calmar) to be tough with four players back led by Emily and Morgan Lensing.

Other top returners include Hannah Radloff (Postville), Nicole Wubbena (MFL, Mar-Mac, Monona), Ashley Nemechek (Central, Elkader), Rhianna Galema (Kee, Lansing), Julie DeSloover (Sumner-Fredericksburg), Libby Creery (North Fayette, West Union) and Taylor Burhow (West Central, Maynard).

Conference Prediction: 1. Sumner-Fredericksburg 2. South Winneshiek (Calmar) 3. MFL, Mar-Mac (Monona)

Conference Teams: Central (Elkader), Clayton Ridge (Guttenburg), Kee (Lansing), MFL, Mar-Mac (Monona), North Fayette (West Union), Postville, South Winneshiek (Calmar), **Sumner-Fredericksburg, Turkey Valley (Jackson Junction), Valley Community (Elgin), West Central (Maynard)

WAMAC-East ConferenceConference Outlook:

Some outstanding talent and teams have come out of the WAMAC-East the past few seasons but that looks to change through graduation. Central Clinton (DeWitt) won the league battle and now will count on Meghan McClimon for leadership. Liz Skotowski is in the same position at Mount Vernon. Just a total coin flip as to who gets the edge this season. Maquoketa may be in the best position with nearly its entire roster back. Western Dubuque should improve with its experience.

Some of the top returners include Devon O’Connell (Maquoketa) and Madalyn Welty (Western Dubuque, Epworth).

Conference Prediction: 1. Maquoketa 2. Mount Vernon 3. Central Clinton (DeWitt)

Conference Teams: Anamosa, Beckman (Dyersville), **Central Clinton (DeWitt), Western Dubuque (Epworth), Mount Vernon, Maquoketa, Solon, West Delaware (Manchester)

Panorama (Panora) won the WCC title last season and should be very strong once again with the top-three scorers back, which include Olivia Godfrey, Cadence Simmons and Sidney Beckman who combined for 34 points per game. The question is where will the challenge come from. Look for Coon Rapids-Bayard to be a factor with Mary Halverson and Katie Dentlinger back with their 30 points per game. Guthrie Center is another to watch led by Leah Courtney and her 15.6 average. Woodward-Granger also has a solid group back led by Maddie Bardole.

Some of the other top returners include Haley Manning and Julia Evans (Woodward-Granger), Tess Ory and Abbey Murphy (Earlham), Carly Grotenhuis and Taylor Dubberke (Des Moines Christian), Kat Ackerson (Madrid) and Keisha Bailey (Guthrie Center).

Conference Prediction: 1. Panorama (Panora) 2. Coon Rapids-Bayard 3. Guthrie Center 4. Des Moines Christian and Woodward-Granger

Conference Teams: Coon Rapids-Bayard, Des Moines Christian, Earlham, East Green (Grand Junction), Guthrie Center, Madrid, **Panorama (Panora), Van Meter, West Central Valley (Stuart), Woodward-Granger

West Central ConferenceConference Outlook:

WAMAC-West ConferenceConference Outlook:

Repeat is the word in the WAMAC-West where Williamsburg is poised to not only claim another conference title but should be one of the favorites for a state tournament bid, as well. Mackenzie Bigbee is back after finishing second in scoring with 15 points per game and her league-leading 8.8 rebounds per game. Add to the mix Paige Greiner and Lindsay Schlabaugh, who combined for 22 points per game. Benton Community is also back with the top scorer in the league in Madison Weekly at 15.7 per game. Marion may be a sleeper after a down year with some valuable experience from some underclassmen last season.

Other top returners are Kate Letkewicz (Columbus Catholic, Waterloo), who averaged 12.5 as a freshman, and Dani Peyton (Marion). Others to watch include Caitlyn Wnek and Fran Strub (Clear Creek-Amana), Madie Wilkin (Center Point-Urbana) and Emily Barker (Independence).

Conference Prediction: 1. Williamsburg 2. Benton (Van Horne) 3. Marion

Conference Teams: Benton (Van Horne), Center Point-Urbana Clear Creek-Amana, Columbus Catholic (Waterloo), Independence, Marion, Vinton-Shellsburg, **Williamsburg

Hinton did it again last season, winning the War Eagle with a perfect 10-0 record. Hopes of repeating that feat this season will be led by Sadie Shuck. Gehlen Catholic LeMars) would like to think it can end the Hinton dominance with the return of Amber Timmins and her 14 points per game. Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn looks to improve behind the league’s top scorer, Erica Dreckman and her 19.4 average. West Sioux (Hawarden) is also a contender with Dana Weerheim back 15.5 average. Casie Rehder (South O’Brien, Paulina) is back as the top rebounder with 11.6 per game and closely followed by the 11.2 average by Allison Schreiner (Remsen-Union).

Others to keep an eye on include Kayla Foreman (Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn), Monica Harvey (Akron-Westfield), Brooke McManaman (West Sioux, Hawarden), Steph Rowe and Katelin Langel (Gehlen Catholic, LeMars), Mikayla Hintz (South O’Brien, Paulina) and Rachel West (Remsen-Union).

Conference Prediction: 1. Gehlen Catholic (LeMars) 2. West Sioux (Hawarden) 3. Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn

Conference Teams: Akron-Westfield, Gehlen Catholic (LeMars), Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, **Hinton, Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn, Remsen-Union, St. Mary’s (Remsen), South O’Brien (Paulina), Spalding Catholic (Granville), Unity Christian (Orange City), West Sioux (Hawarden)

War Eagle ConferenceConference Outlook:

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Not a surprise to once again see Treynor on top in the Western Iowa Conference, running the table last season. While Treynor looks to reload, the attention turns to Missouri Valley, which returns nearly its entire roster led by Courtney Cunard, Hailey Hellstrom and Carlee McKee, who combined for 30-plus points per game. Tri-Center (Neola) is in the same position roster-wise with Beth Sieleman leading the way with her league-leading 17.8 points per game. Sieleman is also the top returning rebounder at 7.8 per game. Audubon will count on Lacey Vokt and her 12 points per game.

Other returners to watch this season include Courtney Kardell (A-H-S-T, Avoca), Amy Lintner (Underwood), Emily Baatz and Alex Larsen (Tri-Center, Neola).

Conference Prediction: 1. Missouri Valley 2. Tri-Center (Neola) 3. Audubon

Conference Teams: A-H-S-T (Avoca), Audubon, Griswold, Missouri Valley, Riverside (Oakland), **Treynor, Tri-Center (Neola), Underwood

Western Iowa ConferenceConference Outlook:

Western Valley-NorthConference Outlook:

IKM-Manning won the WCC South last season and returns a strong group led by Kaylee Blake and Tember Schechinger, who combined for 30 points and 13 rebounds per game. Dani Kock (Ar-We-Va, Westside) is back as the top rebounder last season at 10 per contest and her 13.4 scoring average.

Some of the other top returners include Kendall Corbitt (Charter Oak-Ute), Justina Royer (Woodbine), Shelby Rodman (Whiting), Nisha Hull (Boyer Valley, Dunlap) and Paige Danner (Ar-We-Va , Westsdie).

Conference Prediction: 1. IKM-Manning 2. Ar-We-Va (Westside)

Conference Teams: Ar-We-Va (Westside), Boyer Valley (Dunlap), Charter Oak-Ute, **IKM-Manning, Logan-Magnolia, West Harrison (Mondamin), West Monona (Onawa), Whiting, Woodbine

Western Valley-SouthConference Outlook:

Odebolt-Arthur/Battle Creek-Ida Grove not only won the conference title but the state championship in Class 2A last season. It will once again be a huge target with the return of Jessie Pauley, who was one of the top offensive players in the state with her 21.2 scoring average. Add Morgan VanDerSloot and her 14-plus points a contest and the one-two punch will be tough again. Lawton-Bronson is a formidable opponent led by Leah Miller and Josie Kopal, who combined for 28 per game. Miller also led the league with her 10 boards per game.

Some of the top returners in the league are Lindsey Brown (Maple Valley-Anton-Oto), Lexie Chester, Mackenzie Fitch, Kari Ludvigson and Brittany Shropshire (River Valley, Correctionville), Christy Gallagher (Westwood, Sloan), Katlyn Mellis and Madie Bain (Woodbury Central, Moville), Nicole Snyder (Ridge View)

Conference Prediction: 1. Odebolt-Arthur/Battle Creek-Ida Grove 2. Lawton-Bronson 3. River Valley (Correctionville)

Conference Teams: Kingsley-Pierson, Lawton-Bronson, Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto, **Odebolt-Arthur/Battle Creek-Ida Grove, **Ridge View, River Valley (Correctionville), Westwood (Sloan), Woodbury Central (Moville)

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Sean Lewis: Citizen, Soldier, Student, AthleteRodney J. Brown, AIB Communications Specialist

America’s youngest generation sometimes is disparaged as narcissistic or self-involved and labeled as Generation Me. Then comes along a young man like Sean Lewis, who gives lie to such generalizations. A promising golfer in high school and college, Lewis could have easily glided through college on athletic scholarships on his way to a comfortable white-

collar career.Lewis thinks of other things first, however, like country and duty and friendship. The Purple Heart he earned in Afghanistan with the Iowa National Guard is proof of his willingness to make sacrifices for the common good. “Honestly, I think everybody has the duty and responsibility to serve if they’re able,” Lewis said. “I’ve always thought that if we want to enjoy our rights and freedoms, we should probably raise our right hand and say that we’ll stand there and defend them.” Taking the oath of service was still a distant prospect when Lewis first become involved in the sport of golf. “I started playing in probably sixth grade. My parents got me a golf membership out our local course. It was something to do during the summer, and once I got into it, I got hooked,” he said. Lewis played for the Colfax-Mingo Tigerhawks in high school. “We went to state three years,” he said. “I played well and won a lot of tournaments individually.” After high school, Lewis enrolled at Grand View University but had some doubts about whether it was the best fit for him. About the same time, he also enlisted in the Iowa National Guard. Basic training, and an immediate deployment to Iraq kept him from finishing his first semester of college. “In Iraq, I had mostly a boring deployment,” Lewis recalled. “We worked in detainee ops, so we dealt a lot with the detainees, transporting them different places and taking care of them.” Upon his return to Iowa, he impulsively stopped at AIB to talk to an admissions counselor. Lewis mentioned he played golf in high school and was connected with Coach Tony Giannetto, who was then launching the first AIB Eagles Men’s Golf team. “He was a pretty good golfer ,” Giannetto said. “I told him that we were trying to build a golf program, and if he was interested we’d like to have him around.“ Lewis enrolled and rose to the top of the golf team in his first spring season. Shortly after the start of the fall 2009 term, Lewis was presented with a difficult choice. His unit received notice of a voluntary mission to Afghanistan.Surprisingly, he actually missed active duty, Lewis realized. “Even though while you’re there, all you think about is getting home as soon as possible because you miss your family and friends and cheeseburgers,” he said.

“A lot of my good friends are from the military, and they were all thinking about going,” he said. “We decided as a group to go together, or we weren’t going to go. We weren’t going to let each other go by themselves.” Lewis had been given academic and athletic scholarships at AIB, and he was worried about losing them and about his tuition going up. “But in talking to my advisor and AIB’s faculty, they made it very easy and were very helpful. They said they would support me. They kept my tuition frozen, which saved me thousands of dollars,” Lewis said. That commitment to America’s servicemembers has, for five consecutive years, earned AIB the status of a Military Friendly School by the editors of G.I. Jobs magazine. Giannetto remembers telling Lewis, “If you want to come back, we’ll hold your scholarship, and we’ll make sure that you’ll be a part of our team. “I just hope you come back.” The mission for Lewis’ unit was peaceful in theory, escorting agricultural experts to local villages in Afghanistan. “Most of the farming over there is subsistence farming,” Lewis said. “They just farm for themselves. We were trying to teach them how to do it economically, so they could actually sell it and make money and prosper.” But there was a reason an agricultural mission needed armed escorts. “We were right in the bad area,” Lewis said. “Kunar is the most hotly contested area in Afghanistan. We definitely had our share of combat situations. Both Medals of Honor awarded in the Afghan war have come from within eight miles of our base.” Lewis had some close calls. During one attack, he was manning a gun turret when his vehicle was hit by both an improvised explosive device (IED) and a rocket-propelled grenade. He returned fire throughout the ambush and was later awarded a Purple Heart for traumatic brain injury inflicted on him by the concussive force of the IED. Lewis considers his unit fortunate, though. “We didn’t have any serious injuries,” he said. “We had some incidents but nobody too seriously wounded.” Lewis finds that the transition back to civilian mode has been challenging. Little things like having a variety of clothes to choose from or having to buy and cook his own food were relatively easy. Letting go of the hypersensitivity he needed to protect himself and his fellow Guard members was harder. “Over there, you’re just ready for anything,” he said. “Any little sound or noise or something a little off, you’re ready. Over here, you’ve just got to be a little more calm. It takes a little while to adjust to that.” It’s good to come back and see your family, Lewis said. “But it’s also a hard time because they have a lot of questions that you don’t necessarily want to answer.” His golf has not been coming along very well yet, he said. “I’m not playing very well at all compared to what I used to play, but taking a year off and only swinging the clubs a couple times in a year is pretty bad on your game,” Lewis said. “The spring season is the season that really matters, where you have districts and regionals. I have some time this winter to get my game back together.” “He’s very competitive in nature,” Giannetto said. “He’s going to try to work himself where he can be a challenge for the top five spots. He’s striving, and that’s all we can ask..”

Lewis also continues to push himself in his studies, as he works to complete his associate degree in business administration.“It’s a little harder to concentrate on school now, that’s for sure,” he said, “but I think the studying is coming along all right. I have a relatively high GPA now, around 3.5. I’d like to keep that GPA up and get into the bachelor’s program here at AIB. Hopefully I can get it done before I deploy again.” Lewis hopes to go on to Drake University for a master’s degree and possibly pursue a career in personal financial management. But he also plans to re-enlist in the Guard and acknowledges that will continue to put interesting detours in his map to the future. “I know for a fact that our unit is looking at a possible deployment in 2013-2014 to South America,” he said.Lewis’ story has gained notice. He’s been featured on the front page of the Des Moines Register, as well as in a WHO-TV newscast and ISC’s “On the Tee” radio program.Lewis also was invited to record the oral history of his military service as part of AIB’s Veterans History Project Day on Veterans Day. He is the youngest participant in AIB’s annual effort to preserve the memories of Iowa’s servicemembers in the Library of Congress special collection.“I don’t think I deserve all this attention,” Lewis said, “But it is interesting to have a student be part of this event.”

Sean Lewis’ AIB golf team photo

SPC David Boauphkeo, Sean Lewis, Sgt. Christopher Dembenski

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Experience Could Fuel Central Men’s Basketball Title RunLarry Happel Central Communications Director and Sports Information Director

Improved experience and depth could help make up for a lack of size on the Central College men’s basketball team this winter. With five new starters last year following Central’s 2009-10 Iowa Conference championship season, the Dutch made a surprising run before stalling down the stretch. Central was 12-13 overall and tied for fourth in the league at 8-8. But four of last year’s starters return, including first-team all-conference guard Demarco Turner, a 5-foot-11 senior. Coach Mike Boschee thinks the 2011-12 squad is better positioned to go the distance. “One of the things we’re addressing is our ability to get more shots,” he said. “Turnovers last year were a big concern. That and rebounding have been our early focus and will continue to be our focus.” At point guard, Brock Caves, a 5-11 senior, started 22 games last year, averaging 9.7 points and 2.2 assists. “Brock gained valuable experience last year and played significant minutes,” Boschee said. “We hope to see continued growth and maturity in his overall play.” Turner, who played primarily at the off guard spot last year, may spend some time at the point. He blossomed last year after a couple of seasons as a backup. He was Central’s top scorer with 16.3 points per game and the top 3-point shooter with 2.7 per game, hitting a team-high 43.1 percent. He was also tops at the free throw line with 85.3 percent and passed out a team-best 2.3 assists. “We expect great things again from Demarco,”

Boschee said. “He may take on more of a combo role this year and play both guard positions. We’ll play him wherever we feel we can use his talents to help this team the most.” The Dutch have a couple of new point guard options as well. Fred Pratt, a 6-0 sophomore, is up from the junior varsity, while 6-1 junior Tyler Westphal transferred to Central this year. Caves and Turner will likely play at the off-guard spots as well. Other wing candidates include 6-0 junior KJ Cool, 6-4 junior Nick Marinkovich, 6-3 junior Eric Scott, 5-9 sophomore Kevin Kaerwer and 6-0 freshman Nile

Eckerman. Cool’s minutes steadily increased off the bench last year, as he sparked the Dutch with his outside shooting. He averaged 5.5 points and hit 21 3-point baskets. “KJ gained some experience last year,” Boschee said. “He has a complete game and can do everything he needs to do, he just needs to be more confident. He can play at a high level in this conference.” Central lacks height, but is developing a deep rotation in the post.

Central College guard Demarco Turner, a former Des Moines East High School standout, was a first-team all-Iowa Conference men’s basketball pick last year.

Jack Bruns, a 6-5 senior, is the team’s most experienced player. He’s undersized but physical and effective inside, averaging 12.4 points and 5.3 rebounds last year. He received honorable mention all-conference recognition. “Jack just needs to be more consistent in the post and play to a high level,” Boschee said. “He has all the tools.” Energetic 6-6 senior Chris Lehmann is also a returning starter. He averaged 7.1 points and 5.2 rebounds, stepping out to hit 15 3-point goals. “Chris has always been a player you can count on for his enthusiasm,” Boschee said. “We want him to continue working on moving from a role player as a defender and rebounder to a player who’s strong on both ends of the floor. “ Jacob Winkler, a 6-5 junior, emerged as a part-time starter last year. He averaged 5.5 points and 4.6 rebounds while blocking 15 shots. Andy Waugh, a 6-6 junior, is moving from the perimeter to the post as well. A pair of 6-7 sophomores are also expected to see action. Showing flashes of promise on the varsity as a freshman, Matt Greenfield appeared in 20 games while Spencer Bakerink spent most of his time on the junior varsity. The Dutch were a surprise in the Iowa Conference last season and Boschee thinks the Dutch can contend again. But success won’t come easily. “The league is more balanced than any year I’ve seen it,” he said. “I think anyone can beat anyone on a given night and we’re looking at more teams in the mix to win a championship. Being at your best every night is a huge priority.” Central will get some early tests in the non-conference schedule and the season slate is highlighted by a trip to Puerto Rico before Christmas. The Dutch will take on Goucher (Md.) and Sacred Heart (P.R.) in San Juan Dec. 18-19.

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Hawkeyes Aim to Improve in McCaffery’s Second YearMatthew Weitzel University of Iowa Athletic Communications There’s a different aura surrounding the 2011-12 University of Iowa men’s basketball team. “It seems like a different attitude this year,” said senior guard Matt Gatens, who is Iowa’s leading returning scorer at 12.6 points per game. “I think we believe a little bit more in ourselves and have more confidence, which is big.” The attitude change with the Hawkeyes is straightforward. The team is confident in the system with it being the second year of the Fran McCaffery era. Gatens also feels the upperclassmen are in a much in a much better position to lead and tutor the newcomers on the roster. “I think we’re ahead of where we were last year, which is what you would expect,” said Gatens. “A year of coach McCaffery’s system under our belt is really going to help. “I feel a lot more comfortable being able to lead and know what to say to these younger guys. Trying to get the new guys on track right away, being able to lead in different areas and get them to understand the system.” Gatens has been impressed with the play of Iowa’s three-player scholarship freshman class consisting of Josh Oglesby, Gabriel Olaseni and Aaron White. “They’re all guys that are going to be able to contribute and play big minutes for us,” said Gatens. “They all bring something different to the table. Josh is an incredible shooter, Gabe with his size and running ability, and Aaron is a versatile forward that will create match-up problems.” Senior Bryce Cartwright echoes his fellow backcourt mate’s statements. “Josh has been shooting it really well,” he said. “Aaron is versatile; he gives us a dynamic player on the wing and inside, and Gabe has been blocking everything and giving us energy. They can be impact players for

Matt Gatens, Iowa Hawkeyes (Iowa City HS)us.” Gatens and Cartwright sense the optimism surrounding the Hawkeyes in the Iowa City community. “In this community people are a lot more excited and expecting more things of us this year,” said Gatens. “We seniors want to go out with a good season. “Hopefully we can live up to those expectations and exceed them. We’re probably expecting more than what people outside the locker room are expecting.” “I think they (the fans) are excited about Hawkeye basketball having an opportunity to be back,” said Cartwright.

Iowa Hawkeyes 2010-11: 11-20 overall, 4-14 Big Ten (10th)

Starters Returning/Lost: 4/1Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 11/3

Returning Leading Scorers1. Matt Gatens (12.6 ppg)2. Melsahn Basabe (11.0 ppg)3. Bryce Cartwright (10.9 ppg)

Returning Leading Rebounders1. Melsahn Basabe (6.8 rpg)2. Zach McCabe (3.6 rpg)3. Devon Archie/Bryce Cartwright/Eric May (2.9 rpg)

Returning Leading Assists1. Bryce Cartwright (5.9 apg)2. Matt Gatens (1.7 apg)3. Roy Devyn Marble (1.3 apg)

Notes: Second-year head coach Fran McCaff erywelcomes back four starters to Iowa’s lineup.The Hawkeyes return 87 percent of their of-fensive production from a season ago, includ-ing three double-digit scorers in sophomore Melsahn Basabe, senior Bryce Cartwright and senior Matt Gatens. Cartwright’s 5.9 assists per game were good for third in the Big Ten. Basabe started all 31 games in his first season at Iowa, earning him a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.

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Experience Will Help Iowa Women Continue Strong RunUniversity of Iowa Athletic CommunicationsWith four starters returning from a team that finished 22-9 overall and made its fourth-straight trip to the NCAA Tournament, the 2011-12 University of Iowa women’s basketball team is poised for another successful season. Head coach Lisa Bluder has a roster of seven returning players, coupled with an incoming freshman class that was ranked No. 11 by ESPNHoopGurlz.com. Most preseason questions revolve around replacing Kachine Alexander, who graduated as one of the most decorated Hawkeyes in school history. Alexander was a four-time honorable mention All-American who was known for her eye-popping rebounding and scoring figures. Bluder said Alexander will be missed, but the current squad has the talent to contend for a Big Ten championship and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. “Some of the outside expectations are that we will be a little down this year because of losing Kachine,” Bluder said. “But we have four starters coming back who are extremely talented. Most people across the country would be thrilled to have four starters returning. We are sitting in a great situation.” Two of Iowa’s returning starters could be the most exciting guard duo in the Big Ten. Senior point guard Kamille Wahlin and junior shooting guard Jaime Printy are both prolific scorers who bring accolades from the previous season. Wahlin was an honorable mention All-Big Ten pick last season and was named a team captain for her senior season. Printy was an honorable mention All-American and second-team All-Big Ten pick as a junior. “They are an amazing duo,” Bluder said. “They like working together and being on the court together. They have a connection on the floor after playing together for two years, and it’s really fun to watch. “I think Kamille is one of the most experienced point guards in the Big Ten. I love having her lead our team. She’s such a competitor and has assumed that leadership role. “Jaime has continued to work on her overall game. She’s not just a 3-point specialist. She attacks off the dribble, accepts contact in the lane, and can make great passes. She has also worked hard on her defense and understands the value of playing good defense.” Kelly Krei returns for her senior season and was also named a team captain. Krei has been a two-year starter for

the Hawkeyes and has taken a new mental approach to her final season. “Kelly is a changed person as a senior,” Bluder said. “She has a different attitude this year and is playing with a sense of urgency. She knows it’s her senior year and is trying to end her career in the best possible way. Kelly has more confidence and that’s a good thing for her.” Iowa will have a familiar face at post in junior Morgan Johnson. Johnson has been Iowa’s starting center since her freshman campaign. “Morgan gives us a lot of experience inside,” Bluder said. “She has been starting for two years and has seen a lot of time on the court. She’s really become more vocal on the floor and is demanding the ball. Morgan has become much more assertive this year.” Another senior returning for Iowa is Kalli Hansen. The junior college transfer transitioned into Division I basketball last year, and Bluder has seen big improvements in Hansen’s game. “Kalli has made the biggest jump in her game out of anyone on our roster,” Bluder said. “Last year she was a junior college transfer who was settling in to our system. Now she understands our system and is playing like a senior. She adds size, strength and versatility to our team.” Junior Trisha Nesbitt is healthy entering the season after suffering a foot injury as a sophomore. Bluder is thrilled to have a healthy Nesbitt backing up at point guard. “Last year, we didn’t have Trisha at this time of the year because of injury,” Bluder said. “It’s great to have depth at our point guard position, and Trisha can give us quality minutes.” Another healthy Hawkeye is redshirt sophomore Theairra

Taylor. Last season, Taylor suffered her third ACL tear in a 20-month span and missed the entire year. Taylor was a top-100 recruit out of high school and has the ability to be a difference maker for Bluder. “Theairra is such a gifted player,” Bluder said. “You want her on the floor. It’s almost like a new recruit coming into our system. She’s the type of player that can really change things for us on the court.” Iowa’s five freshmen will contribute throughout the season, each playing a different position. Freshman Samantha Logic is the most highly-touted player in the group after being named a McDonald’s All-American and the No. 10 recruit coming out of high school. “Sam can play a multitude of positions in our system and that versatility helps us,” Bluder said. “Her passing ability is impressive, and she can see things on the court before they happen. She makes plays that other people don’t make. It’s fun to have a player that thrives on things like taking charges and playing good defense. Sam isn’t concerned about scoring. She just loves to play.” Melissa Dixon brings another long-distance shooting threat to the team after scoring 2,146 points in high school. “Melissa has Jaime Printy-type range with a quick release,” Bluder said. “She does some good things in

practice every day. I think she contribute a lot to the team this year.” Kathryn Reynolds gives Iowa another option at the point guard position. Reynolds led her high school team to a state title as a freshman, hitting a buzzer-beating layup to win the game. Iowa City native Virginia Johnson will play primarily on the wing as a freshman. She was ranked the No. 62 recruit in the country last year and was a nine-time all-state selection in high school. Wrapping up the freshmen class is the additional post player missing from the lineup the previous two years. At 6-foot-4, Bethany Doolittle provides height and size in the post to compliment Morgan Johnson.

Jaime Printy, Iowa Hawkeyes (Linn-Mar, Marion HS)

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New Faces Will Help Iowa State MenBig 12 Conference Release; Iowa State Athletic Communications

The new faces are plentiful. Transfers Royce White, Chris Allen, Chris Babb and Anthony Booker sat out last season as the short-handed Cyclones lost close game after close game in finishing at the bottom of the standings. The newcomers give Iowa State more depth and talent. Replacing point guard and leading scorer Diante Garrett will be a challenge but it appears that senior guard Scott Christopherson will move into that spot. White, a 6-8, 270-pound forward, should be a force to be reckoned with in the paint and on the boards. The Cyclones figure to continue to fire away from 3-point range but coach Fred Hoiberg believes his roster gives him more options in ways to play.

Coach: Fred Hoiberg (16-16 in one year at Iowa State).2010-11: 16-16 overall, 3-13 in Big 12, 12thPostseason: None.

Top Players6-3 Sr. G Scott Christopherson, 6-8 Soph. F Royce White, 6-6 Soph. F Melvin Ejim, 6-3 Sr. G Chris Allen, 6-5 Jr. G Chris Babb, 6-9 Sr. F Anthony Booker, 5-9 Fr. G Tavon Sledge, 6-2 Jr. G Tyrus McGee.

Coach Hoiberg Says“I think all coaches are concerned about their chemistry. You know, it’s as important as your tal-ent, is how your group meshes together. If you have that chemistry, you find a way to win close games. You grind it out. If you don’t have it you’re not going to be very successful. The good thing about those

transfers is they played together all last year and built that chemistry.”

Notable Iowa State shot 85 percent or better from the free throw line in seven different Big 12 games a year ago. The Cyclones were second in the league in free throw percentage in Big 12 play with a .771 mark. The Cyclones made 8.6 3-point-ers a game last season. That was tops in the Big 12 and 13th nationally. Senior guard Scott Chris-topherson has at least one 3-point basket in a school-record 34 consecutive games.

White Named Preseason Newcomer of the Year Iowa State’s Royce White, a sophomore forward from Minneapolis, Minn., was named Big 12 Pre-season Newcomer of the Year, announced Thurs-day. Players honored in the preseason voting were selected by the league head coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own student-athletes. White sat out last season as a redshirt for the Cyclones after transferring from the University of Minnesota. He was ranked as the 19th-best player nationally in the final Rivals.com 2009 ratings and was named Minnesota’s Mr. Basketball in 2009 after leading his Hopkins High School team to the state title.

The 6-8, 270-pounder averaged 11.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists in Iowa State’s four-game tour of Italy in August, leading the Cyclones in both rebounds and assists. Sporting News listed White as the top transfer in the Big 12. “I am extremely honored by this award,” White said. “This is more of an achievement for my family, coaches, teammates and all of the people who have helped me get here. Individual honors are nice, but the ultimate goal is team success.” White joins Marquis Gilstrap as re-cent Cyclones to earn preseason new-

comer of the year honors by the Big 12. Gilstrap got the nod in 2009. White and senior Cyclone teammate Chris Allen, who sat out last season after transferring from Michigan State, were named preseason honorable mention by the Big 12. Allen made 141 3-pointers and scored 817 points in his three-year Spartan career.

Iowa State 2011 Preseason Big 12 Men’s Basketball HonorsPreseason Newcomer of the YearRoyce White, Iowa State, F, 6-8, 270, So., Minne-apolis, Minn. (Hopkins/Minnesota)Honorable Mention All-Big 12 Chris Allen, Royce White


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Royce White, Iowa State Cyclones(ISU Athletic Comm.)

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Iowa State Women Ready to Face All ChallengesBig 12 Conference Release; Matthew Shoutlz Iowa State Athletic Communications

The Cyclones will host an NCAA Tournament first- and second-round plus there’s a regional in Des Moines that Iowa State could reach if it wins two. But all of that is speculation and the immediate concern is the health of coach Bill Fennelly. He is undergoing treatment for an invasive cancerous lesion on his vocal chords. The Cyclones return four starters but must replace Kelsey Bolte, who led the team in scoring. Lauren Mansfield is moving from point guard to shooting guard to try and replace Bolte’s scoring. Freshman Nikki Moody might take over as the point guard.

Coach: Bill Fennelly (520-213 overall in 23 years)2010-11: 22-11 overall, 9-7 in Big 12, 5th.NCAA Tournament: Lost first round.

Top Players6-3 Soph. F Hallie Christofferson; 5-7 Sr. G Lauren Mansfield; 6-3 Jr. F Chelsea Poppens; 5-11 Jr. G/F Jessica Schroll; 6-7 Jr. F Anna Prins; 5-8 Sr. G Chassidy Cole; 5-8 Fr. G Nikki Moody.

Coach Fennelly Says“(Bolte) was someone who completely understood what it meant to play here and how to play here and how to practice and how to prepare. ... You don’t just replace that by anointing someone. That’s earned over time, and it’s earned by how you act and how you practice and how you play and how you conduct yourself, and right now we don’t have that person.”

NotableIowa State has made the NCAA Tournament six of the last seven seasons. Since Fennelly took over in 1995, Iowa State has averaged 22 wins and made 12 NCAA

appearances. ... Anna Prins missed the team’s final exhibition game because she has soreness in her right knee. ... Fennelly: “I’m not going to lie to you, it’s the worst offseason we’ve ever had in my mind. We had more people hurt than we’ve ever had hurt. Every single one of them had something go wrong that took them out of work in the offseason.”

Cyclones Picked Fifth in Big 12

The Iowa State women’s basketball team was picked fifth by the Big 12 Conference coaches in the 2011-12 preseason poll. The Cyclones return nine letterwinners, including four starters, from last year’s team that finished 22-11 overall and 9-7 in the Big 12, earning a fifth-place finish. The Cyclones advanced to their fifth-straight NCAA Tournament last season. Iowa State returns five players that started at least 15 games last season, including junior center Anna Prins, who was second on the team averaging 9.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Sophomore forward Hallie Christofferson also returns after earning Big 12 All-Freshman Team honors as a rookie. Christofferson tallied 9.9 points and 5.1 rebounds in her first season at the school. Chelsea Poppens, a Big 12 All-Defensive team selection a year ago, returns for her junior season. Poppens recorded 10 double-figure rebounding games to go along with 8.6 points per game. Other returning

starters include Lauren Mansfield, who averaged 8.8 points and 5.0 assists while starting all 33 games, and Jessica Schroll. Schroll, who made 16 starts, averaged 4.2 points, including 6.5 per game over the final eight contests of the season. Baylor was picked to win the league by the coaches. The Lady Bears received all of the possible 10 first-place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own team). Defending national champion Texas A&M garnered the other first-place vote and was picked second. Texas and Oklahoma followed in third and fourth with the Cyclones being picked fifth and Texas Tech sixth. Kansas was picked to finish seventh with Oklahoma State

selected eighth. Kansas State and Missouri rounded out the poll.

2011-12 Big 12 Conference Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll1. Baylor (9)2. Texas A&M (1)3. Texas4. Oklahoma5. Iowa State6. Texas Tech7. Kansas8. Oklahoma State9. Kansas State10. Missouri

Chelsea Poppens, Iowa State CyclonesAplington-Parkersburg HS

ISU Athletic Comm.

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UNI Men Need to Reload to Compete for MVC TitleUNI Athletic Communications

The University of Northern Iowa men’s basketball team has been selected to finish fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll in voting by the league’s coaches, sports information directors and media. The Panthers received 245 points and have three starters returning from last year’s 20-14 team. Creighton is the preseason favorite with 29 first-place votes and 389 total points. Wichita State is picked second with seven first-place votes and 350 points. Indiana State garnered the other four first-place votes and tallied 331 points. UNI junior guard Anthony James earned preseason honorable mention all-MVC status as well. James earned honorable mention all-MVC honors last season after he averaged 12.4 points per game, which ranked ninth in the league.

A Look at the 2011-12 Panthers: UNI returns eight letterwinners and three starters from last year’s Panther squad that posted a mark of 20-14. UNI’s streak of three consecutive 20-win seasons is the longest active streak in the Missouri Valley Conference. UNI earned its third-straight postseason berth by taking part in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament (CIT). Junior guard Anthony James is the Panthers’ top-returning scorer at 12.4 ppg. He was named

the captain of the MVC All-Improved Team in 2010-11. James also earned honorable mention All-MVC status. Senior guard Johnny Moran enters his senior season needing 206 points to become the 34th UNI Panther to join the 1,000 Point Club. Moran has started and played in 101 games in his Panther career and needs 20 starts this season to set the school record for most starts in a career. Junior forward Jake Koch became the first Panther in the history of the program to record 30 or more assists (68), steals (30) and blocks (30) in the same season. Koch averaged 9.8 ppg and 5.0 rpg as he started all 34 games for the Panthers last season. The Panthers will welcome six newcomers to the roster in true freshmen Matt Bohannon (6-3, G, Marion, Iowa), JeVon Lyle (6-2, G, Kansas City, Mo.), Deon Mitchell (6-1, G, Pflugerville, Texas), Chris Olivier (6-8, F, Glenwood, Ill.), Marvin Singleton Jr. (6-6, F, St. Louis Park, Minn.) and Seth Tuttle (6-8, F, Sheffield, Iowa). Head coach Ben Jacobson is entering his sixth season at the helm of the Panther program having posted a career mark of 109-57. Jacobson ranks No. 4 on the Panthers’ all-time wins list trailing only O.M. “Hon” Nordly (166), Eldon Miller (164) and Jim Berry (144). Jacobson ranks No. 15 all-time in the Missouri Valley Conference’s win percentage list (.657).


UNI Women Expect to Contend for MVC ChampionshipUNI Athletic Communications

The University of Northern Iowa women’s basketball team, coming off back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, has eight opponents that competed in post-season play in 2011 on its 2011-12 schedule, the program announced Thursday. Along with non-conference contests against NCAA participants Iowa State, Iowa and Green Bay, and WNIT participant Wyoming, Missouri Valley Conference opponents Illinois State, Missouri State, Creighton and Wichita State each played in the WNIT last season. After an exhibition game against Maryville, UNI opens regular-season play against Colorado State on Nov. 11 in the McLeod Center. The Panthers play Chicago State on the road before returning home to host in-state foe Iowa on Nov. 19. The Panthers participate in the Loyola Marymount Thanksgiving Classic in Los Angeles. UNI faces Wyoming on Nov. 25 in the first round, then either the host Lions or Youngstown State on Nov. 26. The Panthers return home to host Southeast Missouri State on Dec. 1, then head to Wisconsin to face 2011 Sweet Sixteen participant Green Bay on Dec. 4. UNI hosts South Dakota and North Dakota State on Dec. 7 and 10, and then goes to North Dakota on Dec. 17. The Panthers wrap up non-conference action with a contest at in-state foe Iowa State on Dec. 20.

UNI will start its campaign for back-to-back regular-season Valley titles when it opens Missouri Valley Conference play on Dec. 29 in a home game against Wichita State. UNI plays home and away contests with each Valley school, closing the regular season with a road game against Wichita State on March 3. The Panthers compete in the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament March 8-11 in St. Charles, Mo., looking to win UNI’s third-straight tournament title.

Panthers Picked to Finish Second in MVC The University of Northern Iowa women’s basketball team is picked to finish second in the Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll released by the league on Tuesday. The poll is voted on by

the conference’s head coaches, sports information directors and media members. UNI received four first-place votes and comes in behind favorite Missouri State. This is the second consecutive year UNI has been picked to finish second, the highest prediction for the Panthers in the history of the poll. UNI returns six players from the team that won the regular-season title with a 17-1 record last season. The Panthers open the 2011-12 season on Nov. 6 when they host Maryville in an exhibition contest. The regular season begins on Nov. 11 when UNI hosts Colorado State at 8:30 p.m. in the McLeod Center.

2011-12 MVC Women’s Basketball Preseason PollSchool (First-Place Votes) Total Points

1. Missouri State (36) 3962. UNI (4) 3223. Wichita State 3154. Creighton 2465. Indiana State 2346. Illinois State 2247. Drake 1688. Bradley 1629. Evansville 6810. Southern Illinois 65

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Seth Tuttle, UNI Panthers (West Fork HS)

UNI Athletic Comm.

Rachel Madrigal, UNI Panthers (Decorah HS)

UNI Athletic Comm.


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Hard Work, Experience to Help Drake MenPaul Kirk Drake Athletic Communications Director

For the 2011-12 Drake men’s basketball team, familiarity, continuity and hard work are the cornerstones upon which a return to prominence will be built. After several years of building a roster that is ready to consistently compete in the Missouri Valley Conference and navigate the rigorous league schedule, there is a sense of anticipation and hope that the pieces are now in place to make that charge. The Bulldogs held their annual Media Day at the Knapp Center, and those themes were touched on by players and coaches alike, along with a focus on daily improvement. Drake returns nearly every member of a squad that put together a late-season stretch of five wins in seven games last year—including four wins in a row at home. “The thing I am excited about is that we’re starting to have an older team,” Head Coach Mark Phelps said. “You think about those two recruiting classes that we were so excited about, those guys are now in their second or third year and we’ve finally got a roster for the first time that has more upper classmen than under classmen. The guys feel good about entering this year.” For the first time in his four seasons at the helm, Phelps presides over a roster that returns more than two of its top four scorers and rebounders from the previous year. This year’s Bulldogs return three of their top four, and five of the top six, in each category. Six of the nine top contributors in 2010-11 were either freshmen (1) or sophomores (5).That experience gives the coaching staff an opportunity to hone in on key areas for improvement. “If you have to highlight one thing it is to get better on the defensive end,” Phelps said. “We have to make stops. We play tremendous competition in and outside of the Valley and there are some tremendous players, so defense is going to be a heavy emphasis. We also have to be better at rebounding the basketball.” The strength of the team is a large junior class that has matured over the past two seasons, and is ready to lead the Bulldogs as they look to take a step forward in the MVC. The class includes 6’-11” center Seth VanDeest (Bettendorf, Iowa) and 6’-8” forwards Jordan Clarke (Rockville, Md.) and Ben Simons (Cadillac, Mich.). The trio combined to average 22.2 points and 11.1

rebounds per game last year. VanDeest will not be ready for the start of the season while he rehabs from July shoulder surgery. A year ago he was hampered by ankle injuries for much of the season, and Clarke missed 12 games because of an elbow injury, so a healthy presence by each will go a long way toward lifting the team to the level it expects. Simons played in all 31 games and started the final 15 games of the year, averaging 10.4 points and 2.8 rebounds per game in those 15 starts. He ranked third in the MVC in three-point field goal percentage (.420) and seventh in overall field goal percentage (.480) last year. Simons showed considerable improvement on Drake’s foreign tour in August, averaging 17.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 40% from three-point range. Sophomore guard Rayvonte Rice will receive the majority of the focus from opponents after a freshman performance that ranked among the best in Drake history. The talented and explosive Champaign, Ill., native led the team in nearly every statistical category, including points (13.8 ppg), rebounds (4.8), blocked shots (0.8) and steals (1.4). Rice earned honorable mention All-Missouri Valley Conference honors and was named to the All-Freshman and All-Newcomer teams. Over the final nine games he averaged 16.0 points and shot better than 45% from the field to raise his season figure to 40.2. Senior Kraidon Woods (Henryville, Pa.) is a 6’-9” presence who played in 30 games (8 starts) in his first year with the program after transferring from Binghamton University. He averaged 3.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per contest and ranked second on the squad in blocked shots (25) last year. Down the stretch Woods’ game picked up for an average of 5.2 points and 4.5 rebounds over the season’s final 10 games. His career field goal percentage of .632 (48-76) is best among all MVC

returning players entering 2011-12 (min. 75 att.) Juniors Aaron Hawley (Rogers, Ark.) and Reece Uhlenhopp (Urbandale, Iowa) played key roles as contributors off the bench last season, and Uhlenhopp will be called upon to handle the post position during VanDeest’s absence. He played in all 31 games in 2010-11 and made four starts, averaging 2.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game in an average of 12.4 minutes. In his four starts he averaged 4.5 points and 5.8 rebounds. Hawley averaged 5.8 points and 2.3 rebounds. Karl Madison (Springfield, Ill.), fresh off a redshirt season, will compete for the starting point guard position in his first year of play, while senior Kurt Alexander (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) provides depth and experience at both guard positions. Madison redshirted in 2010-11 to heal injuries to both ankles. Alexander played in all 31 games (6 starts) and averaged 5.6 points and 1.7 assists

per game. Another returnee who redshirted as a freshman in 2010-11 is 6’-6” forward Jeremy Jeffers (Wilson, N.C.). He played in seven games last year before being

sidelined, and show considerable improvement on the team’s foreign. Jeffers ranked third on the team in scoring behind Rice (20.5) and Simons (17.5) by contributing 9.3 points and 2.5 rebound per game, and ranked second on the team in assists (2.0) and steals (1.8). Other reserves who saw playing time were redshirt-freshman guard David Smith (Chicago, Ill.), sophomore forward Cory Parker (Aspen, Colo.) and junior Greg Whitaker (Fairfax, Va.). Smith and Parker each logged considerable playing time in Australia and New Zealand because of injuries to teammates, and Whitaker will re-join the team this fall after studying abroad over the summer and early fall. The one scholarship newcomer in 2011-12 is 6’-5” freshman guard Judd Welfringer from Waukee (Iowa) High School who joins the Bulldogs after scoring 18 points per game and earning first-team 4A all-state honors from the Des Moines Register, while leading the Warriors to the state quarterfinals. In his first exhibition action on the foreign tour Welfringer averaged 2.8 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. Walk-on players Mitch McLaughlin (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) and Lincoln Vorba (Mason City, Iowa) round out the roster.

Drake Women’s Team Will Benefit from Veteran RosterBrock Ascher Drake Athletic Communications

A host of returning veterans will lead a deep and talented Drake women’s basketball team in 2011-12. The Bulldogs have returners at every position and are looking to improve on last year’s 15-15 record and sixth-place finish in the Missouri Valley Conference. “It’s hard to believe that it is already October 19 than that we are three weeks into practice,” said head coach Amy Stephens. “Our staff is very excited for what we have seen on the court so far. It’s been nice to have a relatively healthy team, as it’s been three years since we have been at this point going into the Prime Time Preview Thursday night and our first exhibition on November 2. That right there is a lot to celebrate with Drake women’s basketball.” Chief among the Bulldogs’ seven returning letterwinners is senior center Rachael Hackbarth (Colgate , Wis./Wisconsin Lutheran). Hackbarth averaged 14.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season and its Drake’s top returning scorer and rebounder. The senior became the 22nd member of Drake’s 1,000-Point Club during last season’s State Farm MVC Tournament matchup against Missouri State and has a shot to become one of the 10 most-prolific scorers in Drake annals. “We are excited about the play of Rachael Hackbarth,” said Stephens. “She ended the season in her last seven games averaging in almost 25 points a game. She had a great offseason, she worked hard to improve and add some things to her game and she has had a great offseason and a great preseason.” Joining Hackbarth beneath the basket is junior Stephanie Running (Oak Creek, Wis./Oak Creek) and senior Alex Montgomery (Cannon Falls, Minn./Cannon Falls). Both players averaged 3.8 points per game last season and will step into a larger role this year. Sophomore Morgan Reid (North Kansas City, Mo./North) will swing between the low post and mid-range and bring energy and athleticism to the squad. Reid started in 13 games last season and was Drake’s second-leading rebounder with 4.5 per game. Freshmen Cara Lutes (Maplewood, Minn./New Life

Academy) and Symone Daniels (Memphis, Tenn./St. Benedict at Auburndale) are expected to contribute immediately. Lutes earned three-straight all-state nods and left New Life Academy as its all-time leading scorer. Daniels was a 2011 McDonald’s All-America nominee and a finalist for Miss Basketball Tennessee as a senior at St. Benedict at Auburndale. “In all the years I’ve coached, somebody always steps up,” said Stephens. “somebody emerges that maybe you didn’t think would emerge. Somebody always does. Whether it’s a freshman, or a returnee, I have a lot of confidence that will happen for our team this year as well.” Senior Amber Wollschlager (Milbank, S.D./Milbank) leads a talented and veteran company of guards. Wollschlager has been a back court mainstay since her freshman season and likely will rank in Drake’s top 10 for career games played at season’s end. Wollschlager will provide senior leadership and her quick release from three-point range will mean plenty of scoring opportunities. Redshirt junior Brittnye McSparron (Apple Valley, Minn./Eastview), returns after spending the last year rehabbing an injured knee. She will looked upon to take ownership of the point guard position this season. Redshirt freshman Carly Grenfell (York, Neb./York), who also returns from a knee injury, will split time at the point and off-guard positions.

“Brittnye has spent her whole career playing the point guard position,” Stephens said. “If you saw her during her freshman year, you saw what she did to the team dynamic, the energy, the spark the competitive spirit. We wanted to give her a complete amount of time to recover coming off of a second knee injury and it was hard not to play her during the conference season last year. It’s exciting to see her back and we hope and pray that she can remain healthy as she can help our team. Same thing with Carly Grenfell. We missed not having her after December 6 last year and having both of those players at the point position is a really positive thing for our team.” Junior Kayla Person (O’Fallon, Mo./Incarnate Word) started in 26 games last year and was Drake’s fifth-leading scorer with 5.8 points per game. Person will move to her natural off-guard position after splitting time at point last season and will be one of Drake’s primary outside scoring threats. Alyssa Marschner (Plymouth, Minn./Robbinsdale-Armstrong) also returns after filling in at the point position last season. Newcomers Kyndal Clark (Webb City, Mo./Webb City) and Liza Heap (Highlands Ranch, Colo./Highlands Ranch)

will add depth to the position and compete for playing time throughout the season. Schedule-wise, the Bulldogs will play yet another challenging slate. “First of all, we have a really great non-conference schedule,” Stephens said. “We’re playing four teams that were in postseason last year, with Iowa, Iowa State, Marist and Hofstra. Then we open up conference with three on the road. We’ll be prepared and it’s the hand we’re dealt, so we’re going to do the best we can and know that on the back-nine we’ll benefit from those three road games right off the bat. And at Drake having those road games early with our class schedules is really positive for our team.” “This team reminds me a little of the 19-12 team three years ago. But they are executing and there’s some grittiness to them that I like as a coach.”

UNI Athletic Comm.

Rachael Hackbarth, Drake Bulldogs(Photo by Chris Donahue)

Rayvonte Rice, Drake Bulldogs(Photo by Chris Donahue)


Luther Tabbed by Coaches to Take IIAC Men’s Basketball TitleIowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

Luther College, which is coming off its first Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) men’s basketball title since 1984, is the clear favorite of the league’s coaches to capture the 2011-2012 Iowa Conference title. The Norse received seven of eight possible first-place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own teams), totaling 71 points in the IIAC Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Poll. Buena Vista University picked up one of the two remaining first-place votes and sits second with 58 points, just ahead of Loras College (55 points), Coe College (53 points) and Simpson College (48 points). The Beavers were picked second on three ballots and third on two others. The Duhawks received two second-place votes and were picked no worse than fourth on any ballot. The Kohawks picked up the final first-place vote as well as two second-place votes.

Team Previews Buena Vista returns four starters and 11 letterwinners from last season’s 11-15 team that tied for fourth in the league with an 8-8 record. The Beavers will be led by senior forward Doug Bissen and junior center Wes Nordquist. The duo helped BVU lead all IIAC schools in scoring in 2010-11 with 75.2 points per game. Nordquist, a first team all-conference pick last year, averaged a team-high 15.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, leading all IIAC players in rebounding and ranking sixth in scoring. Buena Vista head coach Brian Van Haaften says, “We look forward to having a solid season. We have seven seniors that are excellent leaders and examples to the rest of our program. We expect to play well this year, and see what we can accomplish.” Central returns four starters and 11 letterwinners from last season’s 12-13 team that tied for fourth place with an 8-8 league mark. The Dutch will be led by senior guard Demarco Turner, a first team all-conference pick last year. Turner was one of the league’s top scorers a year ago averaging 16.3 points per game overall and 17.6 points per game in league play. Central head coach Mike Boschee says, “[We are] looking forward to a very competitive year in the Iowa Conference.

More teams have a chance to win the title than ever before. It should be an exciting year as always.” Coe returns two starters and seven letterwinners from last season’s 17-9 team that finished second in league play with a 10-6 mark. The Kohawks, who were the league’s top 3-point shooting team in 2010-11, will be led by guards David Mataloni and Andrew Wirth. Mataloni, a junior who was

a first-team all-league pick last season, ranked ninth among all IIAC players in scoring with a 13.4 point-per-game average. Coe head coach Pat Juckem says, “This year’s IIAC race has a chance to be special. I believe our conference is a deep and balanced as I have seen it in the past several years. We have an opportunity to be in the mix provided we stay healthy and make incremental progress daily.” Cornell returns three starters and 11 letterwinners from last season’s 8-17 team that finished ninth in the Conference with a 3-13 record. The Rams will be led in their final Iowa Conference campaign by guards Alex Miller and Reggie Greenwood and forward Rory Cotter. Cornell head coach Chad Murray says, “With no seniors on our roster, we will again be a very young team. I’m excited to see how well we will compete in a very strong IIAC.” Dubuque returns three starters and eight letterwinners from last season’s 17-11 team that finished third in the league with a 9-7 record. The Spartans will be led by forward David Kushnir and guards Lee Piccinelli and Mitch Michaelis. Michaelis, a sophomore, is the squad’s top returning scorer and from 2010-2011. He averaged 11.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in 28 games, ranking 17th among all IIAC players in both categories. Dubuque head coach Robbie Sieverding says, “We are looking forward to what should be a very tough and competitive Iowa Conference season. We will once again count on our seniors to lead our team and we must stay healthy in order to compete at a high level.” Loras returns four starters and 12 letterwinners from last season’s 11-14 team that tied for fourth in the Conference with an 8-8 record. The Duhawks will be led in 2011-2012 by a trio of former second time all-conference picks – seniors

Tim Kelly (2010) and Dan Pawelski (2011) and junior Connor Mooney (2010). Loras head coach Greg Gorton says, “We have a nice mix of returning experience and talented youth. It should be a great year in the Iowa Conference.” Luther returns four starters and nine letterwinners from last year’s 19-9 team that went 13-3 in league play to capture the program’s first Iowa Conference title since 1984 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Championship. Leading the Norse will be senior off guard Dane Larson, the 2011 Iowa Conference MVP. Larson started all 28 games last season, averaging a team-high 15.4 points and 2.4 assists per game. Larson ranked eighth among all IIAC players in scoring and 10th in assists while ranking fifth in free throw percentage (80.7 percent). Luther head coach Mark Franzen says, “We have a lot of new faces that are learning our system and returning guys adjusting to new roles. “ Simpson returns four starters and six letterwinners from last season’s 12-15 team that tied for fourth in the league with an 8-8 record. The Storm, who qualified for their first IIAC tournament since 2007 last season, will be led by a formidable trio that includes post player Cornelius Mosby and guards Zach Barragan and Elijah Knox. Simpson head coach Charles Zanders says, “I feel this team has all the pieces to achieve some special things. We have a lot of work ahead of us but when the dust settles I expect Simpson College to be standing strong.” Wartburg returns three starters and 10 letterwinners from last season’s 10-14 team that finished eighth in the league with a 5-11 record. Senior center Jordan Sathoff, a two-time all-league pick who was named to the first team a year ago, was the team’s leading scorer (17.7 ppg) and rebounder (7.2 rpg) in 2010-11. Wartburg head coach Dick Peth says, “I am very excited about the quality of our new recruits. With a solid nucleus returning, and much added depth at all positions, we look forward to competing for the always challenging conference race.”

IIAC Coaches Pick Simpson to Win League ChampionshipIowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

Four-time defending Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) champion Simpson College collected six of nine first-places votes to capture the top spot in the 2011-2012 IIAC Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Poll. The Storm, a participant in the 2011 NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship, received 68 of the maximum 72 points (coaches cannot vote for their own team) to stand seven points clear Wartburg College (61 points) and 12 clear of both Loras College and Coe College (56 points each). The Knights received five second-place and three third-place votes, while the Duhawks picked up the three remaining first-place votes. The Kohawks, IIAC co-champions each of the past two seasons and a NCAA Tournament Round-of-16 participant last year, received three second-place votes, two third-place votes, and three fourth-place votes.

Team Previews Buena Vista returns two starters and eight letterwinners from last season’s 12-14 team that finished fifth in the Conference with an 8-8 record. Leading the Beavers will be senior power forward Jessica Christensen, a second-team all-league pick last year. Christensen started all 26 games a year ago, leading the team in many categories, including scoring (13.0 ppg), rebounding (7.3 rpg), steals (1.92 spg) and 3-pointers made (1.54). Buena Vista head coach Janet Berry says, “Our team has been working really hard to prepare for the season. The IIAC appears to be tough as ever.” Central returns four starters and 11 letterwinners from last season’s 5-20 team that tied for eighth in the Conference with a 2-14 record. The Dutch will be benefit from have senior wing Sarah Paulson around for a whole season. Paulson was an honorable mention all-Iowa Conference pick last season. Central head coach Mike Jacobsma says, “It’s a new beginning for this team. Every day we strive to play with heart, guts and a sense of Dutch Pride.” Coe returns one starter and six letterwinners from last year’s 26-4 team that tied for the league title with a 14-2

mark and advanced to the round of 16 of the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship. Senior guard Leslie Ware is the only returning starter after averaging 8.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, 2.47 assists and 1.77 3-pointers per game. Coe head coach Randi Peterson says, “Coming off of a great year last year, and graduating not only four senior starters, but great leadership, makes us young.” Cornell returns four starters and eight letterwinners from last season’s 7-16 team that tied for eighth in the Conference with a 2-14 record. The Rams return the services of junior center Camille Marie-Lidd, who is one of the league’s top returning players. Marie-Lidd averaged 15.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.48 blocked shots per game. Cornell head coach Brent Brase says, “Our team continues to work hard on and off the court! [We are] really looking forward to the competition the Iowa Conference provides from top to bottom.” Dubuque returns three starters and eight letterwinners from last season’s 11-16 team that finished sixth in the Conference with a 7-9 record. Junior guard Mollie Whiting, a second team all-conference pick last season, averaged 16.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per game and shot 42.2 percent from the field (166-of-393) and 77.8 percent (77-of-99) from the free-throw line to lead all IIAC players in overall scoring. Dubuque head coach Mark Noll says, “We are excited to get the season started. Our players are working hard towards achieve all of their goals.” Loras returns four starters and nine letterwinners from last season’s 15-12 team that finished fourth in the Conference with a 10-6 record. The Duhawks return the bulk of their scoring from a year ago, led by senior strong forward Lindsey LaBadie. LaBadie averaged team-highs with 11.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game last season en route to first team all-conference honors. Loras head coach Justin Heinzen says, “With balance and depth as strengths of this team coming into the year, we will need our returners to set the tone for team play and use their experience to mentor a few that will be needed in stepping into

new roles. Luther returns two starters and seven letterwinners from last season’s 7-18 team that finished seventh in the Conference with a 3-13 record. The Norse will be led by senior guard Katie Etter. Etter, a co-captain, appeared in all 25 games with 22 starts, averaging 7.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Luther head coach Amanda Bailey says, “We will rely on the leadership from our returners to display the intensity we need to compete within the IIAC. We have a fairly inexperienced team and are excited that many new Norse will contribute early for us this season. Simpson returns 15 letterwinners but only one starter from last year’s 22-7 team that won a share of the program’s tenth Iowa Conference title with a 14-2 record and advanced to the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship for the seventh consecutive year. Senior post player Stacey Schutjer, a two-time first team all-conference and honorable mention WBCA all-America honoree, returns for the Storm. Schutjer is one of five players in program history to surpass 1,000 career points and 500 career rebounds. Simpson head coach Brian Niemuth, who became the Dean of Iowa Conference women’s basketball coaches upon Jane Hildebrand’s retirement,says, “I’m looking forward to coaching this team as they have shown a great desire to work hard.” Wartburg returns three starters and eight letterwinners from last season’s 21-5 team that finished third in the Conference with a 12-4 record. The Knights will need to replace their top two scorers – including 2011 league MVP Samantha Harrington – but return an experienced core led by seniors Leslie Wilson and Stephanie Reiter and junior Maddie Sadecky. Wartburg head coach Bob Amsberry says, “We have some big shoes to fill with the loss of three very talented seniors from last year’s team and the competitive balance in the league will present tremendous growth opportunities for our team.”

UNI Athletic Comm.

CollegiateCorner


Can Red Raiders Do It Again?Matt Bos Northwestern Sports Informaiton Director

Northwestern has been one of the NAIA’s elite women’s basketball programs over the last decade. They have won four national championships since 2001, taking home the trophy in each of the past two seasons and three of the last four. First year head coach Chris Yaw takes over the program after spending the last seven years as the Raiders’ top assistant coach, playing a substantial role in Northwestern’s last three national championship runs. Coach Yaw inherits a squad that returns eight letter winners and four starters off last year’s team that defeated top-ranked Davenport (Mich.) in the championship game. “We have a good group of young ladies returning along with some new faces,” commented Coach Yaw. “I’m looking forward to an enjoyable journey this season.” Three seniors who collectively have compiled an impressive 127-17 overall record (.882) return for their final season in a Northwestern uniform. Kami Kuhlmann, a 5-7 guard from Charter Oak, Iowa, earned honorable mention NAIA All-American and first team all-GPAC honors after averaging 13 points and 2.7 rebounds last season. A three-year starter and one of two players on the roster with over 1,000 career points, she already ranks 10th all-time with 1,406 points and has averaged over 13 points per game throughout her career. “Kami is a tough competitor and a talented player,” commented Yaw. “I look forward to Kami continuing to lead our team in many areas.” Val Kleinjan (Bruce, S.D.) will team with Kuhlmann to comprise the Raiders’ backcourt for the fourth straight year. The 5-8 senior guard has been one of the most consistent and effective perimeter shooters throughout her career, averaging nearly nine points per game over the last three years. “Val has played in a lot of games as a Red Raider,” said Yaw. “Along with her outstanding ability to shoot the ball, Val offers us valuable experience in the guard court.” Kendra De Jong (Hospers, Iowa) earned first team NAIA All-American honors after averaging 18 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in 2011. De Jong is a member of the Raiders’ 1,000 point club (1,134) and was named the GPAC co-defensive player of the year. “Kendra is a special player that has had a big impact on our program,” commented Yaw.

The Grand View University women were ranked as the No. 20 team in the NAIA Coaches’ Preseason Poll. The Vikings return four starters to this year’s lineup including First Team All-American and MCC Player of the Year Jennifer Jorgensen. Jorgensen is also a two time MCC First Team selection. Grand View has once again stacked its schedule this season against some of the best competi-tion in the nation. Two-time defending national champion Northwestern (Iowa) begins the 2011-12 season ranked No. 1 and Morningside sits in the No. 2 spot. The Vikings will match up against Northwestern on November 9th in Orange City and face Morningside in Sioux City on November 30th. The Midwest Collegiate Confer-ence season begins on December 3rd at home against No. 25 Mount Mercy. St. Ambrose is this third team from the MCC rated in the Top 25 poll, falling into the No. 10 spot. Two more teams in the MCC, Iowa Wesleyan and William Penn, also re-ceived votes in the national rankings.

Storm Women Keep SurgingBryan Geelan Simpson Athletics Communications Director

Fresh off another 20-win season, head coach Brian Niemuth’s goals for the 2011-12 Simpson women’s basketball team are pretty straightforward. “Our goals are to win the conference championship and get back to the NCAA Tournament,” Niemuth said. Postseason appearances and conference titles have become the norm for Niemuth, who enters his 25th season at Simpson. The Storm have won at least a share of the Iowa Conference Championship in each of the last four seasons while appearing in the NCAA Tournament seven years in a row. Last year, the Storm went 22-7, tied with Coe for the Iowa Conference regular season title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament as an at-large bid. Once there, Simpson knocked off Minnesota Intercollegiate Conference Tournament Champion, Concordia-Moorhead in the first round before falling to host UW-Stevens Point. Niemuth’s team displayed a balanced attack with 10 players averaging more than 12 minutes and nine players averaging more than five points per game. Even with only one player averaging double-figures, the Storm were the second-highest scoring team in the nation during the regular season with 82.2 points per game. Despite losing four starters to graduation, Niemuth has no reason to believe this team won’t pick up where it left off. “We have a very well balanced group with Stacey Schutjer leading the pack,” Niemuth said. “This is an unselfish group who is very focused on what they want to accomplish.” Schutjer is certainly the most decorated of the Storm’s returners. The 6-2 senior from Titonka, Iowa, is a two-time first team all-conference performer and an honorable mention WBCA All-American. She has been the Storm’s leading scorer the past two seasons. Senior Ali Sokol and juniors Kate Nielsen, Cathy Kain and Kelsie Reeves look to slide into starting roles this season. A versatile threat, Sokol can bang down low but can also hit from distance, connecting on 23 of 63 3-pointers a year ago. Guard’s Jamie Elbert and Ashley Rogers will likely see increased roles as well. A junior from Indianola, Iowa, Elbert appeared in all 29 games for the Storm last year and finished second in the team with 30 3-pointers.

The Dordt College Defender men’s basketball team is picked second in the Great Plains Athletic Conference poll voted on by the 11 head coaches in the GPAC. Dordt College garnered 87 points in the poll and one first place vote in the balloting. Northwestern was the unanimous pre-season favorite with ten first place votes one year after winning the regular season title. Morningside was third in the balloting. The Defenders finished 2010-2011 with a 19-12 mark and a 10-8 Great Plains Athletic Conference mark which was good for a fifth place finish. The

Defenders went on the road to win two games in the GPAC post-season tourna-ment before losing in the GPAC title game to Sioux Falls. The Defenders return four double digit scorers led by first-team all-conference pick Trevor Wolterstorff with a 16.0 points per game average to go with 5.3 rebounds. Cliff Warner was a second team all-conference pick last season and averaged 11.6 points and 4.0 assists per game. Austin Katje and Jordan Vogel also broke double figures last season with 11.2 and 10.1 averages and Vogel led the team in rebounding with a 6.1 average.

Dordt Men Climbing NAIA Ranks The Dordt College Defender men’s basketball team is ranked fifth in the first regular season NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Top 25 Poll released on Monday, November 28. The Defenders are 10-0 this season and 2-0 in Great Plains Athletic Confer-ence play and moved up from No. 16 in the pre-season ratings. This is the highest the Defenders have been in the poll since December 2009 when they vaulted all the way to number four in the first poll of that season.

Time for Dordt Men to Shine

Grand View Women RankedMolly Brown Grand View Sports Informatin Director

Mike Byker Dordt Sports Information Director

Jennifer Jorgensen (Southeast Webster-Grand High School of Dayton, Iowa) returns for the Vikings as one of the NAIA’s most pro-lific scorers. A first team NAIA all-American in 2011, Jorgensen averaged 23.7 points per game and 10.1 rebounds per game. (Photo courtesy of Grand View University)

CollegiateCorner


Iowa Energy Fill Out Roster for 2011-2012 SeasonIowa Energy

The defending NBA D-League Champion Iowa Energy selected eight players in the 2011 NBA D-League player draft Thursday night, including guard Brandon Ewing and center Dominic Calegari in the 2nd round. Ewing, a 6-2 guard from Chicago, IL, played his college ball at Wyoming where he averaged 18.5 points and 5.0 assists as a senior in college in 2008-2009. He played last season in Cyprus, where he averaged 15.3 points per game. Calegari played his college ball at California-Davis, averaging 16.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game as a senior. The Energy picked 6-11 Jarrid Famous out of South Florida in the 3rd round of the draft. Famous averaged 8.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in his last collegiate season.

Following is the list of players selected by the Energy in the 2011 NBA D-League Draft:

Brandon Ewing G 6-2 190 Wyoming 2nd Round, 26th Overall Pick

Dominic Calegari F/C 6-10 240 Cal-Davis 2nd Round, 27th Overall Pick

Jarrid Famous* C 6-11 240 South Florida 3rd Round, 37th Overall Pick

Nick Murphy* G/F 6-4 225 Jacksonville State 4th Round, 54th Overall Pick

Michael Tveidt* F 6-7 210 North Dakota State 4th Round, 58th Overall Pick

Carlton Fay* F 6-8 230 Sourthern Illinois 5th Round, 69th Overall Pick

Thomas Baudinet*G 6-2 190 St. Anslem 6th Round, 90th Overall Pick

Jason Westrol G 6-3 210 Bentley 7th Round, 101st Overall Pick

* - Rookie

Season tickets for the Energy’s 24 games home schedule are now on sale. For more information, visit www.IowaNBA.com. Season tickets start at just $199 per seat, and include a number of special benefits.

Energy Makes Late Roster Changes The 2011 NBA D-League Champion Iowa Energy have made three roster moves ahead of tomorrow’s home opener vs Erie at 7pm. Iowa re-signed forward Anthony Simpson, who was with the team in training camp. Simpson, a 6’8” forward, played for Kent State University in 2009-10, where he averaged 9.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Simpson is expected to be in uniform for the Energy Saturday night. To make room for Simpson, the Energy waived forward Stanley Robinson for personal reasons. Iowa will retain Robinson’s rights going forward. In a separate move, the Energy picked up forward Roderick Flemings, a 6’7” forward out of Hawaii. Flemings played last season in Spain, and was drafted in the 6th round of this year’s NBA D-League Draft by the Reno BigHorns. Flemings was waived by Reno, allowing Iowa to claim him from the available player pool. As a senior at Hawaii, Flemings averaged 16.6 points

and 6.2 rebounds per game. Fleming’s status for Saturday’s game is unknown. The addition of Flemings brings Iowa’s roster to 11 players. Effective November 28, NBA D-League teams are permitted to increase their roster size from 10 NBA D-League players to 12. Teams will be permitted to carry and dress a maximum of 12 players until one week after the commencement of NBA training camps, at which point they will be required to return to no more than 10 NBA D-League players.


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A meniscal tear is a common knee injury in athletes. A torn meniscus typically results from a twisting injury to a flexed knee. There are actually two types of cartilage in the knee joint. The articular cartilage is the shiny cartilage at the end of the bone. The meniscus cartilage is a shock absorber piece of cartilage that sits be-tween the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). There is a lateral meniscus on the outer aspect of the knee and a medial meniscus on the inner aspect of the knee. The meniscus cartilage provides cushion to the knee joint and also helps in knee stability. Meniscal tears typically occur when the knee is twisted or flexed severely. Athletes may report feeling or hear-ing a “pop” in the knee. With a torn meniscus, the knee will slowly start to swell and develop a tight or stiff feeling. Once the meniscus is torn, it can also catch within the knee joint and can

Meniscal Tears in AthletesJeff Davick, MD, Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons, P.C.

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iowa sports connection volume 13 issue 9

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