Preseason All-Conference: MVC Valley
Preseason Player of the Year: 2021 Michael Duax, Hempstead Few players in the state had a more productive spring and summer than the 6-5 wing did with Martin Brothers, and he should carry that momentum into the high school season…
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Continue ReadingPreseason Player of the Year: 2021 Michael Duax, Hempstead
Few players in the state had a more productive spring and summer than the 6-5 wing did with Martin Brothers, and he should carry that momentum into the high school season with the Mustangs. A long, versatile player on both ends of the floor, Duax led the ‘Stangs in scoring, rebounding and blocks last year, while finishing second to older brother Max in assists and steals.
First Team
2021 Michael Duax, Hempstead (14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.8 steals, 54.0 FG%)
My pick to lead 4A in scoring this year, this 6-5 wing has a little bit of everything in his offensive arsenal, with the ability to score from all three levels, facilitate, crash the glass, and he should get his share of easy ones with his prowess on the defensive end of the floor as well. Look for Duax to be sensational this year for Hempstead.
2020 Even Brauns, Iowa City West (11.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 67.8 FG%)
It took the Regina transfer a while to get acclimated to 4A basketball last year, but he was great down the stretch for West, averaging 12.7 points (on 75% shooting), 5.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in the final 12 games. The 6-9 Belmont commit will need to be the primary option for West this year, and he looks ready. A springy athlete with good feet, he should be a force in the paint on both ends of the floor.
2021 Marcus Morgan, Iowa City West (7.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 52.2 FG%)
The four-sport star emerged as one of the state’s better perimeter defenders last year, and should continue to develop this year. A strong, athletic junior wing, he’s capable of scoring from all three levels, is a gifted passer, and, as we mentioned, a strong defensive option for a program that thrives on playing great defense.
2020 Jake Schockemoehl, Wahlert Catholic (17.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 57 3PM)
The division’s leading returning scorer, Schockemoehl has some Division II interest and for good reason, he’s a talented scoring guard. His 57 made 3s last year are tops among returnees, and if he can become a little more efficient (35.8 FG% last year), he could easily crack 20+ points a night for the Golden Eagles.
2020 Andre Brandon, Iowa City Liberty (14.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.3 steals, 51.8 FG%)
The 6-6 forward finished seventh in scoring last year and led the division in rebounding. He suffered a torn Achilles in early April, but is expected to be back in time for the season, and he’ll be the focal point for a Lightning team that returns everyone from last year’s roster.
Second Team
2020 Cael Schmitt, Wahlert Catholic
2020 Ozzie Meiborg, Cedar Rapids Jefferson
2020 Caleb Haag, Waterloo West
2020 Isaiah Johnson, Waterloo West
2020 John Steffen, Linn-Mar
Honorable Mentions
2020 Daquavian Walker, Waterloo West
2020 Jaden Keller, Waterloo West
2021 Caleb Schlaak, Cedar Rapids Kennedy
2020 Nick Pepin, Iowa City West
2021 Jamari Smith, Hempstead
2020 Isaac Ripley, Wahlert Catholic
2020 Raejzuan Shockley, Cedar Rapids Jefferson
2021 Ethan O’Donnell, Iowa City Liberty
2020 Antonio Alexander, Waterloo West
2021 Amar Kulijuhovic, Waterloo West
2021 Grayson Tyler, Iowa City Liberty
2022 Christian Barnes, Iowa City West
2020 Joey Goodman, Iowa City West