Preseason All-Conference: MVC Valley
Player of the Year: 2018 A.J. Green, Cedar Falls
The leading scorer in the conference, the Northern Iowa commit is one of the most talented players the state has seen in recent years. His silky smooth jumper will terrorize opponents nightly again this season.
First Team
2018 A.J. Green, Cedar Falls (21.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals, 43.4 3P%, 90.4 FT%)
The combination of elite ball handling, footwork and one of the best jump shots not just in the state, but in the country, make Green a nearly impossible player to defend. He’ll have a huge senior season for one of 4A’s best teams, as he looks to lead the Tigers back to the state tournament after a one-year absence.
2019 Noah Carter, Dubuque Senior (18.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 blocks, 62.9 FG%, 48.5 3P%, 78.9 FT%)
Few players in the state are able to match up with this 6-6 combo forward who not only has great footwork and touch around the rim, but is also one of the state’s elite shooters. He’s become more explosive athletically, so watch out. He’s going to put up all sorts of highlights and big-time numbers for a Rams team that should spend all season in the top 5 in 4A.
2018 Griff Clark, Cedar Rapids Prairie (15.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.2 steals, 91.6 FT%)
Clark finished second in scoring last year for the Hawks, while leading the team in rebounding and assists. One of the best free throw shooters in the state (91.6%), he routinely gets into the paint and is one of the toughest kids around. He’ll be the guiding force for Prairie, who will be looking to build on last year’s success.
2018 Keith Johnson, Dubuque Hempstead (12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.4 blocks, 51.8 FG%)
The leading returning rebounder in the division, the 6-5 forward is a nightly double-double threat and an elite defender to boot. He’s an uber athletic player who excels around the rim, has expanded his skill set and has the versatility to defend multiple positions.
2018 Derrick Diggins, Cedar Rapids Kennedy (12.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 49.6 FG%)
We may as well just extend the first team out to 10 spots, because making the selection for this final spot was extremely tough. In the end, we went with Diggins, a super athletic scoring guard who will be the focal point of Kennedy’s attack. He’s a bit streaky, but when he’s playing well, he’s one of the best players in the state. He’ll need to be at that level all year for a Kennedy team with high expectations annually.
Second Team
2018 Carter Stevens, Dubuque Senior
2018 Jackson Foley, Cedar Rapids Kennedy
2019 Keegan Murray, Cedar Rapids Prairie
2019 Logan Wolf, Cedar Falls
2018 Lucas Duax, Dubuque Hempstead
Honorable Mention
2018 Ben Gerdes, Cedar Falls
2019 Kris Murray, Cedar Rapids Prairie
2020 Keshawn Christian, Iowa City High
2019 Antonio Turner, Iowa City High
2018 Collin Westmoreland, Cedar Rapids Washington