Conference Preview: CIML Metro
The Teams Des Moines East: The Scarlets took a big hit in the summer when last season’s leading scorer Fred Bickham sustained an ACL injury, it’s unclear whether he’ll be able to return at all this season. But there is…
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Continue ReadingThe Teams
Des Moines East: The Scarlets took a big hit in the summer when last season’s leading scorer Fred Bickham sustained an ACL injury, it’s unclear whether he’ll be able to return at all this season. But there is still some reason to be optimistic on Des Moines’ east side. Cameron Cramer has shown much improvement after averaging 12.2 points per game last season. And George Dantzler returns for his senior season after scoring 12.2 per game during last season’s 5-17 campaign.
Des Moines Hoover: A program that seemingly never fails to put a great product on the floor, this year will be no different for Hoover. Led by one of the state’s best power forwards, Doug Wilson and Co. check in at No.2 in our 4A preseason poll, and should yet again compete for a 4A title.
Des Moines Lincoln: After a long winter last season, in which the Rails won just three games (3-19), there’s seemingly only up to go for Des Moines’ south-siders. Will Feller will lead Lincoln this season, and the bouncy post is the team’s leading returning scorer and rebounder. Ben Jarm, Ayoub Deng and Byron Williams will all need to take the next step this season for the Railsplitters to find success.
Des Moines North: One the most talented teams not only in the conference, but the entire state, the Polar Bears will certainly be one of the more electrifying teams to take in this winter. Division I prospects Jal Bijiek and Tyreke Locure will lead the way and provide plenty of highlights. But it’s the Polar Bears’ supporting cast, with Lino Malual, Dariq Myles, James Deng and others that could put this squad over the top.
Des Moines Roosevelt: It could be a better season than people think for the Roughriders. Mhiyu Thomas and Ethan Shafer bring some experience back as the team’s senior leaders. But the real X-factor is Norwalk transfer Cade Moritz. The 6-foot-8 center was dynamite this summer in team camps, and will be eligible to play in late-January for the ‘Riders.
Indianola: They likely won’t be cutting down the nets at the end of the season in I-town, but they sure will have some fun watching one of the state’s best sophomore guards Evan Gauger. The Indians finished 6-16 last season, and lose their four leading scorers from that team. Look for Gauger to up his scoring average from 5 points per game to around 20.
Ottumwa: Last season was a rough one for the Bulldogs, winners of just four games (4-18), but expect some more success this winter. Trey Thomas, Dalton Bowers and Noah Boyer are all back, bringing some scoring and experience to the table. Sophomore guard Sam Yeaway could blossom into a star this season for Ottumwa as well.
Projected Order of Finish
- Des Moines Hoover
- Des Moines North
- Des Moines Roosevelt
- Des Moines East
- Ottumwa
- Indianola
- Des Moines Lincoln
Analysis
Every year the Huskies seem to be favorites to win the Metro, but it’s never easy for them. This season, much like last, the Polar Bears will be their stiffest competition. Can the Polar Bears harness all of their immense talent and piece together the elite season they seem capable of? Not if the Huskies have anything to do with it.
Preseason Player of the Year
Douglas Wilson, 6’6, Des Moines Hoover
In a division chock-full of elite talent, Wilson narrowly gets the nod for this honor. He’s Iowa’s 6th-ranked 2017, and though it looks like he may take the JuCo route, he’ll likely become a Division I forward after. An extremely bouncy post with an uncanny ability to score around the rim, Wilson will try and lead the Huskies back to the state tournament for a third straight season.
Biggest Sleeper
Devonte Thedford, 6’2, Des Moines Hoover
Thedford has been waiting in the wings for two seasons at Hoover, behind elite guards like Chris King, Alijah Thomas and Y’Vez Quinn. Now a junior, Thedford seems poised for a breakout season, and should lead another strong Huskies guard corps in scoring this season. He was sensational at the Kiwanis Jamboree earlier this month.
Players to Watch
Douglas Wilson, 6’6, Des Moines Hoover
Jal Bijiek, 6’7, Des Moines North
Tyreke Locure, 5’9, Des Moines North
Cade Moritz, 6’8, Des Moijes Roosevelt
Kenny Quinn, 5’9, Des Moines Hoover
Cameron Cramer, 5’10, Des Moines East
Dariq Myles, 6’3, Des Moines North
Mhiyu Thomas, 6’3, Des Moines Roosevelt
Evan Gauger, 6′, Indianola