Iowa high school boys basketball preseason Top 25 rankings (11/24/2023)

The Iowa high school basketball season opens next week, and West Des Moines Valley (Class 4A), Bondurant-Farrar (3A), Central Lyon (2A) and Grand View Christian (1A) will look to defend their state championships. 

1. West Des Moines Valley (21-5)

The Tigers’ star-studded sophomore class surprised many with an impressive run to the title last March at Wells Fargo Arena. They are now juniors and heavy favorites to repeat in Class 4A as they return four junior starters – led by captain of the all-tournament team Zay Robinson (12.6), who missed most of the football season, and second team all-stater and leading scorer Curtis Stinson Jr. (13.1). Kiki Deng 10.1) and Trevin Jirak (9.9) also return.

2. Cedar Rapids Kennedy (22-1)

The Cougars lost two key starters off a team that won 22 games and was stunned by Pleasant Valley in the state tournament. Micah Schlaak (12.3) and Cyrus Courtney (9.4) return to the starting lineup, and they welcome Xavier transfer Joe Beane (14.5) – a first-team all-stater in Class 3A.

3. Pleasant Valley (20-6)

The Spartans pulled the upset of the state tournament, shocking top-ranked Cedar Rapids Kennedy. PV graduated its leading scorer but bring back balance with four senior starters in Caden Rubel (9.4), Max Muszalski (8.4), David Gorsline (8.3) and Coy Kipper (8.3).

4. North Scott (16-5)

The Lancers return their four leading scorers from a solid squad that was eliminated by top-ranked Kennedy. Seniors Kavon Phillips (14.5 ppg), Kyle Gerardy (12.4), Brennan Reid (11.9) all averaged double figures and junior Payton Watkins (8.6) will be a key contributor.

5. Ankeny Centennial (16-8)

The Jaguars bring three starters back, including first-team all-stater Luke Winkel (16.8 ppg) for his senior season, along with senior Nick Vaske (9.1).

6. Iowa City West (12-11)

Iowa City West returns all five starters from a young team who perhaps underachieved last season. Sophomore Jack McCaffery (16 ppg), son of Iowa basketball coach Fran McCaffery, leads the way, along with Jacob Koch (10.5), Kareem Earl (10.5), TaeVeon Stevens (9.3) and Julian Manson (8.3). Both Koch and Earl, who missed part of the season due to injury, are sons of former Hawkeye players J.R. Koch and Acie Earl, who played in the NBA.

7. Norwalk (20-4)

First team all-stater Redek Born (18.6 ppg) returns for his senior season for the Warriors, who won 20 games last season. Senior Aidan Harder (9.8) is also back.

8. Bettendorf (13-5)

Second-team all-stater Caden Wilkins (19.9) leads a Bulldog squad who returns three starters. He’s joined by fellow senior Asher Wade (9.2) and junior Ben Kerkhoff (4.3).

9. Williamsburg (18-5)

Fresh off leading the Raiders to the Class 3A state championship in football, first team all-stater Derek Weisskopf (19.2 ppg) returns. The Hawkeye football recruit hopes to end his prep hoops career with a trip to Wells Fargo Arena in March.

10. Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln (15-7)

The Lynx bring back four of their top five scorers off a solid squad, including senior Cole Arnold (13.8) and Jayden Calabro (11.4) and juniors Creighton Bracker (10.1 ppg, 9.1 rbpg) and Etienne Higgins (8.6).

11. Linn-Mar (10-14)

A team to keep an eye on with strong tradition is Linn-Mar – led by third team all-stater junior Davis Kern (19.4).

12. Bishop Heelan (19-7)

First-team all-stater Matt Knoll (18.1) is back with seniors Quinn Olson (7.6) and Sean Schaefer (7.5) for the Crusaders, who made it to the 3A state semifinals.

13. Algona (17-8)

The Bulldogs return three starters from their 3A state tournament squad, including junior tandem Ben Helmers (18.1) -- a third-team all-stater -- and Alex Manske (11.7).

14. Waukee Northwest (23-3)

Grant Tigges (11.1) and Andrew Cose (5.1) each started over 20 games last year for the defending state runner-up. Replacing Mr. Basketball Pryce Sandfort, who’s now at Iowa, and Cade Kelderman will be a tall order.

15. Waukee (23-3)

The Warriors graduated their top three scorers and four of five starters, including McDonald’s All-American Omaha Billew. Mason Costello (8.6 ppg) returns as the only starter.

16. Cedar Falls (16-6)

The Tigers graduated leading scorer Dallas Baer, but they return a solid supporting cast – led by junior Anthony Galvin (13.1) and senior Cad Courbat (12.6).

17. Ames (17-8)

The Little Cyclones bring back leading scorer senior Jack Wynter (14.4 ppg), along with junior Jamison Poe (9.8 ppg) and part-time starter DeShawn Long (9.0 ppg) from a group that hung tough against Waukee in the state tournament quarterfinal game.

18. Waverly-Shell Rock (17-6)

Third team all-stater Cole Marsh (14.2) is back for his senior year to lead a strong group of Go-Hawks. Their four leading scorers return, including senior Noah Frazell (13.8), junior Luke Frazell (13.2) and senior Benny Ramker (9.5).

19. Clear Lake (22-2)

The 3A Lions will miss leading their scorer but do return their next five scorers, including junior Thomas Meyer (14.6), senior Cael Stephany (11.6) and junior Titan Schmitt (9.6).

20. Central Lyon (24-1)

The defending Class 2A champions lose their top two scorers but do return four of their top seven in coach Ben Gerleman’s rotation, led by senior Reece Vander Zee (17.8 ppg) – an Iowa football commit.

21. Johnston (11-12)

The Dragons lose two double digit scorers but return three starters, including leading scorer sophomore Jalen Richardson (11.3 ppg) and senior Taylen Proctor (9.2).

22. Clarke (16-7)

The 3A Indians return 84 percent of their scoring from a solid team, including scorers Jack Cooley (20 ppg), Cole White (12) and Bo Otto (11.3) – their top three scorers

23. Charles City (17-6)

Three starters are back for the 3A Comets, including senior Kam Mestas (15 ppg).

24. Carroll Kuemper Catholic (17-8)

The Knights return six of their top seven scorers from a Class 2A state tournament team, led by senior Michael Kasperbauer (13.4 ppg).

25. Bondurant-Farrar (26-0) 

The unbeaten Class 3A state champion Bluejays lost their top two scorers but do return two starters, including third team all-stater Reed Pfaltzgraff (11.8) for his senior season.