Conference Preview: CIML Central
The Teams (2016-17 record in parenthesis)
Ames (15-7): With a dynamic duo in place, Japannah Kellogg, Joe Evans and Co. could again find themselves in the upper echelon of the division this winter. Look for Kellogg, a 6-foot-6 forward, to be one of the CIML Central’s breakout players this season.
Ankeny (11-13): Drew Maschoff is graduated and gone to D2 Sioux Falls, but there’s reason to be optimistic on Ankeny’s southside. Ben Lyon is a 6’4 guard who can beat you with his athleticism, and coach’s son Dillon Carlson is one of the more skilled juniors in Iowa.
Ankeny Centennial (12-11): The Jaguars boast the division’s Preseason Player of the Year with slick point guard Hunter Strait, and he’s got a cast of very decent role players to work with. Centennial features nice size and plenty of returning experience — only two regular contributors from last season graduated.
Southeast Polk (3-19): Willie Tunks and Grant Arnold will try and right the ship in Pleasant Hill this season. And after last season’s three-win debacle, there’s reason to believe that the two standouts could help lead the Rams to a slight uptick in wins. But there’s likely no conference title in the cards this season.
Valley (21-5): Three of the past four seasons Valley has played in the state title game, and that trend could very well continue this winter. Blake Brinkmeyer is an Indiana State commit, and will anchor the post while providing some showstopping athleticism. Junior Trayvon Williams, a 6’3 guard, has a South Dakota State offer, and will have a breakout season this winter.
Waukee (18-4): This past summer, Waukee won loaded field at the Urbandale Team Camp. Fun fact: the past two winners of that camp have gone on to win state titles (Valley, Iowa City West). Waukee has some serious talent with senior D1 prospect Nathan Johnson, and juniors Dylan Jones and Noah Hart will each burst onto the scene this winter. Waukee, like Valley, is certainly a state title contender.
Projected Order of Finish
- Valley
- Waukee
- Centennial
- Ames
- Ankeny
- Southeast Polk
Anlaysis: What an unbelievably though division this will be. Valley and Waukee are close, very close, but we’re giving the edge to the Tigers. They’ve proven time and again that they know how to win big games, and have become a program that reloads rather than rebuilds. Waukee will definitely be right there to contest, though. Centennial will win its share of games, but with the two juggernauts ahead of them, a division title will be tough. Ames and Ankeny are certainly formidable, but in this loaded field, anything in the top two would be a surprise.
Preseason Player of the Year: Hunter Strait, Centennial (2018)
In an absolutely loaded division of the CIML, it’s this 6’2 point guard who we feel will make the biggest impact for his team. Not only does Strait have the necessary skills to thrive against the competition, but he’ll be tasked with leading a corps group of younger guys that will be the wave of the future on Ankeny’s north side.
Biggest Sleeper: Trayvon Williams, Valley (2019)
We’re confident plenty of new faces will burst onto the scene this season, but none will have more of an impact that Williams. He played sophomore ball last season, primarily because Valley had so much depth at the guard spot with its juniors and seniors. Now, the D1 prospect is ready to make his mark with the varsity and prove why he nabbed a Division I offer from South Dakota State this past summer.