Conference Preview: Bluegrass
The Teams: Ankeny Christian Academy: It’s coming off a great season last year, winners of 17 games. And though it will be tough to match that win total, a batch of young talent seems poised to keep ACA competitive for…
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Continue ReadingThe Teams:
Ankeny Christian Academy: It’s coming off a great season last year, winners of 17 games. And though it will be tough to match that win total, a batch of young talent seems poised to keep ACA competitive for years to come.
Diagonal: After going 1-19 five seasons ago, the Maroons have pieced together four non-losing seasons in a row. And though last season might have been a disappointment (12-10), it was still a winning team. That squad started five seniors, so a new-look squad will try and continue DHS’ recent success.
Grand View Christian: Certainly one of the state’s best 1A squads, the Thunder will compete for a state title behind some strong returners and some very nice new additions.
Iowa Christian Academy: The Blazers won 13 games last season behind one of the conference’s best guards, Josh Dueker. He’s back, along with several other key players. We expect success for this West Des Moines program this season.
Lamoni: Three seasons ago the Demons were a state tournament qualifier, but they’ve won a total of eight games since. We expect them to be somewhere in between this season. The Demons should win more than four games with loads of experience coming back. Maybe 10 wins?
Melcher-Dallas: Just four wins in the last three seasons pretty sums up the state of this program right now. The good news: all 13 varsity players return from last season’s squad. There’s reason to be a little optimistic in Melcher-Dallas.
Moravia: After an 8-13 finish last season, we expect about the same result this season for the Mohawks. Their leading scorer, Trevor Cormeny, has graduated. But juniors Mateo Varese and Griffin Cosgrove will bring in some scoring. This team could be one season away from being pretty darn good.
Mormon Trail: Parker Hitt was one of the Bluegrass’ best freshman ballers last season, he led a 12-10 Mormon Trail squad in scoring during his rookie campaign. Several other key young players return as well. There’s reason to be optimistic for the Saints.
Moulton-Udell: The Eagles were one of six teams in the state who were win-less last season (according to quikstats.com), and they lost their three leading scorers. That is not good.
Murray: The always-good Mustangs will again be a contender for a conference title this season. They’ve strung together seven straight winning seasons, and with four starters — all four seniors — returning from a 17-win team, these guys could be very (very) good.
Orient-Macksburg: Though they were one of the bottom-dwellers in the conference last season, it’s not all bad for the Bulldogs. Dylan Nichols is back, he led the conference in scoring last season. And six of the seven leading scorers from last season’s four-win team return.
Seymour: After finishing middle-of-the-road in the conference last season, it appears the Warriors could find themselves in the same situation this season. Senior Justin Jewett will lead the team after averaging 10.7 points per game last season.
Twin Cedars: The Sabers were as mediocre as it gets last season, finishing 11-11. Look for that win total to spike this season behind strong senior point guard Cam Arkema, and for a finish in the top third of the standings.
Projected Order of Finish
- Grand View Christian
- Murray
- Iowa Christian Academy
- Twin Cedars
- Mormon Trail
- Ankeny Christian Academy
- Orient-Macksburg
- Seymour
- Lamoni
- Moravia
- Diagonal
- Melcher-Dallas
- Moulton-Udell
Analysis
It’s clear that Grand View Christian is the class of the conference, it will be elite this season. After an early exit in last season’s state tournament, we expect the Thunder to not only get back to Wells Fargo Arena, but to make some noise once they get there. But don’t sleep on Murray, it will be very good, and could contend for a conference title.
Player of the Year
Stephen Glenn, 6’2, Grand View Christian
He was the catalyst of 1A’s most high-powered offense last season, and had a summer with Kingdom Hoops Elite — playing against some of the nation’s best — to prep for his senior season. Glenn is a good-sized guard — nice build and decent height — and can score in a variety of ways, and is also capable of getting his teammates involved. Look for him to post several double-doubles this season, and we wouldn’t be surprised if he sprinkled in a trip-doub or two.
Biggest Sleeper
Thane Simmons, 6’7, Murray
We caught Simmons this summer while he was playing grassroots ball at a tournament in Ames. The good-sized center not only has some nice height, but it’s his length that will make him dominant. And after swatting 2.5 shots per game last season, we suspect he’ll be one of Iowa’s premier shot-blockers this winter.
Players to Watch
Dylan Nichols, 5’9, Orient-Macksburg
Josh Dueker, 6’1, Iowa Christian Academy
Stephen Glenn, 6’2 G, Grand View Christian
Thane Simmons, 6’7, Murray
Cam Arkema, 6′, Twin Cedars
Grant DeMeulenaere, 5’9, Grand View Christian
Kenny Boles, 6′, Murray
Arturo Montes, 6’5, Grand View Christian
Augustine Saliu, 6’8 C, Grand View Christian
Bryce Keller, 6’4, Murray