Pre-season 1A Top 10

1. Rock Valley: The twin towers of Heemstra and Dykstra will attempt to win consecutive state titles this season. They knocked off defending state champs NU High last year and it wouldn't be a surprise if it came down to the usual suspects again this time around.

2. Cedar Falls NU High: The Panthers are laced with talented players. They came up short in their bid to repeat, but they certainly have the talent to try to attempt to avenge their loss in a rematch in the 1A finals.

3. Council Bluffs St. Albert: This team lost two key performers to graduation, but they have their leading scorer Jake Waters back to try to lead them back to the state tournament.

4. Keota: The Eagles were one of the top teams in the state last year and they return enough talent that they should be right in the thick of things when March rolls around.

5. Clay Central-Everly: The Mavericks bring back their top three players from a very good team. This team has high expectations, but shouldn't have too much trouble living up to them.

6. Boyden-Hull: This team has a ton of talent coming back and is led by senior Josh Vander Maten. They play a tough schedule which should prepare them for the rigors of the post-season.

7. Ankeny Christian: Tim Olejniczak is one of the state's leading scorers, but just about everyone else from last year is back too. Expect these guys to make it to the state tournament this time around.

8. Colo-Nesco: They came up a little short last year in their quest to make it to the state tournament. This year Brandon Eley and Travis Guy should be able to guide their team to Wells Fargo for a shot at the 1A title.

9. Iowa Mennonite School: Each year it seems like IMS reloads and makes another run at the state title. This year shouldn't be any different. Keep an eye on junior Ethan Gingerich and freshman Chance Miller.

10. Elk Horn-Kimballton: The Danes bring back the entire squad led by guard Carson Smith. This team is poised for a breakout season and perhaps a trip to the state tournament.

Watch List: Bedford, Central City, Don Bosco, East Buchanan, Treynor and Villisca.

First Team All-State
G-Brandon Wood (Rockford)
G-Ryan Powers (Calamus-Wheatland)
G-Josh Vander Maten (Boyden-Hull)
F-Marcus Heemstra (Rock Valley)
C-Jordan Dykstra (Rock Valley)

Second Team All-State
G-Matt Knake (Lisbon)
G-Jake Waters (Council Bluffs St. Albert)
F-Aaron Berberich (Clay Central-Everly)
F-Tanner Cooke (NU High)
C-Eddie Diemer (NU High)

Third Team All-State
G-TJ Van Dyke (Madrid)
G-Tim Olejniczak (Ankeny Christian)
G-Carson Smith (Elk Horn-Kimballton)
F-Tim Schweitzer (Bedford)
C-Matt Lowe (Seymour)

We will update the team rankings every other week throughout the season, so keep checking back to see where your school or alma mater is ranked.