November 2014
Selfless Star Elite Burkhall Puts Team First By Tork Mason
A dynamic force | P. 22
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Sioux City North’s Daniel Tillo
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Burkhall photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register Tillo Photo courtesy of Gene Knudsen
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CONTRIBUTORS Rush Nigut President
rush@sportsspotlight.com
John Streets Business Operations john@sportsspotlight.com
Tony Atzeni Programming Director tony@sportsspotlight.com
Tork Mason Editor-In-Chief
editor@sportsspotlight.com
Darrin Cline Reporter Giuliana lamantia Graphic Design art@sportsspotlight.com
Kari Elbert Sales Director
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4
FINDING A NEW HOME
7-9
WRESTLING PREVIEW
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows’ Josh and Justin Portillo faced a big change in their lives a year ago. Now they’re ready to chase more titles on the mat.
Breakdowns of the top teams and wrestlers in each class.
14-19
GIRLS HOOPS PREVIEW Class-by-class breakdown highlighting the top contenders and all-state picks.
22 TILLO: AN ALL-ROUND FORCE Sioux City North’s Daniel Tillo is an elite offensive player who can beat opponents in a variety of ways.
24-28
BOYS HOOPS PREVIEW Title contenders and all-state picks for every class.
Editor’s Note: The football playoffs are in full swing, but we’re set to get you prepped for basketball and wrestling in this issue, with football and
volleyball postseason coverage coming up in our next issue. Inside, find preseason All-State teams and breakdowns for each class of boys and girls hoops, as well as feature stories on Des Moines Roosevelt’s Meredith Burkhall and Sioux City North’s Daniel Tillo. If wrestling is more your style, get a good look at who’s coming back in each class, and also check out our feature on Clarion-Goldfield-Dows’ Josh and Justin Portillo, who had to transition from life in Toledo, Ohio, to ssmall-town Iowa during the middle of last season.
SELFLESS STAR
PG 12
Finding a New Home
Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register
It’s not often that a coach will find himself with a pair of new wrestlers halfway through the season, but last January, ClarionGoldfield-Dows head coach Kurt Morgan found himself welcoming a twin set of elite grapplers who made an immediate positive impact for the team, as they both went on to wrestle in state championship matches just a few weeks later. The situation was good for Josh and Justin Portillo, too. The Portillos came to Iowa when their father, Gino, accepted a job that led the family to relocate from Toledo, Ohio. Many kids, when faced with such a drastic change in circumstances, are fearful of what awaits them. But Gino said it was quite the opposite for his twin sons. “They were excited about it, actually,” he said. “Things weren’t exactly getting any better in Toledo, and we always talked about moving to a small town eventually. So they were looking forward to it.” When they first arrived in Clarion and went to school, Justin Portillo said making the adjustment going to a much smaller community was made much easier by the community. “Everyone in town was really open, friendly and kind to us,” he said. “And liked the fact that there were way fewer kids in school. It took a little while to get used to because it was so different, but I liked it.” Josh and Justin routinely travel around the
country to compete in various tournaments and wrestling has been a staple in their lives from the beginning. So moving to a state where wrestling is so prominent in the local culture didn’t hurt, either. “Knowing that they’re moving to a state where wrestling is just as important as it is to Ohioans and knowing the expectations is the big thing,” Morgan said. “It’s great state for wrestling and is traditionally a great state for high school wrestling. So knowing the expectations, they knew what they were getting into there.” But even knowing that wrestling is a big deal in Iowa and the standards are high for the sport here, the boys were still taken aback by just how important the state wrestling tournament is for fans and the sheer size of the event. “Ohio is about four times the population of Iowa, and there were still about the same amount of people at the state tournament here [as there were in Ohio],” Justin said. Josh said he really noticed the difference during the regular season, where instead of having a handful of parents showing up at meets, there were much larger crowds and fans who didn’t have any kids on the team but just loved to watch wrestling and support the local school. That said, the state tournament was an interesting experience for him. “It was really amazing,” he said. “You go out to warm up for your match and you just
look around; everybody’s watching you, lights are flashing everywhere. It’s a really amazing sight.” The boys had a successful first stab at Iowa high school wrestling, with Josh winning the Class 2A crown at 113 pounds and Justin taking second at 106 pounds. Gino said the ride home from last year’s tournament was certainly not as upbeat as it would be for most families with a state champion in the car. “They root each other on,” Gino said. “Josh didn’t gloat about [winning a title]; he didn’t celebrate for very long. You go through all kinds of emotions when you’re dealing with twins and one wins and one loses.” Now that they’ve gotten a year under their belts, both Josh and Justin are ready to build on their first-year successes and move forward. Whether it’s working out and trying to build strength or watching videos to fine tune their technique, they’re both determined to reach the top of the medal stand this season. “We both plan on being back this year, and hopefully the ride home will be happier next time around than it was last year,” Josh said.
Student
Athlete
of the
MONTH
Presented by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau- IowaGTSB.org
CLICK IT OR TICKET Derek’s Q & A What’s your favorite sport to play? Why? Baseball, because I have always had a love for the game since I was a little kid. What’s your favorite sports memory? When I pitched against top-ranked Dyersville Beckman my sophomore year and we beat them to end their long winning streak. Do you have any fun pre-game “rituals” that prepare you for an event? I always listen to music to get pumped up for the game. What’s your favorite subject in school and why? Vital issues because I like to learn about things that are going on around the world and in the U.S. Who inspires you? Why? Kansas City Royals pitcher Kelvin Herrera because, just like me, he’s only 5’10” and he made it to MLB as a pitcher throwing just as hard as the guys that are 6’4” or 6’5”. What was the best movie you saw in the last year? 22 Jump Street What is your dream job? To become a successful real estate agent.
Achievements Sports: Football and Baseball Academic Achievements/Honors: Honor roll Athletic Achievements/Honors: All-State quarterback (2013); All-District baseball (2012-13); All-Area (Dubuque) football (2013); All-Area (Dubuque) baseball (2012-13); AllConference baseball (2012-13) College or post-high school plans: Play baseball at Western Illinois University and major in Business Management. Photo by Tork Mason
Derek Lieurance
SportsSpotlight.com Cascade (Western
Dubuque) High School, Class of 2015, 3.0 GPA
High School
1A WRESTLING PREVIEW Bob Selby | Contributor
Individually, nine defending champions return, along with two former champions. Five wrestlers have placed three times heading in to their final seasons. One returning champion, Cash Wilcke, will compete in a new class after his school dropped from Class 2A for this year. Wilcke won it all at 182 in Class 2A last year, after placing fourth at 170 twice before. The Odebolt-Arthur/Battle Creek-Ida Grove senior would be a strong favorite to repeat, no matter what weight or class. Senior Ryan Parmely of Maquoketa Valley, Delhi won the 220 title last year after top-four finishes in 2012 and 2013. The football standout will look to keep making his mark in the wrestling record books this coming season. Also a title-winner at 145 last year, senior Blake Marolf of team champion Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont wants to go out with another trip to the stand. He placed second as a sophomore and fourth as a freshman. Two other three-time place-winners return after place finishes this past season. South Hamilton’s JD Rader previously placed seventh and sixth prior to his efforts at 132 last year, and EdgewoodColesburg’s Sawyer Amling had finishes of third and seventh before his run at 138. Other returning champions to watch include sophomore Drew West of Highland, Riverside. One of three undefeated wrestlers in 1A, West breezed to the title at 106 last year in his first year of competition, defeating Justin Portillo of ClarionGoldfield-Dows in the final match. Josh Portillo, Justin’s twin brother, also finished the season with an unblemished record and captured the 113 title. Along the way to the crown, Josh defeated Bryce West of Highland, Drew’s brother, in the second round. Bryce went on to finish third. Those are two sets of brothers who will dominate headlines this season. Two-time place-winner Dale Hilleman, a senior from West Marshall, took home the hardware at 170. He had one of the toughest paths to a title of any champion, and he looked good getting it done. Senior Jeren Glosser of EddyvilleBlakesburg-Fremont had an outstanding junior year, losing only one match and providing the team champions with critical points on his way to the 138 title. Along with Marolf, he will lead the way again this year. Lisbon has a long history of champions, and another name was added to the list when Nick Williams found himself atop the heap, capturing the 120 crown as a sophomore. The junior will be part of a very dangerous Lion team this season. Another part of that equation for Lisbon is super-talented junior Carter Happel. With only one loss in his first two campaigns, and two shiny first-place medals in his possession, Happel showed without a doubt who the top dog is in Class 1A with his unbeaten season at 132. Happel had an outstanding tournament run, knocking off two-time defending champion Hunter Washburn of Alburnett in the quarterfinals. A much-anticipated showdown was a one-sided affair, as Happel dominated completely. Injury forced Washburn to default the rest of the way, but even healthy, it would be a tall task to defeat SportsSpotlight.com
Maquoketa Valley’s Ryan Parmely reacts after winning a state title at 220 pounds in Class 1A at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Feb. 22, 2014. (Photo by Tork Mason)
Happel. After knocking off unbeaten JD Rader in the semifinals, Happel then disposed of Central Lyon’s Colby McIntire to defend his title. All eyes will be on Happel this season, and rightly so. Few, if any wrestler in any class can claim to be a better allaround wrestler. Stronger, quicker and technically superior looks great on a wrestler’s resume. As for Washburn, he is one of two returning former champions that missed out in 2013-2014. Look for a big rebound from the outstanding senior with two titles to his credit already. The other is Evan Hansen, a senior from ExiraEHK. Hansen lost his only match of the year in the 182 semifinals last season to Adam Hawkins of B-G-M and went on to finish third. His title came as a sophomore at 145 in another one-loss season. Many other outstanding wrestlers return in 1A, some of whom will be wrestling for teams hoping to compete for the team title in the traditional state tournament, as well as the duals. Among them are a lot of the same teams we saw battle for last year’s crown. Alburnett should have as good if not a better chance to claim the team race. They have the most returning qualifiers with seven and they have plenty others who will make a run this year. Four placewinners and Washburn give the Pirates more than enough firepower to get it done. Woodbury Central returns five qualifiers, four of which placed. One of them, Landan Paulson, was a finalist at 285 after placing third as a sophomore. In what may be one of the most unique situations for a team, Paulson split matches all season with his brother Logan, who could not cut down to 220, but was too good to keep out of the lineup altogether. Logan was undefeated, but Landan wrestled at Wells Fargo Arena. Landan may be the only wrestler capable of beating Logan. Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont and Lisbon have to be considered viable threats, both with
strong lineups and a pair of returning champions. Both teams could score a lot of points. The same can definitely be said of Highland and ClarionGoldfield-Dows. Wilton and Audubon will also make some noise, as both return quality and should have others step up. The sheer numbers at Southeast Warren make the Warhawks intriguing. They return all six of their qualifiers, and five of them were place-winners. Confidence in the room and some younger kids mixed in may be enough to carry them. Class 1A will be fantastic as always.
Lisbon’s Carter Happel reacts after pinning Alburnett’s Hunter Washburn in the Class 1A 132 pound quarterfinals at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Feb. 21, 2014. (Photo by Tork Mason)
Volume 3 Issue 2
7
High School
2A WRESTLING PREVIEW Bob Selby | Contributor
There will be five defending champions this year, and three wrestlers have placed three times each going into their senior seasons. Two returners finished with undefeated seasons. One wrestler has the distinction of being in all three of these groups. Union’s (LaPorte City) Max Thomsen will be shooting for history this season as he tries to become just the 24th prep wrestler in Iowa to win four state titles. Thomsen lost once in his freshman season and has never looked back, capturing crowns at 113, 126 and 138 along the way. What Lisbon’s Carter Happel is to Class 1A, Thomsen is definitely an equal counterpart for Class 2A. Look for a season-long watch to be focused on Thomsen as he tries to cement his name among the best of the best in the illustrious history of the sport in our state. Thomsen will not be alone in regards to great wrestling in the class. Also returning to defend a title will be Tristan Birt, a senior from Dubuque Wahlert. Birt nailed down the 106 title as a junior in his only place-winning effort to date. Brock Rathbun won the title at 113 last season after finishing second at 106 as a freshman. The junior from Center Point-Urbana was also unbeaten on the season and knocked off defending champion Patrick Woods of West Delaware in the second round. For being a twotime finalist, Rathbun was one of the least talked about competitors in the state last year. But he will no doubt earn our attention this season. Also coming back with top honors from last year will be Jacob Holschlag from Union. Holschlag won the 160 bracket after finishing fourth at 145 as a sophomore. Holschlag is another grappler who operated outside of the limelight. That may have had more to do with his very highly-publicized classmate Thomsen than any other factor. He will be hungry to defend his title in his senior season. Steven Holloway of Mediapolis may have seen his team’s title hopes dwindle then disappear, but it did not stop him from getting the job done at 195. Holloway placed second at 182 as a sophomore before reaching the top last year, when he defeated Albia’s Carter Isley in the final match. Holloway will be one of the toughest upper-weight athletes in all three classes this season.
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Volume 3 Issue 2
Along with Thomsen, two other 3-time place winners return, with Cole Erickson of Mediapolis and Brady Jennings of Osage. Erickson has tallied top-four finishes at 145, 132 and 120 in his career. He will be in the thick of a title hunt, both personally and team-wise. Jennings placed second at 126, fifth 120 and sixth at 113. He, too will be gunning to add a title to that impressive resume. The team race in Class 2A it should be a great battle with some teams that competed for the title last season back in the mix again. Throw in a few improved squads and the Class 2A race will be very exciting to watch. It will be a great season for many teams, but in the end they all want one thing: To hoist the team trophy. Some teams to watch in that race will include Mediapolis, a team hungry to erase the sting of last year and take another shot at the crown. With six returning qualifiers, including five placers, they should be armed well enough to be in contention. Defending champion Davenport Assumption will be around, as the Knights return four qualifiers from their championship team and have a room full of talented newcomers. Union finished a distant fifth last year, but there is a good vibe heading into this season. Two champions and two other place-winners, along with a pair of other qualifiers will usually generate optimism. Look for Clear Lake and Osage to make noise, as well. Good numbers and great talent give them both a great outlook. Two other teams to keep an eye on are Sergeant Bluff-Luton and Creston. They both have firepower and quality, and seem to be in the mix every year. Up from 1A, but capable of competing right away in 2A are Central Lyon/GLR and Bedford/ Lenox. They have plenty of talent and a desire to prove the step up in competition will not hinder them. This is always a class where the unexpected should surprise no one. With a very wide range of returning qualifiers from across the state, look for the action this season to be intense.
Union’s (LaPorte City) Max Thomsen flashes three fingers to the crowd after winning his third state championship at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Feb. 22, 2014. Thomsen will try to become the 24th four-time champion in Iowa history this winter. (Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register)
Center Point-Urbana coaches and fans react after the Stormin’ Pointers’ Brock Rathbun pinned Clear Lake’s Ryan Leisure in the Class 2A 113 championship match at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Feb. 22, 2014. Rathbun’s was the first state title in school history. (Photo by Tork Mason
SportsSpotlight.com
High School
3A WRESTLING PREVIEW Bob Selby | Contributor
The ‘big’ schools will have no shortage of star power and solid teams to watch this coming season. Six defending champions return, of which, two posted unbeaten records. Three former champions also return, and there are seven three-time placewinners, as well as several two-timers in the field. There are many great wrestlers to watch for, but the list starts with Fredy Stroker of Bettendorf. Stroker was the undefeated champion at 132 after having previously won it all at 126 and placing second at 113. Bettendorf is power-packed, but it starts with the three-time finalist. Stroker is an outof-season star on the tournament scene, and has the ability to adapt and excel at whatever style is thrown at him. With over 130 prep victories against only 3 losses, Stroker is definitely one of the best in the state. Also returning with titles for Bettendorf are Jack Wagner and Jacob Schwarm. Wagner was the champion at 106, while Schwarm followed him up with a title at 113. That’s a nice one-two punch to have around. One of the more unheralded but impressive wrestlers around is Bryce Steiert of Waverly-Shell Rock. Somehow, placing twice and then winning a title 145 hasn’t been enough to make him a household name. Opposing coaches and everyone who wrestles him know how good he is. Another outstanding three-time place-winner was the champion this past season at 160, Isaiah Patton of Dowling Catholic. Patton also placed third and seventh his first two years. Incredibly steady and reliable, Patton sets the tone for the Maroons and has improved greatly over his career. Southeast Polk junior Ethan Anderson improved on a sixth place finish at 195 in 2013 with an unbeaten campaign and title at 220 as a sophomore. Anderson was an unstoppable force last year, besting a slew of would-be challengers in a very tough field. His arsenal makes it hard for any style to beat him, while his strength and technique get him out of bad situations. The three former champions who return are Henry Pohlmeyer of Johnston, Matt Wempen of Linn-Mar and Jacob Woodard of Bettendorf. Pohlmeyer placed second to Schwarm after defeating him for the title as a sophomore. Wempen won it all as a freshman at 106, placed fourth at 113 and fifth last year at 132. Wooodard also has three trips to the medal stand, with a title at 138 in 2013. Look for all three seniors to challenge for the top spot at their respective weights. Two other three-time placers return, in Tanner Rohweder of Iowa City West and Josh Wenger of Cedar Rapids Prairie. Rohweder placed fifth at 106 in both of his first two seasons for Dowling. After transferring to West, he placed fourth at 113. If healthy, he is a title contender for sure. Wenger has had a great career to this point, placing 4th in three different weight classes. While a top three medal finish has eluded him to this point, don’t wager on that continuing this year. There are also many returning place-winners and a large amount of competitors who were just edged SportsSpotlight.com
out from appearances at the state tournament. Each weight class in Class 3A will be highly competitive and entertaining. Looking ahead to the team race, there is reason to believe we will be treated to many twists and turns, with pleasant surprises along the way. Several teams have the ability to be the top dogs at the end of the season, but here are a few worth keeping extra focus on. Bettendorf has the numbers and their room seems to squeeze out contenders like a factory. Coach Knight has seven returning qualifiers and many more capable of joining them. With four returners who have been champions, the Bulldogs have the ingredients for another great run. Southeast Polk fell just short of knocking off Bettendorf last year, and they should have the ability to capture a team title this season. Including Anderson, the Rams return an amazing eleven qualifiers, with nine of them being place-winners. Of them, four were finalists and two placed third. Add to that the optimism that two or three other wrestlers may break through this year to also qualify, and the Rams have reason to believe they are the team to beat. North Scott brings back five qualifiers, led by seniors Cordell Eaton and Colin Kreiter. The Lancers always seem to be in the mix. Cedar Rapids Jefferson had a tough bunch of kids qualify, and all seven of them are back this year. They fell short of what they felt capable of, so look for an improved effort this time. Iowa City West brings back five qualifiers, but they always seem to have a lineup that could legitimately send double-digits to State. A breakthrough by just a few Trojans could be enough to contend. West Des Moines Valley, Lewis Central of Council Bluffs, Waverly-Shell Rock and Cedar Rapids Prairie should also have enough strength to be in the discussion. Each has experience, tradition and recent success. The field is strong, and the pedigree of the
Bettendorf ’s Freddy Stroker (Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register)
returners is top-notch across the state. Class 3A is always a brutal battle for team supremacy, and that should be the case again this season. This is merely a quick overview of the basics for the upcoming season. Keep in mind that there will be many freshmen competitors who come right out, make a splash, and some will even dominate, adding to the existing excitement and talent. There will also be athletes whose time will finally come, and we will see them emerge at the forefront. There are so many great wrestlers and numerous teams that will entertain us in our state. There will be many nights were we are treated to outstanding dual meets and individual matchups. Enjoy the season and get out to support your team!
Southeast Polk’s Ethan Anderson (Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register)
Volume 3 Issue 2
9
Devin Tripp
Photo courtesy of Amy Pyle
Angell is a big reason for the Spartans’ success in the pool this season. She owned the state’s top time in the 100-yard breaststroke as of Oct. 28, as well as the thirdbest time in the 200-yard individual medley and the fourth-best mark in the 100-yard backstroke.
Kiefer set a new national 8-man record by scoring 11 total touchdowns in an 86-60 victory over Twin Cedars on Sept. 29. He rushed for 300 yards and 10 scores on 32 carries and scored on a 71-yard kickoff return.
Mikaela Foecke Photo courtesy of Holy Trinity Catholic High School
Foecke leads Class 1A’s top team and the state with 660 kills and a mindboggling .623 kill efficiency that far outstrips her competition. She also leads the state with 133 service aces.
Will McElvain
Freshman | DSM Lincoln
Photo courtesy of Kathy Schick
Friesen is the top-ranked crosscountry runner in Class 2A and is a big part of the team’s No. 1 ranking this season. The freshman is joined by her teammate Megan Mooberry, who is ranked second by the Iowa Track Coaches Association.
Tripp set a new state record for single-game rushing yards when he ran for 549 yards on 37 carries in a 64-32 win over LeMars Gehlen Catholic on Oct. 10. He also tied a state record with 9 touchdowns in the contest.
Senior | Holy Trinity Catholic
Senior | Wayne (Corydon)
Clayton Kiefer
Ellie Friesen
Photo courtesy ofThe Storm Lake Times
James had already established herself as one of the best divers in state history, but she staked her claim as the best with her performance on Sept. 30, breaking a 32-year-old 6-dive record with a 360.50 mark on Senior Night against Fort Dodge. The previous record of 352.75 was held by Fort Dodge alum Mary Fischbach.
Senior | Pleasant Valley
Sydney Angell
Freshman | Osage
Photo courtesy of Roy Tucker
Hummel had a great night in the Falcons’ 42-21 win over AkronWestfield on Sept. 26. He accounted for 293 yards of total offense and 4 touchdowns, and also pulled down a pair of interceptions on defense.
Senior | Sioux Central
Senior | Ames
Junior | West Sioux
Maggie James
Porter Hummel
Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register
McElvain’s youth didn’t show in the Railsplitters’ 49-35 upset win over Des Moines Hoover on Oct. 17. The freshman completed 30-of-36 passes for 423 yards and 4 touchdowns to outduel Husky quarterback Brock Larsen. The win also put Lincoln into the playoffs over Hoover.
Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register
Selfless Star Des Moines Roosevelt’s Meredith Burkhall isn’t the stereotypical elite athlete. By Tork Mason
I
t doesn’t take more than about 30 seconds before Meredith Burkhall’s priorities become clear when it comes to basketball. “I like the competitiveness [of the game] a lot,” she said what it was about the game that captivates her. “And I also love the team aspect. Just being around your teammates, having fun and getting better together.” Burkhall, a senior at Des Moines Roosevelt, is one of the state’s biggest stars on the hardwood. She averaged 18.6 points and 9.7 rebounds per game for the Roughriders as a junior and is already committed to play for Iowa State University next year. Those are just a few of the things that Roosevelt head coach Chris Cundiff said stands out about Burkhall, though. “She might be the most humble player I’ve ever coached,” Cundiff said. “In 14 years of coaching, I’ve never come across anybody as humble as she is. She’s more excited about somebody else’s success than she’s ever been about her own.” Burkhall’s grounded attitude was particularly clear during her college recruitment. Before she committed to Iowa State in July, she was garnering interest from a multitude of schools, including Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Rutgers. But Julanie Carter, a fellow senior on the team, said she didn’t know just how much attention her teammate was getting. “I didn’t even know half the schools that wanted her because she never talked about it,” Carter said. “She never bragged about it; she was never telling everybody, ‘Look, I got offers from this school and that school.’”
Cundiff and Carter both said one thing Burkhall did struggle with during her recruitment, was having to tell coaches that she wouldn’t be playing for them in college. Carter said her teammate didn’t like feeling as though she was letting anyone down. Cundiff said Burkhall’s family has played a huge role in instilling that sense of humility in her, and that family structure has helped mold her into what he called the “perfect team player,” and someone people can gravitate to. “She’s a magnet for everybody on our team; everybody always wants to be around her,” Cundiff said. “She’s always lighting up a room when she walks in. She’s just that type of player, and it really helps out the team. When we’re in tough situations, we know we can count on her.” In one way, though, college scouts have occasionally interpreted Burkhall’s humble, friendly nature as having a lack of intensity. But Cundiff said it’s obvious anyone who believes that, hasn’t gotten to know her. “The people who are watching her that way just don’t understand her personality,” Cundiff said. “She’s about as intense as they come; she’s just not a screamer. She internalizes it a little more. I see it every day.” Burkhall displayed that quiet intensity when she was tasked with a significant role change last season. She was asked to handle the ball more and to initiate the offense, which is uncommon to see from an elite post player. Cundiff said she’s versatile enough to spend some time on the perimeter, and she viewed it as a challenge that she tackled head-on, always asking what
she could do better and working to relearn the offense from a different perspective. Despite all of Burkhall’s talents, wins have been difficult to come by in her career at Roosevelt, and being such a gifted athlete in a metro area such as Des Moines can offer kids the chance to move on to a more successful program with relative ease. Cundiff said he felt if she had transferred to Dowling Catholic and were now lining up next to the Maroons’ Audrey Faber, she could put up 25 points a game or more, because teams would no longer be able to double- and triple-team her like they have throughout her career. But Burkhall said once she enrolled at Roosevelt, she had already made up her mind that she wouldn’t quit and try to chase championships and recognition at traditionally more successful programs. “Sometimes, you just have to look at the other side of it and realize that some things are bigger than basketball,” she said. “We just have to come together and figure out everybody’s strengths and […] put each other in positions to be successful, on and off the court.” That loyalty and her performance over the past few years is something Cundiff said is having a big impact with some younger players coming up who can look to Burkhall as an example of what they can achieve at a school like Roosevelt. “It’s really helped as kids are coming and seeing her,” he said. “It gets them to think, ‘Hey, I can stay at Roosevelt and I can be like Meredith Burkhall.’”
PRESEASON CLASS 3A ALL-STATE
GIRLS
G - Elle Ruffridge, So. Poc. Area/LaurensMarathon G - Jessica Speake, Jr. Hampton-Dumont G - Kate Walker, Sr. Red Oak F - Andrea Larson, Sr. Mediapolis
CLASS 1A
F - Arika Wooldridge, Jr. Center Point-Urbana
G - Taylor Hickey, Sr. Burlington Notre Dame G - Shayla Dean, Sr. Colo-Nesco
CLASS 4A
C - Serena Parker, Sr. Shenandoah
G - Agatha Beier, So. Carlisle
F - Riley Kilbride, Jr. Burlington Notre Dame
G - Gabie Doud, Jr. Ballard
F - Morgan Christner, Jr. New London
G - Mariah Criswell, Sr. Winterset
F - Hattie Davidson, Jr. Northwood-Kensett
F - Claire Marburger, Sr. Perry
C - Shelby Hembera, Sr. Cedar Valley Christian
F - Megan Maahs, Jr. Western Dubuque C - Jess Schaben, Sr. Harlan
CLASS 2A G - Nicole Miller, Sr. North Linn G - Morgan Muhlbauer, Sr. IKM-Manning G - Kassidy De Jong, Sr. Unity Christian F - Kari Fitzpatrick, Sr. Edgewood-Colesburg F - Jamie Gesink, Sr. Western Christian C - Haley Birks, Sr. South Central Calhoun
CLASS 5A G - Becca Hittner, Jr. Dowling Catholic G - Makenzie Meyer, Jr. Mason City Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register
G - Grace Vander Weide, Sr. WDM Valley F - Amanda Ollinger, Jr. CR Jefferson F - Meredith Burkhall, Sr. DSM Roosevelt C - Audrey Faber, Sr. Dowling Catholic
Class 5A: Maroons on Top Will anyone rise up to take down Dowling Catholic this season? Dowling Catholic suffered a minislump to end the 2013-14 regular season, as they lost a pair of games just before the postseason, but they bounced back in a big way and avenged both losses when the stakes were high. With a stacked roster returning, the Maroons enter the season as favorites to repeat. But in a deep Class 5A field, there are plenty of potential obstacles. The Maroons are headlined by junior Becca Hittner, who plays more of a point forward role at 6-0 and led the team with 109 assists. She was second on the team in scoring at 13.4 points per game, but Hittner was the engine behind the Maroons’ postseason success. But Hittner certainly isn’t alone. Senior center Audrey Faber is back after leading the team with 15.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game a year ago and hitting on over 60 percent of her field goal attempts. Faber might put up big numbers in the paint, but she’s also adept at finding open teammates for easier scoring opportunities. She tallied 59 assists last season, a mark that was third-best on the team. Other title contenders this year should include West Des Moines Valley, Waukee, Southeast Polk and Iowa City High. Valley brings back senior Grace Vander Weide, who led the Tigers with 18.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Hannah Fuller is also back in the fold after a very impressive freshman campaign in which she averaged 11 points per game and pulled down nearly 5 boards a night. There is certainly some offensive firepower in the Valley lineup, but the biggest question mark facing Valley will be filling the void left by point guard Madison Agey’s graduation. Agey piled up 125 assists a year ago and someone will need to step into the role of distributor. If that happens, the Tigers will be serious challengers for this season’s title; if it doesn’t, they’ll likely be a good team that just can’t quite get over the hump. Waukee had some young talent that could propel them to new heights if those young players progress this winter. Junior Reilly Jacobson led the team with 14 points and 8 rebounds per game, and she was incredibly efficient as a scorer. She drained nearly 55 percent of her field goal attempts and was even a respectable option SportsSpotlight.com
Dowling Catholic’s Becca Hittner (Photo by Tork Mason)
from behind the arc. Add sophomore Carli Littlefield, who put up nearly 11 points per game as a freshman, and the senior leadership of Anna Kollmorgen and Ellie Cavanaugh, and the Warriors have a nice blend of talent and experience. Southeast Polk was last season’s runner-up, and the Rams should be in the mix at Wells Fargo Arena against this year, thanks to the junior duo of Abby Penquite and Ashton Donnels. The two combined to average 30 points per game as sophomores a year ago, and Penquite is deadly shooter from the outside who netted over 43 percent of her 171 shots from behind the arc. Both players are better than 80 percent from the free throw line, as well. Iowa City High has to replace a pair of elite players in Haley Lorenzen and Kiera Washpun, but junior guard and University of Illinois commit Courtney Joens should keep the Little Hawks at least on the fringe of the championship discussion. This class is deep, and with so many of the top teams in such close proximity to each other, it can be difficult to predict outcomes because the contenders are so familiar with each other. But at least on paper, Dowling looks like the favorite.
Cedar Rapids Jefferson’s Amanda Ollinger (43) goes up for a rebound against Iowa City High’s Haley Lorenzen. Ollinger is one of Class 5A’s top returning players this season. (Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register)
Volume 3 Issue 2
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Class 4A: It’s a Twister!
Harlan had a roller coaster ride on its way to last year’s Class 4A title. The Cyclones are at the front of the line for another ride this season.
Harlan’s unblemished record from last season hardly reflected the wild run the Cyclones had in the state tournament. They won three games during the tournament by a combined nine points to claim last year’s Class 4A crown, and the roster returns almost entirely intact to make another title chase. The Cyclones have four players back who averaged double figures in scoring, including senior center Jess Schaben and senior point guard Taylor Wagner, who averaged 12.4 and 10.2 points per game, respectively. Juniors Taylor Frederick and Jordyn Moser also return after averaging 12.4 and 10.4 points a night. Schaben and Frederick formed a formidable duo in the paint as they combined for over 14 rebounds a game, and the trio of Wagner, Moser and Elle Kloewer totaled 262 assists and 154 steals in the backcourt. On paper, the Cyclones have everything they need to repeat as state champions, but their penchant to flirt with disaster could leave the door open for one of several teams to dethrone them this season. One doesn’t have to look far from last year’s state tournament to find several teams that could challenge for the title. Western Dubuque, Carlisle and North Scott all fell to Harlan in the state tournament, and they all return the majority of their major contributors. North Scott was a buzzer-beater away from possibly knocking off Harlan in the quarterfinals last year, and the Lancers’ top four scorers are all back. Senior Rachel Edmundson led the team with 12.8 points per game, and three other players — Evan Hundley, Karli Rucker and Karly Soy — who averaged at least 9.7 points a night. Hundley and Edmundson were 1-2 in rebounding at 7.4 and 5.4 boards a night, and Soy and Rucker combined for 120 assists. Carlisle made a historic turnaround last year, going from 1-22 in 201213 to 20-7 and a Cinderella run to the state semifinals a year ago. The Wildcats will have to replace Mary Grace Wachal, who served as the glue for last year’s squad, but seniors Payton Keeney and Kaleigh Haus are both back after putting up almost 24 points per game between them. Sophomore Agatha Beier tallied 8.3 points per game and led the team
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Volume 3 Issue 2
Harlan’s Jess Schaben (Photo by Tork Mason)
with 154 assists and 202 rebounds as a freshman. She’s a potential budding star who should take on a bigger role this season and could be the type of player to make a good team great. Western Dubuque took runnerup honors a year ago, and with the frontcourt duo of Rose Simon-Ressler and Megan Maahs, the Bobcats can be expected to be in the mix once again this season. Those two players were leaned on last year and they delivered, scoring nearly 25 points per game, grabbing over 17 rebounds a night and swatting away 85 shots between them. Their biggest weakness last
year was a lack of consistent outside shooting, and that will likely be their Achilles heel again this season. But if their shooters get hot at the right time in the postseason, this is a very dangerous team. The biggest advantage North Scott, Carlisle and Western Dubuque have over Harlan is that they will each be pushed much more thoroughly during the regular season and be battle-tested come postseason time. The Cyclones withstood adversity during last year’s tournament, but it never hurts to see tougher competition to prepare for the games that truly matter.
This class provided a very entertaining state tournament last season, and this year’s field is very deep and very talented. Fans could be in for another wild ride this winter. Follow all the action with Sports Spotlight!
SportsSpotlight.com
Class 3A: Title Up for Grabs
A new champion should emerge this season, and Mediapolis looks the part of the favorite.
Mediapolis’ Heidi Hillyard (Photo by Tork Mason)
Possibly the only class this winter that is unlikely to see a repeat champion is Class 3A. MOC-Floyd Valley rode the extraordinary efforts of one of the best female athletes in state history, Alexis Conaway, to last year’s title. But Conaway and last year’s runner-up, Unity Christian, are gone, which creates a huge power void entering 2014-15. Which teams step up to fill that void could be anyone’s guess in a wide-open field. Mediapolis is likely the favorite, as the Bulldogs reached last year’s semifinals and return four starters, including three who averaged double-digit points per game. Seniors Andrea Larson and Darby Massner led the way a year ago, when they averaged 19.4 and 15.7 points per game, respectively. Larson hit just over 65 percent of her shot attempts and was second on the team with 8.1 rebounds per game, and Massner was an effective perimeter player, shooting SportsSpotlight.com
Mediapolis’ Andrea Larson (Photo by Tork Mason)
just under 40 percent from behind the arc. But the less-heralded cog in the Bulldogs’ offense is senior Heidi Hillyard who led the team with 9.1 boards per game, 141 assists and 90 steals a year ago. This class doesn’t appear to be very deep now that MOC-Floyd Valley is set to take a step back and Unity Christian has dropped down to Class 2A, but the main teams that will aim to challenge Mediapolis for the top spot should Hampton-Dumont, Shenandoah, Red Oak and Spirit Lake. For Hampton-Dumont, it all starts with the junior backcourt duo of Jessica Speake and Jordan Prantner. Speake was the Bulldogs’ leading scorer at 14.7 points per game as a sophomore and dished out a teambest 128 assists a year ago; she also swiped 78 steals. Prantner was right on her heels across the board with 13.6 points per game, 111 assists
and 52 steals; she was also solid from behind the arc (35.5 percent) and excellent from the free throw line (83.7 percent). Senior Kennedy Wohlford chipped in 10.2 points a night and is the team’s top returning rebounder at 10.4 boards per game. Shenandoah has nearly everyone back from last season, including all three players who scored in double figures a year ago. That group is headlined by senior Serena Parker, who scored 17.1 points a night while hitting nearly 62 percent of her shots from the floor and pulling down 12 rebounds a game. Fellow senior Sydney Nielsen and sophomore Logan Ehlers combined to average nearly 22 points per game, and Nielsen led the team with 89 assists and 41 steals last season. Red Oak fell one win short of reaching the state tournament last year, but the Tigers will be hoping that the combination of Kate Walker and
Grace Blomstedt can get them to Des Moines this winter. They put up nearly 32 points and 15 rebounds per game between them, and Walker tallied 137 assists. Spirit Lake doesn’t have quite the depth that Hampton-Dumont or Shenandoah boasts, but the Indians do return senior Emma Dau, who dropped 16.2 points per game in 2013-14 at a 52 percent clip and led the team in rebounding (6.7 rebounds per game), assists (56), steals (46) and blocks (14). She’s joined by junior Joie Veldman, who added 9.7 points a night as a sophomore. This class isn’t as strong as it was a year ago, but it should be competitive when the top teams get down to the games that really matter at the end of the season. Which team rises to the top remains to be seen. Follow all of the action this season with Sports Spotlight! Volume 3 Issue 2
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Class 2A: Wide Open
2014 Class 3A runner-up Unity Christian joins an already deep class.
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Western Christian steamrolled its way to last year’s state title and despite losing a talented senior class, the Wolfpack appear capable of mounting another title run, even if the competition will be fierce. Seniors Jamie Gesink and Kenzie Bousema return after leading the team with 16.7 and 11.7 points per game, respectively. Gesink, in particular, was very efficient, as she hit over 57 percent of her field goal attempts; she was also one of the state’s best at the free throw line, sinking 76.7 percent of her 129 attempts a year ago. Gesink and junior Kaira Moss were 1-2 in rebounding for the Wolfpack and combined for 12 boards a night. The biggest question mark facing this team is replacing graduated point guard Alissa Pollema, who averaged nearly 6 assists a game and made the offense go in her final season a year ago. Dropping down from Clas 3A is Unity Christian (Orange City), which took runner-up honors last March. The Knights are headlined by a strong trio of Kassidy De Jong, Anna Kiel and Chanda Zomermaand, who combined to average over 40 points per game. De Jong is one of the state’s most complete players, as she pulled down 6.7 boards per game and tallied 89 assists and 63 steals a year ago. Kiel led the team with 9.1 rebounds a night and 45 blocks, while Zomermaand put up 65 assists and shot over 40 percent from long range. The top challenger should be a squad that fell to Western Christian in last year’s state semifinals. North Linn returns senior guard and Drake commit Nicole Miller, who finished second in Class 2A with 25.3 points per game in 2013-14 while shooting at a 50 percent clip. She was also one of the best players in the state at getting to and converting at the charity stripe; she drained nearly 81 percent of her 166 free throw attempts as a junior, which made her incredibly difficult to defend. Miller also tallied team-bests in assists (120) and steals (106), and was second on the team in rebounding (6.4 rebounds per game) and blocks (25). The Lynx also return Maddie and Morgan Boer, who combined for nearly 16 points per game, 120 assists, 138 steals and 202 rebounds. That should give the team a very strong core to build around as it looks to Volume 3 Issue 2
mount a serious challenge for the Class 2A crown. Western Christian, Unity Christian and North Linn look like clear favorites going into this season, but there are several teams that could budge their way into the title conversation before season’s end. South Central Calhoun and IKMManning had a 63-60 classic contest in last year’s regional finals, and both teams return nearly intact. For the Titans, five seniors who averaged at least 7.2 points per game and hit at least 41.7 percent of their shots from the floor, including Haley Birks, who led the team with 14.8 points a night and made nearly 53 percent of her shot attempts. Birks also led the team with 7 rebounds a night. For the Wolves, sharing was caring in 2013-14. Five returning seniors tallied at least 48 assists a year ago: Morgan Muhlbauer (96), Carley Irlmeier (76), Andy Nulle (65), Kali Rasmussen (61) and Miranda Hansen (48). That willingness to share the ball created a balanced scoring attack, and the top four scorers are all back. Muhlbauer was the headliner at 19.2 points per game, but Rasmussen and Katelyn Schechinger combined to average nearly 25 points a night, and Nulle chipped in 9.7 points a game. This may be the deepest class in the entire state and just getting to the state tournament, much less winning it, could turn out to be quite the accomplishment this year. Follow along this winter with Sports Spotlight!
North Linn’s Nicole Miller (Photo by Tork Mason)
Western Christian’s Jamie Gesink (Photo by Tork Mason)
SportsSpotlight.com
Class 1A: Nikes Eye Repeat
Burlington Notre Dame is set to make another championship run.
Burlington Notre Dame’s Riley Kilbride (Photo by Tork Mason)
Burlington Notre Dame’s Taylor Hickey (Photo by Tork Mason)
Last season, Burlington Notre Dame used the dynamic duo of Taylor Hickey and Riley Kilbride to take the state title. The Nikes will be looking to do the same once again this winter and enter the year as heavy favorites to repeat. Hickey led the team with 18.8 points per game and Kilbride was second with 14.5 a night, but the Nikes also return all but one player from last season, including seniors Courtney Coffin and Kori Mesecher, who combined to score over 20 points per game; Mesecher also led the team with 207 rebounds a year ago. Some of the top potential challengers this year include Bellevue Marquette Catholic, Dunkerton, New London and Grandview Christian. Marquette brings back its top three scorers from a year ago, including SportsSpotlight.com
senior Nicole Blum, who averaged 13.9 points per game in her junior campaign. Blake Banowetz and Marissa Schroeder are also back after combining to average nearly 17 points a night. Schroeder could also be a player to step up as a sophomore; she shot nearly 52 percent from the floor as a freshman and, if she becomes more assertive on the offensive end, could emerge as one of the area’s best weapons. Dunkerton’s boys basketball team reached the state championship game last year, but the girls squad also returns its three best players and, consider those players were all underclassmen in 2013-14, this could be a group that takes a big step forward this winter. Junior Alecia Kimball is back after averaging just under 12 points a night to lead the
team, and so is sophomore Kaeli Block, who notched nearly 11 points per game. Both are deadly snipers from the outside; they shot a combined 42.5 percent from behind the arc on 134 attempts last year. New London will have to replace point guard Sami Koontz, but juniors Morgan Christner and Victoria Noel give the Tigers a solid foundation to build on. Christner led the team with 13.6 points per game and has long since established herself as one of the state’s very best rebounders. She finished second statewide in rebounding in each of her first two seasons and owns a career average of 13.7 boards per game. Noel was second on the team with 50 assists a year ago, and the Tigers also bring back junior Frankie Johnson, who tallied 41 dimes last winter.
Grandview Christian returns all but one of its key contributors from last season, including leading scorer and rebounder Katie Hall. Hall put up nearly 19 points and 6.5 boards per game as a sophomore and will look to build on that performance this season. She’ll be joined by Kayle Whittington and Shayla McCool, who combined for nearly 20 points a night; Whittington was also second on the team in rebounding and McCool tallied a team-best 76 assists as a sophomore. This class appears to belong to Notre Dame, but there are teams that can challenge the Nikes this season, and those aren’t necessarily limited to the teams mentioned here. Follow all of this season’s action as it unfolds with Sports Spotlight! Volume 3 Issue 2
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A Dynamic Force Sioux City North’s Daniel Tillo has become one of the state’s elite players by excelling in every facet of the game. There’s simply very few things he can’t do. By Darrin Cline
A
s a junior, Daniel Tillo had a .543/.657./.495 shooting line. He averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds. On the gridiron this fall, Tillo has thrown for 2,644 yards and 25 touchdowns. No matter the sport, Daniel Tillo has excelled. Already a Sports Spotlight All-State selection in baseball, basketball and football, Tillo has etched his name into the annals of Class 4A and Sioux City North athletics. Despite his prowess on the diamond and the sacred acre, it’s his skills on the hardwood that have garnered the most attention. “Basketball was the first sport that I really fell in love with,” Tillo said. “It’s non-stop action; it’s intense up and down the floor. You have to go 100 percent all the time.” Tillo credits his two older brothers for his addiction to the game. “I always went to their games and practices when I was younger; whenever there was an opportunity to play basketball, I’d take it,” he said. As a freshman, Tillo was already showing signs of being a varsity standout. He led the team in scoring and rebounding, as well as finishing second in assists. The next year, Tillo and his teammates were joined by current head coach Cody Fisher. Fisher chose to make the jump to Sioux City North after guiding multiple programs in Nebraska. He saw an opportunity to match his style with the talent on the Stars’ roster. “Dan started from day one in high school, and you could tell he was already one of
the best players in the area,” Fisher said. “I coached against him twice before I came here and he tore us up. He was thrust into the spotlight very young, but when I got here he was already expecting a lot from himself and everyone around him.” The Stars’ athleticism leant itself to Fisher’s up-tempo style. “We really focus on being an attacking team, and we like to press it a lot,” Fisher said. “We set up our offense through attacking the rim and getting our athletes open in space; it’s organized chaos.” Tillo echoed his coach analysis, confident in the speed of his teammates. “We’re really athletic and quick,” he said. “We go up and down and run as much as possible. We score quickly and try to eliminate second chance opportunity while on defense.” Fisher is now entering his third season at Sioux City North and he has witnessed Tillo’s game continue to develop. As a sophomore sharpshooter, he led Class 4A in shot attempts while maintaining a 50 percent shooting percentage. He finished second in the class in scoring and first in rebounding, averaging 22 points and 12 boards a night. Last year he averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds, and led Class 4A in total rebounds. Standing over 6-4, Tillo has the size to get physical in the paint, but his slick shooting stroke has also made him one of the most potent three-point shooters in the state. Over three years of high school basketball, Tillo has averaged a 43-percent shooting
percentage from behind the arc. “He’s wherever we need him,” said Fisher on Tillo’s versatility. “His skill set is so diverse that he can do anything we ask. He’s a lethal three point shooter, but he’s also at the top in rebounding. Whatever the game calls for him to do, he’ll do it. He may only score 14 points in a game, but those are games where four or five guys will score in double figures. He does whatever the game requires.” While Tillo’s first instinct is to step back and take aim at a long-range jumper, he is not afraid to move inside. “I’m usually a 2 or a 3; defensively I usually guard the biggest guy, but offensively I’ll play anywhere from the 1 to the 5,” Tillo said. “If the guy is smaller than me, I’ll try to post up, but if he’s bigger than me I’ll try to take him outside,” Tillo says. With one more season of high school basketball left, Tillo is still striving to impress college scouts. Ranked among the top-10 recruits in the state by Rivals. com, Tillo is uncommitted but has drawn attention from schools such as Northern Colorado, San Jose State, South Dakota and Northern Illinois. Schools have also expressed interest in him as a baseball prospect. With Fisher and Tillo guiding the way, the Stars have become Class 4A contenders, going 43-8 over the last two years. They haven’t made it past the state semifinals, but the bar is set for Tillo and his teammates as they look to make their mark in 2014.
PRESEASON ALL-STATE
BOYS
CLASS 1A
CLASS 2A G - Mason Speer, Sr. Danville
G - Matt Baker, Sr. Albia
G - Jackson Lamb, Jr. Nodaway Valley
G - Erich Erdman, Sr. Forest City
F - Zach Pierce, Sr. Gladbrook-Reinbeck
F - Drew Cook, Sr. Iowa City Regina
F - Keegan Wederquist, Sr. East Mills
F - Jayden Johnson, Sr. North Cedar
C - Ethan Steinbronn, Sr. West Central
C -Blake Simmons, Sr. Hartley-MelvinSanborn
CLASS 3A
Photo courtesy of Terry Simmons
CLASS 4A G - Jake Velky, Sr. Waverly-Shell Rock
G - Jordan Johnson, Sr. DSM Roosevelt Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register
G - Levi Jansen, Jr. MOC-Floyd Valley
G - Cortez Seales, Sr. North Scott
F - T.J. Hockenson, Jr. Chariton
F - Michael Jacobson, Sr. Waukee
F - Miles Wentzien, Sr. Fort Madison
F - Daniel Tillo, Sr. Sioux City North
C - Cordell Pemsl, Jr. Dubuque Wahlert
C - Jay Schon, Sr. Ankeny Centennial
Class 4A:Four-Peat?
Iowa City West has to reload, but could make history this season. The new Iowa high school boys’ basketball season begins with a few questions. The first is can and if so, who will dethrone Iowa City West as the Trojans hopes to become the first school to claim four consecutive state titles? Iowa City West joined Davenport (1950-52), Cedar Rapids Regis (1982-84), Palmer (1986-88) and Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) (200911) as the only schools that have accomplished it three times in Iowa high school boy’s state basketball history. As we take a look at some of the teams and players in each class to keep an eye on based on last season’s performances, let’s begin in Class 4A where defending champion Iowa City West will try to do what they always have been able to do and that is reload. The pieces are there led by David DiLeo and Connor McCaffery and a handful of under classmen who had playing time last season and now look to have a bigger role on this year’s team’s success. North Scott (Eldridge) should be a major threat with the majority of their lineup back after posting a 21-2 record last season. The Lancers return three averaging double-digit in points led by Cortez Seales (16.8 ppg) and Marlon Stewart (14.1 ppg). Sioux City North returns three starters led by Daniel Tillo who averaged 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds while leading the Stars in blocked shots and second on the team in steals and assists. Waukee is poised to challenge with the return of nearly 32 points and 19 rebounds per game between Michael Jacobson and Anthony Nelson along that tall front lone. Ankeny Centennial will return four of their top five scorers led by Jay Schon with his 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game average last season. Linn-Mar (Marion) had their streak of consecutive state tournament appearances snapped last season but the young nucleus that returns give the Lions hope of starting another streak led by Jordan Bohannon and Nic Uhlir who combined for nearly 33 points per game. SportsSpotlight.com
Ankeny Centennial’s Jay Schon (Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register)
Others on our watch list and look to improve include Des Moines Roosevelt led by Jordan Johnson and his 16.9 points and nearly 5 assists a game average. Johnson may be one of the most under-theradar players in the state outside of central Iowa. Other teams on the watch list in 4A are Des Moines Hoover, Dubuque Hempstead, Pleasant Valley, Urbandale, and West Des Moines Valley. Individually, the list of players that will impact the 4A season include Will Carius (Pleasant Valley) who averaged 17.1 points and 9.8 rebounds last season. Waterloo West hopes to improve behind their double-double threat, Lincoln Conrey (16.9 ppg and 10.4 rpg). Nasir Shabazz (Davenport West), Martell Wilson (Dubuque Hempstead), Brody Egger (Urbandale), Carter Burns (Ottumwa), Kyle Crowl (Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln) and Ondra Bradford II (Waterloo East) all return after averaging 14 to 16 points per game last season. Brady Ernst (Clinton) is the top returning rebounder after finishing second with his 10.8 average last season and the leader last season
in blocked shots with 70 in 4A. Conner McCaffery and Byron Harp (Ankeny Centennial) return as the best at dishing out assists while Robert Duax (Dubuque Hempstead) and Ricky Grimes (North Scott, Eldridge) are the top returning in forcing turnovers.
Cater Burns of Ottumwa is the top returning shot-blocker after posting 59 last season, third-best in 4A.
Iowa City West’s Connor McCaffery (Photo by Tork Mason)
Volume 3 Issue 2
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Class 3A: Wahlert’s to Lose
Dubuque Wahlert dominated all comers and looks ready to do the same again.
Dubuque Wahlert plays a tough schedule every season which really gave them a sense on how good they would be last season and eventually crowned the Class 3A state champions. The Golden Eagles bring back 42 points and 18 rebounds per game back with Cordell Pemsl, Josh Carter and Nolan Timp which bodes well in their hopes of defending their championship. Jake Velky returns as the leader for Waverly-Shell Rock as the GoHawks try to reload with some key pieces graduating from last season’s team. Chariton returns their top two scorers in Daric Laing (21.6 ppg) and TJ Hockenson (19.4 ppg) with Hockenson also one of the top rebounders in the state with his 12.3 per game average and Laing the top returner in steals with 63 last season which was second best in Class 3A as they try to take another shot at Dubuque Wahlert who ended their season during the state tournament. Fort Madison won 19 games last season and have the core of that team back led by Miles Wentzien and his nearly 22 points and 8 rebounds per game. Pella will move forward with Isaac Naaktgeboren who nearly averaged a double-double last season and with some key experience players behind him. Dallas Center-Grimes and Grinnell handed the Little Dutch their four losses last season. Carroll returns four of their topfive scorers led by Addison Ross and Eli Cleveland who combined for 28-plus points and 13 rebounds per game. MOC-Floyd Valley looks to keep their basketball tradition in tact with the return of Levi Jansen who finished fourth in 3A in scoring average at 21.8 points per game last season. Mount Vernon moves up from 2A to 3A this season but should not detour them in hopes of contending this season with the return of their top four scorers led by Connor Herrmann (15.1 ppg) and Tommy Hook (14.0 ppg). Alec Henrickson brings his 24 points per game average back to lead Spirit Lake who have five of their top six players. On the list of returners that averaged between 15 and 17 points per game are Adam McDermott (Cedar Rapids Xavier), Brady Driscoll (Union, LaPorte City), Kouny Deng (Storm Lake) and Federico Ferretti (Fairfield) who all hope to help their
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teams be a part of the post season picture. Deng is a shot-changer with his 67 blocked shots last season, thirdbest in 3A. Individually, some of the top returning talent in Shammond Ivory (Perry), Trey Tucker (Greene County), Tyler Borchers (LeMars), Jay Wolfe (Creston), Mason Myers (Mason City), Darius Lasely (South Tama), Johnny Dahl (Keokuk), Tristan Bohr (Crestwood, Cresco), Caleb Hageman (Charles City) and Jaxon Heinz (Humboldt) who all averaged between 17 to 20 points per game for their teams in 2013-14. Wes Greder of Gilbert average 10.2 boards per game for the Tigers while Dahl is the top returner in dishing out assists and Spencer Pauley of Denison-Schleswig led 3A in blocked shots last season with 112. This class has plenty of talent, but Wahlert appears to be in the driver’s seat. Follow all of this season’s action with Sports Spotlight!
Chariton’s T.J. Hockenson (Photo by Tork Mason)
Dubuque Wahlert’s Josh Carter (Photo by Tork Mason)
SportsSpotlight.com
Class 2A: Hunting a Repeat Western Christian brings plenty of firepower.
Western Christian (Hull) has won two titles since 2010 including last season in 2A along with a runner-up finish in 2011. The Wolfpack always seem to reload and look to do so once again with the return of Josh VanLingen and Taylor Miedema, who combined for 30 points per game with VanLingen adding 10.7 rebounds per game. New Hampton lost their leading scorer, Kyle smith but return the rest of the team that was one step from playing in Des Moines. Ryan Kriener is the top returning scorer (12.2) and rebounder (5.5) for the Chickasaws. Treynor played into the semifinals last season and most of that talented group is also back led by Jacob Flathers and Trey Robinson who combined for nearly 24 points and 17 rebound per game. Flathers also blocked 61 shots last season. Des Moines Christian is positioned to once again be a factor with seven of their top eight players back in the fold led by Keaton Van Soelen, Logan Vander Platts and Noah Hart who all averaged in double figures and combined for 34 points a game. The list of teams with great potential continues IKM-Manning who return three double-figure scorers led by Kyle Wagner (17.4 ppg) and Sam Wegner (15.4 ppg and 7.6 rpg). Iowa City Regina returns one of the state’s top scorers in Drew Cook (25.1 ppg) and a group that would like another shot at a trip to the capital city. Sioux Center should be set for a run this season with their top three scorers back including Alex Bakker (15.0 ppg), Steve Kragt (14.3 ppg) and Chris Borchers (13.0 ppg). Other teams to keep an eye on include Beckman (Dyersville) led by Sage Maiers and Forest City led by Erich Erdman and his 26.7 points per game average. Individually, some of the top returning players in 2A are Matt Baker (Albia), the top returning scorer in the class with his 24.8 per game average behind Erdman and Cook. Blake Simmons (Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn) poured in 20-plus points per game and back as the 2A top returning rebounder after pulling down 13.3 last season and was second in the class with 76 blocked shots. Logan Gilman (PCM-Monroe), Cayce Good (Ogden), Jacob Luft (Odebolt-Arthur/Battle CreekIda Grove), Makkon Anderson (Shenandoah) and Jayden Johnson SportsSpotlight.com
(North Cedar, Stanwood) all average between 17 and 20 points per game return to lead their respective schools charge. The list of top returning scorers continues with Collin Hill (South Hamilton, Jewell), Tanner Youngberg (Pocahontas Area), Bryce Kearns (West Central Valley, Stuart), Jacob Jones (Davis County, Bloomfield), Holt Hunziker (Okoboji, Milford) and Jaylan White (Interstate 35, Truro) who all dropped between 16 and 17 points last season. White also returns as one of the tops in 2A in assists and steals. Jevin Jensen (Eddyville-Fremont-Tabor), Cal Twait (Manson-NW Webster), Greg Glass (Columbus Catholic, Waterloo) and Ryan Daisy (South Central Calhoun) are back after hauling down at least 10 rebounds per game last season. Eric Mulder (South Hardin, Eldora) who led the class in assists and steals is back as well.
Treynor’s Trey Robinson (Photo by Tork Mason)
Western Christian’s Taylor Miedema (Photo by Tork Mason)
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Class 1A: Anyone’s Game There’s no clear favorite entering this season.
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West Lyon (Inwood) pulled off their first-ever state basketball title but to do so this season would be a complete surprise with nearly all of the title team graduated. Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto is a team with a core of returners that will factor in the 1A field this season after great success in Class 2A last season where they finished 19-4. Derrik Kerns (17.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg), Korey Kuhlmann (16.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg) and Shawn Flanigan (11.8 ppg) are all back to lead the Rams hopes again this season. Danville has become a basketball tradition and looks for another shot at a state title this year with a ton of talent back led by Mason Speer and Connor Hoelzen who combined for nearly 34 points per game. Gladbrook-Reinbeck is coming off a 22-3 season and will be a factor again with the return of three double-figure scorers led by Zach Pierce and Camden Kickbush who combined for 29 points per game. Ar-We-Va (Westside) was perfect in the regular season last season before falling to Newell-Fonda in the sub-states. The Rockets will count on Austin Stoelk (13.6 ppg) along with Brandon Hagge and Derek Schurke who combined for another 18 points per game. Gehlen Catholic (LeMars) lost a couple of key pieces but have enough experience to feel they can contend again led by Solomon Freking, Alex Kellen, Jarod Steffes and Ryan Stoll who combined for 38 points and 15 rebounds per game. Van Buren (Keosauqua) should hold serve on another good season with Garrett Saunders, Will Mertens and Brandon Plecker who combined for 35 points per game. Coon Rapids-Bayard will use a balanced group that returns including Sam Honold, Trevor Hachmeister and Sam Halverson. East Mills hopes to return to their 2013-14 form with Keegan Wederquist and Logan Currin and their 28 points per game as does Pleasantville with Trevor Zoss and Josh Luna. Wederquist also pulled down nearly 12 rebounds per game. Individually, Tyler Stumbo (Laurens-Marathon) (24.6 ppg) returns as the 1A top returning scorer while also pulling down 10.3 board per game. Ethan Steinbronn (West Central, Maynard) (23.7), Trey Stansberry (Moulton-Udell) (23.7), Paul Kaufmann (North Tama, Traer) (20.0) and Jacob Volume 3 Issue 2
Butler (Starmont, Arlington) (20.0) all return with a 20-plus per game average last season. Steinbronn is also the top returning rebounder with his 12.5 boards per game and top returning shot-blocker (150) last season. Other top returning scorers hoping to make an impact on the season include Jacob Taylor (Diagonal), Wade Martian (West Monona, Onawa), Chase Wetterling (Melcher-Dallas) and Emmitt Wheatley (Adair-Casey) all averaged 18 to 20 points a game last season. Those who averaged between 17 and 18 points back are Bradley Fisher (Ankeny Christian Academy), Isaiah Armbrecht (Valley Lutheran, Cedar Falls), Lee Whyte (A-H-S-T, Avoca), Trey McHenry (Murray), Zachary Peterman (South Page, College Springs), Blaine Gretter (Sigourney), Otis Roby (Twin Cedars, Bussey) and Porter Hummel (West Sioux, Hawarden). Armbrecht was a double-double threat with his 11.6 rebounds per game. Steven Horan (Heartland Christian, Council Bluffs), Spencer Brown (Lenox), Devon Veach (Iowa Christian Academy), Jacob Cain (Sidney) and Justin Jacobi (Belle Plaine) all averaged 10-plus rebounds per game. Austin Reitz (West Monona, Onawa) dished out nearly 9 assists a game, tops in 1A last season is back.
Nodaway Valley’s Jackson Lamb (Photo courtesy of Nodaway Valley High School)
Danville’s Mason Speer (Photo courtesy of Donald Aliprandi)
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In the
Spotlight Youth This page presented to you by:
Each month we publish youth and high school action photos from around the state. We would love to get yours! Send us your photos at support@ sportsspotlight.com
Youth
BE A SPORT
How young is too young to play at a higher level? By Nancy Justis
Did you hear about the nine-year-old girl in Orlando, Florida who plays basketball for the high school team? She’s reportedly so talented that she’s being recruited by the University of Miami. Actually took a tour of the campus recently. Ridiculous, you say? It’s really not that unusual. The New York Times ran an article earlier this year about Division I soccer coaches recruiting girls at the middle school level and offering scholarships. Before they even play in high school. Before taking the ACT or SAT. Good idea or not? Getting the recruiting process out of the way certainly may benefit everyone involved. The athlete won’t have to be bothered by rabid coaches for the next however many years, the parents can breathe easier about the cost of college, and the coach has one player locked in for the foreseeable future. Getting around NCAA rules isn’t difficult. College coaches are not allowed to contact players until after their junior year of high school. Instead, they contact the athlete’s travel team or high school coach, informing them of their interest in Suzie or Johnny. Then Suzie or Johnny can initiate the contact with the college. Nine-year-old Jaden’s father, Jamie, said in the TODAY.com article: “When I first got the call (from Miami) I thought it was for my son...(Jaden) has an amazing skill set at 9 years old, and her potential is through the roof...She’s so level-headed...She’s on the right path with colleges already looking at her.” Georgetown University head women’s soccer coach Dave Nolan said recently in The Soccer Wire that he doesn’t follow the trend to recruit younger players. “I wish the recruiting world would just slow down, and kids wouldn’t get swept along with this...it seems to be getting worse, which is really frightening. These kids committing before the end of their sophomore year, that’s ridiculous.” There are other issues involved with that kind of attention and pressure placed on someone so young. Youth Sports Journal, published by the National Alliance for Youth Sports, provides the emotional and social development characteristics of children. Ages 8-9: Fears are related to failure, trouble at home, making mistakes, and competitive situations. Want to do well but SportsSpotlight.com
lose interest if discouraged or pressured. Sensitive to criticism, resent being treated like a child. May be argumentative and careless. Ages 10-11: Awkward, restless and lazy as a result of rapid and uneven growth. Differences in maturity. Resent authority, worship heroes and fear ridicule. Peers are more important than family. Ages 12-14: Emotional instability characterized by a “know it all” attitude. Oversensitive. Preoccupied with social acceptance. Fear of ridicule and being unpopular. If you need more scientific information, here is a tidbit from a condensation of materials contained in a paper entitled “Role of Organized Sport in the Education and Health of American Children and Youth”, commissioned by the Carnegie Corporation of New York in 1996. “Premature sports involvement may result in undesirable emotional consequences for children. The limited capacity of children to develop accurate conceptions of ability may result in inappropriate aspirations and achievement goals. When expectations for performance are too high, children are likely to experience frustration, discouragement, and low self-esteem.” One of the report’s recommendations says, “Early childhood involvement in sports should emphasize instruction more than
competition”. University of Northern Iowa women’s soccer coach James Price says he is aware of early recruiting. “I feel like it is isolated cases, and for players that already are playing at a very high level (national teams), rather than for the average middle school athlete. “It would take a lot (a personal recommendation from a respected friend) to make me go and watch a middle school age player in this type of situation...Too many things can happen between offering a player that young a scholarship, and them actually being on campus as a freshman in college. The player can perhaps not develop the way you think, your team needs can change drastically or there may be some off the field concerns that come to light in that time, too. “I think there is a big difference between keeping an eye on a player of that age, and actively recruiting them, which is both against NCAA rules and morally questionable...However, it’s not a bad idea for athletes of that age to go to camps at a particular school to get a feel for the campus and get to know the coaching staff a little.” Is there really security for an athlete to commit to a particular program early? “It’s not the sense of security,” said Nolan. “It’s the relief of the pressure being off. And the fact that there was that kind of pressure in that decision, is what’s wrong...The kids should get a chance to visit five schools, per NCAA official visits, and then pick their school based on that.” I’m not saying there are not exceptionally talented and mature young athletes out there who may be able to handle sport at a higher level and its ensuing attention and pressures. But is it worth the possibility of scarring a child before he or she even gets to truly experience what competitive sports can bring to their life? Let us know what you think. Nancy Justis is a former competitive swimmer and collegiate sports information director. She is a partner with Justis Creative Communications and a Champion for Positive Coaching Alliance in the state of Iowa.
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Health & Fitness
PROPER IN-SEASON TRAINING By Brian and Chad O’Meara
Every athlete wants to compete at their very best throughout the entire season. Especially at the end when it matters most for playoffs and championships. They also want to continue the fitness progress they were achieving during all that hard work in the off-season. Every family and athlete who wants to optimize should evaluate their in-season progress to ensure they have the right balance in workouts and the right nutrition. Otherwise, they risk losing ground and performance during the season and over time. There are many reasons for this lack of balance or focus. Some sports teams focus on sport specific skills development and tactical preparation during practices and games, the schedule gets so busy and there doesn’t seem to be enough time and coaches worry that strength training could
actually “burn the athlete out” causing a drop in performance capabilities. Whatever the reason an athlete is
not getting the right balance it will be detrimental to their performance. Many studies have shown that these
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Health & Fitness
differences in power, strength, jumping ability, muscle mass and body weight can be dramatic, with some athletes losing significant muscle mass and weight while seeing strength measures drop in some cases nearly 20% to 25% during a season! Strength is the base of an athlete’s performance pyramid impacting ability to explode, cut, jump, push and run. Think of the advantage athletes that are progressing their power have during a season and over time. So what are we talking about? A program to progress overall power and develop lean muscle in-season. The good news it is common sense and is reasonable to accomplish with a little support and discipline. Let’s start with nutrition. The schedules are busy and athletes need to stay fueled with regular meals and snacks of the right type and time. Proteins are very important throughout the day especially before and immediately after practices and training sessions. I send my own child to practices with a small cooler bag containing cheese or a small sandwich, fruit and water or sports drinks. Muscle recovery and development requires energy and nutrition prior to and immediately after trainings. The strength and power workouts themselves need to be short and intense. We recommend 2 sessions a week that can be done in 40 minutes a session including warmups and stretching. These are balanced workouts that work the all of large muscle groups (pushing and pulling), arms, chest,
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legs, and core. Moderate reps and weights with no more than 30 seconds rest between sets. Workouts ideally should be matched up against entire workout, practice and game schedules to best compliment. Sample workout follows: In-Season Full Body Workout (weights reps should be set carefully to maximize results). Proper form and technique is always critical. • • • • • • • • • • •
Bench 5 sets Lying triceps extensions 3 sets Lying butterflies 3 sets Front raises 3 sets Upright rows 3 sets Shoulder shrugs 3 sets Hammer curls 3 sets Squats 3 sets Dead Lifts 3 sets Lunges Abs
Evaluating and adopting the right in-season program will optimize performance for the entire season and reap gains over a longer term. Making sure your athlete has an ideal strength and power program, nutrition and recovery plan is essential.
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Health & Fitness
WHY IS THE ACL SO IMPORTANT? SPONSORED ARTICLE
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is located on the inside of the knee joint originating from the femur and attaching on the tibia. It helps to provide stability and rotational control of your knee. It also secondarily protects your meniscus and articular cartilage inside your knee from seeing increased stresses that could cause damage. The ACL can be injured through both contact and noncontact sports. Patients will express they felt a “pop” and shortly afterwards the knee will swell. Usually, the swelling will subside and the patient will feel fine when running in a straight line, but cutting activities will feel different and the knee will give out frequently. Active people of all ages usually opt to have surgery
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to reconstruct their ACL. By doing so, it will allow them to return to sports and protect the remaining intra-articular structures in the knee. Return to sports is usually in the 4-6 month range depending upon severity of injury and progress with rehabilitation. Prevention techniques such as proprioceptive training, plyometrics and core strengthening are now being taught at the grade-school and high school levels. Information provided by Dr. Jason Sullivan, Sports Medicine Doctor, Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons, 6001 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, (515) 224-4250.
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