Conference Preview: CIML CIC-East
The Teams Ankeny One of the deepest and most talented squads in the state, Ankeny will be lead by junior point guard Drew Maschoff, who has established himself as one of the state’s best guards. Along with Maschoff, Conor Riordan, Trystan…
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Continue ReadingThe Teams
Ankeny
One of the deepest and most talented squads in the state, Ankeny will be lead by junior point guard Drew Maschoff, who has established himself as one of the state’s best guards. Along with Maschoff, Conor Riordan, Trystan Cummins, and Riley McCoy all return — those were the Hawks’ four leading scorers from last season’s 10-13 squad. A host of other talent returns including Collin Shannon, who was sensational at our Combine last month. Look for Ankeny to be a top-10 team throughout the season.
Ankeny Centennial
The new-look Jaguars may have an entire new starting cast, but expectations, though tapered, will still be placed on the talented newcomers. Junior wing Connor Kasperbauer had a fantastic offseason with All Iowa Attack Nike, and Chase Edwards received plenty of run last season on a senior-laden club. Those two, along with a collection of inexperienced but capable newcomers, should make the Jaguars formidable this season.
Southeast Polk
Last season was rough for the Rams, who themselves will sport a bit of a new look this season. Their top two scorers are gone from a season ago, but Garrett Northway proved this summer that he’s ready to be one of the conference's best guards. Plenty of role players return from last year’s 7-15 team, including Keegan Van Kooten, Jackson Cole, and Chris Henderson — the Rams could be sneaky good this season.
Waukee
A team that literally loomed larger than any other last season with Michael Jacobson (6’9), and Anthony Nelson (6’8) will have to replace a monster frontcourt, and become a guard-heavy team. Jacob Rau, a 6-foot-7 junior, looks to fill the void in the paint, and Michael Winger will anchor the frontcourt, he’s a sharpshooter and three year starter. Drew Johnson will be relied upon to man the point, and is perfectly capable. Senior guard Adam Rose brings back 7.4 points per game.
Projected Order of Finish
1. Ankeny
2. Waukee
3. Ankeny Centennial
4. Southeast Polk
Analysis: The Hawks return 12 guys who played at least some varsity last season, including a wealth of talent at the guard spots. They knocked off a supremely talented Iowa City West squad this June at the Urbandale Team Camp — that captured our attention, and the state is on notice. Waukee could be a threat to take the conference title also, and there will be no easy wins inter-conference with the Rams and Jaguars both showing glimpses of proficient ball this offseason.
Preseason Player of the year
Drew Maschoff, Ankeny, 2017: 6.5 PPG, 43 3FG%, 1.7 RPG
Biggest Sleeper
Connor Kasperbauer, Ankeny Centennial, 2017: He played some last year as a sophomore on a senior-laden squad. But he averaged a mere 1.7 points and struggled shooting the ball. He was excellent this offseason on the grassroots circuit, and we believe he gained the necessary confidence to blossom into a star with the Jaguars this season.
players to watch
Drew Maschoff, Ankeny, 2017
Conor Riordan, Ankeny, 2016
Michael Winger, Waukee, 2016
Garrett Northway, Southeast Polk, 2016
Jacob Rau, Waukee, 2017
Connor Kasperbauer, Ankeny Centennial, 2017
Chase Edwards, Ankeny Centennial, 2016