Preseason All-Conference: Pride of Iowa
Player of the Year: 2020 Cooper Nally, Bedford
The Bulldogs should dominate the POI this season, and the Player of the Year honor could go to either of their junior standouts. Brennan Sefrit was the team’s leading scorer last season, but it’s Nally who we gave the nod to. He was the ‘Dogs second leading scorer last season, led the team in rebounding by a wide margin and is a true rim protector, blocking 76 shots last season. His efficiency in the paint and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is the reason that Nally is our pick here.
First Team
2020 Cooper Nally, Bedford (15.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 3.0 blocks, 54.5 FG%)
The 6-4 forward is a game-changing presence on both ends of the floor with his ability to score around and protect the rim. Don’t be surprised to see him averaging a double-double for a ‘Dogs team that should be in or near the top 10 in the Class 1A rankings this season.
2020 Brennan Sefrit, Bedford (18.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.5 steals, 66 3PM)
The talented junior scoring guard is putting together quite the career for the Bulldogs, averaging 18.6 points a game during his first two seasons. He’s the league’s leading returning scorer, made more 3s than anyone in the conference last season, and ranks among the top five in assists and steals.
2019 Brady Hilpipre, Nodaway Valley (13.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 56.0 FG%)
Only Nally averaged more rebounds among returnees last season than Hilpipre, who will be the star for the POI’s biggest traditional powerhouse. An efficient forward who can score inside and out (34 made 3s at 37.8% clip), his versatility makes him a difficult matchup in this league.
2020 Dawson Frost, Mount Ayr (13.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.7 steals)
A 6-2 wing who does a bit of everything on the floor, Frost is a versatile scoring threat for the Raiders. The junior is primed for a big season.
2021 Trey Baker, Martensdale-St. Mary’s (11.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists)
Part of a very talented sophomore group at MSM, Baker put together a strong freshman season for the Blue Devils last year, ranking second in scoring. Look for him to become the team’s go-to scoring threat as the Devils transition into the post-Brady Gavin era.
Second Team
2019 Abe Weed, Bedford
2020 Colton Vieux, Lenox
2021 Jack Franey, Martensdale-St. Mary’s
2019 Richie Griglione, Interstate 35
2020 Isaac Grose, Mount Ayr
Honorable Mentions
2019 Damien Henry, Bedford
2021 Carson Elbert, Martensdale-St. Mary’s
2019 Aryll Shantz, Nodaway Valley
2020 Cole Pedersen, Central Decatur
2020 Tyler Vandewater, Nodaway Valley
2021 Payton Weehler, Mount Ayr
2020 Jordan Perkins, Bedford
2019 Colton Greif, Southeast Warren
2019 Matt McGuire, East Union