Iowa Sports Connection Vol 12 Issue 9 by Iowa Sports Connection

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CONTENTS Volume 12 Issue 9

5 Pee Wee Profiles Qwest Team of the Month: Maroon Athletic Club This month’s Qwest Team of the Month is the Maroon Athletic Club’s seventh grade girls basketball team, which recently won the inaugural Tom A. Guessford Tournament. Assistant coach Michael Sadler talks about what it’s like to prepare future prep athletes.

16-42 Prep Connection Hoops Preview The Iowa Sports Connection’s annual Hoops Preview. Check out conference breakdown’s for each and every boy’s and girl’s basketball conference. Included in the breakdown are players to watch and conference predictions.

44-52 Collegiate Corner Collegiate Basketball Previews Previews of the Big Four men’s and women’s basketball teams plus Iowa Conference team-by-team previews and more, including Iowa’s defending NAIA women’s basketball champions, Northwestern, and defending NJCAA women’s champions, Kirkwood Community College.

54 Health & Fitness Pins, Plates and Screws R.D. Lee Evans of Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons breakes down how pins, plates and screws help bones heal.

STAFF MIKE RICKORD • President/Publisher email: mrickord@iowasportsconnection.com

JOHN STREETS • Business Consultant email: jstreets@iowasportsconnection.com

TONY ATZENI • Radio Account Manager DELBERT CHRISTENSEN • Marketing email: tatzeni@iowasportsconnection.com

Cedar Rapids/Sioux City

MICHAEL RICKORD JR. • Marketing

JOE STASI • Sr. Sales Executive jstasi@iowasportsconnection.com

ADAM OESTREICH • Graphic Artist HUNTER PETERSEN • Graphic Artist

TIM WEIDEMAN • Editor

ETHAN CLEVENGER • Student Writer

Contributing Photographers: University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Drake University (Chris Donahue), UNI, Roy Tucker (Pep Rally Photo), Denne Brodbeck (The Outlook), Harlan Newspapers, Mt. Pleasant News Contributing Writers: Kayci Woodley (Iowa State Sports Information), Matt Bos, Ted Schultz, Lee Evans Cover Shot: University of Iowa Head Coach Fran McCaffery and Iowa State Head Coach Fred Hoiberg are “Men on a Mission” to rebuild their programs. Photos courtesy of University of Iowa and Iowa State University sports information departments.

2928 Ingersoll Ave. • DM, IA 50312 PH: (515) 283-1933 •FAX: (515) 283-1646 isc@iowasportsconnection.com www.iowasportsconnection.com The Iowa Sports Connection is published once per month with copies available by subscrition. 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 © 2008 Iowa Sports Connection. All rights reserved. Stories, pictures and other content produced by contributors © 2008 their respective owners, with limited reprint rights reserved by the Iowa Sports Connection. The Iowa Sports Connection logo is tradmark ™ Iowa Sports Connection.

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Prose From the Pub Iowa is Privileged To Have Great Basketball “From the Pee-Wees, to the Preps, to the Pros” with the directions The 2010-2011 to “The Road to the basketball season has Well,” or Wells Fargo tipped off across Iowa Arena, and the 21st and as we say at the century home of Iowa Sports Connection, the state basketball it is literally “From the championships. Pee Wees to the Preps Last year’s Hoops to the Pros” with the Preview cover was youth, high school, the tsunami of Iowa college, and Iowa Energy collegiate basketball as teams all doing battle we featured Harrison on the hardwood across Barnes and his Iowa! decision to go to North The Iowa Energy will Mike Rickord ISC Publisher Carolina, a decision that lead the way again this hit like a tidal wave in basketball season as they Iowa. Harrison Barnes now plays for enter their fourth year but in Iowa it’s the Tar Heels of North Carolina and no secret that the mainstay of hoops Iowa and Iowa State have new coaches tradition is the Iowa high school action on the sideline in Fred Hoiberg and and of course the great collegiate Fran McCaffery. These new generals men’s and women’s action that we are will guide the Iowa State Cyclones and privileged to have available from the Iowa Hawkeyes back to the promised community colleges, NAIA, and NCAA land of post season play. This front Division I, II, and III programs from cover byline is spot on as both are border to border inside Iowa. “Men on a Mission” to deliver March It is no secret that basketball has Madness invitations to their respective exploded in the state of Iowa in the fan bases. past decade. This last month, the Iowa I applaud both of these hires Games Net Fest in Ames had over 150 as they are men of integrity and youth teams participate in its annual their basketball resumes speak for pre-season event and this is just a themselves. central Iowa tournament. The high The basketball storyline for this caliber of Iowa high school basketball season now that Harrison Barnes has players on the boys and girls side graduated from the preps is balance has absolutely catapulted Iowa into in all classes both boys and girls on the a legitimate mecca for collegiate road to the Well! In the college ranks recruiters at every level. The kids balance is also the theme as there is across Iowa have incredible Iowa-born not one clear cut dominant team in NBA role models to inspire them in the the Big 4 on the women’s or men’s’ driveways and gyms in every pocket of side. This opens incredible drama and this state. competition for fans all season long. The beauty of these NBA role This 2010-2011 Iowa Sports models is that they have come from Connection Hoops Preview is certainly every class in Iowa and every region our best effort in the past 11 years of the state. Kirk Hinrich of the that we have previewed basketball Washington Wizards is a Sioux City across the state. I applaud our staff native who played for 4-A West and and the coaches that assisted with is one of the premier point guards in this information. In addition, we the NBA. Kyle Korver of the Pella Little encourage you to send us photos all Dutch was a 3-A standout and is one season long or video of your youth or of the league’s best 3-point threats high school players and we’ll load onto for the Chicago Bulls. The Oklahoma our website “iowasportsconnection. City Thunder is blessed with the com” Also be certain to listen to our hardworking Nick Collison who hails radio shows and watch our television from 2-A Iowa Falls. productions of “Friday Night Live These three Iowans provide Hoops Edition” and “The Iowa Sports motivation for young Iowa hoopsters Connection” as we cover all of the as they work on their games. The basketball action through March bottom line is that the size of the Madness “From the Pee Wees to school does not matter in today’s the Preps to the Pros”! Log onto world if you have the skills and “iowasportsconnection.com” for a list motivation you will be discovered and of our great radio affiliates on the Iowa can play collegiate basketball at some Sports Connection Radio Network and level, and possibly the NBA! our television shows on WHO-TV13.2! The kids from the 20th century Have A Championship Season! Merry dreamed of one day honing their skills Christmas and Happy New Year! God and making the trip down to Veterans Bless you and Memorial or “The Barn” with their God Bless high school team as they battled for a America! page in Iowa’s history books. Today’s generation of boys and girls begin their season with a map that provides them Volume 12 Issue 9

Pee-Wee Profiles

Iowa Sports Connection

Qwest Most Valuable Player: Valentine Flores Tim Weideman Editor

Valentine Flores did not have the easiest of summers this year. Instead of being able to train and grow stronger, Flores was recovering from a stabbing in a hospital bed in Rochester, Minnesota. Flores’ father and two other men were also injured in the stabbing, which occurred in Flores’ hometwon of Mason City. Wrestling is a difficult sport for any athlete to keep up with, let alone one that must stay off his feet for any period of time. Flores, a senior at Mason City High School, is a courageous fighter with a lot of heart. Flores said he was scared throughout the ordeal but that he was also “bummed out” that he couldn’t work out when he knew other kids were. Wreslting is unlike most sports in that it truly is a year-round commitment. Athletes have to maintain a strict diet and workout routine. “It’s a sport that you can’t put half the commitment in, you have to put the full commitment in,” Flores says. “It’s a sport that you have to put the full commitment in. It’s a sport that you have to put the work in.” And Flores has definitely put the work in. Jennifer Waslick, Flores’ mother, says her son is a great person with a wonderful heart. “Val has a very big heart,” says Waslick. “He’s compassionate, trustworthy, and (has) the drive and determination to succeed.” Flores was quoted earlier this fall in an article from the Mason City Globe Gazette as saying: “Wrestling teaches me to keep my head up ... to not keep up and to keep fighting.” That’s what Valentine Flores is: a fighter.

Flores takes that fighter’s attitude and his drive to succeed with him during practice and matches. Flores’ favorite part of every team workout is conditioning because he says that’s the area that separates wreslters during competition. Valentine “Val” “I’m more of a wrestler that likes to pick up the pac in the mathces,” says Flores. “That’s how you win matches.” So far this season, Flores’ hard work has paid off. He’s 4-2 and The Predicament has him ranked No. 10 in the state in the Class 3A 135-pound weight class. His only losses have come to higherranked wrestlers. Each of his wins have been falls. Credit Flores’ success this season to his love of the sport and his work ethic. He started wrestling when he was three and, like many great wrestlers, Flores is devoted to getting in the wrestling room for whatever reason. “When I have a bad day, I just go to the wrestling room,” says Flores. He adds that it helps clear his mind. This February, Flores will likely take his talents to one of the greatest wrestling events in the country: the Iowa High School State Wrestling Championships. If the season goes according to plan, it will be Flores’ third trip to the state meet. Flores has placed each time he’s qualified, placing eighth his sophomore year and sixth his senior year.

His goal for this season is to win the state title. Flores is not alone in setting that goal—and he knows that. “You’re working towards goals that everyone wants,” says Flores. “You’re not the only one that wants the title. There’s kids at that weight Flores (Mason City) that want the same thing you want.” Flores also wants to help the Mohawks challenge for the team title. He said that is one of the team’s goals for this season. So far, Mason City is 3-0 in dual meets. And Flores knows that individual wrestlers and their teams get better in the wrestling room, where it’s 95 degrees and the sweat is pouring. That’s where the hard work pas off. Flores says the Mohawks put plenty of effort into their practices and that will help them come state wrestling. “We just have to keep working the way we have in practice,” Flores says. “Just go out there and wrestle like we have been and keep the victories coming our way.” Outside of his team activities, Flores is still tied to wrestling. He helps out with a local youth wrestling program, teaching younger kids the basics about wrestling. Flores says the repetition of helping the kids learn basic moves helps him improve, too. Flores plans on wrestling after high school. Right now, Flores says Wartburg seems to be a likely place for him to continue doing what he loves.

In each magazine we feature a parent, player or person as our Qwest M.V.P. The individual is recognized for their efforts during their respective sport and not solely on their wins and losses. If you would like to nominate an individual for our Qwest M.V.P. or if you’d like to nominate a Team of the Month, please contact us at isceditor@iowasportsconnection.com.

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Qwest Team of the Month: Maroon Athletics Club 7th Grade Girls

Pee-Wee Profiles

Tim Weideman Editor

Every level of coaching in sports comes with its own challenges. When it comes to coaching teams middle-school-age and younger, the challenge is most often that the young athletes are so involved in other activities that both they and coaches must work together to allow time for those other activities while putting the time and effort needed to be part of a team. The Maroon Athletics Club’s seventh grade girls basketball team is not alone in facing that challenge, but it does deserve recognition for putting all the pieces together and winning the inaugural Tom A. Guessford Basketball Tournament put on by the South Suburban YMCA in Des Moines. Not only did the MAC Hoops squad put together a championship run, but it was also the first time they had advanced to Day Two of a tournament. Assistant coach Michael Sadler said he thought it was a neat experience for the team. “I think it was exciting for the girls, and for the coaches, for that matter,” Sadler said. Sadler said the team faces the challenge of having team members invovled in many other activities, just like other teams. Gymnastics, mock trial and choir are just a few of the other activities that compete for the girls’ time. In January, several of the girls will start playing volleyball, which Sadler said could make scheduling more tournaments difficult. Another challenge the team faces is that these girls are from all areas of Des Moines. Many go to parochial schools and some go to public schools. While they will all most likely go to Dowling High

School after middle school, the coaches must still find ways to build team chemistry. Sadler said it has been “kinda neat” to watch the team come together even though many of them did not know each other before they were teammates. Sadler mentioned that he would like to see the team do more social outings to help them get to know each other more. He has been surprised, though, how well the team works together for not having known each other for very long. Maroon Athletics Club Seventh Grade Girls Basketball Team But Sadler said the girls Tom A. Guessford Basketball Tournament Champions have worked together as a team, anyway. “I think Maroons. Sadler said it’s imporant at this level to we’ve been fortunate to have this team in that it’s set the stage for high school. “As a coach, you work developed chemistry,” Sadler said. hard at developing drills to help the girls become That developed chemistry, along with the comfortble with the game,” Sadler said. learn-the-basics-first approach the coaches take, But the biggest reward for Sadler might be have no doubt gone a long way in leading this coaching his only daugher, who is on the team. “It’s team to success. That’s good news for Dowling a neat opportunity,” Sadler said. “It’s kind of neat to High School. Sadler said he’d be proud knowing he play a role, as small as it may be, to get them ready helped put a few more trophies in the cases for the (for high school).

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Prep Connection

Iowa Sports Connection

Iowa High School Boys Swimming Leaps Off the Starting Block Tony Atzeni Radio Accounts Manager

The 2010-2011 state boys swimming season is set to get underway. The 2009-2010 state champion was West Des Moines Valley who will look for leadership from Nate Harris and Coner Elliott who both scored for the Tigers last season. Harris was second in the 500 freestyle and Elliott was 3rd in the 100 backstroke. Also back is Jonathan Fiepke who was 8th in the 50 freestyle. Dowling Catholic was second in the team race and returns Ben Severno, now a sophomore who finished 10th in the 500 freestyle and Zach Welp, 5th in the 200 individual medley. Overall there are three individual champions back this season. Ben Loeffelholz, a senior from Dubuque Hempstead is back to claim being the fastest in the water, winner of the 50 freestyle. Austin Abbas, a senior from Cedar Falls is back to defend being the 100 freestyle champion last season. Cameron Herting, a senior from Iowa City, City High won the distance title, winner of the 500 freestyle. Listed below are those that scored for their team with top-twelve finishes at the state meet last season.

Josh Gill, Sophomore, Dubuque Senior (4th) Drew Bloom, Senior, Linn-Mar (Marion) (5th) Austin Abbas, Senior, Cedar Falls (6th) Jonathan Fiepke, Sophomore, West Des Moines Valley (8th) Brian Ross, Junior, Johnston (11th) Sidney McMillin, Senior, Iowa City, City High (11th) 100 Freestyle *Austin Abbas, Senior, Cedar Falls (Champion) Ben Loeffelholz, Senior, Dubuque Hempstead (2nd) Brian Bacon, Senior, Marshalltown (5th) Cole Malin, Senior, Carroll (8th) Sidney McMillin, Senior, Iowa City, City High (8th) Tate Forsyth, Senior, Dubuque Senior (12th)

Iowan High School Boys Swimming 2009-2010 Returning Champions and Place Winners *Returning Champion in Bold

200 Freestyle Cameron Herting, Senior, Iowa City, City High (2nd) Nate Harris, Junior, West Des Moines Valley (4th) Tim Temperley, Senior, Dubuque Hempstead (6th) Morgan Barnes, Junior, Cedar Rapids Washington (8th) Colin McAllister, Senior, Iowa City, City High (9th) Mathew Howell, Senior, Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) (10th) Ben Severino, Sophomore, Dowling Catholic (11th)

50 Freestyle *Ben Loeffelholz, Senior, Dubuque Hempstead (Champion) Brian Bacon, Senior Marshalltown (3rd)

500 Freestyle *Cameron Herting, Senior, Iowa City, City High (Champion) Nate Harris, Junior, West Des Moines Valley (2nd)

Volume 12 Issue 9

Colin McAllister, Senior, Iowa City, City High (5th) Morgan Barnes, Junior, Cedar Rapids Washington (6th) Mathew Howell, Senior, Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) (8th) Tim Temperley, Senior, Dubuque Hempstead (9th) Ben Severino, Sophomore, Dowling Catholic (10th) Mauricio Chacon, Senior, Marshalltown (11th) Matt Boyd, Junior, Clinton (12th) 100 Backstroke Ian Ford, Junior Cedar Rapids Washington (2nd) Coner Elliott, Junior, West Des Moines Valley (3rd) Lucas Klinker, Junior, Ankeny (5th) Haden Calegan, Sophomore, Muscatine (7th) Conner Clements, Sophomore, Cedar Falls (10th) Kaisen Yao, Junior, Iowa City West (12th) 100 Breaststroke Josh Gill, Sophomore, Dubuque Senior (3rd) Jorden Studer, Junior, Ankeny (5th) Ty Bailey, Senior, Dubuque Senior (7th) Travis Greenwald, Sophomore, Muscatine (9th) Tyler Calegan, Senior, Muscatine (12th) 200 Individual Medley Connor Huff, Junior, Dubuque Senior (4th) Zach Welp, Senior, Dowling Catholic (5th) Ian Ford, Junior, Cedar Rapids Washington (6th) Josh Sund, Senior, Cedar Fals (7th) Haden Calegan, Sophomore, Muscatine (9th) Matt Boyd, Junior, Clinton (10th) James Davis, Senior, Iowa City, City High (11th) Paul Jinderich, Senior, Muscatine (12th)

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Iowa Sports Connection

2009 State Tournaments

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Armstrong-Ringsted Defends 8-Man Title, North Tama Wins Class 1A; School’s First Boys Championship Tony Atzeni Radio Accounts Manager Armstrong-Ringsted Defends Class 8-Player Championship, 42-34

Lenox would answer once again but again the extra point conversion would fail and leave Lenox on the short end of a 34-33 score with 4:21 left in regulation.

The first of the six Iowa high school state championship football games got underway at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls on Friday morning with the 8-Player title game. For the third straight season the game pits defending champions and #2 Armstrong-Ringsted and #1 and 2008 champion Lenox. Both the Mustangs and Tigers came into the game with perfect 13-0 records. Defense was the story of the first half as the Tigers were first to get on the scoreboard and would extend the lead to 14-0 late in the first half on an Austin Hancock 13 yard run. ArmstrongRingsted would answer with less than a minute to go in the half to cut the deficit to 14-7 at the break.

Clausen would lead the Mustangs on what would be a game-winning drive and cap it off with a 17-yard touchdown run and because of a penalty won the extra point went for two and converted for a 42-33 lead with 2:03 left in the game.

Spencer Clausen, Armstrong-Ringsted

Clausen ran for 184 yards and three touchdown and passed for another 200 yards on 13 for 19 passing and three more touchdowns. Hancock was also effective for Lenox with 116 yards passing and led the Tigers on the ground with 177 yards and two touchdowns.

Roy Tucker / Pep Rally Photo

The Mustangs would get the ball first in the second half and would score quickly as Spencer Clausen would score on a 14 yard keeper. The Mustangs would take the lead for the first time but the missed extra point would make it 20-14. It was a Clausen to Travis Hantleman 12-yard pass and catch that gave the Mustangs the lead. Before the third quarter would come to an end the Tigers would regain the lead, 21-20 on an Austin Christensen 2-yard run. The see-saw battle continued in the fourth quarter as A-R came right back and scored but failed on the 2-point conversion and led, 26-21. Then it was Lenox who would answer the score with a Christensen 4-yard run and lead 226 but failed on their extra point with 10:52 left in the game. Clausen would hook up for a huge play with Hantelman, a 65-yard strike for a 32-27 lead. The 2-point conversion was good and the Mustangs held on to a 34-27 lead with 8:04 left in the game.

Armstrong-Ringsted improved to 14-0 while winning their second straight Class 8-Player championship while Lenox completed their second straight season at 13-1 and as the state runner-up.

Brendon Boerm Leads North Tama Past Madrid in Class A Championship, 43-34 The second game of the state title games pitted #1 Madrid and #3 North Tama (Traer), both unbeaten and both 13-0. Madrid would use a couple of big plays in the first half to open up a 20-0 lead. Jeremy Johnson got it started with a 55 yard run giving the Tigers a 7-0 lead then quarterback CJ Manthe broke off a 75 yarder for a score. North Tama would cut the deficit to 20-8 at the break as the brother combination would hook up as Brendon Boerm hit Mitchell Boerm for a 13 yard score. The Redhawks would continue the comeback to open up the third quarter on a Brendon Boerm 1 yard plunge. Johnson

The Iowa Sports Connection 2010 All-State Team - 8/Player Co-Coaches of the Year • Jeremy Christiansen, Fremont-Mills Tabor & Denny Whitlow, Moravia

would extend the Madrid lead on the nest series on a 44 yard run but the 2-point conversion failed and it was 26-14. Brendon Boerm would turn into a Brendon Boerm, North Tama receiver as Roy Tucker / Pep Rally Photo he was on the end of a 46 yard pass from Jacob Wrage and after three quarters it was 26-21 Madrid. The fourth quarter’s first score gave the Redhawks their first lead as it was Boerm to Boerm for the second time, this time a 13 yards strike. Timon Bell would give the Tigers the lead back for the final time, capping a 70 yard drive on a one yard dive and with the two point conversion it was Madrid 29, North Tama 26 with 4:40 left in the game. Boerm became a receiver for the second time of the game as Wrage hit him on a 52 yard touchdown pass and with 3:50 left in the game it was 36-34 North Tama. The Redhawks would take advantage of a Tiger fumble and turn it into a score with 1:29 left in the game, and would make it 43-34 which would be the final score. Madrid finished the season at 13-1 and was led by the backfield of Bell and Johnson who combined for 286 yards and 4 touchdowns. North Tama caps off their state championship season at 14-0 as was led by Brendon Boerm who scored twice on runs, twice on receptions and threw two touchdown passes and combined for 400 total yards.

The Iowa Sports Connection 2010 All-State Team - Class A Coach of the Year • Brent Thoren, North Tama (Traer)

Offense

Defense

Offense

Defense

QB • Tim Olejnczak

DL • Lucas Dalton

QB • Brendon Boerm

DL • Troy Farrier

QB • Michael Schwenk

DL • Brett Thackery

Class A Player of the Year

DL • Dillon Mckee

RB • Nate Howard

DL • Alec Witt

RB • Tyler McDonald

LB • Chris Bird

RB • Nate Meier

LB • Austin Hancock

RB • Blake Tebbe

Class 8/Player Player of the Year

SR - Ankeny Christian Academy SR - Coon Rapids-Bayard SR - Graettinger-Terril JR - Moravia

SR - Fremont-Mills (Tabor)

SR - Lenox

JR - Armstrong-Ringsted SR - Preston

SR - Moravia SR - Lenox

SR - North Tama (Traer)

QB • Taylor Wurth

SR - Gehlen Catholic (LeMars)

RB • Timon Bell SR - Madrid

RB • Ben Buffington

SR - Newman Catholic (Mason City)

RB • Jeremy Johnson JR - Madrid

SR - WACO (Wayland) SR - West Sioux (Hawarden)

DL • Eric Simmons SR - Madrid

DL • Brandon Svoboda SR - North Tama (Traer)

LB • Dustin Clark SR - Guthrie Center

LB • Jason Fedderson

RB • Scott Paulus

LB • Cade Isenhower

WR• Daniel Duysen

LB • Dakota Odermann

WR • Lucas Hefty

LB • Kyle Hawkins

DB• Austin Christensen

LB • Jordan Walston

TE • Billy Steichen

WR • James Wright

DB• Justin Kerscher

DB • Spencer Capitani

OL • Landon Maynes

TE • Brock Hinkel

OL • Dominic Alstrope

DB• Marcus Mechaelsen

OL • Tyler Ahrens

DB • Bodhi Eagle

OL • Stephen Smiley

K • Isaac Lopez

OL • Nathan Jones

DB • Ben Knake

RET• Taylor Hackett

P • Spencer Clausen

OL • Blake Louscher

• Dillon Stradt

OL • Jevohn Miller

• Michael Kelchen

JR - Preston

WR• Jacob Esdohr

SR - Coon Rapids-Bayard JR - East Mills

SR - St. Mary’s (Remsen) SR - Lenox

SR - Fremont-Mills (Tabor) SR - Adair-Casey

SR - Glidden-Ralston

JR - Preston

SR - Armstrong-Ringsted SR - Lenox

SR - Central City

JR - Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg) SR - Ankeny Christian Academy SR - Armstrong-Ringsted

SR - Rockford

SR - North Tama (Traer) SR - Woodbury Central (Moville)

SR - North Tama (Traer)

SR - B-G-M (Brooklyn) SR - Bedford

SR - Northwood-Kensett

SR - Madrid SR - Madrid

SR - North Tama (Traer) SR - Newman Catholic (Mason City) SR - B-G-M (Brooklyn)

RET• Joe Roden

SR - WACO (Wayland)

JR - Lisbon

SR - Newman Catholic (Mason City) JR - Edgewood-Colesburg

SR - West Harrison (Mondamin)

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West Lyon Rolls to Class 1A Title, Regina Reigns in Class 2A

Katie Flood

Tony Atzeni Radio Accounts Manager

West Lyon Uses Fast Start and Smothering Defense to Grab Class 1A State Championship, 42-0

Iowa City Regina Rides Defense to Class 2A state Championship, 21-0

Cody Ahrendt, West Lyon

The first of the Saturday state title games was played in Class 1A where Dike-New Hartford faced West Lyon (Inwood). For the first time in the 2010 championships it was a one-sided affair as West Lyon rolled to a 42-0 victory and their third state title. The first quarter belonged to Cory Ahrendt who scored three time on runs of 50, 2 and 1 to give the Wildcats a 21-0 lead. It was really all they would need as the defense was smothering, holding the Wolverines to just 109 yards of total offense. Adam Teuissen made on of the big defensive plays in the fourth quarter to keep the shutout as he returned a fumble 98 yards for a score.

The second of the three state championship football games on Saturday at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls found top-ranked Iowa City Regina facing unranked North Polk. For the Regals is has been a strong defense all season long as they held their opponents to six point or less in 12 of the 13 games heading into the championship. For the Comets it was looking to find a way to play a full game with Regina. Only Solon had forced them to play a game where there was no running clock coming into the title game.

Both came into play as Iowa City Regina would win the school a state championship in the end Roy Tucker / Pep Rally Photo of a physical battle, 21-0. The game was scoreless until 1:14 of the first quarter when Daniel Larew was on the receiving end of West Lyon won the turnover battle, forcing three a 72 yards pass from Jack Verducci to give the which included two interceptions and won the field Regals a 7-0 lead. Regina would build a 14-0 lead at position battle as well. the break when with 6:42 left in the half Anthony Halasch would score on a 27 yard run. Ahrendt led the balanced running attack with 99 yards and three scores. Dike-New Hartford comBoth teams continued to trade punches with pleted an 11-3 season while West Lyon completes their defenses in the second half as it would be a a 12-2 campaign. scoreless third quarter. Iowa City Regina would put

The Iowa Sports Connection 2010 All-State Team - Class 1A Coach of the Year • Matt Lee, Starmont (Arlington)

away the game with a Jacob Vollstedt 3 yard run capping a 10 play, 58 yard drive with 8:26 remaining.

Anthony Halsch, Iowa City Regina

North Polk finished the season at 10-4 and was led by Noah Pickard with 95 hard earned Roy Tucker / Pep Rally Photo yards on the ground while Trevor hall was solid in the punting game with 7 punts for a 44.7 yard average with three downed inside to 20 and a long of 55 yards. Iowa City Regina was led by Anthony Halsch with 159 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Jack Verducci completed the season without throwing an interception. Verducci was 6 for 10 for 142 yards and a touchdown pass leading the Regals to a perfect 14-0 season.

The Iowa Sports Connection 2010 All-State Team - Class 2A Coach of the Year • Steve Dougherty, Camanche

Defense

Offense

Defense

QB • Jace Engstler

DL • Logan Lukavsky

QB • Kyle Nikkel

DL • Cole Blair

QB • Seth Tuttle

DL • Evan Mikels

QB • Jack Verducci

DL • Jerod Franzen

RB • Jake Gentile

DL • Mitchell Udell

Class 2A Player of the Year

DL • Brian Hengeveld

RB • Eric Joblinske

DL • Brendan TerWee

RB • Marrick Loftus

LB • Tanner Tenley

RB • Conner O’Brien

LB • Greg Hegstad

Offense SR - Garner Hayfield SR - West Fork

SR - St. Albert (Council Bluffs) SR - Dike-New Hartford SR - Logan-Magnolia

SR - West Branch

SR - Logan-Magnolia

SR - Hinton

SR - West Lyon (Inwood)

JR - North Cedar (Stanwood)

SR - Pella Christian SR - Iowa City Regina

RB • Dalton Ferch

JR - West Marshall (State Center)

RB • Jake Greco

JR - North Fayette (West Union)

RB • Michael Strautman JR - Kuemper Catholic (Carroll)

SR - South Central Calhoun

JR - North Fayette (West Union)

SR - Western Christian (Hull)

DL • Colton Hill SR - North Polk

LB • Berkley Grimm SR - Iowa City Regina

RB • Andrew Utterback

LB • Will Klocke

WR • Michael Weideman

LB • Jack Manning

WR • Dominik Lensing

LB • Noah Pickard

WR • Josh Thompson

LB • Mitchell Schroeder

WR • Trey Hugen

LB • Jacob Rathmacher

TE • Levi Ettleman

DB • Jake Allen

TE • Joe Borts

LB • Eli Elliott

OL • Alex Behrends

DB • Rilen Carew

OL • Lathan Bass

DB • Nick Eastburn

OL • Jackson Steinberg

DB • Jacob Muser

OL • Allen George

DB • Reid Nuss

OL • Joel TerWee

• Carter Funke

OL • Trevor Hall

DB • Mike Sullens

OL • Zach Toben

• Cameron Vinsand

OL • Brandon Lehman

• Michael Schmadke

RET• Zach Pechous

• Wyatt Sann

SR - Wapsie Valley (Fairbank)

Class 1A Player of the Year SR - Dike-New Hartford SR - Garner-Hayfield

SR - Logan-Magnolia

SR - Starmont (Arlington) JR - Saint Ansgar

SR - West Lyon (Inwood) SR - Aplington-Parkersburg

RET• Tucker Duis

JR - Panorama (Panora)

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SR - Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn SR - Woodward-Granger SR - North Cedar (Standwood) SR - Treynor

SR - West Branch

JR - Woodward-Granger SR - Maquoketa Valley (Dehli) SO - Highland (Riverside)

SR - Sigourney-Keota

SR - South Winneshiek (Calmar) SR - Pella Christian

JR - Kuemper Catholic (Carroll) JR - North Polk

SR - Roland Story

JR - West Branch

SR - Colfax-Mingo SR - South Central Calhoun SR - Bondurant-Farrar SR - North Polk

SR - Iowa City Regina

SR - Monticello

SR - North Fayette (West Union) SR - Camanche

SR - Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) JR - Clarion-Goldfield

Volume 11 Issue 9

Prep Connection

Iowa Sports Connection

Solon Class 3A Champs, Fourth Title in a Row; Dowling Takes 4A Title Tony Atzeni Radio Accounts Manager New Class, Same Old Story; Solon Rolls to Class 3A Championship

Bishop Heelan finishes the season at 12-2 while Solon ends with the Class 3A title and a 13-1 season.

Conner Bravard, Fourth Quarter Defense Lead Dowling The curtain fell on the JJ Hanus, Solon Catholic to Class 4A Championship, 38-31 in 2010 Iowa high school fall Overtime sports season with the Class 3A state football The final game on championship Friday was in Class 4a championship game. with #1 Dowling Catholic and #3 and defending champion Solon was looking for their Iowa City High, both unbeaten at 13-0 entering the game. fourth straight title, the We had already had two great title games so why not past three in Class 2A make it three on the day. It was the Maroons who jumped and would have to get out in front, scoring on the opening drive as Ben Boesen by a traditional power in was on the receiving end of a 10 yard touchdown pass bishop Heelan (Sioux City) from Conner Bravard. The extra point failed so it was 6-0 to make that happen. The Dowling. The Little Hawks grabbed the lead with 3:27 left in one common theme made the first quarter on a one yard run by quarterback Andrew in the Saturday title games McNulty, capping a 70 yards drive. was defense and it was what carried the Spartans Dowling Catholic would take the lead back with 6:21 all season long. left in the half as Boesen caught his second TD pass from The first half was all Solon Bravard, 13-7. The Little Hawks used the remainder of as they built a 24-0 halftime Roy Tucker / Pep Rally Photo the clock to go into the locker room with a 14-13 lead as lead over the Crusaders McNulty would find Cedric Readus on a 10 yard pass with and it all got started with ten seconds on the clock. a long 15 play 78 yards drive capped by a Brian Jedlicka 1 yard run. After a turnover on the kickoff, Solon would take The two teams traded punches early in the third quarter advantage in three plays to extend the lead to 14-0 which and with 5:21 left were tied at 21-21. Readus ignited the is the way the opening quarter would end. Quarterback JJ Little Hawk crowd with a 76 yard dash with 4:36 left in the Hanus had a solid first half and added to the lead on a 6 yard third quarter and followed that up with Drew Cornwell 27 run with 4:22 left in the half followed by a Marshall Koehn yards field goal and it was 31-21 Iowa City. 45 yard field goal to end the first half.

The two teams traded scores in the third quarter but in the end it was too much Solon as they rolled to a 45-7 victory. Paul Jacobson led the Crusdaers with 206 yards in the air on 10 for 22 passing, one touchdown and two interceptions. JJ Hanus combined for 313 yards in offense; 210 passing and 103 on the ground.

Iowa City would move the ball to their own 48 and on a 4th down and eight play tried to gain the first down instead of punt away the football. The play would be well covered by

Conner Bravard led Dowling Catholic with 143 yards on the ground and was 18 for 24 for 269 yards and two touchdown passes.

JR - Union (LaPorte City)

RB • Brandon Domeyer

SR - West Delaware (Manchester)

DL • Isaac Ales

DL • Henry Kreiger-Coble

QB • Connor Bravard

DL • Brodie Berrie

RB • Alex Carr

DL • Amos Lavela

RB • Austin Ebertowski

DL • Chase Kleopfer

RB • Jer Garman

LB • Brandon Abernathy

RB • Barkley Hill

LB • Mark Atwater

SR - Mount Pleasant

DL • Tyler Smith SR - Solon

DL • Jason Van Ersvelde SR - Grinnell

LB • Taylor Berger SR - Carroll

LB • Austin Palmer

WR • Josh Rohret

LB • Zach Twedt

WR • Brady Roland

LB • Nate Wilmes

TE • Jackson Sawyer

DB • Dusty Albaugh

OL • Austin Blythe

DB • Eric Larson

OL • Adam Cave OL • Austin Kessler

SR - Clear Creek-Amana SR - Carlisle

SR - West Delaware (Manchester)

SR - Williamsburg SR - Harlan

SR - Clear Lake

OL • Michael Smithburg SR - Fairfield

RET• Jess Ross

JR - Fort Madison

Volume 12 Issue 9

SR - Ames

SR - Dowling Catholic

SR - Cedar Rapids Washington SR - Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln SR - Linn-Mar (Marion) JR - Cedar Falls

WR • Quenton James SR - Sioux City East

SR - Muscatine

SR - Bettendorf

SO - Iowa City High

SR - Cedar Rapids Xavier SR - Indianola

JR - Linn-Mar (Marion)

Class 4A Player of the Year

WR • Greg Raney

LB • Christian French

TE • Ben Boesen

LB • Nate Cruise

OL • Dane Jensen

DB • Jontel Clayton

OL • Dan Mahoney

DB • Tim Kilfoy

DB • Josh Pringle

OL • Dan Minchk

DB • Eric Lee

DB • Cody Sacquitne

OL • Toby Ziemer

• Spencer Lee

• Marshall Koehn

RET• Devin Thomas

• Gage Ridenour

• Curran Lippsett

SR - Benton (Van Horne) SR - Carlisle SR - Marion

SR - Winterset

Class 1-A

SR - Decorah

RB • Michael Malloy

JR - Bishop Heelan (Sioux City)

Coach of the Year • Justin Kammrad, Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln

DL • Jacob Humpal

QB • Dylan Villhauer

RB • Wes Burnside

The Iowa Sports Connection 2010 All-State Team - Class 4A Defense

QB • Gavin Glenn

SR - Harlan

Dowling Catholic won their third state title and completed a 14-0 season.

QB • Kyle Anderson

Defense

Class 3A Player of the Year

The loss would snap a 27-game Little Hawk winning streak and finish the season at 13-1.

Offense

Offense JR - Clear Creek-Amana

Dowling would get the first shot and would take the lead on a Dalton Parrott 3 yard run. Once again the Maroon defense was asked to step up and that is what they did and it was Dowling Catholic who would raise up the Class 4a championship trophy.

Cedric Readus led Iowa City with 171yards on the ground on 23 carries. Andrew McNulty added 162 yards in the air and a touchdown pass.

Co-Coaches of the Year • Jay McKinstrey, Pella and Kevin Miller, Solon

RB • Dylan Barrett

Roy Tucker / Pep Rally Photo

the recharged Maroon defense. Dowling would drive inside the Little Hawk ten yard line and on fourth and goal would send in Mac Chapman to kick a 23 yard field goal with15seconds left in the game just inside the left upright and sending the game into overtime.

The fourth quarter was one the Maroon defense made the difference and the offense was opportunistic. Dowling would score with 6:03 left in the game and the Little Hawk lead was 31-28.

The Iowa Sports Connection 2010 All-State Team - Class 3A

JR - A-D-M (Adel)

Conner Bravard, Dowling Catholic

SR - Waverly-Shell Rock SR - Pella

SR - Decorah SR - Solon

SR - Ankeny

SR - Dowling Catholic SR - Ames

SR - Dowling Catholic SR - Iowa City High

SR - Cedar Rapids Washington

SR - Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln

SR - Cedar Rapids Kennedy SR - Ames

SR - Fort Dodge

JR - Davenport Assumption SR - Dowling Catholic SR - Johnston

SR - Bettendorf

SR - Marion

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Prep Connection

Presented By:

Champions Across Iowa

Football

Swimming

Name: Maddie Br School: Ames Class: 4A

avard Name: Conner Br tholic Ca School: Dowling Class: 4A

s raked Connor Bravard ha s wa o Br die nors. ad ho M r on Senio in the postsea es a’s Iow d me a key part of an Am na s He wa am that Player of girls swimming te Gatorade Football s ol’ ho sc e th med na s wa d brought home an the Year or t. sp e th in e ate titl -st te all first sta to ISC’s Class 4A Bro won QB r nio se e Th . At the state meet, first team e 50 an to ns oo individual titles in th ar M e th led stroke the freestyle, 100 back over time victory in e th of rt game hip ns and was pa pio am ch 4A ley and High. He champion 200-med against Iowa City s am te lay re e for 249 ing ss pa 400-freestyl -24 18 was nes. Bro clo Cy He also tle s. Lit e TD th for yards and two 10 with ing sh ru in was also named 20 ing wl led Do ar. Ye e th of r me Swim 143 yards.

Volleyball

Football

erm Name: Brendon Bo th a m Ta h Name: Rachel Pe rt No ol: ell Rock Scho School: Waverly-Sh Class: A Class: 3A

erm Senior Brendon Bo d Rachel Peth helpe s terrific in North wa hip game Waverly-Shell Rock Tama’s champions etition erm Bo . rid ad dominate the comp M st ain ag lleyball times 19 ll ba throughout the vo rushed the e senior two TDs. d an s rd regular season. Th ya 4 10 for 2010 e th to 26 d of me 12 na s ed wa He complet yball and s TD o tw All-State Elite volle for es first-team pass erm also squad and was a threw one INT. Bo 3A by ss Cla es for ss pa e selection in re th caught hes the Iowa Girls’ Coac s and two TDs. rd ya 2 10 finished d to ISC’s Association. Peth Boerm was name rve se 97 th wi st team. on fir as the se Class A all-state 5 digs aces, 381 kills, 47 and 101 blocks.

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Volume 12 Issue 9

Collegiate

Iowa Sports Connection

A quick look at some of the Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best performances from the Missouri to the Mississippi

1 2 3 4 5 6

Solon Football: By winning the Class 3A state football title the Solon Spartans became the first school in playoff history to capture four straight championships. Ames Swimming and Diving: The Ames Little Cyclones girls swimming and diving team won their schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first ever state swimming and diving championship. Tripoli Volleyball: Tripoli did it again. For the third straight season, the Panthers won the Class 1A state volleyball championship. Kiah Stokes (Linn-Mar Marion, Senior): Kiah Stokes set a new school single game scoring record when she scored 39 points against Cedar Rapids Jefferson on December 7th. The Linn-Mar standout committed to play college basketball at Connecticut earlier in November. Kalli Richardson (Northeast Hamilton Blairsburg, Senior): Kalli Richardson of Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg) reached a career milestone when she scored her 1,000th point in a victory over Southeast Webster-Grand on November 23rd. Scott Bruxvoort (PCM-Monroe, Senior): Scott Bruxvoort of PCM-Monroe set a new single game scoring record when he scored 47 points in a Mustang victory over Grandview Park Baptist (Des Moines) on November 30th breaking the old mark set by Brandon Meyers.

5 2 6

4 1

Class 1-A

Every Friday Night 7pm to 11pm 12

Volume 12 Issue 9

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Iowa Sports Connection

Jack Verducci

High School: Iowa City Regina Class: 2011 GPA: 3.9 Sport: Football, Baseball & Track Quick Facts:

Favorite Athlete : Dan Persa of Northwestern

Community Involvement : - Pending Eagle Scout - Retreat Team Leader - National Honor Society - Christmas Project Volunteer Member of Key Club

School Records set by Jack Verducci’s : - 3 Year Starter, 33-4 as Starting QB - 60 TD’s in Career - 4,321 Yards in Career - Senior Year; - 22 Total TD’s, 0 INT, 1700 Yards Passing - 500 Yards Rushing, 70% Comp. Percentage - 248.5 QB Rating

Athletic Honors : - 1st Team All State DM Register - Mr. Iowa (iowapreps.com) - 1st Team All State INA - 2A Captain - Finalist for 1st Ever “Ed Thomas Mr. Football Award” - 1st Team All State Iowa Sports Connection - 2A Player of the Year - 1st Team All District Academic All State and All American

2A 2A Player Player Of Of The The Year Year

Recruited By : Idaho, Nebraska, Northwestern, Michigan State, Kansas, Indiana, Wyoming, amongst other 1AA Schools, Montana, Villanova, William and Mary College Plans : Looking at Ivy League Schools (Brown, Princeton, Harvard) for Education and Life After Football. Brought To You By:

Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau iowagtsb.org

Prep Connection

Iowa Sports Connection

High School Wrestling Season Heats Up Tony Atzeni ISC Radio Account Manager

Iowa High School Wrestling State Champions (Athlete, School, Class - Championship Weight Class) Returning Champions Class 3A (9) Tyler Willers, Pleasant Valley, Jr. – 103 Cory Clark, Southeast Polk, Jr., - 112 Eric DeVos, Waverly-Shell Rock, Jr., - 119 John Meeks, Des Moines Roosevelt, Jr., - 125 Chad Ryan, Sioux City North, Sr., - 130 Bo Schlosser, Bettendorf, Sr., - 135 Cody Caldwell, Waverly-Shell Rock, Sr., - 145 Cody Krumwiede, Waverly-Shell Rock, Sr., - 215 Brody Berrie, Bettendorf, Sr., - 285 Class 2A (7) Dylan Peters, Denver-Tripoli, Jr., - 103 Gunnar Wolfensperger, Denver-Tripoli, Jr., - 112 Brandon Sorensen, Denver-Tripoli, So., - 119 Jake Marlin, Creston-Orient-Macksburg, So., - 130 Aaron Sorenson, Forest City, Sr., - 145 Tanner Weatherman, Ballard (Huxley), Sr., - 152 Austin Blythe, Williamsburg, Sr., - 285 Class 1A (6) Jordan Bremer, Woodbury Central (Moville), Jr., – 103 Tyler Shulista, Alburnett, Jr., - 112 Christopher Halblom, Alburnett, Sr., - 119 Logan Mulnix, North Linn (Troy Mills), Jr., - 125 Robert Walker, Martensdale-St. Mary’s, Jr., - 140 Levi Peters, Twin River Valley (Bode), Sr., - 160 Iowa High School Wrestling Returning Place Winners (Athlete, School, Class, State Tournament Finish) Class 3A 103: Tyler Willer, Pleasant Valley, Jr. – 1st; Colby Knight, Urbandale, So., - 2nd; Joel Northrup, Linn-Mar (Marion), So., - 3rd; Andrew Steiert, Waverly-Shell Rock, So., - 4th; Juan Coulter, Muscatine, Sr., - 5th; Matt Birnbaum, Fort Dodge, Sr., - 6th; Drake Swarm, Bettendorf, Jr., - 7th; Evan Reynolds, Norwalk, So., - 8th 112: Cory Clark, Southeast Polk, Jr., - 1st; Connor Ryan, North Scott (Eldridge), Jr., - 2nd; Jack Hathaway, Iowa City West, Jr., - 3rd; Brandon Thomas, West Des Moines Valley, Sr., - 4th; Tanner Werner, Waverly-Shell Rock, Sr., - 5th; Jake Agnitsch, Ames, Sr., - 7th; Nick Sulentic, Lewis Central (Council Bluffs), So., - 8th 119: Eric De Vos, Waverly-Shell Rock, Jr., - 1st; Tyler Feller, Lewis Central (Council Bluffs), Sr., - 5th; Taylor Wickett, Bettendorf, Sr., - 7th; Tyler McWilliams, Sioux City East, Jr. 8th 125: John Meeks, Des Moines Roosevelt, Jr., - 1st; Adam Perrin, North Scott (Eldridge) – 2nd; Bubba Hernanadez, Bettendorf, So., - 3rd; Kyle Larson, West Des Moines Valley, Jr.,- 5th; Luke Kremer, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Jr., - 6th; Peter Stewart, Sioux city North, Jr., - 7th 130: Chad Ryan, Sioux City North, Sr., - 1st; Jordan Rinken, Waverly-Shell Rock, Sr., - 2nd; Jay Hildreth, Lewis Central (Council Bluffs), Sr., - 3rd; Dylan Blackford, Southeast Polk, 14

Volume 12 Issue 9

So., - 4th; Tanner Schaefer, Spencer, So., - 6th; Braxton Chicchelly, Cedar Rapids Xavier, Sr., - 7th; Derek Rose, Keokuk, Jr., - 8th 135: Bo Schlosser, Bettendorf, Sr. – 1st; Gradey Gambrall, Iowa City West, Jr. – 2nd; Brian Warren, Des Moines North/Hoover, Jr., - 5th; Valentine Flores, Mason City, Sr., - 6th 140: Elijah Sullivan, Lewis Central (Council Bluffs), Sr., - 2nd; Gabriel Moreno, Urbandale, Jr., - 3rd; Dominic Chase, Bettendorf, Sr., - 5th; Luke Swalla, Ames, Sr., - 7th; Brad Schwenke, Atlantic, Sr., - 8th 145: Cody Caldwell, Waverly-Shell Rock, Sr., - 1st 152: Justin Koethe, Iowa City West, Jr., - 3rd; Ben Swalla, Ames, Sr., - 5th; Alex Meyer, Southeast Polk, Jr., - 6th; Peyton Wagner, Cedar Rapids Prairie, Jr., - 7th; Ryan Sheldon, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Sr., - 8th Tanner Weatherman (Sr., Ballard, Huxley) rides a Des Moines Roosevelt 160: Bryan Levsen, Bettendorf, Jr., - 7th opponent at a tournament last season. Weatherman won the state 171: Travis Mallo, Mason City, Sr., - 4th; Nate Shaw, title at 152 pounds last year. Bettendorf, Jr., - 6th; Evan Rethmeier, Newton, Sr., - 7th; AJ McBroom, Southeast Polk, Sr. – 8th 189: Brandon Abernathy, Indianola, Sr., - 4th; Jared Bartel, Class 1A Mason City, Jr., - 5th; Bryce Sellers, North Scott (Eldridge), 103: Jordan Bremer, Woodbury Central (Moville), Jr., - 1st; Sr., - 6th Brance Simms, Twin River Valley (Bode), Jr., - 2nd; Phillip Laux, 215: Cody Krumwiede, Waverly-Shell Rock, Sr. – 1st; Jesse Pekin, Jr., - 3rd; Andrew Foutch, Underwood, So., - 5th; Ryan South, Urbandale, Sr., - 5th; Zach Salisbury, Des Moines Hall, Jesup, Jr., - 6th; Heath Nagel, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, Lincoln, Sr., 7th So., - 8th 285: Brody Berrie, Bettendorf, Sr. – 1st; Joe Scanlon, 112: Tyler Shulista, Alburnett, Jr., - 1st; Kody Krenz, LouisaJohnston, Jr., - 4th; Conner Herman, Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Muscatine (Letts), Jr., - 2nd; Sawyer Farris, New London/ Sr. – 6th Winfield-Mount Union, Jr., - 3rd; Nick Drenth, Hartley-MelvinSanborn, Jr., - 5th; Trevor Reiste, Panorama (Panora), Sr., Class 2A - 6th; Taylor Hagen, Martensdale-St. Mary’s, Jr., - 7th; Brett 103: Dylan Peters, Denver-Tripoli, Jr., - 1st; Colton McCrystal, Marcum, Missouri Valley, So., - 8th Sergeant Bluff-Luton, So., - 2nd; Pryce Creighton, Dallas 119: Christopher Halblom, Alburnett, Sr., - 1st; Brennan Center-Grimes, Sr., - 3rd; Mitch Funk, MFL, Mar-Mac/Central, McNitt, St. Albert (Council Bluffs), Sr., - 3rd; Tanner Scott, Sr., - 4th; Jimmy Scieszinski, Van Meter, Jr., - 5th; Doug Miner, Eddyville-Blakesburg, Jr., - 4th; Walker Marshall, Missouri Spirit Lake, So., - 7th; Patrick Rooney, Bondurant-Farrar, So., Valley, - 5th; Kolbi Kohl, Lisbon, Jr., - 6th; Carter Funke, - 8th Maquoketa Valley (Dehli), So., - 7th; Matt Bertsch, Newman 112: Gunnar Wolfensperger, Denver-Tripoli, Jr., - 1st; Chase Catholic (Mason City), Sr., - 8th Flack, JSPCEG, Sr., - 3rd; Matt Paulus, New Hampton, Sr., - 4th; 125: Logan Mulnix, North Linn (troy Mills, Jr., - 1st; Jake Jobe Goodale, Osage, Sr., - 5th; J.C. Vercande, Williamsburg, Kadel, New London/Winfield-Mount Union, Sr., - 2nd; Brandon Jr., - 6th; Kyle Blocker, East Marshall/GMG, So., - 7th; Landon Welter, Don Bosco (Gilbertville), Sr., - 3rd; Jordan Johnson, Felton, Monticello, Jr., - 8th Interstate 35 (Truro), Sr., - 4th; Dillon Lorentzen, Logan119: Brandon Sorenson, Denver-Tripoli, So., - 1st; Logan Magnolia, Sr., - 6th; Kyler Deutsch, Nashua-Plainfield, Sr., - 8th Thomsen, Union (LaPorte City), So., - 2nd; Jacob Colon, Clear 130: Brayton Taylor, Prairie Valley (Gowrie), Jr., - 2nd; Nolan Lake, Sr., - 3rd; Cole Anderson, Forest City, Sr. – 5th; Zach Oviatt, Logan-Magnolia, Sr., - 3rd; Drew Proctor, Tipton, Sr., Henning, Decorah, Jr., - 6th; Hunter Langley, Sergeant Bluff4th; David Walker, Martensdale-St. Mary’s, Jr., - 5th; Nathan Luton, Jr., - 8th Van Zante, Eddyville-Blakesburg, Sr., - 6th; Austin Demuth, 125: Tyler Pattern, Webster City, Sr., - 2nd; Jesse Etherington, Don Bosco (Gilbertville), Jr., - 7th; Chad Richardson, LawtonCharles City, So., - 4th; Tre Rutz, Humboldt, Sr., - 5th; Brandon Bronson, Sr., - 8th Silbaugh, JSPCEG, Jr., - 6th; Dakota Simmons, Fairfield, Sr., 135: Ben Huber, Hudson, Jr., - 2nd; Loren Williams, Tri-Center 7th; Jason Bowers, Anamosa, Jr., - 8th (Neola), So., - 3rd; Tait Simpson, Lisbon, Jr., - 5th; Jared Hefler, 130: Jake Marlin, Creston-Orient-Macksburg, So., - 1st; Matt Ogden, Sr., - 7th White, Albia, Sr., - 5th; Nick Becker, Wilton, Sr., - 6th; Dakota 140: Robert Walker, Martensdale-St. Mary’s, Jr., - 1st; Matt Bauer, Ballard (Huxley), Jr., - 7th; Dustin Harberts, Chariton, Finch, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, Sr., - 3rd; Dallas Houchins, Sr., - 8th Interstate 35 (Truro), Sr., - 4th; Jake Slocum, West Branch, 135: Kyler Risher, Centerville, Sr., - 2nd; Skyler Rice, Jr., - 6th; Taylor Wedeking, Nashua-Plainfield, Jr., - 8th Emmetsburg/Armstrong-Ringsted/Ruthven-Ayrshire, Sr., 145: Rilen Carew, West Branch, Sr., - 5th 3rd; Josh Schaefer, Odebolt-Arthur/Battle Creek-Ida Grove, 152: Tyler Ogburn, Corning, Sr., - 2nd; Austin Kessler, DurantSr., - 5th; Wil Stetzel, Perry, Sr., - 6th; Tyler Walz, South Tama, Bennett, Sr., - 4th; Marrick, Loftus, Logan-Magnolia, Sr., 5th; Jr., - 7th; Tyler Lashbrook, Tri-County/Conrad, Sr., - 8th Gunnar Clark, West Hancock (Britt), So., 6th 140: Blake Meling, East Marshall/GMG, Jr., - 2nd; Tanner 160: Levi Peters, Twin River Valley (Bode), Sr., - 1st; Austin Hiatt, Ballard (Huxley), Sr., - 3rd; Nick Georgean, Davenport Even, Jesup, Jr. – 3rd; Jayden De Vilbess, South Winneshiek Assumption, So., - 4th; Nick Winter, MFL, Mar-Mac/Central, (Calmar), Sr., - 4th Sr., - 5th; J.J. Hanus, Solon, Jr., - 7th; Gayge Samuelson, 171: Dacoda Ward, Lisbon, Sr., - 2nd; Colton Van’t Hof, Sioux Decorah, Jr., - 8th Center, Sr., - 3rd; Jake Crosby, Eddyville-Blakesburg, Sr., - 4th; 145: Aaron Sorenson, Forest City, Sr., - 1st; Willie Miklus, Matthew Schmelzer, South Winneshiek (Calmar), Sr. – 5th; Ballard (Huxley), Jr., - 2nd; Brody Grothus, Davenport Curtis Weber, Don Bosco (Gilbertville), Sr., - 6th; Austin Rasch, Assumption, Sr., - 3rd Manson-NW Webster, Sr., - 7th; Willie Lawrence, Bedford/ 152: Tanner Weatherman, Ballard (Huxley), Sr., - 1st; Taylor Lenox, 8th Berger, Sr., Carroll – 2nd; Cody Solari, Sergeant Bluff-Luton, 189: Andrew Nodtvedt, Central Springs, Sr., - 3rd; Nate Sr., - 4th; Ryan Valline, East Marshall/GMG, Sr., - 5th; Dakotah Howard, Graettinger-Terrill, Sr., - 4th; Kyle Soderblom, LynnvillePoe, Albia, Sr., - 7th; Taimon Wehr, Harlan, Sr., - 8th Sully, Sr., 5th; Dalton Peterson, Woodbine, Sr., - 6th; Ethan 160: Kyle Lux, South Tama, Sr., - 8th Calvert, Interstate 35 (Truro), Sr., - 7th; Connor Johnston, 171: Kane Seeley, Perry, Jr., - 4th; Noah Pickard, North Polk, Tri-County-Montezuma, Jr., - 8th Jr., - 5th; Drew Cox, Clear Creek-Amana, Sr., - 6th; Seth Asaias, 215: Cade Lambsen, Mount Ayr, Sr., - 6th; Josh Tryebal, Red Oak, Jr., - 7th Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, Sr., - 8th 189: Jack Manning, Woodward-Granger, Sr., - 8th 285: Brendan TerWee, West Lyon (Inwood), Sr., - 3rd; Caleb 215: Collin Bevins, Creston-Orient-Macksburg, Jr., 6th White, Tri-Center (Neola), Sr., - 4th; Joe Koehn, Valley (Elgin), 285: Austin Blythe, Williamsburg, Sr., - 1st; Tyler Swope, Jr., - 5th; Adam Steger, Maquoketa Valley (Dehli), Jr., - 8th Davenport Assumption, Sr., - 3rd; Bret Johnson, Roland-Story, Sr., - 4th

Class 1-A

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Photos provided by Roy Tucker, www.rtphoto.photoreflect.com.

The 2010-2011 Iowa high school wrestling season is just about to get underway. As we head into the new season the first question that comes to my mind is who could be the next Nick Moore? Moore was the 19th Iowa high school wrestler to win four state titles in his high school career. First you can place on that list the freshman that won titles last season. The how about a couple of juniors this season that have two state titles and have yet to lose a match in their early careers. The duo resides in central Iowa as Cory Clark (Southeast Polk) and John Meeks (Des Moines Roosevelt) are very strong candidates based on their first two high school season. In Class 3A, 9 of the 14 champions return whether they return at their title weight class and fight for another title. In Class 2A, half of last season’s champions are set to return while in Class 1A, 6 of the 14 weight class’s champion’s return. The Class 3A field will have 62 returning place winners; Class 2A also returns 62 and Class 1A returns 69. Listed below are the list of returning state champions and returning place winners from the 2010 state tournament. Note: Information based on last season’s results.

PS PREVIEW

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Volume 12 Issue 6 Volume 12 Issue 6 13

PS PREVIEW

See Page 32 For Article on East High Girls

Boys’ Top 10 Class 4A

1-Linn-Mar (Marion) 2-Sioux City East 3-Cedar Rapids Kennedy 4-Ankeny 5-Dowling Catholic 6-Cedar Rapids Jefferson 7-Cedar Falls 8-Johnston 9-Cedar Rapids Washington 10-Waukee

Class 3A

1-Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) 2-Carroll 3-Pella 4-Mount Pleasant 5-MOC-Floyd Valley 6-Solon 7-Norwalk 8-Waverly-Shell Rock 9- Glenwood 10-Iowa Falls-Alden

Girls’ Top 10 Class 4A

1-Des Moines East 2-Linn-Mar (Marion) 3-Sioux City North 4-Iowa City High 5-Pleasant Valley 6-Ankeny 7-Cedar Rapids Washington 8-Mason City 9-Dowling Catholic 10-Waterloo West

Class 3A

1-Ballard (Huxley) 2-Mount Vernon 3-Central Clinton (Dewitt) 4-MOC-Floyd Valley 5-Dallas Center-Grimes 6-Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) 7-Williamsburg 8-Davenport Assumption 9-Pella 10-Harlan

Class 2A

1-Western Christian (Hull) 2-West Fork 3-North Cedar (Stanwood) 4-St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) 5-PCM-Monroe 6-Iowa City Regina 7-Pella Christian 8-Treynor 9-Pekin 10-Lake Mills

1-Odebolt-Arthur/BattleCreek-Ida Grove 2-Roland Story 3-Mount Ayr 4-Kuemper Catholic (Carroll) 5-Logan-Magnolia 6-AGWSR (Ackley) 7-Bondurant-Farrar 8-Maquoketa Valley (Dehli) 9-Mediapolis 10-Alta/Aurelia

Class 1A

1-Iowa Mennonite (Kalona) 2-Don Bosco (Gilbertville) 3-Lynnville-Sully 4-Elk Horn-Kimballton/Exira 5-Colo-Nesco 6-Keota 7-Orient-Macksburg 8-Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg) 9-Sigourney 10-St. Mary’s (Storm Lake)

1-Tripoli 2-Stanton 3-Martensdale-St. Mary’s 4-Ar-We-Va (Westside) 5-North Mahaska (New Sharon) 6-Elk Horn-Kimballton/Exira 7-North Sentral Kossuth 8-CAM (Anita) 9-West Hancock (Britt) Volume 11 Issue 9 19 10-Lynnville-Sully

Boys Basketball

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PS PREVIEW

2010 Kiwanis Basketball Jamboree

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Volume 12 Issue 9

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PS PREVIEW Big East Conference Conference Outlook:

Bluegrass Conference Conference Outlook:

Cedar Valley Conference Conference Outlook:

Prince of Peace (Clinton) won the Big East title last season and return two from that starting group led by Derek Witt (10.5 ppg). Calamus-Wheatland and Northeast (Goose Lake) are in a similar situation with a couple of players to rebuild around. The Warriors will try to take their state tournament experience with Drew Jacobi (10.5 ppg) and Brian Kruse (8.4 ppg). The Rebels will counter with Tanner Kleppe, C. J. Herrington and Justin Sparks who combined for 24-plus points per game.

Lamoni and Murray shared the Bluegrass title last season in a tight battle with Moulten-Udell and Melcher-Dallas. The Mustangs may have the edge this season with the conferences leading scorer Austin Halls (26.2 ppg) back along with Cody Scroggie (12.7 ppg) and both were only freshman. The Demons will count on Cordell Towers and Tyler Seymour who combined for 22 points per game. The Saints have 18 points per game back with Robert Bingham and Deven Breese while the Eagles will look for a new starting five.

North Cedar (Stanwood) won the Cedar Valley title last season and begin this season with one returning starter who happens to be the top returning scorer and rebounder in the conference, Jordan Hay (20.5 ppg and 8.5 rpg). Mid-Prairie (Wellman) is always in the fight and return Michael Aldeman (13.2 ppg). Iowa City Regina returns four of their starters led by Braden Lehman and his 16 ppg. Look for West Liberty to improve with Jordon and Avery Meyers back after combining for 21 points per game last season.

Midland (Wyoming) has the conferences leading returning scorer back in Mark Petersen and 22 points per game. Preston could show improvement with their leading scorer back in Joel Geier and his nearly 14 points per game and some good experience Drew Jacobi (BLUE) (Calamus-Wheatland) behind him. Should be a pretty competitive conference as most teams return a key player or two which also include Jordan Cress and Logan Hansen (Olin), Chase Coakley (Andrew), Bryce Reeg (Marquette Catholic, Bellevue), Colton Bormann (Preston), Kasey Lasack (Midland, Wyoming), Brett Boeckenstedt (Bellevue), Taylor Keeney (East Central, Miles) and Mike Sullens (Camanche). Big East Conference Prediction: 1. Calamus-Wheatland 2. Northeast (Goose Lake) 3. Preston 4.Prince of Peace (Clinton) and Camanche Big East Conference Teams: Andrew, Bellevue, CalamusWheatland, Camanche, East Central (Miles), Lisbon, Marquette Catholic (Bellevue), Midland (Wyoming), Northeast (Goose Lake), Olin, Preston, **Prince of Peace (Clinton)

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Moravia looks to improve with the core of their starters back led by Blake Weilbrenner (9.5 ppg). Look for underclassmen to make an impact once again this season. Other starters that return to keep an eye on are Chase Wik (Lineville-Clio) and his 19.5 ppg along with Brett England (Diagonal), Chris Bird and Jack Clouse (Moravia) and Dustin Richards (Twin Cedars, Bussey). Bluegrass Conference Prediction: 1. Murray 2. Moravia 3. Lamoni 4. Melcher-Dallas Bluegrass Conference Teams: Diagonal, **Lamoni, Melcher-Dallas, Moravia, Mormon Trail (Garden Grove), Moulten-Udell, **Murray, Seymour, Twin Cedars (Bussey)

Other starters back in hopes of impacting their respective rosters this season are Christopher Timmerman and Jacob Ihns (Durant-Bennett), Cale Austin (Wilton), Clay Cook and Rylan Murry (West Branch) andRyan Lynch (Iowa City Regina).

Jordan Hay North Cedar (Stanwood)

Cedar Valley Conference Prediction: 1.Iowa City Regina 2. North Cedar (Stanwood) 3. Mid-Prairie (Wellman) Cedar Valley Conference Teams: Durant-Bennett, Iowa City Regina, Mid-Prairie (Wellman), **North Cedar (Stanwood), Tipton, West Branch, West Liberty, Wilton

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Boys Basketball

PS PREVIEW

CIML Central Conference Conference Outlook:

CIML Iowa Conference Conference Outlook:

CIML Metro Conference Conference Outlook:

Southeast Polk won the Central title last season, advanced to the state tournament before falling to 4A state champion Ames in the title game. This season the Rams will try to rebuild around Blake Huser and Jake Guenther who combined for 16 points per game last season. Johnston is a contender with Corey Schaefer (14.5 ppg) back along with Andrew Vander Zwaag (9.7ppg). Urbandale has the 1-2 punch of Travis Perry and Matt Tiby who combined for 31 points per game last season.

It was real easy to pick the past two Class 4A champions with the Harrison Barnes led Ames Little Cyclones. That has all changed and the only question is when the consecutive game winning end which when the season begins is at 53, 7th best all-time and best ever in Class 4A. Waukee returns some experience in Jonny Getting, Cole Pedersen and Chad Gutschenritter who combined for 25-plus point per game. Mason City is another that finds their top three scorers back led by Lincoln Vorba who is also the top returning scorer in the conference at 18.4 ppg. Add Sam Skogen and Coty Thompson who combined for 24 points per game and the Mohawks find hope in improving.

It was all Des Moines Hoover last season and hopes to continue that success will ride on Kelly Madison (11.8 ppg). Lul Chak of Des Moines Lincoln at 15.6 point per game is the conferences leading returning scorer while Des Moines Roosevelt will count on some young talent to go to the next level led by Peter Jok (10.5 ppg). The Metro is a conference of question marks this season and some of the players that could help in answering those questions are Derek Carr (Des Moines RoosKelly Madison (DM Hoover) evelt) and Ben Kramer (Ottumwa).

Dowling Catholic has the most experience returning Corey Shaffer with four starters back led (Johnston) by Alex Savage (10.9 ppg). I should also add that, oh yes, Ankeny return their entire starting lineup led by Grant Lang (13.0 ppg). As usual it should be a battle for the top of the CIML-Central and this year will be no different. Other starters back to keep an eye on should include Conner Schabel and Cole Myers (Ankeny), Kale Render (Indianola), Ted Friedman (Urbandale) and Brad Chelleen and Eric Lee (Dowling Catholic). CIML Central Conference Prediction: 1. Ankeny 2. Dowling Catholic 3. Johnston 4. Urbandale

Fort Dodge also should improve with the return nearly their whole roster led by Darreus Caston (11.1 ppg) and Willie Williams (9.9 ppg). West Des Moines Valley returns their top three scorers as well led by Kale Abrahamson (14.8 ppg). Others to watch that return are Trent Trowbridge (Marshalltown), Joe Maigaard and Tyler Anderson (West Des Moines Valley), Sam Peters Judd Welfringer (Fort Dodge) and Drew Arends (Waukee) (Fort Dodge). CIML Iowa Conference Prediction: 1. Fort Dodge 2. Waukee 3. Mason City CIML Iowa Conference Teams: **Ames, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown, Mason City, Waukee, West Des Moines Valley

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

Corn Bowl Conference Conference Outlook: West Fork swept the Corn Bowl last season and return nearly all of the pieces to the season led by Seth Tuttle (20.7 ppg), the top returning scorer in the conference. The rest of the conference will look for the upper division finish. North Butler (Greene) looks to improve with four returning starters led by Reese Kock (14.6 ppg). Rockford will count on Scott Paulus and Seth Tuttle Luke Staudt who combined (West Fork) for 17 points per game. Other returning starters back for their respective teams are Tanner Baldwin (Nashua-Plainfield), Calf Halfman (St. Ansgar), Michael Theis and Dalton Berentsen (Riceville) and Payton Plagge (West Fork).

CIML Metro Conference Prediction: 1. Des Moines Hoover 2. Des Moines Roosevelt 3. Des Moines Lincoln CIML Metro Conference Teams: Des Moines East, **Des Moines Hoover, Des Moines Lincoln, Des Moines North, Des Moines Roosevelt, Ottumwa

Cornbelt-West Conference Conference Outlook:

Cornbelt-East Conference Conference Outlook:

Ruthven-Ayrshire and Clay Central-Everly were the best in the Cornbelt last season. Both will have to reload to contend for the top again this season in the Cornbelt West. Graettinger-Terril brings back most of their roster and hopes to be one of the contenders this year led by Beau Craig and his 16.3 ppg. HarrisLake Park may be the best of the challengers with four starters back led by Eli Ihnen (15.6 ppg) and now a sophomore and Brady Nissen (10.5 ppg).

North Sentral Kossuth was the best of the Cornbelt East last season but Ventura may be this season with four returning starters back led by Jared Callison and Cal Huber who combined for nearly 20 points per game last year. West Bend-Mallard is experienced an look to improve with a balanced group led by Taylor Foley and Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka is much the same as they look to improve with most of their roster back led by Eric Spear.

Other returning starters back to watch are Caleb Mackey and Aaron Berberich (Clay Central-Everly), Justin Murphy (Harris-Lake Park) and Tyler Feddersen (Armstrong-Ringsted).

Other returning starters back in the east this season that hope to impact their teams are Ben Jacobson (Twin River Valley, Bode) and Mitchell Shipman (C-W-L, Corwith).

Cornbelt-West Prediction: 1. Harris-Lake Park 2. Clay Central-Everly 3. Graettinger-Terril

Cornbelt-East Conference Prediction: 1. Ventura 2. West Bend-Mallard 3. North Sentral Kossuth

Cornbelt-West Teams: Armstrong-Ringsted, Clay Central-Everly, Graettinger-Terril, Harris-Lake Park, **Ruthven-Ayrshire

Cornbelt-East Teams: C-W-L (Corwith), **North Sentral Kossuth, Twin River Valley (Bode), Ventura, West Bend-Mallard, Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka

Corn Bowl Prediction: 1.West Fork 2. North Butler (Greene) 3. Rockford Corn Bowl Teams: Central Springs (Manly), NashuaPlainfield, North Butler (Greene), Northwood-Kensett, Riceville, Rockford, St. Ansgar, **West Fork

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Boys Basketball

PS PREVIEW Corner Conference Conference Outlook:

Hawkeye Ten Conference Conference Outlook:

Heart of Iowa Large Conference Conference Outlook:

Sidney won the Corner title last season but will have to replace four of their five starters. Casey Cruickshank and Hardy Brendon return with experience combining for 13 points per game as sophomores. Clarinda Academy was close last season and should be one of the favorites with the return of Jakwan Walton, Kristopher Gardner, Jarron Smith and DeShawn McGrier who combined for nearly 29 points per game. Add the conferences leading returning scorer, Jamie Tressler Jr. (15.7 ppg) and the Eagles should be very tough. Villisca returns four starters and look to improve led by their top two scorers in Marshall Dolch (15.1 ppg) and Timmy Myers (13.1 ppg).

Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) won the Hawkeye Ten last season and return four of their five starters from that team led by Luke Norville and his nearly 20 points per game. That being said there is a whole to fill with the graduation of Tyler McGrain. Denison-Schleswig is in much the same position as the Titans with their leading scorer, Ricky Torres (18.6 ppg) back along with Matt Reitz and Austin Eller who combined for 17 points per game. Glenwood looks to improve with the return of Cole Darrow (17.5 ppg). The top three scorers in the conference return.

Last season it was a battle until the end in the HOI-Large Conference with Jefferson-Scranton and PCM-Monroe tying for the league title. The Mustangs will be tough again this season with the return of the league’s top scorer Scott Bruxvoort and his 17 points per game. Bruxvoort will have help in Josh Fosenburg and his 12.5 points per game. While other have to find new leaders, Collins-Maxwell-Baxter will try to build on a good season last year led by Andrew Broderick. Roland-Story returns their 1-2 punch of Jacob Rathmacher and Ryan Skaar who combined for 22 points per game.

Nate Meier and AJ Scarborough (Fremont-Mills, Tabor) return along with their entire starting group which adds yet another contender to the conference title. Other individual starters back in the Corner Conference are Luke Schafer (East Mills), Joel DeLong Andrew Thompson (Nishnabotna), Tyler Havrum (Stanton) and Tyler Slough (South Page). Corner Conference Prediction: 1. Clarinda Academy 2. Villisca 3. Fremont-Mills (Tabor) Corner Conference Teams: Clarinda Academy, East Mills, Essex, Fremont-Mills (Tabor), Nishnabotna, **Sidney, South Page (College Springs), Stanton, Villisca

Kuemper Catholic (Carroll) flew under the radar in this 3A conference and used the tough conference season to catapult them into a state tournament run. The Knights are on the radar this season and are once again led by Bryce Berg and Cody Williams and a very balanced group. Harlan will be young but always competitive and this year should be no different. Other top individual returners in the Hawkeye Ten are Adam Helsinga (Shenandoah), Chase Blazek (Creston), Daulton Franklin (Atlantic), Dakota White (Red Oak), Andrew Schleisman and Matthew Berg (Kuemper Catholic, Carroll), Taylor Kaufman (Glenwood) and Brandon Sweet Cody Williams (Clarinda). (Kuemper Catholic) Hawkeye Ten Conference Prediction: 1. Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) 2. Kuemper Catholic (Carroll) 3. Denison-Schleswig 4. Glenwood and Harlan

Some of the other top returners to watch this season in the conference are Dustin Ackerman and Michael Hoyt (Jefferson-Scranton), Josh Zeiser (Collins-Maxwell-Baxter) and Jordan Van Roekel (PCM-Monroe) Heart of Iowa Large Conference Prediction: 1. PCM-Monroe 2. Roland-Story 3. Collins-MaxwellBaxter Heart of Iowa Large Conference Teams: BondurantFarrar, Collins-Maxwell-Baxter, Gilbert, **JeffersonScranton, Nevada, **PCM-Monroe, Roland-Story

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

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Volume 12 Issue 9

Boys Basketball

Heart of Iowa Small Conference Conference Outlook:

Iowa Star Conference Conference Outlook:

Colo-Nesco won the HOI-Small conference title last season and will be the team to beat again this season with the return of the conferenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top score, Brandon Eley and his 19 points per game. Grandview Park Baptist hopes to improve and challenge with the return of Reed Mells who was second in scoring at 18.9 points per game. Ogden returns the nucleus of their scoring with Tyler Baumhover, Gabe Summerhays and Bryon Klauenberg who all averaged in double figures last season.

Don Bosco (Gilbertville) and Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg) shared the Iowa Star title last year. The Dons look to repeat that feat with three returning starters led by Nate Springer (13.0 ppg), Eric Nie (11.8 ppg) and Nick Rosauer (9.7 ppg). The Trojans will counter with Clay Harreld (15.3 ppg) and Marcus Nate Springer Mechealsen (13.3 ppg). Tripoli will (Don Bosco) once again be in the upper division fight led by Cody Nilges (12.2 ppg) while North Tama (Traer) bring back their top four scorers led by Brendon Boerm and Lucas Hefty who combined for 30 points per game last season. Meskwaki Settlement (Tama) could be a sleeper in their first full season with Stacy YoungBear, Jalon Tyon and Vincent Lasely back.

Players that return that will have an impact on their schools success this year are Reed Mells Dylan Berkley and Cameron (GVP Baptist) Hainer (Colfax-Mingo), Caleb Garrigan (Grandview Park Baptist, Des Moines), Cody Good and Adam Adreon (Ogden), Willy Ebert (North Polk) and Weston Neuendorf (Colo-Nesco). Heart of Iowa Small Conference Prediction: 1. Colo-Nesco 2. Ogden 3. North Polk Heart of Iowa Small Conference Teams: ColfaxMingo, **Colo-Nesco, Grandview Park Baptist (Des Moines), North Polk, Ogden, South Hamilton (Jewell)

Volume 12 Issue 9

Plenty of individual talent coming back in the Iowa Star and includes the conferences leading scorer Corey Joens of Dunkerton and his 19.2 ppg. Others to watch are Scott Hempen (Clarksville), Nick Watson (Janesville), Lucas Segerstrom (Waterloo Christian), Cade Isenhour (North Tama, Traer) and Josh Despard (Janesville). Iowa Star Conference Prediction: 1. Don Bosco (Gilbertville) 2. Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg) 3. North Tama (Traer) 4. Tripoli Iowa Star Conference Teams: CAL (Latimer), Clarksville, **Don Bosco (Gilbertville), Dunkerton, GMG (Garwin), Janesville, Meskwaki Settlement (Tama), **Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg), North Tama (Traer), Tripoli, Waterloo Christian

PS PREVIEW Lakes Conference Conference Outlook: Western Christian (Hull) won not only the Lakes Conference but the Class 2A state championship last season with a roster that is mostly back led by Tyler Wolterstorff (18.3 ppg) and Dustin Douma (10.7 ppg). Wolterstorff did not play football this because of a back injury he suffered through last basketball season but hopefully will have the opportunity to play this season. LeMars bring back their top two offensive players in Paxton Strub and Austin Horman who combined for 24 points per game last season. Emmetsburg looks to improve with three returning starters led by Nick Wuebker (14.8 ppg) along with Storm Lake who bring back Pel Deng and Trey Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien and there combined 20-plus points per game. Cherokee with Brock Dagel and his 14-plus points per game could be in the upper division chase. Tyler Wolterstorff (Western Christian)

Some of the other top players back in the Lakes this season include Mitch Peschon and Paul Brown (Spirit Lake), Matt Westra (Western Christian, Hull), Jay Monahan (Spencer) and Carsen Anderson (Storm Lake) Lakes Conference Prediction: 1. Western Christian (Hull) 2. LeMars 3. Emmetsburg Lakes Conference Teams: Cherokee, Emmetsburg, Estherville-Lincoln central, LeMars, Spencer, Spirit Lake, Storm Lake, **Western Christian (Hull)

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Boys Basketball

PS PREVIEW Little Hawkeye Conference Conference Outlook:

Norwalk and Pella tied for the Little Hawkeye conference title last season and both are contenders again this season. Jake Logan is back for the Warriors who was second in the conference in scoring (13.7) and the top rebounder (10.3). Pella returns an experienced group led by Chris Bandstra and Deckar Lynch who combined for nearly 14 points per game. Pella Christian is a Class 2A member of the conference and return the leagues top scorer and third leading rebounder in Kyle Nikkel (13.9 ppg and 9.4 rpg). Nick Doorman (Pella) Oskaloosa may be the sleeper in the conference this season led by Malaki Wills and Mitch Tucker who combined for 22 points per game. Some of the other top returning player in the conference includes Luke Moore (Knoxville), Brandon Horbach (South Tama), Devin Hugen (Newton), Eric McGee (Oskaloosa), Curtis Rozenboon, Chase Carlson and Alex Branderhorst (Pella Christian). The top of the Little Hawkeye could have the looks of last season in the end. Little Hawkeye Conference Prediction: 1. Norwalk 2. Pella 3. Pella Christian Little Hawkeye Conference Teams: Grinnell, Knoxville, Newton, **Norwalk, Oskaloosa, **Pella, Pella Christian, South Tama

Mississippi Athletic Conference Conference Outlook: Bettendorf won the MAC title last season but will have to count on new leadership this season led by Jake Ashby. Davenport Assumption returns J.T. Vonderhaar while North Scott (Eldridge) will count on the conferences leading scorer Brandon Voss and his 19.5 points per game. Davenport Central returns Tavian Pomlee with his 15.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. As is many conferences the question here is those with experience stepping up this season along with the new faces on the rosters. Some of those individual leaders look to be Cole Miller and Ty Wagg (Muscatine), Kyle Williams (Davenport North), Joe Scott and Patrick Wright (Davenport West), Aaron Huber (North Scott, Eldridge) and Jordan Webb Tavian Pomlee (Davenport Central) (Burlington). Mississippi Athletic Conference Prediction: 1. North Scott (Eldridge) 2. Davenport Central 3. Davenport Assumption Mississippi Athletic 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 title last season and look to be in the mix again this year with the return of Kyle Lamaak and Christian French who combined for 21 points per game. Iowa City West was pretty young last year and returns three of their top scorers led by Dondre Alexander and Jeremy Morgan who as freshman averaged nearly 9 points per game apiece. Gage Christian French Heffernan returns for (Cedar Rapids Kennedy) Dubuque Hempstead with his 14 points per game. Aaron Schueller and Jake May are back for Dubuque Wahlert. The duo combined for 20-plus points per game. The Cougars may have the edge but looks to be a close race for the conference title. Mississippi Valley – Mississippi Conference Prediction: 1. Cedar Rapids Kennedy 2. Iowa City West 3. Dubuque Wahlert Mississippi Valley – Mississippi Conference Teams: **Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Cedar Rapids Xavier, Dubuque Hempstead, Dubuque Wahlert, Iowa City High, Iowa City West, Waterloo West

Mississippi Valley – Valley Conference Conference Outlook:

Missouri River Conference Conference Outlook:

North Central Conference Conference Outlook:

A ton of individual talent will make for a fun and competitive season in the Mississippi Valley Conference. Linn-Mar (Marion) won the Valley title last season and return Matt Bohannon and Marcus Paige who combined for nearly 32 points a game. Cedar Rapids Jefferson will counter with the conference’s top scorer in Jared Uthoff and his 21.0 points per game. Cedar Rapids Washington has Josh Oglesby (16.2 ppg) and Wes Washburn (15.3 ppg). Don’t forget about Cedar Falls with James Harrington who was second in the league in scoring at 18.9 points per game. Cedar Rapids Washington

Sioux City East and Sioux City North were the co-champs last season in the MRC with Bishop Heelan (Sioux City right behind. Look for another battle with the talent level once again high. Bishop Heelan returns the top scorer in the conference, a transfer from Sioux City West in Wesley Staten and his 22-plus points a game. Add nearly 19 more from Michael Malloy and you can see why they will be a contender once again. The Black Raiders return Adam Woodbury with his 17.4 points and 12.4 rebounds per game which were fourth and Wesley Staten tops in the conference last (Bishop Heelan) season.

It was quite a battle for the top of the league last season with Algona and St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) tying for the championship. The Gaels look to be in position to continue with their tradition with the return of Nick Clark (16.0 ppg), the top returning scorer in the NCC. Algona will counter with Ryan McMahon (14.6 ppg) but looks for new faces to contribute. Iowa Falls-Alden should improve their spot in the league standings with five of their top six scorers back led by Kade Olson and his 14.4 points per game.

Plenty of talent but here are other individuals that will be a factor this season for their respective teams including Trent Washington (Waterloo West), Josh Weeber (Dubuque Senior), Taylor Olson (Cedar Rapids Jefferson), Desmond Vanarsdale (Waterloo East), Matt MacDougall and Brandon Lafferty (Cedar Rapids Prairie) and Caleb Konieczny (Cedar Falls).

Other key returnees in the Missouri River Conference are Neil Bryant (Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson), Quenton Behlers (Sioux City East), Connor Thomas, Alex Olsen and Jamison Talk (Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln) and Avery Thedford and Marcel Dunson (Sioux City West)

Humboldt, Clarion-Goldfield and Clear Lake also have a good nucleus returning and would like to think they can improve from last season’s lower division finish. Some of the other players that return to lead their schools this season are Jonny Davis and Andrew May (Webster City), Chase Crosby (Clear Lake), Lukas Harvey, Andrew Swan and Charlie Friedl (Humboldt), Austin Vaske (Bishop Garrigan, Algona), Corey O’Conner (Clarion-Goldfield), Neil Flattery (St. Edmond, Fort Dodge), Ozzie Adams (Clear Lake) and Joshua Perkins (Iowa Falls-Alden).

Mississippi Valley – Valley Conference Prediction: 1. Linn-Mar (Marion) 2. Cedar Rapids Jefferson 3. Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids Washington

Missouri River Conference Prediction: 1. Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) 2. Sioux City East 3. Sioux City North

North Central Conference Prediction: 1. St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) 2. Iowa Falls-Alden 3. Webster City

Mississippi Valley – Valley Conference Teams: Cedar Falls, **Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Cedar Rapids Prairie, Cedar Rapids Washington, Dubuque Senior, Iowa City High, Waterloo East

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

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Volume 12 Issue 9

Boys Basketball

PS PREVIEW

North Iowa Conference Conference Outlook:

North Iowa Cedar-East Conference Conference Outlook:

North Iowa Cedar-West Conference Conference Outlook:

Forest City won the North Iowa title last season and seems to always be part of the championship battle lately. To repeat the effort they will have to replace nearly 24 points left behind by Tyler Putz. Kyle Rosacker will be counted on to lead the way with his 14-plus points per game. Lake Mills also lost their top scorer but with Marcus Gaskill and Tyler Rice bring back 25 points per game combined. Garner-Hayfield was a balanced group last season and should be much the same this season led by Josh Thompson.

NUH-Cedar Falls won the conference title last season but lost a chunk of their success the past few season. Kyle Denning will be the leader of this newest group that hope to defend the NIC-East crown this season. Dike-New Hartford could be tough with three starters led by Lance Welsh and his 13 points per game.

Grundy Center and West Marshall (State Center) tied for the top of the NIC-West. Grundy Center will have to reload to do it again this season while West Marshall will return three of their six top scorers led by Dalton Ferch and his 12-plus points per game. AGWSR (Ackley) will be tough this year with the return of their 1-2 punch. Back are Jordan Mills (14.1 ppg) and Tanner Heikens (11.2 ppg).

Newman Catholic (Mason City) has Drew Verstegen who averaged nearly 18 points a game last season while Gerardo Ibrarra is the league’s top returning scorer from West Hancock (Britt). Others that will be counted on with experience in the league this season are Jon Lutz and Trevor Molitor (Osage), Tyler Thompson and Jacob Patterson (West Hancock, Britt), Jace Englster (Garner-Hayfield), Logan Hovland and Eric Krull (North Iowa, Buffalo Center) and Curtis Johnson and Derek Havens (Belmond-Klemme).

Union (LaPorte City), Aplington-Parkersburg and Kyle Denning Wapsie Valley (Fairbank) (NUH-Cedar Falls) should also be part of the battle in what looks to be a very balanced league this season. Other players that return with experience to watch are Abe Folkerts (Aplington-Parkersburg), Brady Siebel (Union, LaPorte City), Brady Mattson and Brady Larson (Jesup), Eric Joblinske (Dike-New Hartford) and Collin Ritzman (Wapsie Valley, Fairbank).

North Iowa Conference Prediction: 1. Lake Mills 2. Garner-Hayfield 3. Forest City

North Iowa Cedar Conference Prediction: 1. Dike-New Hartford 2. NUH-Cedar Falls 3. Aplington-Parkersburg

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

Northeast Iowa Conference Conference Outlook: Charles City ran the table in the Northeast Iowa Conference last season but a whole new group will have to step up in a big way for a repeat this year. The easy choice this year may be Waverly-Shell Rock with nearly the whole balanced roster back led by Conner Coleman and Jordan David who combined for nearly 20 points per game.

Conner Coleman (Waverly-Shell Rock)

The rest of the league will battle for the upper division finish and will count on the following players and their experience starting with Trevor Diercks (Waukon), Justin Stewart and Aaron Rosenstiel (Oelwein) and Leyton Bohl (Crestwood, Cresco). Northeast Iowa Conference Prediction: 1. Waverly-Shell Rock 2. Waukon 3. Oelwein Northeast Iowa Conference Teams: **Charles City, Crestwood (Cresco), Decorah, New Hampton, Oelwein, Waukon, Waverly-Shell Rock

Some of the top returners in the league this year are Colby Luethje (Gladbrook-Reinbeck), Luke Wilson (East Marshall, LeGrand) and Luke Erbes (BCLUW, Conrad). North Iowa Cedar-West Conference Prediction: 1. West Marshall (State Center) 2. AGWSR (Ackley) 3. Gladbrook-Reinbeck North Iowa Cedar-West Conference Teams: AGWSR (Ackley), BCLUW (Conrad), East Marshall (LeGrand), Gladbrook-Reinbeck, **Grundy Center, South Hardin (Eldora), **West Marshall (State Center)

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

Pride of Iowa Conference Conference Outlook:

Northwest Iowa Conference Conference Outlook: The NIC got bit smaller this season with the consolidation of Alta and Aurelia who are now known as the Warriors. St. Mary’s (Storm Lake) ran the table last season and return four of their top six players off of that roster led by Conner Richardson and Nathan Lenhart who combined for 22-plus points per game. Sioux Central (Sioux Rapids) will back with the conferences leading scorer leading the way in Adam Ehlers and his 17.7 points per game. The consolidation should make Alta/Aurelia a factor with Austin Glawe, Jaden Holten and Ryan Friedrich combining Connor Richardson for nearly 30 points per (St. Mary’s) game last year. If the other teams in the conference look to challenge they will depend on the following returners who include Bryce Maschino, Case Bieri and Austin Stumbo (LaurensMarathon), Brad Bohe (Newell-Fonda), Kennedy Drey (St. Mary’s, Storm Lake), Brad Ripke (Sioux Central, Sioux Rapids), Jalen Henningsen and Neil Marshall (Alta/ Aurelia). Conference Prediction: 1. St. Mary’s (Storm Lake), 2. Sioux Central (Sioux Rapids) 3.Alta/Aurelia

Bedford won the POI title last season but will have to repeat without the conferences leading scorer and a whole new group of starters. The contenders this season look to be Southeast Warren (Liberty Center) with the conferences second leading scorer back, Seth Nutting (18.1 ppg) and Austin Allen (14.2 ppg). Mount Ayr was a very balanced team last year and returns nearly all of their key players led by Matt Sobotka. Corning is another with a strong nucleus returning led by Caleb Nett and his nearly 12 points per game. With twelve teams in the conference it is much more difficult to see the future without a lot of knowledge of the new faces on each of the rosters. As far as others that will impact their teams hopes look for Bobby Beier (Pleasantville), Zeb Noel and Ethan Westphal (Martensdale-St. Mary’s), Wyatt Henkenius and Blake Thompson (Corning), Ryan Kirsch and Brent Banks (Wayne, Corydon), Brad Baudler (Nodaway Valley, Greenfield), Preston Pedersen (Central Decatur, Leon), Dylan Douglas (Lenox), Colton Bolles, Jake Glendenning and Dusty Lyden (Mount Ayr). Pride of Iowa Conference Prediction: 1. Mount Ayr 2. Southeast Warren (Liberty Center) 3. Nodaway Valley (Greenfield) 4. Corning Pride of Iowa 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)

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

Volume 12 Issue 9

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Boys Basketball

PS PREVIEW Raccoon River Conference Conference Outlook:

Rolling Hills Conference Conference Outlook:

SEISC-North Conference Conference Outlook:

Carroll won the RRC last season and will have a target on their back again with the return of Casey Kasperbauer and Jordan Holdsworth who combined for 33 points per game last year. Add Taylor Ostrich to the mix and the Tigers look good after they overcome some injury issues. Dallas Center-Grimes hopes to continue their upper division finish from last year and will count on Tyler Kastantin, Delby Halcomb and Bryce block who all averaged in double figures last year.

Ankeny Christian Academy won the title last year and led by the league’s top scorer, Tim Olenjniczak (21.5 ppg) will be good but not sure as good as last season with a strong core of the team now graduated. Iowa Christian could be the team that will contend again but lost their top scorer but still return most of the roster led by Tim Olejniczak Andrew Klenk and Colton (Ankeny Christian) Barton who combined for 19 points per game.

Iowa Mennonite (Kalona) swept the SEISC-North Conference last season and should be pretty solid again this year with four of their top scorers back from a balanced group led by Chance Miller (11.5 ppg) as a freshman along with Ethan Gingerich and Jackson Brokaw who combined for another 19 points per contest. Pekin returns the league’s top scorer in Trey Sathoff with his 22 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. The sleeper may be Louisa-Muscatine (Letts) with most of their roster back but need to improve to get into the upper division based on last season.

A-D-M (Adel) also looks to improve with a strong group back led by Spencer Cook and Alec Rash. Jake Kruger (Perry) and Jackson Sawyer (Winterset) both are back for their respective teams with their 15.9 points per game average. Other top returners to watch are JD Nielsen (Winterset), Brady Roland (Carlisle), Logan Willems (A-D-M, Adel), Wil Ostransky (Perry) and Tim Mack and Trent lasher (Boone). Raccoon River Conference Prediction: 1. Carroll 2. Dallas Center-Grimes 3. A-D-M (Adel) Raccoon River Conference Teams: A-D-M (Adel), Ballard (Huxley), Boone, Carlisle, **Carroll, Dallas CenterGrimes, Perry, Saydel, Winterset

With Michael Kauffman back with his 19 points per game, Orient-Macksburg is also on the contenders list. Glidden-Ralston is another that is looking to be a challenger and upper division finish. Other players to that should contribute this season are Wade Hoyle and Zack Rohrbeck (Glidden-Ralston), Tony Santisteban (Elk-Horn-Kimballton/Exira) and Cale Juergensen (Paton-Churdan). Rolling Hills Conference Prediction: 1. Iowa Christian Academy 2. Elk Horn-Kimballton/Exira 3. OrientMacksburg and Ankeny Christian Academy

Many other players with experience and talent are back led by Dexter Biera and Lucas Kemp (LouisaMuscatine, Letts), Bryan Forbes (Lone Tree), Andrew Villagrana and Luis Aguirre (Columbus, Columbus Junction) who all averaged in double figures last year. SEISC-North Conference Prediction: 1. Iowa Mennonite (Kalona) 2. Pekin 3. Louisa-Muscatine (Letts) SEISC-North 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 Conference Teams: Adair-Casey, **Ankeny Christian Academy, CAM (Anita), East Greene (Grand Junction), Elk Horn-Kimballton/Exira, Glidden-Ralston, Iowa Christian Academy, OrientMacksburg, Paton-Churdan, Walnut

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Volume 12 Issue 9

Boys Basketball

PS PREVIEW

SEISC-South Conference Conference Outlook:

Siouxland Conference Conference Outlook:

South Central Conference Conference Outlook:

Great top to this conference last year with Danville and Burlington-Notre Dame fighting to the end. Both have voids to fill to compete for the league top this season. This season the league really looks wide open with most teams having a piece or two to their puzzle in place to help with leadership.

In a tradition rich basketball conference where Rock Valley has won the past two Class 1A basketball titles and where teams from three classes compete against each other. Blake Kooima will be counted on for his leadership but it will be underclassmen that will make the difference in what looks to be a rebuild situation. MOC-Floyd Valley is in position to gain the top this season with the return of Daniel Jansen (14.4 ppg) and Wyatt Vander Voort (11.4 ppg). Sioux Center will also be part of the picture with Mark Miedema and Rees Beaver back with their nearly 26 points per game combined. Sibley-Ocheyedan has nearly their whole roster back led by Brett Doeden and Tyler Decker who combined for 21 points per game.

Davis County (Bloomfield) won the South Central championship but lost 30-plus points per game off of that roster. The Mustangs will try to rebuild around Aaron Halls and Zach Ripka who combined for 15 points per game. The remainder of the league is in a similar situation with the exception of Chariton who returns four of their five starters and hopes to use that experience to fight for the top of the conference. That being said, the Chargers did lose their top scorer and will need to fill the void and hope that player is Cody McCollough.

The top returning players back that will have an impact are Andrew Mathison (Central lee, Donnellson), Kyle Helmerson (New London), Zach Boyd (Van Buren, Keosauqua), Jon Lowell (Burlington-Notre Dame), Marcus Giltner (Cardinal, Eldon) and Ben Rector (Holy Trinity Catholic, Fort Madison) who all averaged in double figures last season. No doubt that new faces will have a big effect on the conference race this season. SEISC-South Conference Prediction: 1. Holy Trinity Catholic (Fort Madison) 2. Central Lee (Donnellson) 3. Burlington-Notre Dame SEISC-South 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

Once again a strong league and with the multiple classes involved, records once post season arrives could be deceiving. Other top returners back include Beau Hassebroek, Adam Teunissen and Cody Grotewold (West Lyon, Inwood), Ethan Van Briesen (George-Little Rock), Clayton Busch and hunter Sieperda (Central Lyon, Rock Rapids) and Ray Scott (Sheldon). Siouxland Conference Prediction: 1. MOC-Floyd Valley 2. Sioux Center 3. Sibley-Ocheyedan

It should be a wide-open battle for the top of the conference and the players that return to lead their respective teams to watch are Curt Coughlin and Zach Hutt (Albia), Brandon Reed (Eddyville-Blakesburg), Jake Hawkins (Centerville) and Ian Compton (Clarke, Osceola). South Central Conference Prediction: 1. Davis County (Bloomfield) 2. Chariton 3. Albia South Central Conference Teams: Albia, Centerville, Chariton, Clarke (Osceola), **Davis County (Bloomfield), Eddyville-Blakesburg

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

Ben Rector (Fort Madison)

Volume 12 Issue 9

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Boys Basketball

PS PREVIEW South Iowa Cedar Conference Conference Outlook:

Last season it was Keota and Lynnville-Sully who shared the South Iowa Cedar Conference championship. The Hawks have some pieces to work with as they return Logan Vos and Chase Cullen who combined for 15 points per game. Keota should be right back where they left off last year with Cody Uphold (12.7 ppg) and Joe Saresky (12.1 ppg) back. B-G-M (Brooklyn) will also be a contender this season with basically their whole roster back but did lose John Roudabush and his 18.7 points per game. Sigourney was young last year and should be ready to be a part of the title chase led by Andrew Logan Vos Utterback (15.0 ppg) and (Lynnville-Sully) Andrew Fritz (10.0 ppg). Other returning starters that will impact their teams this season in the SCIC are Ben Ehlen and Keegan DeMeulenaere (Belle Plaine), Casey Sieren (Keota), J.C. Abrahamson (Sigourney), Derek Cavin and Bryce Kuesel (H-L-V, Victor), Andrew Van Wyk (Lynnville-Sully) and Clayton Korrell (North Mahaska, New Sharon).

Southeast Conference Conference Outlook: The Southeast Conference may be small as far as teams but will be a factor in the big picture with Mount Pleasant back with their complete state tournament qualifying team led by Henry Kreiger-Coble, Scott Hahn and Austin Marshall who combined for 41 points and 18 rebounds per game. Keokuk has some experience coming back led by David Dahl and his nearly 16 points per game. Other returners that will have an impact in the Southeast Conference include Grant Curran (Fairfield), DeSean Edwards and Jerry Ross (Fort Madison), Ryne Sackman (Keokuk) and Nic Williams (Washington) Southeast Conference Prediction: 1. Mount Pleasant 2. Keokuk 3. Washington Southeast Conference Teams: Fairfield, Fort Madison, Keokuk, **Mount Pleasant, Washington

Tri-Rivers Conference Conference Outlook: Cascade and Maquoketa Valley (Dehli) claimed the top of the Tri-Rivers conference last season. Derek Dzaboff will be counted on for leadership this season if Maquoketa Valley is to contend while Regan Takes is back for Cascade with his 13.5 points per game. Monticello is also looking for an upper division finish and could with the return Danny Hosch. Other top players that return in the Tri-Rivers are David Monaghan (East Buchanan, Winthrop), Jordan Millard (Starmont, Arlington), Colt Feltes and Kyle Whitman (Maquoketa Valley, Dehli), Jordan Neighbor and Clint Francois (Alburnett), Ryan Oberhauser (Central City) and Jake Green (Cascade). Tri-Rivers Conference Prediction: 1. Maquoketa Valley (Dehli) 2. Monticello 3. Cascade Tri-Rivers Conference Teams: Alburnett, **Cascade, Central City, East Buchanan (Winthrop), EdgewoodColesburg, **Maquoketa Valley (Dehli), Monticello, North Linn (Troy Mills), Springville, Starmont (Arlington)

South Central Iowa Conference Prediction: 1. Keota 2. Sigourney 3. B-G-M (Brooklyn) and H-L-V (Victor) South Central Iowa 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)

Henry Kreiger-Coble (Mount Pleasant)

Jessica Nelson / Mt. Pleasant News

Twin Lakes Conference Conference Outlook: Manson-NW Webster won the Twin Lakes title last season and return three of the starters off of that team led by Kaden Cue (13.0 ppg) and Brandon Wessels (12.3 ppg). The consolidation of Rockwell City-Lytton and Southern Cal (Lake City) and known as South Central Calhoun should be helpful. Back form the schools with valuable experience are Chris Gray (13.2 ppg) along with Jacob Simpson and Lathan Bass who added 17 points per game combined. Pocahontas Area/Pomeroy Palmer returns three players led by Patrick Allen and his nearly 14 points per game. Collin Schrader (13.9 ppg) returns for East Sac County but will need new faces to make an impact. Other individuals to watch this season that return are Joe Lennon (Southeast Webster-Grand, Burnside), Brandon McGinty (Manson-NW Webster), Curtis Anderson (Prairie Valley, Gowrie) and Jared Hawks (Pocahontas Area/Pomeroy-Palmer). Twin Lakes Conference Prediction: 1. Manson-NW Webster 2. South Central Calhoun 3. Pocahontas Area/Pomeroy-Palmer Twin Lakes Conference Teams: East Sac County, **Manson-NW Webster, Pocahontas Area/PomeroyPalmer, Prairie Valley (Gowrie), Southeast WebsterGrand (Burnside), South Central Calhoun

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Upper Iowa Conference Conference Outlook: Sumner-Fredericksburg won the Upper Iowa Conference last season and return Bo Pagel and his 16.5 points per game to lead the way. The conference looks to be wideopen this year with most of the leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top players graduating. Bo Pagel (Sumner-Fredericksburg)

Some of those players that will be looking to step up their game and leadership role this season are Joe Heiderscheit (Kee, Lansing), D. J. Pfeiffer (MFL, MarMac, Monona), Matt Backes (Central, Elkader), Kyle Frisch (Sumner-Fredericksburg), Dillon Schlee (Postville), Reid Nuss (North Fayette, West Union), Dakota Schroyer (Clayton Ridge, Guttenberg), Justin Bakula (Turkey Valley, Jackson Junction) and Blaine Everman (Valley Community, Elgin) Upper Iowa Conference Prediction: 1. Sumner-Fredericksburg 2. Turkey Valley (Jackson Junction) 3. MFL, Mar-Mac (Monona) Upper Iowa Conference Teams: Central (Elkader), Clayton Ridge (Guttenburg), Kee (Lansing), MFL, Mar-Mac (Monona), North Fayette (West Union), Postville, South Winneshiek (Calmar), **SumnerFredericksburg, Turkey Valley (Jackson Junction), Valley Community (Elgin), West Central (Maynard)

WAMAC-East Conference Conference Outlook: Solon has been pretty dominate when it comes to boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s athletics regardless of sports and should be ready to defend their WAMAC-East title once again with the return of Tanner Wentzein, Jesse Carson and Zach Velez-Westphal who combined for nearly 31 points per game. Western Dubuque (Epworth) will count on the conferences leading scorer Zach Otting and his 18.8 points per game back from last season. Both teams will be in the chase once again with Western Dubuque the edge going to the Spartans. Mount Vernon has the look of a team ready to make a strong move with their top three scorers back. The Mustangs will look toward Micah Russell, Jacob Timm and Jack Keleher who combined for 33-plus points per game in 2009. If others are to contend the returning players that will have an impact are Patrick Burmester (Central Clinton, DeWitt), Troy Beck (West Delaware (Manchester) and Andrew Villagrana (Solon, transfer from Columbus Junction). WAMAC-East Conference Prediction: 1. Solon 2. Western Dubuque (Epworth) 3. Mount Vernon WAMAC-East Conference Teams: Anamosa, Beckman (Dyersville), Central Clinton (DeWitt), Western Dubuque (Epworth), Mount Vernon, Maquoketa, **Solon, West Delaware (Manchester) Volume 12 Issue 9

Preseason All-State Boys 1A

G-Casey Kasperbauer JR. Carroll G-Zach Otting, SR.

G-Kyle Denning SR. NUH-Cedar Falls G-Tim Olejniczak SR. Ankeny Christian G-Mark Petersen SR. Midland (Wyoming) F-Brandon Eley SR. Colo-Nesco F-Adam Ehlers, SR.

Western Dubuque (Epworth)

G-Scott Hahn SR. Mount Pleasant F-J.T. Vonderhaar SR. Davenport Assumption

Sioux Central (Sioux Rapids)

F-Ricky Torres, SR. Denison-Schleswig

C-James Wright, SR.

C-Henry Krieger-Coble

Woodbury Central (Moville)

SR. Mount Pleasant

G-Trey Sathoff JR. Pekin G-Nick Clark, SR. St. Edmond (Fort Dodge)

F-Tyler Wolterstorf SR.

Western Christian (Hull)

F-Jordan Hay, JR.

G-Marcus Paige, JR. Linn-Mar (Marion) G-James Harrington JR. Cedar Falls F-Matt Bohannan SR. Linn-Mar (Marion) F-Jared Uthoff, SR.>

North Cedar (Stanwood)

Cedar Rapids Jefferson

F-Scott Bruxvoort JR. PCM-Monroe C-Seth Tuttle SR. West Fork

F-Josh Ogelsby, SR.

n o s a e s e r

Cedar Rapids Washington

C-Adam Woodbury JR. Sioux City East

High School

Preseason All-State Girls 1A

G-Becca Pennington SR. Mount Ayr G-Kadie Subbert SR. Stanton G-Amber Quick SR. Lamoni F-Anna Sweeting, SR.

G-Ashton Yossi, SR. Dallas Center-Grimes

G-Laura TerHark SR. Algona F-Taylor Greenf ield SR. Ballard (Huxley) F-Taylor Discus SR. Mount Vernon F-Claire Till SR. Dubuque Wahlert C-Morgan Lucy JR. Glenwood

Highland (Riverside) F-Katie Isenhour,SO. Prince of Peace (Clinton)

C-Mackenzie Morrison, SR. Martensdale-St. Mary’s

G-Karen Hutson SR. Logan-Magnolia G-Jesse Pauley, JR. Odebolt-Arthur/ Battle Creek-Ida Grove

G-Jordan Henningson SR. Alta/Aurelia F-Ashton Moody SR. Hinton C-Maddie Oliver SR. Roland-Story C-Megan Pieters SR. AGWSR (Ackley)

G-Shronda Butts SR. Des Moines East G-Kyley Simmons, SR. Lewis Central (C. Bluffs)

G-Brittni Donaldson SR. Sioux City North F-Kiah Stokes SR. Linn-Mar (Marion) F-Virginia Johnson SR. Iowa City High C-Markisha Wright SR. Des Moines East

All-State Teams

Boys Basketball WAMAC-West Conference Conference Outlook:

War Eagle Conference Conference Outlook:

Marion won the WAMAC-West title last season and will count on a couple of key returning starters in Kasey Semler (16.0 ppg) and Dusty Albaugh (7.4 ppg). Benton (Van Horne) should make a strong bid with the return of all five starters including the conferences second leading scorer last season, Zach Twedt (18.0 ppg) and Mitch Lester (12.0 ppg). Williamsburg will look for leadership from Kelly O’Rourke (11.9 Dusty Albaugh (Marion) ppg) while Clear Creek-Amana return Nile Eckermann and Clay Miller who combined for nearly 28 points per game. Other returners to watch playing key roles are Nathan Becker, Nick Wood and Jared Jirak (Center PointUrbana), Logan Williams and Jake Dyson (VintonShellsburg), Hunter Stokes (Clear Creek-Amana), Elliot Frost (Columbus Catholic, Waterloo) and Ben Markland (Benton, Van Horne). WAMAC-West Conference Prediction: 1. Clear Creek-Amana 2. Benton (Van Horne) 3. Marion and Williamsburg WAMAC-West Conference Teams: Benton (Van Horne), Center Point-Urbana Clear Creek-Amana, Columbus Catholic (Waterloo), Independence, **Marion, Vinton-Shellsburg, Williamsburg

Treynor won the conference title with a balanced group of talent and once again should be in the Western Iowa title chase with the return of Cole Rath (11.0 ppg) and Chris Zimmerman (10.3 ppg). Dillon Bates (15.2 ppg) of Griswold is one of the top returning scorers back in the league and hopes to fight for an upper conference finish this season. Jole Miller of Missouri Valley is the top returning scorer and looks to do the same for the Big Reds. Treynor

Riverside (Oakland) was pretty young last year but hope to use that experience for a title run led by Ricky Williams (15.0 ppg) as a freshman. Other returning starters back this season in the Western Iowa are Ranen Spies (Audubon), Austin McMahon (TriCenter, Neola), Tanner Todd (Riverside, Oakland) and Brandon Forrester (Underwood). Western Iowa Conference Prediction: 1. Treynor 2. Riverside (Oakland) 3. Tri-Center (Neola) Western Iowa Conference Teams: A-H-S-T (Avoca), Audubon, Griswold, Missouri Valley, Riverside (Oakland), **Treynor, Tri-Center (Neola), Underwood

Volume 12 Issue 9

Unity Christian (Orange City) returns as the War Eagle champion but will have to count on many new faces to repeat the feat again this season. Remsen-Union could be one of the teams that will contend with a strong contingent back led by Kraig Alesch, Jacob Fiedler and Alex Hansen Kraig Alesch all back with their 13-plus (Remson-Union) scoring average apiece. Sergeant Bluff-Luton lost their top two scorers but return their next five with valuable experience led by Cole Croston. This is another one of those conferences where the newcomers will make a big difference. Some of those that return to watch are Brian Hansen and Colby Murphy (Spalding Catholic, Granville), Austin Petersen (West Sioux, Hawarden), Beau Pick (St. Mary’s, Remsen), Adam Paulsen (South O’Brien, Paulina), Connor Heyl (Akron-Westfield), Justin Wohlert and Cody Leng (Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn), John Hoefling and Neal Bunt (Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn) War Eagle Conference Prediction: 1. Remsen-Union 2. Unity Christian (Orange City) 3. Sergeant Bluff-Luton and Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn War Eagle Conference Teams: Akron-Westfield, Gehlen Catholic (LeMars), Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, Hinton, Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn, Remsen-Union, St.

Western Valley-South Conference Conference Outlook:

Western Iowa Conference Conference Outlook:

IKM-Manning edged Ar-We-Va (Westside) for the Western Valley-South title last season but both schools will have to find a whole new group of starters to make that happen this year. Boyer Valley (Dunlap) returns three of their top players which include the conferences third leading scorer Kyle Brosamle and his nearly 17 points per game. Charter Oak-Ute would like to make a leap into the contending role and will count on the conferences leading scorer Nolan Staley and his 24.7 points per game average. Logan Magnolia is another with potential led by Levi Ettleman and his 21.3 average. The other top returners in the MV-South are Ryan Mauseth, Joe Roden and Lucas Christensen (West Harrison, Mondamin), Nate Fender (Logan-Magnolia), Adam Hadden (Boyer Valley, Dunlap), Austin Bales and Jacob Willey (West Monona, Onawa). Western Valley-South Conference Prediction: 1. Logan-Magnolia 2. Boyer Valley (Dunlap) 3. IKM-Manning Western Valley-South Conference Teams: Ar-We-Va (Westside), Boyer Valley (Dunlap), Charter Oak-Ute, **IKM/Manning, Logan-Magnolia, West Harrison (Mondamin), West Monona (Onawa), Whiting, Woodbine

PS PREVIEW West Central Conference Conference Outlook: Des Moines Christian went unbeaten through the regular season last year while winning the West Central Conference. Michael Carney and his nearly 11 points per game will be asked to lead the way for a repeat title. Dustin Clark returns for Guthrie Center, the league’s top returning scorer at 17.6 points per game while Panorama (Panora) returns their 1-2 punch of Austin Johnk and Kyle Muyskens who combined for 29 points per game last season. Coon Rapids-Bayard is another threat led by Jacob Esdohr. This should be a pretty competitive league. Other players that will impact their respective teams that return are Greg Dudley and Jeff Dudley (West Central Valley, Stuart), Mike Sievers and Brock Hinkel (Madrid), Nic Nicolaisen (East Greene, Grand Junction), Michael Folkerts (Van Meter), Brandon Clark (Guthrie Michael Carney Center) and Brandon Sweeney (DSM Christian) (Woodward-Granger). West Central Conference Prediction: 1. Guthrie Center 2. Panorama (Panora) 3. Des Moines Christian and Coon Rapids-Bayard West Central 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

Western Valley-North Conference Conference Outlook: Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto won the Western Valley North crown but return only Brady Wright form their starting five. Wright averages 13.2 points per game to lead the team. Woodbury Central (Moville) could be the team to watch this season with four returning starters led by James Wright and his nearly 18 points per game and Grady Gallagher and his 12-plus points per game. With a ton of returning talent there could be a real battle for the top of the WV-North this season. Some of the other top returning players back in the Western Valley-North are Isaiah Miller and Seth Johnson (Ridge View), Austin Lefler, Jesse Baldwin and Daniel Oehlerking (Lawton-Bronson), Greg Sibenaller (Westwood, Sloan), Tate Rohde (Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto), Cole Henrich (Kinglsey-Pierson), James Wright (Woodbury Central)

Western Valley-North Conference Prediction: 1. Woodbury Central (Moville) 2. Maple ValleyAnthon-Oto 3. Lawton-Bronson Western Valley-North Conference Teams: KingsleyPierson, Lawton-Bronson, **Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto, Odebolt-Arthur/Battle Creek-Ida Grove, Ridge View, River Valley (Correctionville), Westwood (Sloan), Woodbury Central (Moville)

Independents 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 Christian Trinity Christian (Hull) Valley Lutheran (Cedar Falls) Woodward Academy Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com

PS PREVIEW

Girls Basketball

PS PREVIEW

Four Des Moines East Standouts Make History, Memories Tony Atzeni Radio Accounts Manager The journey four young ladies to Dicksen Jensen, thing they all told him when they made their final gain a Division I Scholarship did not their coach with the decision was that it was like family when they made begin in high school. For four young All-Iowa Attack team their visit to the school. “It felt like Des Moines East.” ladies the journey is still a long way remembered asking Through all of their successes one thing is missing from being completed but in reality is the girls he coached from their goals and dreams: a Class 4A state title. just beginning. In a big way, four young how good they wanted We will see in March if that dream becomes a reality. ladies are a beacon of light for young to be. In fact, he asked, The road has had many good and bad days, many girls everywhere. For those who “Do you want to be bumps and turned ankles, tears of pain and joy but have heard that it cannot be done, UConn good?” Now that through it all they have remained together, a family and for those who have heard to give up is a level in women’s the one thing is for certain, they have built a lifetime or have been told, “You’re not good basketball today that of memories already. Gaines is well aware of the goal enough.” But the truth is you can and considered the highest that remains. “I never expected when this began that the proof is in these four young ladies. of levels. All of them we would all reah the goals we have reached,” says What is amazing about this journey bought into what it Gaines. “We still have one goal and that is to win a is that these young women all attend Families watch (left to right) Shondra Butts, Markisha would take to try to state championship.” the same high school, Des Moines East Wright, Sharnae Lamar and Nijay Gaines sign letters of achieve that level. Shronda Butts will attend Bradley University, a intent. and these four young ladies have all The one word that member of the Missouri Valley Conference. Butts are African-American. The plain and simple truth is comes up when you talk with this group of young ladies begins this season 10th on the DM East all-time that this is a history setting event in the state of Iowa. is family. From their home, to the basketball team to scoring list and 2nd on the single season scoring list. The four young ladies are Shronda Butts, Nijay Gaines, the school, family is important and these young ladies Butts was named Iowa Sports Connection 1st Team Sharnae Lamar and Markisha Wright all gaining a D-1 get it. They have received love and support from so All-State last year and is a Pre-Season 1st Team Allscholarship and all on the Honor Roll. many and have not forgotten that as they also give State selection this season. Leading by example is something we hear a lot, but back that support to their friends and community. Nijay Gaines will attend Missouri State University, these four women have found their own unique ways to Their fans showed up in full force for the letter signing a member of the Missouri Valley Conference as lead and have set themselves up for the rest of their event. “I was amazed of all that showed up to share well. Gaines has a 3.0 GPA and is an Iowa Sports lives. this moment and pretty Connection Preseason All four have goals for their lives: Butts dreams of nervouse,” says Wright. Honorable Mention All-State. playing in the WNBA or being a sports broadcaster “We have always gotten Sharnae Lamar will attend if that doesn’t pan out, Lamar wants to be a financial great support from the the University of Northern advisor for the rich and Wright has been told she’d community.” Iowa and is the all-time leader make a good lawyer but is also interested in medicine. The head coach of in assists at DM East and also Gaines summed up well what all four want to the Scarlets’ program holds the single game assist be able to do: give back to the community. “(I) just as he begins his seventh record at the school. Sharnae want to be successful and be able to give back to my year is Sam Powell, led Class 4a in assists last community in the process,” says Gaines. a Drake University season. Lamar is an Iowa Basketball is a team game and when you have the graduate. Powell Sports Connection Preseason talent this group has you would think that there would understood from his 2nd Team All-State selection. not be enough balls to go around but the truth is they life the power of family, Markisha Wright will attend may even be too unselfish. The journey for these young friends and community. Notre Dame and ranks 8th Left to right: Markisha Wright, Sharnae Lamar, Sondra Butts all-time and single season on ladies began with a dream to play a game they enjoyed He found all of that at and Nijay Gaines and to play at the highest level possible. All of them Des Moines East. One the DM East scoring list. Wright bought into the hard work and dedication it would take thing he knew though was how good this group of is the all-time single game leader in rebounds (18) and and they did it together from playing on the All-Iowa young ladies were going to be but the one thing he points (30). The McDonalds All-American nominee and Attack teams together to working out in open gym to pointed to when having a conversation with him at the Sporting News Preseason All-American this season hone their skills to going out and enjoying down time school was the honor roll wall and the fact that all of was named Iowa Sports Connection 1st Team All-State together. his basketball players were on that list. last season and is an ISC Preseason 1st Team AllLamar had to put in the hard work while facing the An old saying is that players reflect their coach, and State selection this season. doubts of others. “Being only five feet tall, I have heard knowing Coach Powell, that statement is pretty true. Butts summed up the experience: “It is a legacy for it all,” says Lamar. But she gave some valuable advice Hard work, working long hours and reaching out to the the future. I am extremely proud of my teammates, on handlig peoples’ doubts: “I would say not listen to community are all things he has done and the young coaches and all our gans. It is important as individuals those who say you can’t, especially when it comes to ladies have followed that imprint. to always set good examples. I am excited about our your size. Work harder, if that doesn’t work, then work When asked about four of his players signing a future and beyond words on this moment in time.” harder.” Division I Letter of Intent, Powell stated that the one

Volume 12 Issue 9

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Girls Basketball

PS PREVIEW Big East Conference Conference Outlook

Bluegrass Conference Conference Outlook:

Cedar Valley Conference Conference Outlook:

Northeast (Goose Lake) won the Big East title last season with perfect 10-0 record and return Demi Diedrich and Brandy Herrington off that team who combined for 19 points per game. Katie Isenhour (Prince of Peace, Clinton) is the top returning scorer back in the conference with her 14.6 per game average with help from Ariana Aqualina and her nearly 10 per game average. Kelcie Bormann (Preston) average 14.0 per game and along with Emily Henningsen hope to once again battle for the conference title again. A number of teams were very young last season and return the nucleus of there teams including Andrew, Calamus-Wheatland and Lisbon.

Moulten-Udell and Twin Cedars (Bussey) shared the conference title last season. The Sabers will depend on sophomore Alle Hugen with the graduation of all-state talent Lindsay Hoehns while the Eagles will try to replace their top two scorers but return five off the roster that combined for a 31 per game average led by Alexis Kauzlarich and Madison Probasco at 7.4 points per game. Lamoni returns Amber Quick and Keeley Brunner who combined for over 31 points and 16 rebounds per game. Katelyn Tracy was a freshman last season that averaged 18 points and just over 11 rebounds a game. Add to that the Mohawks return most of their contributors you could look for improvement and maybe even an upper tier finish this season. Individually look for Taylor McBroom (Mormon Trail, Garden Grove), Tessa Otto (Murray) and Cassie Marcum (Diagonal) all back after averaging more than 10 per game last season to be some of the conference leaders. Look for Lamoni to take the next step and be the team to beat for the top of the Bluegrass but Moulten-Udell will take their past success and should be a part of the battle.

Iowa City Regina edged West Branch for the conference crown last year and should be good again behind Zoe Dutchik and her 13 points per game back along with Sara Kron and Zoe Browning who combined for 13 points and Kronsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 6.6 boards. West Branch may be better with the return of three of their top scorers led by Kelly Trimble and Jordan Arp and their combined 22 points per game. Tipton returns the conferences top returning scorer in Katelyn DeWulf and her 15 per game average. Wilton looks for Carlee Grunder and Leah Huffe and their combined 22 points per game to be in the upper division chase as well.

As always, teams will hope for newcomers to make a difference but of those individuals returning that will have huge leadership roles this season are Paige Daugherty (Marquette Catholic, Bellevue), Brittany Volquardsen (East Central, Miles) and Tiana Bark (Camanche). It looks to be a close race for the top of the Big East this season. Big East Conference Prediction: 1. Preston 2. Northeast (Goose Lake) 3. Camanche 4. Prince of Peace (Clinton)

Bluegrass Conference Prediction: 1. Lamoni 2. Moulten-Udell 3. Moravia 4. Murray

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

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

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Other top returners in the Cedar Valley are Allison Ralfs (Durant-Bennett) and Kristi Feldman (West Liberty), the top returning rebounder at 7.6 per game. The Cedar Valley looks to be a four team race once again with the slight edge given to Iowa City Regina.

Zoe Dutchik (Iowa City Regina)

Cedar Valley Conference Prediction: 1. Iowa City Regina 2. West Branch 3. Wilton 4. Tipton Cedar Valley Conference Teams: Durant-Bennett, **Iowa City Regina, Mid-Prairie (Wellman), North Cedar (Stanwood), Tipton, West Branch, West Liberty, Wilton

Volume 12 Issue 9

Girls Basketball CIML Central Conference Conference Outlook: The Hawkettes won the conference title last season and look to be a solid pick again with the return of three of their top scorers led by junior, Maddie Manning and her 12 points and 7 rebounds per game. Shayla Starkenburg and Krista Pettepier combine for another 16 per game. After the Hawkettes look for the usual effort from Dowling Catholic with Haley Faber, Lizzy Stachon and Caitlyn Fuller who come back with their combined 17 points and 10 rebounds per game. Urbandale returns an experienced group led by Meredith and McKenna Zimmerman and their 16 points and 12 rebounds per game. Caitlin Ingle (Southeast Polk) and Emily Parker (Johnston) will be the leaders in theirs schools success this season. CIML Central Conference Prediction: 1. Ankeny 2. Dowling Catholic 3. Urbandale CIML Central Conference Teams: *Ankeny, Dowling Catholic, Indianola, Johnston, Southeast Polk, Urbandale

H CIML Iowa Conference Conference Outlook:

PS PREVIEW CIML Metro Conference Conference Outlook:

Waukee was a perfect 10-0 last season but will need to reload with fresh faces after losing a veteran group. Laura Brewer, Katy Wearmouth and Megan Goodson will look to take the leadership role. Mason City may be the team to Laura Brewer beat this season with (Waukee) nearly their whole roster coming back after a 7-3 conference season last year. Sophomore Jadda Buckley and senior Autumn Alitz will once again be counted on as the Mohawks continue their rise.

Des Moines East lost in the Class 4A championship game last season but return four players set to play at the next level led by Shronda Butts, Markisha Wright, Nijay Gaines and Sharnae Lamar. The Scarlets will be a huge target this season after their success but have been pointing to this season since they began playing together as freshman.

Ames should be right back in the mix with Shaya Kellogg, Mady Van Metre and Cheyenne Pritchard back with state tournament experience. West Des Moines Valley also hopes to make things difficult in this deep conference with a young group that gained tons of experience led by Maggie McClelland. Fort Dodge will look toward Mackenzie Alstott and Rachel Evans (Fort Dodge).

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

Ottumwa looks to be in the battle for second with the return of Kelsey Nickerson and Rachel Hinebaugh who combines for 2-plus points per game. Des Moines Lincoln returns Morgan Mauro and Caitlin Wilson and their 17 points per game combined average. Other top returners in the Metro this season are Chanel Reddix and Fonza McCuller (Des Moines North).

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

CIML Iowa Conference Prediction: 1. Mason City, 2. Waukee, 3. Ames and West Des Moines Valley CIML Iowa Conference Teams: Ames, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown, Mason City, **Waukee, West Des Moines Valley

Corn Bowl Conference Conference Outlook:

Cornbelt-West Conference Conference Outlook:

Cornbelt-East Conference Conference Outlook:

North Butler (Greene) has a long-standing tradition and once again ran the table in conference action last season. To do it again this season however will take many new faces to step up. Central Springs (Manly) may have put themselves as the team to beat with the return of their complete roster led by Kaitlyn Bartel (12.2 ppg), Linzy Peters (8.0 ppg) and Taylor Chrencik (7.9 ppg). West Fork also returns a strong group led by Shelby Ward and Maci Robeoltman who combined for just over 20 points per game. Individually, some of the top players back are Sadie Wyborny (Rockford), Britney Low (Northwood-Kensett), Kayla Hemann (Saint Ansgar) and Brooke Foster and Loralie Smith (Riceville). Chelsey Wedeking was part of a 1-2 punch last year but now looks for help to make Nashua-Plainfield a contender.

Ruthven-Ayrshire has a large group back led by Sadie Forey and her 16 points and 10 rebounds per game. Harris-Lake Park had a successful season last year and return Anna Brandt (14.0 ppg) and Christine Larson (9.8 ppg) but may lack depth in hopes of defending the Cornbelt West. Clay Central-Everly went to the youth movement last year and once again is very young but look for improvement this season.

North Sental Kossuth won the conference title last year and will be part of the picture again this season with Kelcey Gerhart and Amber Goraczkwoski back but both will need to grab the big leadership whole left by Rebekah Rolling. repeating. The Cornbelt East was pretty deep last season but much of that talent is gone which makes this season wide open in the team race.

Corn Bowl Prediction: 1. Central Springs (Manly) 2. West Fork 3. Riceville and North Butler (Greene)

Some of the top returning starters in the conference include Cornbelt-West Prediction: 1. Ruthven-Ayrshire 2. Harris-Lake Park 3. Clay Central-Everly Cornbelt-West Teams: Armstrong-Ringsted, Clay Central-Everly, Graettinger-Terril, **Harris-Lake Park, **North Sentral Kossuth, Ruthven-Ayrshire

Individually, some of the top players back in the Cornbelt East are Hannah Vavrik (Ventura), Brooke Bennett (Twin River Valley, Bode), Jessica Fehr (West Bend-Mallard) and {Paige Heesch (Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka). Cornbelt-East Conference Prediction: 1. North Sentral Kossuth 2. Woden-Crystal LakeTitonka 3. Ventura Cornbelt-East Teams: C-W-L (Corwith), **North Sentral Kossuth, Twin River Valley (Bode), Ventura, West Bend-Mallard, Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka

Corn Bowl Teams: Central Springs (Manly), NashuaPlainfield, **North Butler (Greene), NorthwoodKensett, Riceville, Rockford, St. Ansgar, West Fork

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Girls Basketball

PS PREVIEW Corner Conference Conference Outlook:

Hawkeye Ten Conference Conference Outlook:

Heart of Iowa Large Conference Conference Outlook:

Stanton outlasted Essex for the conference title last season. The good news is that Stanton returns Kadie Subbert who is one of the top returning scorers in the league at 18.8 points per game. The bad news is that Essex will have to replace the leagues top scorer in Jocelyn Coleman but do return Tara Maher and Annie Lindburg and their 18 points and 10 boards per game average.

One conference, two shared the title out of two separate classes as Harlan and Kuemper Catholic (Carroll) tied for the crown last season. The Cyclones return their top three scorers in Jacie White, Brooke Leinen and Jordan Brelje who combined for 30 points per game. Kuemper returns three players that combined for nearly the same total in a more uptempo offense but lost their top two scorers. Abbey Albrecht (10.7 ppg), Madi Drees (9.5 ppg) and Kari Pothtoff (8.1) return in leadership roles. Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) was in the title chase last season and should be again with the return of Kyley Simmons (16.5 ppg) and Delaney Higgins (10.7 ppg).

Nevada won the Heart of Iowa Large Conference title but will have to reload to contend this season. Jefferson-Scranton was young last season and that experience gained will be a huge benefit this season led by Jordan Wright. PCM-Monroe always seem to remain a contender and this season should be no exception led by Jordan Wood. Bondurant-Farrar with their top four starters back led by Bobbi Burrows and Sabrina Hargis who combined for nearly 25 points per game will be one of the teams to beat in the Heart of Iowa Large Conference.

Villisca returns their top four starters who combined for 32 points per game and led by Courtney Auxier and Morganne Haer. Fremont-Mills (Tabor) will look to improve with nearly their entire roster back led by Amy Carlson (11.7 ppg) and Lynde Madison (11.6 ppg). Sidney returns the leagues top returning scorer in Aimee Osborn and her 22.5 points per game and nearly their complete roster. A ton of talent which makes the conference race one of the better ones this season and included on the return list are Temmira Morrison (Clarinda Academy), Mindy Lorimor (Fremont-Mills, Tabor), Mandie Uhlenkamp (Sidney), and Molly Goltz and Mariah Voyles (Nishnabotna). Corner Conference Prediction: 1. Stanton 2. Sidney 3. Villisca 4. Essex Corner Conference Teams: Clarinda Academy, East Mills, Essex, Fremont-Mills (Tabor), Nishnabotna, Sidney, South Page (College Springs), **Stanton, Villisca

Individually, some of the top returning players in the Hawkeye Ten Conference are Morgan Lucy and Lexi Fisher (Glenwood), Brittnie Freml (DenisonSchleswig), Kaylee Buch (Clarinda) and Gabi French (Red Oak). Glenwood should also be placed on the list of challengers in the conference as they Jacie White return nearly all of their (Harlan) 2009-10 roster. Harlan Newspaper / Mike Oeffner Hawkeye Ten Conference Prediction: 1. Kuemper Catholic (Carroll) 2. Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) 3. Glenwood and Harlan

Some of the top returners back in the conference this season are Katie Klingbeil (Gilbert), Jennifer Kennedy (Jefferson-Scranton), Stephanie Hayden (PCM-Monroe) and Jackie Yount (Bondurant-Farrar). Heart of Iowa Large Conference Prediction: 1. Bondurant-Farrar 2. PCM-Monroe 3. Jefferson-Scranton Heart of Iowa Large Conference Teams: BondurantFarrar, Gilbert, Jefferson-Scranton, **Nevada, North Polk, PCM-Monroe

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

Heart of Iowa Small Conference Conference Outlook:

Iowa Star Conference Conference Outlook:

Lakes Conference Conference Outlook:

Roland-Story won the conference title and led by the Iowa Sports Connection choice for Class 2A Player of the Year in Maddie Oliver. Oliver is back with her 16 points and 12 rebounds a game average and her unselfishness which makes everybody on the team better. The question is where will the challenges come from? Look for South Hamilton (Jewell) with Sara Waid (11.5 ppg) along with Mollie Ullestad and Shannon Boyle who both averaged 6.7ppg to be part of the upper division.

Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg) and Tripoli shared to conference title last season. Tripoli returns four of their top five scorers led by Megan Gilbert (11.9 ppg) and Erica Ollendieck (11.1 ppg) while Northeast Hamilton will look for the leadership of Kalli Richardson and her 16.3 points per game.

Storm Lake edged Estherville-Lincoln Central for the Lakes championship last season. For Storm Lake to return to the upper division they will need new faces to help their only returning starter Morgan VanDerSloot. Estherville-Lincoln Central lost their leading scorer but return the next four who combined for 33 points per game led by Alyssa Johnson (10.1 ppg) and Allie Sievert (9.9 ppg).

Other returning players to watch in the Iowa Star are Natalie Figanbaum (Tripoli), Shelby Murley (Janesville) and Leah Rottinghaus (Don Bosco, Gilbertville).

Maddie Oliver (Roland-Story)

Heart of Iowa Small Conference Prediction: 1. Roland-Story 2. South Hamilton (Jewell) Heart of Iowa Small Conference Teams: ColfaxMingo, Collins-Maxwell-Baxter, Grandview Park Baptist (Des Moines), Ogden, **Roland-Story, South Hamilton (Jewell) Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com

Iowa Star Conference Prediction: 1. Tripoli 2. G-M-G (Garwin) 3. Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg) and North Tama (Traer) Iowa Star Conference Teams: CAL (Latimer), Clarksville, Colo-Nesco, Don Bosco (Gilbertville), Dunkerton, GMG (Garwin), Janesville, Meskwaki Settlement (Tama), **Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg), North Tama (Traer), **Tripoli, Waterloo Christian

Western Christian (Hull) looks to improve and battle for the top of the league with the return of their leading scorer Kayla Gesink. Spirit Lake has a nice nucleus returning led by Kieja Veldman who as a freshman averaged 10 points per game. Individually also look for Paige Naig (Emmetsburg), Emily Anderson and Erica Westhoff (LeMars) and Ashley Willaimson, Tiffany Martindale and Taylor Anderson (Spencer) to make impacts on their teams success. Lakes Conference Prediction: 1. Estherville-Lincoln Central 2. Western Christian (Hull) 3. Spirit Lake Lakes Conference Teams: Cherokee, Emmetsburg, Estherville-Lincoln Central, LeMars, Spencer, Spirit Lake, **Storm Lake, Western Christian (Hull)

Volume 12 Issue 9

Alexa Hotopp photo courtesy of Gregory Photography

Some of the top returners back in the conference this season are Britny Halleland (Roland-Story), Amanda Roederer (Ogden) and Danielle Beals (Colfax-Mingo).

G-M-G (Garwin) will bring back the conferences leading scorer in Tara Gray (20.3 ppg) with help from Jamie Hlas and Kristine Kienzle who combined for another 16-plus points per game. Colo-Nesco was a very young group last season led by Madison Eley and should improve along with Janesville led by Olivia Fisher and North Tama (Traer) with Kailey Kladivo.

Girls Basketball

Little Hawkeye Conference Conference Outlook:

Mississippi Athletic Conference Conference Outlook:

Knoxville won the crown last season and to repeat will need to build around Alex Abens and her 11.3 points per game. Pella returns a balanced group and tons of senior leadership and will once again be a contender in the Little Hawkeye. Pella Christian will be part of the picture led by Jasmin Schelhaas and Grinnell should improve this season with four of their top five players back led Alex Abens by Megan Schmidt. (Knoxville) Key returners back this season also include Madison Baier (South Tama), Kenzie Gott and Samantha Lowry (Oskaloosa), Lauren Sharp (Grinnell), Kelsey Fynhardt and Courtney Kelderman (Pella) and Shelby Weaver (Pella Christian. Little Hawkeye Conference Prediction: 1. Pella 2. Grinnell 3. Pella Christian 4. South Tama Little Hawkeye Conference Teams: Grinnell, **Knoxville, Newton, Norwalk, Oskaloosa, Pella, Pella Christian, South Tama

Davenport Assumption won the title last season in the Mississippi Athletic Conference but will need to fill some void both on the court and on the bench with a new coaching staff. Returning for the Lady Knights are Sam Johannsen and Grace Fennelly who combined for 15 points per game. Bettendorf returns Megan Hayes and Morgan Lintz who combined for 18.5 points per game last season. Antonea Stuckey is back for Davenport North as one of the top returning scorers in the conference at nearly 14 points per Sam Johannsen (Davenport Assumption) game but Pleasant Valley may have the best pieces to the conference puzzle returning led by Stacy Clark (14.0 ppg) and Payton Strawser (10.7 ppg).

PS PREVIEW Mississippi Valley – Mississippi Conference Conference Outlook: Linn-Mar (Marion) won the Class 4A state championship last season and will try to reload behind the Kiah Stokes and her double-double average of 22 points and 13 rebounds per game. The big question is who are the new faces that will be a key to the Lions success this season? Cedar Rapids Washington has less questions with the return of Tia Dawson (15.5 ppg) and Alissa Oney (10.5 ppg) and could be the favorite in the Mississippi Kailee Karr (Linn-Marr Marion) Conference this season along with Iowa City High with Virginia Johnson who also averages a double-double with 22 points and 10-plus rebounds.

Others to watch individually that return this season are Stacia Dean and Chandra McCampbell (Burlington), Lindsey Jipp (Pleasant Valley), Leisha Harris (Clinton) and Leti Lerma (Muscatine).

Dubuque Wahlert was young last season and with Claire Till (15.5 ppg) and Tessa Leytem (12.8 ppg) back look for improvement and a challenge form the Golden Eagles and then there is Waterloo West with Jadyn Spencer (19.2 ppg) and Jordan Johnston (10.7 ppg) and this should be a very interesting year in the MVCMississippi.

Mississippi Athletic Conference Prediction: 1. Pleasant Valley 2. Davenport Assumption 3. Bettendorf

Mississippi Valley – Mississippi Conference Prediction: 1. Cedar Rapids Washington 2. Linn-Mar (Marion) 3. Iowa City High

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

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

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Girls Basketball

PS PREVIEW Mississippi Valley – Valley Conference Conference Outlook:

The MCV-Valley Conference may not be as talented as the Mississippi but the battle for the top should be highly contested. Cedar Rapids Jefferson will look for leadership from Britteny Steffeny and Taylor Jacobsen who combined for 23 points per game last season and should be the best in the Valley as Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids Xavier will look for new faces to remain in the upper division. Some of the top returning players in the MVC include Tia Tigges (Dubuque Hempstead), Tatum Klein, Ally Disteroft and Paige Yoder (Iowa City West), Taylor Noel (Dubuque Senior), Michaela Hansche (Iowa City High), LaTrice McMullen (Waterloo East) and Jazz Royster (Cedar Rapids Washington).

Mississippi Valley – Valley Conference Prediction: 1. Cedar Rapids Jefferson 2. Iowa City West 3. Cedar Rapids Xavier

Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) won the Class 3A championship last season but to repeat it will take a whole new group after graduation. Sioux City North will be tough again with the return of Brittni Donaldson and Josse Jansen who combined for nearly 30 points per game. Jordan Gillenwater will once again lead Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln with her 12.8 points per game while Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson returns their leading scorer Amanda Coffelt. Sergeant Bluff-Luton joins the conference and have a 1-2 punch in Betsy Thomas (13.2 ppg) and Cassidy Breon Jordan Gillenwater (Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln) (11.8 ppg) to build around. Sioux City East returns their entire starting group led by Brittney Mozer and Melissa Mounts who combined for 21 points per game. Sioux City West has the leagues top returning scorer in Summer Gordon (16.8 ppg). Should be fun to see how the team race ends up with a pretty talented group of players returning. Others top returning players to watch are Emily Keilman and Reyna Mikulicz (Sioux City East) and Paige O’Neal (Sergeant Bluff-Luton).

Cedar Rapids Jefferson

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

North Iowa Conference Conference Outlook: Newman Catholic (Mason City) Jessica Balek (10.8 ppg) and Claire Jensen in hopes of defending the North Iowa title. Lake Mills looks to be in pretty good position with the core of their team back led by Lindy Pins and her nearly 14 points per game average. Most every team in the league has a player or two to build around making the battle for an upper league finish a good one.

Missouri River Conference Conference Outlook:

Jessica Balek (Newman Catholic)

Individually, some of the players that return and will have an impact on their team are Amber Paden (North Iowa, Buffalo Center), Lexi Friesen and Jessica Rogers (Osage) who combined for 20-plus points per game, Alicia Savoy and Jasmine Doble (Garner-Hayfield) who together averaged 17-plus points per game, Morgan Fjelstad (Lake Mills) and Amanda Busta (Forest City).

Missouri River Conference Prediction: 1. Sioux City North 2. Sioux City East 3. Sergeant Bluff-Luton

North Central Conference Conference Outlook: Algona swept the North Central Conference season and will try to reload behind Laura TerHark and her 11.5 point per game along with her ability in assists and team leadership in steals. Most of the North Central teams have returners that will impact their team’s success again this season but have holes to fill as well which will make Laura TerHark (Algona) it very competitive this season and what looks like an unpredictable group. The only exception is Iowa Falls-Alden who returns their entire starting lineup led by Jamie Peterson (11.5 ppg). The list of returning players include Chelsey Harvey and Lauren March (Clarion-Goldfield), Kelcey Brown (Webster City), Rea Faber (Clear Lake), Chelsea Doughan and McKayla Loss (Bishop Garrigan, Algona) and Taryn Barz (Hampton-Dumont). North Central Conference Prediction: 1. ClarionGoldfield 2. St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) 3. Iowa Falls-Alden

Missouri River 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 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 Iowa Cedar-East Conference Conference Outlook:

North Iowa Cedar-West Conference Conference Outlook:

Wapsie Valley (Fairbank) won the North Iowa Cedar East league title last season and return Alli Matthias and Alissa Wittenburg who combined for nearly 19 points per game which give them a chance to defend with help from the underclassmen. Union (LaPorte City) returns three of their starting five led by Kylie Powell and her 12 points per game. Sarah Koch and Holly Halstead combined for 25 points Alli Matthias per game and part of the (Wapsie Valley Fairbank) entire starting lineup back for Hudson. Aplington-Parkersburg suffered through a tough year with a youth movement and hopes for this season on that experience begin with Haleigh Hempen 15.0 ppg).

BCLUW (Conrad) won the North Iowa Cedar West championship last season but lost the core of that group so the chances of repeating are going to depend on a whole new group of talent. AGWSR (Ackley) has always enjoyed basketball success and hope to challenge with Megan Pieters (13.4 ppg). East Marshall (LeGrand) returns their top two scorers in Abby Nuese and Alyssa Whitemore who combined for 23 points per game. Gladbrook-Reinbeck hopes that the youth movement pays dividends with their entire roster back led by Lauren Bengen. Grundy Center who did have some success with their underclassmen also returns nearly their entire roster led by Abby Graves. West Marshall (State Center) behind Alexa Hotopp (12. ppg) and Molly Underwood (10.9 ppg) should improve with all five starters back. Should be a pretty balanced conference race if the returners all improved from last season. Other individuals to watch are McKenzie Heue (South Hardin, Eldora), Jenna Roeding (Gladbrook-Reinbeck) and McKenzie Shipley (West Marshall, State Center).

Other returners to keep an eye on are Morgan Granger (NUH-Cedar Falls), Jess Kuennen and Emily Schweer (Denver) and Sam Barz (Union, LaPorte City).

North Iowa Conference Prediction: 1. Lake Mills 2. Newman Catholic (Mason City) 3. Osage

North Iowa Cedar Conference Prediction: 1. Union (LaPorte City) 2. Hudson 3. Wapsie Valley (Fairbank)

North Iowa Cedar-West Conference Prediction: 1. AGWSR (Ackley) 2. East Marshall (LeGrand) 3. Grundy Center and West Marshall (State Center)

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

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

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

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Volume 12 Issue 9

Girls Basketball

PS PREVIEW

Northwest Iowa Conference Conference Outlook:

Pride of Iowa Conference Conference Outlook:

Who did not enjoy the run by Northeast Iowa champion Waukon and their legendary coach Gene Klinge and their runner-up finish in Class 3A. To repeat the feat would mean the new faces are ready for varsity level play. New Hampton returns the largest number of starters but struggled last season. Overall, the Northeast Iowa is a mystery with most of the teams needing to find out who is ready to play at the next level and make an immediate impact in the conference race. Charles City will count on Abby Lasher, the leagues top Kristyna Herman returning scorer at 15.5 (Waukon) points per game.

Always a familiar uniform at state is that of NewellFonda and last season was no exception but most of the roster will be turned over this season. The team to watch is Alta/Aurelia as the two schools consolidate this season and with the Alta roster alone nearly completely back led by Jordan Henningsen (20.7 ppg) and Emily Grieme (13.7 ppg) and Aurelia’s Megan Glawe (18.3), the question is can they share because if they do, this could be fun to watch as they make the trek through the post season. Sioux Central (Sioux Rapids) is also a strong contender with the return of Morgan Walker (13.4 ppg) and Grace Rehnstrom (10.6 ppg).

Martensdale-St. Mary’s won the POI title last season and would like to get another shot at a state title in Class 1A and can do that with the return of Mackenzie Morrison and her nearly 17 points and 10 rebounds per game average. Add Sam Norris, Morgan Halverson and Brittney Kubik who combined for 26 points per game and the Blue Devils will be tough. Mount Ayr finished as the runner-up in Class 1A and with Becca Pennignton (14.3 ppg) and Jensen Stewart (10.4 ppg) back should not be over looked. Pleasantville has Conner Gordon and her 12-plus points per game to reload with while Central Decatur (Leon) has Jenna Lincoln.

Individually, back in leadership roles this season are Olivia Kriener (Crestwood, Cresco), Moran Lonning (Decorah), Liz Moerer and Jordan Westendorf (Waverly-Shell Rock), Logan Worden (Oelwein), Raelyn Webster and Rebecca Crooks (New Hampton) and Kristyna Herman (Waukon).

Other returning individuals to watch are Audrey Winterhof, Meagan Phipps and Courtney VanHaaften (Alta/Aurelia) and Cheyenne Anderson (Newell-Fonda).

Northeast Iowa Conference Conference Outlook:

Conference Prediction: 1.Alta/Aurelia 2. Sioux Central (Sioux Rapids) 3. Newell-Fonda Northwest Iowa Conference Teams: Alta/Aurelia, Laurens-Marathon, **Newell-Fonda, St. Mary’s (Storm Lake), Sioux Central (Sioux Rapids)

Bedford was very young last season but also pretty good and with their roster back led by Kayla Lindenmeyer, the Bulldogs are in the conference race. Nodaway Valley (Greenfield) has a balanced group back and Interstate 35 (Truro) also has their top five scorers back led by Allison Seibert. A large conference with a large number of contenders but all will have to prove they can beat Martensdale-St. Mary’s and Mount Ayr first. Becca Pennington (Mount Ayr)

Individually, look for the following returning players to have an impact this season starting with Hannah Lain (Wayne, Corydon), Bailey Myer (Mount Ayr), Kelsey Roberts (Corning), Brenna Robinson (Lenox), Sara Kerber and Brittni Johnson (Nodaway Valley), Caila Raymond and Kendyl Gruttenmeyer (Bedford), Olivia Sulentic (Interstate 35, Truro),

Northeast Iowa Conference Prediction: 1. Charles City 2. Waverly-Shell Rock 3. Decorah

Pride of Iowa Conference Prediction: 1. Martensdale-St. Mary’s 2. Mount Ayr 3. Bedford 4. Nodaway Valley (Greenfield) and Interstate 35 (Truro)

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

Pride of Iowa 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)

Raccoon River Conference Conference Outlook:

Rolling Hills Conference Conference Outlook:

Ballard (Huxley) once again topped the Raccoon River Conference and made the annual trip to the state tournament and once again they return on of the top players in the state in Taylor Greenfield. There is no reason not to have the Bombers on the list again this season as behind Greenfield are Sammy Jensen (10.6 ppg) and nearly the rest of the 2009-2010 roster. Dallas CenterGrimes will try to reload behind Ashton Yossie and her nearly 17 points per game.

Exira won the Rolling Hills title last season but now have consolidated with Elk Horn-Kimballton and will look for Maddy Peppers and her state tournament experience to help this season. Lexus Waymire (11.8 ppg) and Taylor Petersen (8.1 ppg) return form the Elk Horn-Kimballton roster after a solid conference season. Adair-Casey would like to use the experience gained with a young team to jump into the title chase along with CAM (Anita) and Iowa Christian Academy led by Karlie Schutt and her nearly 13 points per game.

Carroll returns the nucleus of their roster led by Brittany Holdsworth Ashton Yossi and Jenni Semprini who combined (Dallas-Center for nearly 21 points per game Grimes) last season. Winterset also looks to improve with Shelby Messerschmitt leading four returning starters. Individually look for Genna Gibbons (Perry), Lindsay Schulz and Sara Pettitt (Carroll), Ali Mortoza and Taylor Benshoof (Winterset) and Taylor Walker (Saydel) to contribute to their teams success. Raccoon River Conference Prediction: 1. Ballard (Huxley) 2. Carroll 3. Dallas Center-Grimes and Winterset Raccoon River Conference Teams: A-D-M (Adel), **Ballard (Huxley), Boone, Carlisle, Carroll, Dallas Center-Grimes, Perry, Saydel, Winterset 38

Volume 12 Issue 9

Orient-Macksburg was pretty darn good last season and return the 1-2 punch of Shelby Roberts and Tessa Mittag who combined for 22 points per game. Some of the top returning players in the conference this season are Kristin Klocksiem (Glidden-Ralston), Kaleigh Strong (Ankeny Christian Academy), Quinn Ruth and Taylor Rochholz (Adair-Casey), Caitlin Paulsen, Mariah Mailander and Faith McCunn (CAM, Anita). Rolling Hills Conference Prediction: 1. CAM (Anita) 2. Elk Horn-Kimballton/Exira 3. Iowa Christian Academy Rolling Hills Conference Teams: Adair-Casey, Ankeny Christian Academy, CAM (Anita), East Greene (Grand Junction), Elk Horn-Kimballton/**Exira, GliddenRalston, Iowa Christian Academy, Orient-Macksburg, Paton-Churdan, Walnut

SEISC-North Conference Conference Outlook: Lone Tree and Louisa Muscatine (Letts) shared the SEISC North title last year. Lone Tree brings back the conferences leading scorer in Courtney Burr and her 17 points per game. Mediapolis lost their scoring leader but return three starters to reload around led by Haley Hillyard. Highland (Riverside) would like to think they are set for a conference title opportunity with their top three players back led Anna Sweeting (14.7 ppg) and Kayla Schneider (10.4 ppg). Other returning starters to watch this season are Erika Massner (Wapello), Brittany Gerot (Highland, Riverside), Jesse Martin (Pekin) and Carly Unrah (Iowa Mennonite, Kalona). Look for the top of the North to look much the same this season. Lone Tree and Highland look to be strong at the top this season. SEISC-North Conference Prediction: 1. Lone Tree 2. Highland (Riverside) 3. Mediapolis SEISC-North 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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Girls Basketball

PS PREVIEW SEISC-South Conference Conference Outlook:

Siouxland Conference Conference Outlook:

South Central Conference Conference Outlook:

Harmony (Farmington) completed a sweep of the SEISC South last season but will have to rebuild behind Courtney Mills (12.3 ppg). Makenzie Zeitler returns with her 12-plus points per game for Van Buren (Keosauqua) while Cardinal (Eldon) bring back four of their five starters led by Cory Campbell (11.9 ppg) and West Burlington in a similar position led by Kassidy Guihan (11.4 ppg).

MOC-Floyd Valley won the Siouxland title last season and bring back a bunch of experience led by Rebecca De Haan and Jessica Locker who combined for 22 points per game. Sioux Center may be ready to make the jump into the upper division of the conference with four returning starters led by Katelyn Kragt and her 15.5 points per game. Sheldon will also be in the mix this season with all five starters back led by Alexis Bart (11.6 ppg).

Albia won the South Central title last season despite losing their top scorer during the season but the loss helped gain valuable experience for others. The Blue Demons return McKenzie Wynn and Leah Kipfer who combined for nearly 19 points per game in hopes of defending the league crown. Centerville will return four starters led by Olivia Starcevich (13.1 ppg). Tanna Sueferer at nearly 13 points per game is back for Chariton and it looks likes the three will once again fight for the conference title.

Also on the players watch list in the SEISC South are Katy Kirk (BurlingtonNotre Dame), Traci Keller (Central Lee, Donnellson), Jamie Johnson and Emily Siefken (West Burlington) and Jessica Sanders (Van Buren, Keosauqua). Should be a good battle Courtney Mills for the top in the South Harmony (Farmington) this season with the edge Van Buren County Leader-Record going to Van Buren. SEISC-South Conference Prediction: 1. Van Buren (Keosauqua) 2. Cardinal (Eldon) 3. West Burlington

Others back for their schools to lead the way are Taylor Poppema (Okoboji, Milford), Whitney Vander Maten (Boyden-Hull), Erica Vande Hoef and Brittany Rus (Rock Valley), Nikki Van Dyke (Sioux Center), Kelly Myrlie (West Lyon, Inwood), Abby Lammers (Sheldon) and Jessah Feidler (George-Little Rock). MOC-Floyd Valley will remain the team to chase but after that look for Sioux Center or Sheldon to challenge. Siouxland Conference Prediction: 1. MOC-Floyd Valley 2. Sioux Center 3. Sheldon Siouxland Conference Teams: Boyden-Hull, Central Lyon (Rock Rapids), George-Little Rock, **MOC-Floyd Valley, Okoboji (Milford), Rock Valley, Sheldon, SibleyOcheydan, Sioux Center, West Lyon (Inwood),

SEISC-South 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

Other players to watch this season are Nicole Harnisch (Eddyville-Blakesburg), Layne Grgurich (Chariton), Kaitlin Pipps (Davis County, Bloomfield) and Avery Schmidt (Centerville).

McKensie Wynn (Albia)

South Central Conference Prediction: 1. Albia 2. Centerville 3. Chariton South Central Conference Teams: **Albia, Centerville, Chariton, Clarke (Osceola), Davis County (Bloomfield), Eddyville-Blakesburg

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Volume 12 Issue 9

Girls Basketball

South Iowa Cedar Conference Conference Outlook:

Southeast Conference Conference Outlook:

North Mahaska (New Sharon) won every conference game last season and return four of their five starters led by Hannah Ferguson and Kate Ray who combined for 16 points per game. Iowa Valley (Marengo) will pose a stiff challenge with all of their starters back led by Gina Svare, the top returning scorer in the South Iowa Cedar back with her 13.9 points per game. Lynnville-Sully has a good basketball tradition and have a group to build around in Brianna James, Tara Van Rees and Danielle Samson who combined for nearly 27 points per game.

Washington was perfect last season in the Southeast but lost a ton of that talented group. On the flip side, Keokuk is back with four of their five starters and will be very tough this season led by Shelsey Stanley (13.5 ppg) and Mckenzie Piper 12.3 ppg). Fort Madison will try to improve behind Alexis Lazano â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dobbs and her nearly 12 points per game. Taylor Shull returns as one of the top scorers in the state with her 19-plus points a game for Mount Pleasant but need help with new faces behind her.

Dani Coover (12.7 ppg) is back for Belle Plaine Dani Coover and along with Keota and Montezuma should improve (Belle Plaine) this season as well. Other returning starters back to watch are Emily Long and Brittany Bryan (Montezuma), Mary DeMeulenaere (Belle Plaine), Katie Allaman (Keota), Jordan Higgins (English Valley, North English), Paige Simmons and Cheslea Gryp (H-L-V, Victor). Nobody should run away with the title like last year but North Mahaska has an opportunity to repeat. South Central Iowa Conference Prediction: 1. Iowa Valley (Marengo) 2. North Mahaska (New Sharon) 3. Lynnville-Sully South Central Iowa 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)

Volume 12 Issue 9

Shelsey Stanley (Keokuk) The Chiefs are the team to beat but individually some of the returning starters to watch are Jennifer Reittenger (Fort Madison), Erin Uhlmeyer (Keokuk), Tori Ogden (Fairfield) and Sydney Greiner (Washington). Southeast Conference Prediction: 1. Keokuk 2. Fort Madison 3. Washington Southeast Conference Teams: Fairfield, Fort Madison, Keokuk, Mount Pleasant, **Washington

PS PREVIEW Tri-Rivers Conference Conference Outlook: Cascade rolled through the schedule last season in the Tri-Rivers but most of that talented group have graduated. That only means that Maquoketa Valley (Dehli) steps in as the favorite this season with Abi Wooten (Maquoketa Valley) four returning starters back led by Abbie Wooten (11.7 ppg). North Linn (Troy Mills) also have four starters back led by Shannon Waring (10.5 ppg). Monticello and Edgewood-Colesburg will be in the upper division battle as well. Others on the returning players watch list in the Tri-Rivers are Nikki Niehaus and Kristy Lueken (Edgewood-Colesburg), Tanya Hendrickson (Central City), Brooke Stahlberg (Monticello), Lexie Raddatz (North Linn, Troy Mills) and Sammie Salow (Maquoketa Valley, Dehli). Tri-Rivers Conference Prediction: 1. Maquoketa Valley (Dehli) 2. North Linn (Troy Mills) 3. Monticello

Tri-Rivers Conference Teams: Alburnett, **Cascade, Central City, East Buchanan

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Girls Basketball

PS PREVIEW Twin Lakes Conference Conference Outlook:

Manson-NW Webster finished as the runner-up in Class 2A last season but lost their top three scorers off that roster. The Cougars will look to rebuild around Lauren Twait, Lauren Twait Ashley Markert and Blair (Manson-NW Webster) Schoon. Prairie Valley (Gowrie) led by Taylor Warehime (9.8 ppg) and Blair Moore (9.0 ppg) should be tough again and maybe ready to fight for the league crown. Newcomers will have a huge impact on the league this season which may have no clear cut winner this season. Other players to watch this season that return are Marie Scott (East Sac County), Chelsey Henkenius (South Central Calhoun) and Hannah Bindner (Prairie Valley, Gowrie). Twin Lakes Conference Prediction: 1. Prairie Valley (Gowrie) 2. South Central Calhoun 3.Manson-NW Webster Twin Lakes Conference Teams: East Sac County, **Manson-NW Webster, Pocahontas Area/PomeroyPalmer, Prairie Valley (Gowrie), Southeast WebsterGrand (Burnside), South Central Calhoun

Upper Iowa Conference Conference Outlook: MFL, Mar-Mac (Monona) won the conference crown with Valley Community (Elgin) right behind. McKenna Snitker will try to lead the charge for the Bulldogs while the Tigers have experience back with four starters back but lost one of the top players in the conference in Shantel Lehmann and her 15-plus points per game. Sumner-Fredericksburg returns Carly Pagel (11.5 ppg) while South Winneshiek (Calmar) returns their top four starters who combined for 30 points per game led by Emily Lensing (9.9 ppg). Individually in the Tri-Rivers some of the top returning players back are Calsey Schwamman (Turkey Valley, Jackson Junction), Kim Kleve (Valley, Elgin), Abby Eberling (Postville) and Annie Gullickson (South Winneshiek, Calmar). The battle for the top could look McKenna Snitker similar to last season with just (MFL, Mar Mac) some positions changes. Denne Brodbeck/The Outlook Upper Iowa Conference Prediction: 1. Valley (Elgin) 2. South Winneshiek (Calmar) 3. MFL, Mar-Mac (Monona) and Sumner-Frederickson Upper Iowa 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 Conference Conference Outlook: All that Mount Vernon did was win the Class 2A state title last season and should be very much in the picture again with four starters back led by Liz Skotowski and Taylor Discus who combined for nearly 23 points per game. Central Clinton (DeWitt) will make it difficult once again with their complete roster back led by Jen Keitel and Lindsay Smith Liz Skotowski (Mount Vernon) who both averaged 14.8 ppg last season. It should be good for both teams to be able to play state tournament type games in conference action. The remainder of the WAMAC East will battle for an upper division finish and will count on the following returning starters to do so which include Kelsey Holmes (Maquoketa), Kelsey Dircks and Dani Herdliska (Solon), Amanda Platte (Mount Vernon) and Allison Pasker (Western Dubuque, Epworth). WAMAC-East Conference Prediction: 1. Mount Vernon 2. Central Clinton (DeWitt) 3. Solon WAMAC-East Conference Teams: Anamosa, Beckman (Dyersville), Central Clinton (DeWitt), Western Dubuque (Epworth), **Mount Vernon, Maquoketa, Solon, West Delaware (Manchester)

WAMAC-West Conference Conference Outlook:

War Eagle Conference Conference Outlook:

West Central Conference Conference Outlook:

Marion has been pretty good the past few seasons and once again won the WAMAC West title but Kristin Kramer is the last of the starters back from that group. Williamsburg was a mix of experience and young talent and last years time on the floor should benefit that talent led by Mackenzie Bigbee and her 12 points per game. Benton (Van Horne) with Madison Weekly (12.9 ppg) and Vinton-Shellsburg with Allison Emrich (12.7 ppg) are the conferences top returning scorers and will look to lead their respective teams into the conference race.

Hinton won the War Eagle title last season but lost the conferences top scorer. The good news is that the second leading scorer is back in senior Ashton Moody (15.4 ppg). In fact four of their top five are back which includes Sadie Shuck and Mallory Thoreson who combined for nearly 18 points per game and should be a strong favorite. The remainder of the conference looks to be up in the air with most teams trying to fill voids left to graduation but also with a key returning starter to build around. Betsy Thomas and Cassidy Breon (Sergeant Bluff-Luton) are back and should pose a great challenge with their nearly 25 points per game average.

Panorama (Panora) was dominate last season but to repeat will have to replace the talented Elly Arganbright and her 18-plus points per game. That being said they do return four of their top six players led by Bailey Stepanek and Sidney Beckman. Des Moines Christian is one of the teams that will be in the title chase this season led by Emily Horstman and her 13.3 points per game. West Central Valley (Stuart) returns the conferences leading scorer and rebounder, Maggie Marnin with 21.5 ppg and 14.7 rebounds per game along with the remainder of the Wildcats starters from 2009-2010.

Some pretty good individual talent returning again this year in the WAMAC West which includes Rachel Schaefer (Columbus Catholic, Waterloo), Madie Wilken (Center Point-Urbana), Hannah Wilson (Williamsburg) and Kelsey Brecht (Benton, Van Horne). It should be a more competitive West this season with Williamsburg getting the edge. WAMAC-West Conference Prediction: 1. Williamsburg 2. Benton (Van Horne) 3. Vinton-Shellsburg WAMAC-West Conference Teams: Benton (Van Horne), Center Point-Urbana Clear Creek-Amana, Columbus Catholic (Waterloo), Independence, **Marion, Vinton-Shellsburg, Williamsburg

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Dana Weerheim (West Sioux, Hawarden) is one of those players with her nearly 15 points per game average last season. Others to watch in leadership roles this season are Erica Dreckman (Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn), Emma Kreir (St. Mary’s, Remsen), Onica Jacobs (Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn), Jena Hansen (Spalding Catholic, Granville) and Cassie Rehder (South O’Brien, Paulina) who all come back after scoring 10-pluss points per game last year. War Eagle Conference Prediction: 1. Hinton 2. Sergeant Bluff-Luton 3. Unity Christian (Orange City) War Eagle Conference Teams: Akron-Westfield, Gehlen Catholic (LeMars), Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, **Hinton, MarcusMeriden-Cleghorn, Remsen-Union, St. Mary’s (Remsen), South O’Brien (Paulina), Spalding Catholic (Granville), Unity Christian (Orange City), West Sioux (Hawarden)

Others hope to improve and one of those teams could be Coon Rapids-Bayard with the return of Katie Dentlinger (16.2 ppg) and Mary Halverson (12.1 ppg). Other individuals that return this season are Kristin Klocksiem (Glidden-Ralston), Leah Courtney (Guthrie Center), Elle Lacher (West Central Valley, Stuart), Aspen Rhodes (Van Meter), Anna Heasley and Jaydn Kooiker (Woodward-Granger), Carly Grotenhuis (Des Moines Christian) and Tess Ory (Earlham). West Central Conference Prediction: 1. Des Moines Christian 2. West Central Valley (Stuart) 3. Guthrie Center and Panorama (Panora) West Central 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

Volume 12 Issue 9

Girls Basketball

PS PREVIEW

Western Iowa Conference Conference Outlook:

Western Valley-South Conference Conference Outlook:

Western Valley-North Conference Conference Outlook:

Audubon was one of the great stories last season winning the conference title and reaching the state tournament. The chances of a repeat will depend on many new faces this season. Treynor has built a basketball tradition in the Western Iowa Conference and return three starters led by Kaitlin Floerchinger. Beth Sieleman (13.0 ppg) returns for Tri-Center (Neola) but a new group will join her in the starting lineup this season. Missouri Valley lost their leading scorer but a balanced group returns led by Courtney Cunard and her nearly 11 points per game. Riverside (Oakland) also returns four starters and should improve in the conference title chase.

IKM-Manning won the Western Valley South title last season and is a traditional power in girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball. Nearly 28 points a game return this season in Kaylee Blake (14.2 ppg) and Tember Schechinger (13.4 ppg). Karen Hutson of LoganMagnolia is back with her 24.2 points per game and nearly the complete 2009-2010 roster. Ar-We-Va (Westside) should improve with all five starters back led by Melissa Greve (17.6 ppg) and Morgan Roecker (11.2 ppg).

Odebolt Arthur/Battle Creek-Ida Grove consolidated last season and reached the state tournament field and should feel the opportunity could present itself again with the return of the conferences leading scorer Jessie Pauley (18.1 ppg) and Ashley Zobel (13.4 ppg), the conferences fourth leading scorer. Ridge View returns three starters led by Egypt Clayton and her just over 12 points per game. Lawton-Bronson has been pretty solid in the recent seasons and returns their top two scorers in Leah Miller and Katelyn Brockhaus who combined for more than 25 points per game. Maple Valley-Anton-Oto will look to improve behind Lindsey Brown (12.1 ppg).

Individually, some of the top returning starters from last season are Jessica Joy (Riverside, Oakland), Erin Beverage and Amy Lintner (Underwood) and Rachel Northrup (Griswold)

Western Valley-South Conference Prediction: 1. Logan-Magnolia 2. IKM-Manning 3. Ar-We-Va (Westside)

Western Iowa Conference Prediction: 1. Treynor 2. Missouri Valley 3. Riverside (Oakland) Western Iowa Conference Teams: A-H-S-T (Avoca), **Audubon, Griswold, Missouri Valley, Riverside (Oakland), Treynor, Tri-Center (Neola), Underwood

Volume 12 Issue 9

Some of the other top individual returning starters back this season are Jacqueline Clark who was second in the conference in scoring last season at 18.3 ppg. Also back are Jennifer Petcshe (West Monona, Onawa), Kayla Bird (Whiting), Daniell Kock (Ar-We-Va, Westside) and Shelby Houston (Boyer Valley, Dunlap).

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

No doubt some pretty good talent in the Western Valley North which also includes Christy Gallagher (Westwood, Sloan), Jen Ruba (Remsen-Union), Meagan Kerns (Maple Valley-AnthonOto, Katie Kallin (Odebolt-Arthur/Battle Creek-Ida Grove) and Hannah Miesner (Kinglsey-Pierson). Western Valley-North Conference Prediction: 1. Odebolt-Arthur/Battle Creek-Ida Grove 2. Lawton-Bronson 3. Ridge View and Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto Western Valley-North Conference Teams: KingsleyPierson, Lawton-Bronson, Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto, Odebolt-Arthur/Battle CreekIda Grove, **Ridge View, River Valley (Correctionville), Westwood (Sloan), Woodbury Central (Moville)

Jessie Pauley (OA - BCIG)

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Iowa Sports Connection

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Collegiate Corner

Volume 12 Issue 9

Collegiate Corner

Iowa Sports Connection

Fran McCaffery Ready To Turn Around Hawkeyes University of Iowa Sports Information Department The Big Ten Conference hosted its annual basketball Media Day Oct. 28 at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare. All 11 institutions, except for Penn State who was unable to make it due to travel problems caused by inclement weather, were represented at the event. The men’s and women’s coaches, along with studentathletes from each school, entertained the media for four hours. Representing the University of Iowa men’s squad for the first time was Head Coach Fran McCaffery. He was joined by senior co-captain Jarryd Cole. The Hawkeyes have a young team and are trying to adapt to new surroundings. This will be a challenge in such a strong league, top-to-bottom. “I have always had tremendous respect for this league,” said McCaffery. “If you look now, having arguably three of the top five teams, five of the top 18, and seven projected teams to make the NCAA Tournament, very few leagues have that kind of depth and that many teams with a legitimate chance to go to the Final Four.” Minnesota Head Coach Tubby Smith also noted the strength of the Big Ten. “As coaches and players you want to compete against the best,” said Smith. “Certainly, we are competing against the best in the Big Ten. The Big Ten has brilliant coaches and outstanding players that are respected around the country and that represent their institutions the right way. We have veteran coaches that have been in the business a long time, so you know you are not going to trick anybody. We have so many good players returning, and I think that is why we are the best conference in the country.” Michigan State, coming off its second straight NCAA Final Four appearance, was named league favorite by the media. Ohio State and Purdue were tabbed for second and third, respectively. The

Volume 12 Issue 9

Spartans standout senior guard, some of the other athletes.” Kalin Lucas, was named Preseason Cole has also been enjoying Player of the Year. the atmosphere at practice. Despite the strength and He has been having more fun depth of the conference, Coach and knows the Hawkeye fans McCaffery likes his squad and will enjoy the upcoming season the way in which they have been as well. competing thus far. “Practices have been “I really like my team,” said going really well,” said Cole, McCaffery. “The core group of the Kansas City, Mo. native. young players we have, have “The freshmen are picking responded well to the changes that the system up very well. The we are trying to make. We have returning guys are hungry and a great group of young freshmen. are ready to try something We have a solid group of about new. I think the up-and-down nine, maybe 10 players.” Smith took style is going to be good for us. over at Minnesota in 2007 and The up-and-down style and the understands what it takes to turn a full court defense are going program in the right direction. to be very interesting, very “The team will have a renewed entertaining and very fun. That spirit,” said the Gopher head coach. is what basketball should be. “The players will be reenergized The fans are really going to like Eric May (Iowa, Dubuque Wahlert) when they see a different style, it and we are going to like it.” Photo courtesy of U of I something new. When I went Cole is eager to begin live into Minnesota we had a plus ten game action. turnaround from the previous “The seventh of November season. I can see the same thing happening at Iowa cannot come fast enough,” added Cole. because Fran has won championships before and he is Cole and the Hawkeyes open the season Nov. 7 a real professional.” with an exhibition against Illinois-Springfield. The game Cole, a key member of the core group Coach is scheduled to begin at 3:35 p.m. in Carver-Hawkeye McCaffery mentioned, has started 47 career games. Arena. The Black and Gold open the regular Nov. 14 at The senior enjoyed his time at the event. Carver-Hawkeye Arena, hosting South Dakota State. “Last night we came in and went to dinner with all The contest is scheduled to begin at 2:05 p.m. the athletes,” said Cole. “It is really cool to sit down in that kind of atmosphere because once the season starts we are really not going to be friends. It will be a battle from then on out. It is really cool to get to know

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Collegiate

Iowa Sports Connection

Corner

Iowa Women Have High Expecations for 2010-11 Season University of Iowa Sports Information Department IOWA CITY, Iowa - University of Iowa head women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder had a simple message for her team during the offseason in preparations for the 2010-11 season. That message was relayed on the back of a t-shirt that was given to every player as a reminder of what to expect when the season rolled around. What was the message? A target placed squarely on the back of the t-shirt. The Hawkeyes return all but one player from last year’s team that made an amazing run through the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament, finishing 20-14 overall and in third place in the Big Ten. Iowa won nine of its final 12 games, earned a berth in the Big Ten Tournament championship game and defeated Rutgers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament before falling to eventual national runner-up Stanford. With nearly everybody back, the Hawkeyes won’t be overlooked this year. “We are going from the hunters to the hunted,” Bluder said. “We were able to sneak up on a lot of teams last year. We were young and injured. We aren’t going to sneak up on anyone this year. People know our team and we have high expectations. Our team needs to handle having that target on their backs.” Preseason expectations are abundant in Iowa City. Both the Big Ten coaches and media picked Iowa to finish second in the league behind defending champion Ohio State. Speaking of preseason expectations, All-American Kachine Alexander has had plenty of praise leading up to her senior campaign. Alexander was a preseason all-Big Ten selection and has been named to the Wade Trophy, Wooden Award and Naismith Trophy watch lists, which are considered the three most prestigious awards in NCAA women’s basketball. After bursting on to the national scene last year by averaging a double-double with 16 points and 10.4 rebounds as a 5-9 guard, Bluder is expecting nothing less from her emotional leader. “Everyone can see her enthusiasm and excitement,” Bluder said. “What people don’t see is that she brings that same attitude every day in practice. Kachine can control the mood of the team by her enthusiasm. She is so contagious. The points, the rebounds, the defense, people see that in person. They don’t see her value to us every day in the gym.” Two other players who garnered postseason awards a

year ago are also primed for successful Bluder will have the luxury of calling on seasons. Jaime Printy was named Big Hannah Draxten off the bench after she Ten Freshman of the Year last season, was sidelined for much of last year with a averaging 14.7 points and four rebounds back injury. Draxten will add another long per game. After a hard summer of distance scoring threat for the Hawkeyes. training on the defensive side, Bluder is “It’s great to have Hannah back and ready for Printy to show fans she has pain free,” Bluder said. “She is another become a complete player. deep shooter for us. Hannah will definitely “Last year, Jaime was a liability on help the team and it’s great to have her defense,” Bluder said. “She really worked back.” hard in that aspect of her game and now, Senior Kelsey Cermak, who is team she is doing really well defensively. That co-captain along with Wahlin, will serve as shows you the mindset of Jaime. You Iowa’s utility player. Cermak’s unselfishness show her a weakness and she goes out is exactly why she is a two-time team and improves it.” captain. Kamille Wahlin returns for her junior “Kelsey plays wherever we need her to,” season as Iowa’s point guard. Wahlin was Bluder said. “She does whatever it takes to a third team all-Big Ten selection last year make our team better. Kelsey’s leadership and averaged 14.2 points, 3.5 rebounds is just extraordinary. It has been the last Jaime Printy (Iowa, Linn-Mar) and 3.2 assists. Bluder is glad to have her Photo courtesy of U of I two years.” floor general back leading the team. Junior Megan Considine also returns after joining the team “We, as coaches, have a high level of confidence in Kamille,” as a walk-on midway through the season last year. Considine Bluder said. “She has the green light from pretty much was a gym-rat over the summer and will see minutes off the anywhere on the court and she has great judgment. She can bench this year. stop-and-pop, penetrate and has great range. We are very “Megan came into a unique situation last year,” Bluder said. thankful to have such a talented point guard.” “Now that she knows the offense and has been around the Junior Kelly Krei showed the Big Ten her talents last year team, she can help give our guards a break. Megan can give us during the league tournament where she lit up Indianapolis en quality minutes and her hustle is outstanding.” route to an all-tournament team selection. Bluder wants Krei The injury bug has once again bit the Hawkeyes. Sophomore to keep her aggressive attitude during the entire season. Theairra Taylor will be sidelined for the year with her third ACL “Kelly was hesitant to be an offensive threat last year and tear in 20 months. Sophomore Trisha Nesbitt is out indefinitely you saw her come out of that shell at the Big Ten Tournament,” with a foot injury. Bluder said. “Now she understands that she is expected to be The Hawkeyes have added two newcomers to the roster a part of our offense.” in freshman Jade Rogers and junior college transfer Kalli Sophomore Morgan Johnson will be Iowa’s main threat in Hansen. Bluder believes both players will have important roles the paint. The 6-5 center from Platte City, MO, spent extra on the team. hours in the weight room to up her physicality. “Kalli has three-point range but can also penetrate,” Bluder “Morgan has elevated her game since last year,” Bluder said. “She is very strong and gives us another dimension on said. “She’s more assertive in the paint and worked really hard the perimeter. in the weight room over the offseason. We are very pleased “We moved Jade to more of a post position during with Morgan’s progress from her freshman to sophomore preseason camp,” Bluder said. “She is so strong and is gaining year.” confidence with her back to the basket.”

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Volume 12 Issue 9

Collegiate Corner

Iowa Sports Connection

The Mayor Returns To Ames, Hopes To Lift Cyclones Iowa State Sports Information Department The 2010-11 version of the Iowa State men’s basketball team may not generate much excitement among college basketball experts, and that’s to be expected. It’s hard to tag immediate success on a team when it returns just two players with signifi cant minutes and loses 76.5 percent of its scoring from a 15-17 team a year ago. However, in this crazy world of college hoops we live in, there is excitement and hope running through the Cyclone camp, and it all came about in a 48-hour period. In late April ISU fans were gearing toward Greg McDermott’s fi fth season at the helm when he unexpectedly took the Creighton job less than two days after it had opened. Acting just as swiftly as McDermott, ISU Athletics Director Jamie Pollard made an immediate splash by announcing that Cyclone legend Fred “The Mayor” Hoiberg would be the Cyclones’ 19th head coach in school history just a day later. ISU fans everywhere began rejoicing. Cyclone Nation needed no introduction to Hoiberg. The Ames native, who was nicknamed “The Mayor” for his overwhelming popularity, is arguably the most revered Cyclone of all time. He finished his ISU career as the school’s thirdbest all-time scorer (1,993 points), was an All-American on the court and in the classroom, has his jersey hanging in the rafters of Hilton Coliseum and is a member of ISU’s All-Century hoops team and the school’s hall of fame. He continued his enormous success on the professional level where he played in the NBA for 10 years before a heart ailment derailed his career. In his final season in the NBA in 2004-05, Hoiberg then served in the Timberwolves’ front office for several years before returning to Ames. Changing the Cyclones’ style of play is a top priority for Hoiberg. ISU was considered more of grind-it-out team the last four seasons and Hoiberg wants to see the Cyclones get out and run more often. Hoiberg wishes to utilize spacing and timing into his offense to help get the frenzied Hilton Coliseum crowd on its feet. “I want to play up tempo and I think we have a good class of freshmen who can play that way,” Hoiberg added. “They are athletic, they are long and the style of play I think they will thrive in is getting up and down the fl oor. You just can’t say that you’re going to run, you have to practice it and drill it. Are we going to play up tempo all the time? Probably not. There are

Volume 12 Issue 9

Photo courtesty of Iowa State

going to be some games where we are going second half of the 2009-10 campaign, to have to grind it out in the half court. For the starting the last 15 games and averaging 7.9 most part, I am confi dent that these guys can ppg. Christopherson, a junior from LaCrosse, do that and those are the kind of kids we are Wis., who transferred from Marquette, is an recruiting now.” outstanding shooter who also has the ability With its experience in the backcourt, there to drive to the hoop. He was ISU’s best is also an opportunity for the Cyclones to shooter from the foul line (33-39 FT; 84.6%) improve their pace on the defensive end. and connected on 42.9 percent of his shots “We will press, we will trap, we will get out from downtown (45-105 3FG), the ninth-best in passing lanes and try to deny the ball,” said single-season Hoiberg. “Coach (Tim) Floyd’s (former ISU head tally in school history. His ability to knock coach) biggest thing when I played for him was down outside shots will help him see plenty of getting back and not letting a team beat you playing time in 2010-11. in transition when you missed a shot. When we make a shot, we are going to try and press and The Frontcourt trap, but we aren’t going to be able to do that Hoiberg will have to hope for some quick against everybody. There are a lot of teams learners in the post, as the Cyclones return that you can’t get out of their offense by just only one player in the middle with experience Scott Christopherson trapping in the backcourt. I am still learning in Jamie Vanderbeken (6-11, 250, Sr.), and (Iowa State) what this team is all about and I am going to he sat out all of last season as a medical play to my personnel, but that is eventually the kind of team I redshirt. Gone are All-Big 12 performers Craig Brackins and would like to have.” Marquis Gilstrap to the professional ranks, and contributors Justin Hamilton and LaRon Dendy, who both transferred to The Backcourt other schools. As stated earlier, with two returning starters at guard in Four rookies will be thrown into the fi re to help Diante Garrett (6-4, 190, Sr.) and Scott Christopherson (6-3, Vanderbeken in the middle in Melvin Ejim (6-6, 215, Fr.), Calvin 200, Jr.), ISU will have its most experience in the backcourt. Godfrey (6-8, 240, Fr.), Eric McKnight (6-9, 215, Fr.) and Jordan Garrett, a senior from Milwaukee, Wis., will enter his third Railey (6-10, 230, Fr.). All have different skill sets which will season as the Cyclone point-man, starting a team-best 64 be utilized in their freshman seasons. Hoiberg added a nice consecutive games the last two seasons. Garrett not only piece to the frontcourt puzzle in July when it was announced brings experience, but also the ability to become one of the that Royce White, a 6-8, 250-pound power forward from best playmakers in the Big 12. 2010-11 Iowa State Men’s Minnesota, will transfer to the Cyclones. His eligibility status is Basketball Prospectus still uncertain. “Diante is going to have a big year for us,” Hoiberg said. “He A native of Belleville, Ontario, Vanderbeken played in 10 is a three-year guy who I think will thrive in an up-tempo offense games last year before numerous injuries forced him to sit out with the correct spacing. I think he is a guy who can live in the the rest of the year and secure a redshirt. As a junior in 2008paint and make plays either for himself or other people.” 09, Vanderbeken averaged 5.5 points and 3.0 rebounds to Garrett averaged 9.2 points and 5.1 assists, ranking third help him land on the Kansas City Star’s Big 12 All-Newcomer in the Big 12 and 38th nationally in dimes, in 2009-10. He team. Vanderbeken can be a tough matchup because of his already ranks eighth on ISU’s career assist chart (416) and outstanding shootingability, as evident of his career 42.2 18th-best all-time on the school’s steal list (98). He is percent clip (43-102 3FG) from 3-point range. Hoiberg will defi the active Big 12 leader in double-digit assist games with six. nitely try to use Vanderbeken’s accuracy from downtown Christopherson was a key player for the Cyclones in the to his advantage.

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Iowa Sports Connection

Collegiate Corner

Kelsey Bolte Emerges as Leader for Cyclones Kayci Woodley Iowa State Sports Information She has heard the voices of many former leaders beside her the past three years. This season, however, it’s time for Iowa State women’s basketball player Kelsey Bolte to be the leader and the voice of the team. The lone senior in the Iowa State lineup for the 2010-11 season will step into the leadership role in place of former Cyclone standout Alison Lacey. For Bolte, this year will be unlike any other as in previous years she’s had the luxury of upperclassmen taking control. “Over the years I had Alison Lacey, I had Heather Ezell, I had Nicky Wieben,” Bolte said. “So this year I have to show the younger players what needs to be done and be the example.” Both point guards, Lacey and Ezell had the ability to take control of games every time they brought the ball up the floor. Bolte will have to find another way to make an impact as a shooting guard. “This year she’s got to take tough shots, she’s got to not pass the ball as much, she’s got to be willing to be selfish in a way that helps your team,” said Iowa State head coach Bill Fennelly. While being selfish isn’t something Bolte has done in the past, or something most coaches stress, it may be the key to the Cyclones’ success for the future. The fourth year starter averaged 12.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in the 2009-10 season and was named All-Big 12 honorable mention for the second year in a row. This year Fennelly says he needs her to be the hardest worker and the most committed, to show the younger players what it takes to be a Cyclone. While the point guard position remains undecided for Iowa State, Bolte has been working on her ball handling skills to feel more comfortable if it comes down to a moment where the Cyclone leader needs to have the ball in her hands. “I want to feel more comfortable with the ball and

not panic,” Bolte said. “And Lacey’s Australian accent when I do get the ball I want to and the loud shrieks from Ezell want to dribble.” no longer fill the walls of Hilton Bolte has experienced all Coliseum. Instead, Bolte will be types of leaders and this year looked to in times of frenzy to she’ll need to develop her step up and do what she’s seen own way of leadership to have so many before her do. success with this group of “I tell seniors all the time, fresh faces. The Cyclone lineup leave a piece of you behind this year consists of three and every senior wants their freshmen, four sophomores, last year to be their best three juniors and Bolte. Of and Kelsey Bolte has played the three juniors, two are on three NCAA tournament transfers from this year, which teams, it’d be nice to say adds up to five players without you played on four,” Fennelly any regular season experience. said. “It’d be nice to stand up “I’m willing to take the there as someone who gives responsibility and I want to a speech and can talk about try to do a lot more for my playing on a great team and team so I’m excited to take the impact she made.” the leadership role and do Ever since her freshman everything I can to be there for year Bolte has thought about my teammates on and off the giving her senior speech alone, court,” Bolte said. on center court at Hilton It may mean taking the shot Kelsey Bolte (Iowa State, Battle Creek-Ida Grove) Coliseum. The only Cyclone with two seconds to go on the Photo courtesy of Iowa State from her class, Bolte said she shot clock, but Bolte has done gets nervous when she thinks that before. It may also mean about having to do that. On stepping up to expectations made by Fennelly, but the Tuesday at the Cyclones’ first regular season practice 6-foot-1-inch guard has done that before too. For Bolte, of the year, the Ida Grove, Iowa native took the first being the leader will mean being the most vocal player step to making her final Cyclone season all she’s ever on the floor, something that will be new for her. hoped it to be, and making that senior speech a little “It’s not about accepting responsibility, not wanting bit easier to give. that challenge because I think she does,” Fennelly said. “There’s going to be days when it’s going to be hard, but she’s only got one more chance to do it and I don’t think she’ll waste one day of it.”

Good December 1 - 31, 2010. Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com

Volume 12 Issue 9

Collegiate

Iowa Sports Connection

Corner

Previewing the UNI Men’s Basketball Season University of Northern Iowa Sports Information The University of Northern Iowa men’s basketball squad will open its 2010-11 season Nov. 12 at Syracuse with the release of the Panthers’ non-conference schedule. UNI will play a pair of exhibition games at home on Nov. 2 vs. Wartburg and Nov. 6 vs. the University of Mary (N.D.) before embarking on a trip to the Carrier Dome to take on the Orange. Syracuse posted a record of 30-5 a year ago and was a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Orange reached the Sweet 16 before falling to eventual national runner-up Butler, 63-59. The Panthers will return home to take on Coe College in UNI’s regular season home opener Nov. 16. UNI will travel to Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Nov. 20 to complete a homeand-home series. UNI will complete a 2-for-1 deal with the University of North Dakota on Nov. 27 when the Fighting Sioux come to the McLeod Center. Coach Jacobson is a 1994 graduate of UND and the Panthers have scored wins over his alma mater in each of the past two seasons. Iowa State and new head coach Fred Hoiberg will invade the McLeod Center on Dec. 1 as the Panthers and Cyclones begin their quest for the mythical state title. UNI will travel to Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 4 to take on the TCU Horned Frogs in the Mountain West/Missouri Valley Challenge. The Panthers will head to Iowa City on Dec. 7 to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes and their new head coach Fran McCaffrey in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. UNI will play host to Morehead State University on Dec. 11 in the McLeod Center. Morehead State reached the quarterfinals of the College Basketball Insider postseason tournament last year. MSU reached the Ohio Valley Conference tournament championship game and posted an overall mark of 24-11.

Morehead State features All-America candidate Kenneth Faried. Faried had an extraordinary year, averaging 16.9 points a game, while hauling in 13.0 boards per contest to lead the OVC and rank second in the nation. He also ranked second nationally in double-doubles, recording 25 double-dips in 35 total games. That included 10 games with 20 or more points. He was named OVC Player of the Week five times during the 2009-10 season. UNI will then begin play in the Las Vegas Classic, which will include home games on Dec. 17 vs. South Carolina State and Dec. 19 vs. Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. The final two games of the Las Vegas Classic will take place in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena. UNI will take on Indiana on Dec. 22 and then either New Mexico or Colorado on Dec. 23. The Panthers’ final non-conference game of the regular season will be the BracketBuster matchup which will take place in the McLeod Center on Feb. 18, Feb. 19 or Feb. 20. The BracketBuster opponent will be determined in late January. The Missouri Valley Conference schedule will be set at a later date. UNI is coming off a 30-5 season which saw the Panthers reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. UNI has captured back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference regular season and tournament titles. UNI has won 15 straight games in the McLeod Center heading into the 2010-11 season. To order your 2010-11 UNI men’s basketball season tickets contact the UNItix Office at 319-273-4849 or visit www.UNIPanthers.com.

Panthers Picked To Finish Thrid in MVC, Ahelegbe Named Preseason All-MVC The University of Northern Iowa Panthers were picked to finish third in the MVC preseason poll in voting by the league’s coaches, sports information directors and media. The Panthers received three firstplace votes and 289 points in the poll. Kwadzo Ahelegbe (UNI) Photo courtesy of UNI Wichita State is the preseason favorite with 33 first-place votes and 382 total points. Missouri State garnered one first-place vote and 313 total points. Senior point guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe was one of the five members named to the preaseason all-Missouri Valley Conference team. Ahelegbe is the Panthers’ leading returning scorer at 10.6 points per game. Ahelegbe is joined on the preseason team by Creighton’s Kenny Lawson Jr., Bradley’s Sam Maniscalco, Wichita State’s Toure’ Murry and Missouri State’s Kyle Weems. Lawson Jr. was also tabbed the league’s preseason player of the year.

Panther Look To Build Off Last Season’s Success in 2010-11 University of Northern Iowa Sports Information

The University of Northern Iowa women’s basketball team was picked second in the Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll, the league announced Tuesday. Senior Lizzie Boeck and junior Jacqui Kalin were each named to the preseason all-conference team. The preseason poll and all-conference team are voted on by the league’s coaches, sports information directors and members of the media. This is the highest the Panthers have ever been picked to finish, and UNI’s three first-place votes are the first in program history. Missouri State was picked to win the league, and Creighton was picked third. “We’re honored and humbled by the respect that has been shown to us,” said head coach Tanya Warren, “but we also know that it isn’t where you start, it’s where you finish.” Kalin led the Panthers in scoring last season, and was a first-team all-conference pick. Boeck was the second-leading scorer for UNI in 2009-10, was an all-conference honorable mention and was named the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Most Outstanding Player. The Panthers open play on Nov. 7 against Maryville in an exhibition game. The regular season opens Nov. 12 at Colorado State.

1. Missouri State (27) 2. UNI (3) 329 3. Creighton (7) 328 4. Illinois State (2) 258 5. Wichita State 226 6. Bradley (1) 204 7. Drake 180 8. Indiana State 150 9. Southern Illinois 83 10. Evansville 57

Complete Poll School (First Place Votes) Points

Sam Schuett, Creighton F 6-0 Sr. Omaha, Neb. (Millard West)

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385

Preseason All-Conference Team 2010-11 MVC Preseason Team Lizzie Boeck, UNI C 6-2 Milwaukee, Wis. (Milwaukee Lutheran) Casey Garrison, Missouri State Bolivar, Mo. (Bolivar) Jacqui Kalin, UNI Sioux City, Iowa (North)

6-0

5-8

Jaleshia Roberson G 5-9 Jr. Kansas City, Mo. (Hickman Mills)

Sr.

Jr.

Jacqui Kalin (UNI, Sioux City North) Photo courtesy of UNI

Panthers To Host NCAAs in Des Moines The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship Committee announced Tuesday, October 26 that the University of Northern Iowa has been selected as one of four hosts for the 2012 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Regional Championships at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA. The NCAA Committee awarded Fresno, CA; Kingston, RI; and Raleigh, NC as the other Regional sites in 2012. Tickets for the 2012 Regionals will go on sale at a later date. Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com

Collegiate Corner

Iowa Sports Connection

Drake Men Look for New Leaders in 2010-11 Drake University Sports Information Department With the opening of preseason practice starting Friday, third-year head coach Mark Phelps previewed the 201011 edition of the Drake Bulldogs during the annual Drake Basketball Media Day Monday. “We’re excited to get started,” said Phelps. “We have a lot of newcomers who bring a certain level of talent to the team. I’m excited about the mix of our four upperclassmen with the recruits. I like the leadership and chemistry that we are starting to develop.” Fans will have an ooportunity to get a sneak preview of the Drake men’s and women’s basketball teams durin the True Blue Debut Oct. 21 at the Drake Knapp Center when the squads hold intrasquad scrimmages. Gone are four seniors, including first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference performer Josh Young who graduated as the school’s career scoring leader, but what has emerged for Drake basketball is an infusion of youth and talent ready to take the Bulldogs to new heights. Young, a three-year starter at guard, along with forward Adam Templeton who led the Missouri Valley Conference in three-point field goal percentage and ranked second in rebounding last year; two-year starting point guard Craig Stanley; and key reserve Bill Eaddy who helped lead Drake to back-to-back post-season appearances in 2007-08 and 2008-09. What remains is a young roster with only one senior - guard Ryan Wedel - and the nucleus of the league’s top recruiting classes in each of the past two seasons. The players returning and the signees that step foot on the Drake Knapp Center court are as gifted as Phelps has enjoyed during his tenure at Drake. The key to Drake’s success will be how quickly the seven returning letterwinners can mesh with six newcomers who are expected to contribute. Guards Wedel and Frank Wiseler and sophomore center Seth VanDeest return as starters from last year’s team. The 5-foot 11-inch Wedel anchors the backcourt and is the team’s top returning scorer after averaging 11.1 points. Named to Missouri Valley Conference All-Newcomer team, Wedel started at point guard in 14 straight games to open the 2009-10 campaign before moving to off-guard. He scored

in double figures in 19 games and ranked second in the MVC in steals. Wedel also led Drake with 66 three-point baskets last year. But it is Wedel’s leadership that Phelps is counting on. Wiseler, a junior, hopes to pick up where he left off from last season when he started Seth Van Deest (Drake, Bettendorf) the last 14 games at Photo courtesy of Drake University point guard. VanDeest drew raves with his game by game improvement in the post last year and was rewarded by being named to the MVC All-Freshman Team. He started all 33 games at center, averaging 8.5 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 48.8 percent. He ranked second in the MVC in blocked shots with a Drake freshman single-season school-record 45 (1.4 avg.). But what has Phelps beaming about VanDeest’s continued development is what took place during the off-season when he grew an inch to six feel 11 inches, while adding 20 pounds of strength to his 6-11, 238-pound frame. “We expected Seth to pick up right where he left off last year when he established himself as a low post presence in our league,” said Phelps. “But more importantly than his growth is that valued year of experience that he gained. We play offense through Seth. He makes great decisions when he is double teamed. He is an excellent passer. “We have to have a paint presence through dribble penetration or through the low post. It is one of the pillars of our program in terms of how we want to play.” With a year’s experience behind them, 6-8 sophomores Aaron Hawley, Ben Simons and Reece Uhlenhopp look to contribute more to the frontline fortunes. “Ben, Reece and Aaron have worked on gaining additional strength during the off-season,” Phelps said. “They will be better having been through the Missouri Valley Conference

wars for one year. That one year of experience in their hip pocket will serve them well.” Simons capped off his freshman campaign by joining VanDeest on the Global Sports Academy All-Stars, made up of players from the Big Ten and Missouri Valley Conference, that played five games in Europe in August. “That was a great opportunity to get some experience on the international level,” said Phelps. The highly touted newcomers are expected to contribute immediately. The frontline fortunes are buoyed with the addition of 6-8 sophomore forward Jordan Clarke and 6-9 junior forward Kraidon Woods who provide athleticism, length and maturity. Clarke sat out last year after transferring from the University of Vermont where he was rated the top newcomer at forward in the America East Conference by Rivals.com. He played in the prestigious Capital Classic All-Star game in 2008 following his senior campaign at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Rockville, Md. Woods, a transfer from Binghampton University, began his collegiate career at Arizona State where he played in 2007-08 and 2008-09. He originally signed with Villanova in the fall of 2005 before attending The Hill Prep School in Pottstown, Pa. where he guided the team to the championship of the Pennsylvania Independent Tournament. The Bulldogs are loaded with young, skilled depth in the backcourt and perimeter, led by freshman guard Rayvonte Rice, who was named the 2009-10 Gatorade Illinois Boys Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-4 Rice is an explosive athlete with exceptional physical skills while combining size, speed, strength and shooting ability. He averaged 23.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.9 steals as a senior leading Centennial High School to third place in the 2010 Illinois Class 3A state tournament. He also was named the most valuable player of the 2009 Illinois Class 3A state tournament after directing Centennial to the state title.

Turk, Hackbarth Lead Young Drake Team Drake Sports Information Department

Familiar faces will take on new roles to lead the Drake women’s basketball team in its 37th season. Last season’s team Most Valuable Player Monique’ Jones and leading scorer Jordann Plummer are gone, but three starters and nine letterwinners return as the Bulldogs gear up for the 2010-11 season. “Our team is going to look a little different this season,” said head coach Amy Stephens. “We’ll have a pretty young team and a few veteran leaders.” Below is a position and schedule breakdown of the 2010-11 team. Guard Chief among the nine returning letterwinners is last year’s best offensive player award winner and second-leading scorer Kristin Turk (Des Moines, Iowa). Turk was Drake’s most dangerous three-point shooter a year ago with a 41.6 shooting percentage from beyond the arc and averaged 13.9 points, which ranked ninth in the Missouri Valley Conference. Her intensity and drive, no secrets to longtime Drake observers, will be on full display as Turk, perhaps the most dynamic and experienced Bulldog on the roster, will be asked to lead this young team. “Turk is coming off a solid junior season and has been an active leader all summer,” Stephens said. “There’s no doubt that Turk will be the leader of this team.” Joining turk is fellow senior Ellie Ritscher (Keystone, Iowa) who will bring experience and solid defense to the backcourt. Junior Amber Wollschlager (Milbank, S.D.) will assume a leadership role as well. Wollschlager was second on the team with 33 three-point baskets last season and will join Turk to stretch opposing defenses with the long shot. Sophomore Kayla Person (O’Fallon, Mo.) started in 20 games last season and brings athleticism to the backcourt. Person tallied 10 points and three assists in Drake’s victory over No. 24 Iowa State last season in her first collegiate start. “Kayla [Person] has worked hard this offseason and will be Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com

more comfortable at the point position,” Stephens said. “Her experience from last year will carry over and make her a much better player.” Joining the backcourt are four freshmen, Angela Christianson (Alexandria, Minn.), Carly Grenfell (York, Neb.), Alyssa Marschner (Minneapolis, Minn.) and Morgan Reid (Kansas City, Mo.), who will add depth to the lineup. All four freshmen are tremendous athletes and in addition to their basketball laurels, each earned all-conference or all-state nods in sports other than basketball. That infusion of athleticism will pay dividends sooner rather than later. “I have no doubts that our freshmen will make an impact,” Stephens added. “They’re still making the transition from high school to college, but they’re off to a great start and will compete for playing time.” Forward Junior Rachael Hackbarth (Colgate, Wis.) is perhaps the most recognizable face in the Bulldog frontcourt, having worked under the baskets at Drake for two seasons. Hackbarth has earned the team’s most improved player award two years running and was third on the team in scoring with 12.3 points per game last season. She is the squad’s top returning rebounder (5.4 per game) and is an effective scorer from both under the basket and at mid-range. “Rachael [Hackbarth] will be important to our success this season,” Stephens said. “With her experience and her growth from last season, she’ll bring plenty to the table this year.” Joining Hackbarth under the basket is junior Alex Montgomery (Cannon Falls, Minn.) who improved her scoring and rebounding averages dramatically after the calendar turned to 2010 last season. Sophomores Stephanie Running (Oak Creek, Wis.) got her feet wet as freshmen a year ago, but will be asked to play a much larger role during the 2010-11 season. “Alex Montgomery and Steph [Running] will be solid players for us at the post position,” said Stephens.

Schedule The Bulldogs open the season with a strong non-conference schedule. Home games against UMKC Nov. 12 and Saint Mary’s Nov. 18 sandwich the annual meeting with Iowa State Nov. 15 in Ames. Drake then heads to Flagstaff, Ariz. to take part in the Northern Arizona Thanksgiving Classic Nov. 26-27. Drake then welcomes five of its next six opponents to the Knapp Center, including 2010 NCAA Tournament qualifier Wisconsin Dec. 9, led by former Drake Kristin Turk coach Lisa Stone. The (Drake, Des Moines Lincoln) Bulldogs’ annual game against Iowa on Dec. 20 is at home this season and will pair with the Air Force contest (Dec. 22) to serve as Drake’s final non-conference tuneup. The Bulldogs open and close their 18-game MVC slate vs. Creighton (Dec. 31, Mar. 5) and will battle each Valley team for seeding in the State Farm MVC Tournament Mar. 10-13 in St. Charles, Mo. “We’re playing a great schedule with lots of home games that should prepare us for conference,” Stephens said. “This group is fun to be around and has great chemistry. They’re really working hard at practice and I can’t wait to see how that hard work translates to the floor.”

Volume 12 Issue 9

Collegiate

Iowa Sports Connection

Corner

IIAC Men’s Basketball Team-by-Team Preview Iowa Conference Buena Vista returns four starters and eight letterwinners from last season’s 15-12 team that tied for second in the league with a 10-6 record. The Beavers will be led by junior post player Doug Bissen. Bissen, a first team all-conference pick last year, averaged 11.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. Sophomore guard Troy Ticknor was named second team all-conference after averaging a team-high 12.4 points per game. He also averaged 2.1 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game. Sophomore center Wes Nordquist, an honorable mention all-IIAC, averaged 11.4 points and 1.1 assists while pulling down a team-high 6.6 rebounds per game. Central returns nine letterwinners and zero starters from last season’s 23-5 team that posted a 14-2 league mark en route to the school’s first IIAC title since 1995. The entire bench returns, though, led by senior forward James Chapline, junior post Jack Bruns, and junior guard Brock Caves. Bruns is the team’s top returning scorer averaging 5.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Chapline averaged 5.2 points and 3.3 rebounds, while Caves averaged 2.9 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. The Dutch also have senior guard DeMarco Turner back. Turner averaged 2.2 points in 19 games last season. Coe returns four starters from last season’s 4-21 team that struggled to a ninth-place league finish with a 2-14 record. Coe’s top four scorers return from last year. 2009 second team all-IIAC pick Alex Tatman, a senior guard, led the team by averaging 11.0 points per game. Senior post player Dan Borngraeber ranked second on the team in scoring (10.2 ppg) and led the team in field goal percentage (59.7 percent; 92-of-154) and rebounds (4.7 rpg). Sophomore guard David

Mataloni led the team in 3-pointers (33), assists (51) and steals (21) and ranked third on the team in scoring (7.0 ppg). Junior forward Kevin Gaster ranked fourth in scoring (6.7 ppg) and second in steals (0.7 spg). Cornell returns one starter and six letterwinners from last season’s 15-11 team that finished fifth in the Conference with a 9-7 record. The Rams will be led by seniors J. Ryan Lott and Joe Newcomb. Lott, a guard who was named a second team all-IIAC selection last season, started 24 games last season, scoring a team-high 13.7 points per game. He also added 3.7 rebounds per game. Newcomb, a forward who played in all 26 games last season with five starts, averaged 6.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Dubuque returns three starters and seven letterwinners from last season’s 18-9 team that tied for second in the league with a 10-6 record. Two-time first team all-IIAC guard Taylor Blum leads the Spartans. Blum, a senior, started 26 games last season averaging 21.3 points and 2.6 rebounds. Senior forward Matt Poirier averaged 6.7 points and 4.7 assists per game. Junior forward David Kushnir played in all 27 games, starting 23 games, and averaged 5.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Loras returns four starters and eight letterwinners from last season’s 15-11 team that tied for second in the Conference with a 10-6 record. The Duhawks’ top three scorers return from a year ago. Sophomore point guard Connor Mooney and junior forward Tim Kelly were second team all-IIAC picks last year, while senior guard Mike Gleason was an honorable mention pick. Kelly led the team in scoring, averaging 13.0 points in 26 games. He also averaged 4.5 rebounds per game. Gleason started all 26 games, averaging 11.6 points per game and draining a team-high 65 3-pointers. Mooney ranked third on the team in scoring at 11.4, including 124 points from the free throw line, double the number of attempts of any teammate. Luther returns 14 letterwinners and all five starters from

last year’s 12-12 team that finished seventh in the Conference with a 6-10 league mark. Leading the Norse will be junior off guard Dane Larson, an honorable mention selection last season. Larson started 22 games, averaging a team-high 12.1 points and 2.1 assists per game. Junior guard Tim Merritt was second on the team in scoring at 8.3 points per game and third in rebounding at 3.6 board per game. Senior post Nnamdi Okolue played in all 24 games last season, leading the team in rebounding (5.3 rpg) and ranking third in scoring (8.2 ppg). Simpson returns three starters from last season’s 6-19 team that finished eighth in the Conference with a 3-13 record. Guards Zack Barragan (junior ) and Matt Fouch (senior) each started all 25 games a year ago. Fouch ranked fourth on the team with a 7.6 point-per-game average, had team-highs with 38 steals and 70 assists and shot 75.7 percent from the free throw line (28-of-37). Barragan ranked third on the team in scoring at 9.5 points per game, pulled down 3.0 rebounds per game and connected at a 79.5 percent clip at the charity stripe. (35-of-44). Sophomore guard Elijah Knox appeared in 23 games, averaging 4.4 points and 1.4 rebounds, while senior forward J.J. Vanderheiden played in 23 games, averaging 3.7 points and 2.4 rebounds, while also shooting 47.6 percent (39of-82) from the floor. Wartburg returns two starters from last season’s 15-12 team that finished sixth in the Conference with an 8-8 record. Junior forward/center Jordan Sathoff, is the top returning scorer and rebounder from a year ago. He had 42 blocked shots to go with his 13.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in 2009-10. Cole Danielson, a junior forward who was named honorable mention all-IIAC in 2009, ranked fourth on the team in scoring at 11.2 points per game. He also averaged 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game while shooting a team-best 39.2 percent from 3-point range.

IIAC Women’s Basketball Team-by-Team Preview Iowa Conference Buena Vista returns two starters and five letterwinners from last season’s 17-10 team that finished fourth in the Conference with a 10-6 record. A key for the Beavers early on will be filling the void offensively left by the graduation of Margo Muhlbauer and Aubrey Hauswirth, the league’s No. 1 and No. 3 scorers from last season. Senior point guard Jahde Hammer played in all 27 games last season – starting two – and is BVU’s top returning scorer at 6.7 points per game. Senior forward Jocelyn Kock should shoulder much of the load inside for the Beavers. Kock averaged 7.3 rebounds in 15 IIAC games last season to rank fourth in the league. Central returns four starters and nine letterwinners from last season’s 2-23 team that finished ninth in the Conference with a 1-15 record. The Dutch will be led by sophomore post player Haley Brillhart, who led the team in scoring (11.2 ppg) and rebounding (6.4 rpg) en route to second team allconference honors last season. Brillhart, who got a late start on basketball practice due to her participation with the Central volleyball squad, led the league last season in blocked shots (2.33 bpg) and ranked second in the league in rebounding (7.5 rpg), fifth in free throw percentage (80.0 percent, 48-of-60), ninth in steals (1.93 spg), 10th in field goal percentage (46.4 percent, 70-of-151), and 11th in scoring (12.7 ppg). Coe returns all five starters from last year’s 19-8 team that tied for the league title with a 13-3 mark. After graduating only one senior, the Kohawks are primed to make a run a defending the Iowa Conference title they shared with Simpson last season. Coe will be led by junior guard Kayla Waskow and senior forward Kayla Lincoln, a pair of first team all-conference 50

Volume 12 Issue 9

picks from a year ago. Waskow started all 27 games last season and finished the IIAC season ranked fifth in scoring (15.2 points per game), third in field goal percentage (56.7 percent, 93-of-164), ninth in rebounding (5.5 rpg), and 15th in free throw percentage (68.6 percent, 48-of-70). Cornell returns three starters and six letterwinners from last season’s 8-17 team that finished eighth in the Conference with a 3-13 record. The Rams return the services of sophomore center Camille Marie-Lidd, who is the league’s top returning scorer at 17.2 points per game. Marie-Lidd, a first team all-conference pick last season, also ranked fourth in blocked shots (1.88 per game), sixth in rebounding (6.6 rpg) and free throw percentage (79.1 percent, 91-of-115), and 12th in field-goal percentage (41.7 percent; 90-of-216). Dubuque returns all three starters from last season’s 15-11 team that finished fifth in the Conference with a 9-7 record. Sophomore guard Mollie Whiting, an all-IIAC honorable mention pick last year, is the team’s top returning scorer after ranking ninth in the league in scoring (13.0 ppg) and field-goal percentage (46.7 percent; 85-of-182). Whiting also tied for 14th in the league in steals at 1.63 per game. Senior guard Tena Stark played in all 25 games a year ago, averaging 3.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Stark tied for third in the league in steals (2.25 per game) and 10th in blocked shots (0.69 per game). Loras returns two starters and eight letterwinners from last season’s 13-14 team that finished sixth in the Conference with a 7-9 record. The 2010-2011 Duhawk squad will be led junior strong forward Alex Hudson and sophomore center Melissa Herrmann. Hudson averaged 8.8 points per game in league play last season to rank 23rd while also ranking 14th in rebounds with a 4.9 rebound-per-game average. She played in all 27 games last season, averaging 9.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. Herrmann ranked third in the league in blocks with a 2.06 block-per-game average and tied for 16th in rebounds, averaging 4.6 per game.

Luther returns three starters and four letterwinners from last season’s 9-16 team that finished seventh in the Conference with a 4-12 record. The efforts of this year’s Norse will be led by a trio of seniors – forward Sam Jewell and guards Sam McCamy and Bethany Van Sloten. Jewell ranked as one of the league’s top dual threats en route to second team all-league honors last season, leading the league in rebounding (7.6 rpg), while ranking second in field goal percentage (61.1 percent, 77-of-126) and 10th in scoring (12.8 ppg). She also tied for 11th in the league in assists (2.25 apg) and was second in Division III in field goal percentage (63.5 percent). Simpson returns four starters from last year’s 23-6 team that won a share of the program’s ninth Iowa Conference title with a 13-3 record and advanced to the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship for the sixth consecutive year. Junior post player Stacey Schutjer earned first team allconference and honorable mention WBCA all-America honors last season after ranking in the top five in the Iowa Conference in scoring (fourth, 15.9 points/game), rebounding (fifth, 6.9 rebounds/game), blocked shots (second, 2.19 blocks/game), and field-goal percentage (fifth, 96-of-190, 50.5 percent). She also ranked 14th in the league in free throw percentage at 69.7 percent (62-of-89). Wartburg returns four starters from last season’s 18-8 team that finished third in the Conference with a 12-4 record. Five of the team’s top seven scorers return from 2009-10, including seniors Samantha Harrington at guard and Katie Zittergruen at center, who tied for 12th in the league scoring race last season at 12.1 points per game. Harrington, a twotime all-conference pick and a first-teamer last season, was one of the Iowa Conference’s top 3-point shooters last season ranking third in three made (32) and ninth in 3-point field goal percentage (35.6 percent). She also ranked eighth free throw percentage (44-of-58, 75.9 percent) and tied for 11th in assists with a 2.25 assist-per-game average. Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com

Iowa Sports Connection

Northwestern Returns as Defending NAIA Division II Champ Northwestern College Sports Information

Collegiate Corner Grinnell College Looks To Bounce Back After Rebuilding Year Grinnell College Sports information

One of the elite programs in the NAIA year after year, the Northwestern College women’s basketball team reached the pinnacle of success during the 200910 season, winning the NAIA Division II championship. The Raiders are at the top of the latest NAIA top 25 Coaches’ Poll, and look to put together another great year. Earl Woudstra returns for his 17th season as the Raiders’ head coach and holds a 368-138 all-time record during his tenure. Woudstra is the all-time winningest coach in the program’s history, winning nearly 73% of his games. He has guided the Raiders to five straight national tournaments, nine in all, including three national championships (2001, 2008 and 2010). Overall, Northwestern ranks 20th all-time in the NAIA with 638 wins and a winning percentage of 60% since 1970-71. Returning for the Raiders is two-time NAIA AllAmerican and national tournament most valuable player Becca Hurley, who has scored 1,534 points during her three-year career. The senior from Pleasant Hill, Iowa, averaged a team-best 16.6 points per game last Becca Hurley (Northwestern, Des season and ranked second in the conference with 157 Moines East) Photo courtesy of assists. She scored in double Beccafigures in 31 of 36 Northwestern games and recorded five double-doubles. One of the most complete players in the NAIA, Hurley ranks among the top 15 all-time at Northwestern in points, rebounds, assists and steals. Two juniors, Kami Kuhlmann and Val Kleinjan, return after starting nearly every game the previous two years. Kuhlmann, a 5-7 guard from Charter Oak, Iowa, averaged 13.3 points and 2.5 points per game as a sophomore, earning second team all-GPAC honors. She ranked third on the team with 46 three-pointers, shooting nearly 40% from the field, and has scored 937 points in her career. Kleinjan, a 5-8 shooting guard from Bruce, S.D., is the top perimeter shooter for Coach Woudstra’s squad. She made 75 three-pointers last season, ranking fourth in the GPAC, and shot 42% from beyond the arc. Kleinjan averaged over eight points per game. Kendra De Jong (Hospers, Iowa) is among four sophomores on the 2010-11 squad. The 6-0 forward enjoyed an outstanding initial season, earning GPAC freshman of the year and second team all-conference honors. De Jong averaged 14.1 points and 6.4 boards per game, shooting an impressive 58% from the field. She also ranked among the GPAC’s best in steals (57) and blocked shots (14) while receiving second team all-tournament honors at nationals.

With the return of virtually every key player, plus the addition of a strong first-year class, the Grinnell College men’s basketball team is hoping to be back in the thick of things in the Midwest Conference this season. Grinnell opens its 2010-11 campaign at home Tuesday night when Lindenwood University-Belleville visits Darby Gymnasium. Game time is 5:30 p.m. The Pioneers were in a rebuilding phase last season while finishing 8-15 overall and 6-10 in the league. Still, Grinnell led the nation in scoring for the 15th time in the past 17 years with 95.9 points per game, and was tops in 3-pointers per game for the 13th time in 17 years with 17.9 an outing. Five seniors return to lead the 2010-11 squad – 5-11 point guard Scott Kaitz ’11, 6-7 center Kale Knisley ’11, 6-0 guard Aaron Epps ’11, 6-4 forward Alex McDonald ’11 and 6-3 guard Augustus Karisch ’11. Kaitz led Grinnell in assists per game last season with 5.1 and tied McDonald for the team lead in steals per game with 1.5. Knisley was tops in rebounding and blocked shots with 4.3 and 1.2, respectively, while McDonald averaged 3.3 rebounds per game. Jesse Ney (Grinnell, Iowa David N. Arseneault ’09, a former Pioneer standout now Mennonite) Photo courtesy of in the second season serving as assistant coach to his father Grinnell College David Arseneault, said the senior class will provide strong leadership. “Aaron Epps is one of the hardest workers on the team and a co-captain,” said the younger Arseneault. “He’s not a real loud guy in terms of being a vocal leader, but he leads by example and will do the right thing 100 percent of the time. He took it upon himself to set up an off-season strength program for the team. “Scott Kaitz has emerged as our top point guard,” Arseneault continued. “He broke his hand last year, and this year he’s come back almost like a different player. He knows how to win, can pass the ball very well and is vocal. He’s become much more versatile. Kale Knisley really got after it in the weight room during the off season and has added quite a bit of muscle. If there’s one person on the team who knows our system and can explain it to somebody, he’s the guy. He’s a great mentor for our younger guys.”

Kirkwood Women Go for Fifth-Consecutive Championship

DMACC Women Expect to Compete in 2010-11

Kirkwood Sports Information

DMACC Sports Information

For the fourth consecutive season, the Kirkwood Community College women’s basketball team is the defending National Junior College Athletic Association champion. And that puts the Eagles at No. 1 in the NJCAA Division I preseason poll, which was released this week. Last season the Eagles went 27-1 on the way to their sixth NJCAA title since 1997. The Eagles will attempt to make history this season as they go after their fifth consecutive NJCAA title. “Every year is new and all the four (consecutive) titles have done is put a big “X” on our back every time we go out and play,” said Kim Muhl, women’s basketball coach. The Eagles sent four players to Division I basketball programs from last year’s roster - Kalli Hansen to the University of Iowa, Andi Waugaman to Marquette University, Staci Gillum the University of Evansville and Kari Goodchild to Quinnipiac University. Ashley Brits (Kirkwood) The Eagles are excited for the challenge of the upPhoto courtesty of Kirkwood Comm. coming season. “The biggest excitement for any season College is working with new kids and getting them to adapt to a new situation and environment and meshing them together,” Muhl said. Kirkwood opens the regular season against Kishwaukee College at the John Wood Classic in Quincy, Ill., on Nov. 6. Muhl enters his 22nd season as the women’s head coach. Since he took over the program, the Eagle women have won six NJCAA championships and appeared in 14 national tournaments. The Eagles have 16 consecutive 25-win seasons. The first home game for the women is on Nov. 19 against Mineral Area College in the Kirkwood Classic at Johnson Hall. The Eagles return three players from last year’s championship team. Sophomore post Ashley Birts, who averaged nine points per game and six rebounds, was named second-team Iowa Community College Athletic Conference All-Region a season ago. Taylor Smith and Rachael Remick also return to the lineup. The championships “have established us as one of the top programs nationally, so all the positive publicity is good,” Muhl said.

Head coach Steve Krafcisin has just three sophomores returning from a year ago for the DMACC women, which is in a rebuilding year. Veterans returning are 5-foot-8 guard Caitlin Axland of Irwin, 6-0 forward Carli Bunning of Boone and 6-0 forward Katlyn Wood of Monroe. Wood, who averaged 12 points and six rebounds a game last season, was a first-team Region XI selection. Bunning averaged four points and four rebounds a game and Axland averaged three points and one rebound. “It’s pretty much starting anew,” said Krafcisin, beginning his sixth season at DMACC. “We have 11 new faces, including 10 freshman.” The lone non-freshman among the newcomers is Heidi Manken of Ogden. Manken is a 6-0 sophomore academically and sat out the 2009-10 season after breaking a foot. Krafcisin said he likes his team’s competitiveness and its work ethic. “They like to play and they’re not as concerned with who’s out there,” Krafcisin said. “They’ve been locked in and they want to do well and want to win.” Krafcisin said that having 10 freshmen, all of which were good high school players, accepting different roles at the collegiate level is something the team has been working on in practice. “They’ve really bought in and they’ve been eager to learn,” Krafcisin said. “There are times when I don’t know if we’re going to be very good and then when I compare them to who we’ve had (in past years), I’m going to take these girls.” Bunning, Manken and Wood are the team’s tallest players, meaning rebounding could be a problem for this team, but Krafcisin is taking an optimistic approach. “We’re going to have to do it by team,” Krafcisin said. “Bunning is a good rebounder, Wood is a good rebounder, Manken can rebound and (incoming freshman Joscelyn Coleman of Shenandoah) led the state in rebounding last year so I think we’ll be okay.” Krafcisin said one of his team’s strength will be the play of freshmen guards Sam Thrapp of Davenport, Ashley Hagedorn of Irwin, Karlie Warehime of Gowrie, Axland, Carrie Wood of Norwalk, Ann Walker of Brayton, Lacy Stevenson of Knoxville and Lateisha Manning-Spates of Waterloo. “We’re not going to be bigger than Iowa Central or Kirkwood, so if we want to beat them, we’ve got to come up with some way other than pounding the ball down low,” Krafcisin said. “We’ve installed a new offense and the girls have bought into it. We’re going to play up-tempo. I don’t think our strength yet is half court versus half court so if we want to run, we’re going to have to get opponents into a track meet.” Krafcisin said he thinks his team will be able to compete with the better teams in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC).

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Volume 12 Issue 9

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Volume 12 Issue 9

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Minor But Major

Iowa Sports Connection

DSM Sports Freaks Break Down Energy’s Early Success Blake DeRouchey and Joe Earp The Des Moines Sports Freaks So, the Iowa Energy that not only is Dec. 10 Dollar Beer Night, but Steve season is off to a good Max will bring 30-40 people down at halftime to play start. The Sports Freaks a game of Simon Says. If that does not work for you, checked out their home don’t forget the NBA Christmas Game Tradition. The opener, live from Wells Energy will play at 7:00 that night. Fargo Arena, where the After halftime, we moved a bit closer to the Energy beat the Dakota court, thanks to our game passes. It is amazing just Wizards, 99-90. how different watching a game at the floor level is For the first half of compared to up in the stands. Imagine staring at the game, we sat in our seats, about 15 rows up. your family eating Thanksgiving dinner from an outside Apparently, press row is delegated to actual press, not window compared to actually being at the table. You glorified bloggers. That’s okay, we were able to take in feel like you are a part of the game when you are on the whole arena in our seats. the floor. If you have never been to an Energy game, the first After the game, The Nadas performed for a thing you will notice is the music. The arena plays pretty good chunk of the announced 4,787 fans that music during the transition periods of the game, which stuck around. Having been to many Nadas concerts makes sense, because with no pep bands or student before, their music is paired well with a beer, which section to make noise, it would be a pretty stale unfortunately was hard to come by at that point of the atmosphere without it. night at Wells Fargo. During our time in the upper echelons, we had time Energy GM Chris Makras explained the issue. “Beer to comment on other parts of the game. For example, sales typically end at the end of the 3rd quarter. With as a four year old girl in a Ricky Stanzi jersey walked the concert, it threw the timing of everything off a to her seat, Blake decided to take out his Hawkeye bit. We agreed with the arena to continue beer sales frustrations by saying, “Boo Stanzi…and your uggs!” Or, for 30 minutes into the concert. The message didn’t hear Joe standing and yelling, at the top of his lungs, get around to all concession stands, and some were “Great pass, Curtis!” Of course that was when the shut down at the normal time. As soon as we became music stopped and the entire arena looked to see who aware, we reopened the stands.” said it. That’s okay Chris, we will still come back! A definite The halftime entertainment was AcroDunk. Maybe kudos goes out to the Iowa Energy staff for booking you have heard of the video game NBA Jam. AcroDunk such an entertaining mix of halftime and postgame is like that, only with trampolines. The only thing shows. missing was Marv Albert shouting “Boomshakalaka!” The Energy were in action again Monday and were I’m not kidding, they’re fantastic. proceeded by a Grinnell College-Buena Vista game If you’re wanting to make sure to get in on a good that Grinnell won. Unfortunately, we could not be halftime show night, Randi Burrell, Director of Game in attendance, so Blake watched the next best way. Operations and. Community Relations, let us know While his wife was watching Dancing with the Stars,

he sat on his recliner with a laptop and watched the game on Futurecast. Think of it as a free ESPN3. You get the local radio broadcast, paired with the game, as if you were watching it on TV. Not a bad way to watch a game! Just go to www.nba.com/nbdl to watch games. The Energy won again, 111-103. Our impressions so far this year? This is a very good team that plays well together. There are about five or six players that will be able to step up and have big nights throughout the year, or, like on Saturday, you may see the entire team step up. Saturday, number one draft pick Chris Lofton scored 12 points in 30 minutes coming off the bench, and was only fifth on the team in scoring. This team is going to also take a little bit to get used to the new NBA technical foul rule, as Curtis Stinson, Gani Lawal, and Shy Ely were all T’d up on Monday. When all is said and done, Coach Nurse believes he has a strong, experienced team. “Our chemistry overall is impressive. We have so many guys back from last year, and they’re working hard and committed to winning.” When asked about leadership on and off the floor, Coach Nurse went directly to Stinson, the longest tenured player for the Iowa Energy. “He is our leader. He’s a smart player…almost like another coach with the way he builds confidence in the younger players and just makes good decisions.” The Iowa Energy are 3-0 heading into a tough weekend match up with the Tulsa 66ers.

The Des Moines Sports Freaks are partnering up with The Iowa Sports Connection to give you coverage of the Iowa Energy from a new angle. For more, visit www.iowasportsconnection.com or visit www. dsmsportsfreaks.com for more of the Des Moines Sports Freaks.

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Volume 12 Issue 9

Health & Fitness

Iowa Sports Connection

Pins, Plates and Screws R. D. Lee Evans, DPM,FACFAS Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons, PC Anyone who has broken a bone that requires surgery has probably had a pin, plate or screw inserted. Depending on the type of fracture or the surgical goal, any number of hardware techniques may be utilized. Pins, are really just smooth metal wires that have sharp tips R.D. Lee Evens, which allows them to be placed DPM, FACFAS in the body with minimal exposure and minimal tissue trauma. However, these pins have no compressive force and only serve to hold bones relatively stable. Smooth pins in the foot serve to hold fractures that are in multiple pieces together without actually compressing the fragment. Pins are also able to be placed through relative by small fracture pieces. And finally, pins are a good choice in children with open growth plates. If a broken bone involved a growth plate and has to be fixed, pins provide fracture stability with less risk of harming the undeveloped bone. Figure 1 Demonstrates the use of a “pin” or k-wire to hold a reduced bone or fracture. Pins don’t have threads so they generally will not compress, they will only hold a reduced fragment. This particular radiographs show the use of a pin to hold a toe that was dislocated in its proper alignment.

Volume 12 Issue 9

Screws have multiple uses in foot surgery. Screws come in various sizes and designs. Some of the screws used in surgery look remarkably similar to the screws you might use in your garage or around the house. They have a head, a shaft, and threads. While other screws are headless so they can be used in areas where the head of the screw may rub against skin. Most screws utilized today are either a form of stainless steel or titanium. Titanium although much more expensive, has some distinct advantages; it is lighter than stainless steel, less reactive and stronger. Figure 2 This is an example of how screws are used to compression two bones together. This radiograph is an example of a toe fusion. Figure 3 This is another example of a toe fusion. However, in this case a plate was used to hold the two bones together while they fuse. This particular plate has 5 screws. Plate technology has advanced significantly in recent years, plates have become thinner and stronger allow for more uses in foot surgery. Historically, plates have been used to anatomically reduce and then hold a fracture. Recent advances in plate technology now allow the plate to apply

some compressive forces to heal bones more anatomically. Plates that hold and compress allow the bone to heal by primary union, which means the body does not have to produce extra bone in order to heal the fracture. A good example is a broken collar bone. Anyone who has had a broken collar bone would tell you that the bump from the fracture stayed for year. With primary bone union that bump does not exist. Figure 4 The radiograph demonstrates the use of screws for compression as well as a plate for stabilization in a severe ankle fracture. Whatever form of fixation used, if you are going to surgery for your broken foot, it is usually for one of a couple of reasons. The fracture may be displaced (moved from its proper position), it may be unstable, it may be comminuted (multiple pieces), or it may be angulated (twisted or turned). Most fractures when aligned and stable heal well without surgical intervention. However, as technology advances so does the ability to fix fractures with smaller incisions, less dissection, and less trauma which leads to faster recovery and return to sport. Dr. Lee Evans is a Podiatrist that practices at Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons. He is available to see patients at both DMOS – East and DMOS – West. To reach Dr. Evans please call 515-224-5224.

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