Class 2A Top 10 Final Poll

The 2009-10 high school basketball season is in the books. In this classification we had the only surprise with Hull Western Christian winning the state championship after coming up short last year. It wasn't so much of a surprise that they won, but that they were the only none repeat winner we had this year. Here's a look at the final 2A team rankings.

1. Western Christian (Previous: NR)
2. Solon (Previous: #8)
3. IKM-Manning (Previous: #3)
4. Mid-Prairie (Previous: NR)
5. Orange City Unity Christian (Previous: NR)
6. Des Moines Christian (Previous: 1)
7. Carroll Kuemper (Previous: NR)
8. West Fork (Previous: #2)
9. Danville (Previous: #4)
10. West Marshall (Previous: NR)

Just missed: Wapsie Valley, Turkey Valley, North Cedar and Eagle Grove

Class 3A Top 10 Final Poll

The 2009-10 high school basketball season is in the books. Sioux City Bishop Heelan captured their second straight title at Wells Fargo Arena. The Crusaders once again proved they were the best team in the 3A field as the cruised to the title. Here's a look at the final 3A team rankings.

1. Sioux City Heelan (Previous: #8)
2. Pella (Previous: #7)
3. Davenport Assumption (Previous: #5)
4. Mt. Pleasant (Previous: #1)
5. Carroll (Previous: 4)
6. Western Dubuque (Previous: NR)
7. Dallas Center Grimes (Previous: #6)
8. Norwalk (Previous: #2)
9. Charles City (Previous: #3)
10. Forest City (Previous: NR)

Just missed: Williamsburg, Harlan, and Marion.

Class 4A Top 10 Final Poll

The 2009-10 high school basketball season is in the books. As expected, the Ames Little Cyclones went to Des Moines and captured their second straight state championship.They were easily the best team in the state and maybe one of the best Iowa high school teams of all-time. Here's a look at the final 4A team rankings.

1. Ames (Previous: #1) USA Today still has the Little Cyclones ranked #4 in their Super 25 national rankings.
2. SE Polk (Previous: #6)
3. Linn-Mar (Previous: #2)
4. Sioux City East (Previous: #5)
5. Cedar Rapids Washington (Previous: NR)
6. Cedar Rapids Jefferson (Previous: 3)
7. Des Moines Hoover (Previous: #4)
8. West Des Moines Dowling (Previous: NR)
9. Cedar Falls (Previous: #7)
10. Clinton (Previous: NR)

Just missed: Bettendorf, Council Bluffs Lewis Central, Waukee, Johnston and Cedar Rapids Kennedy.

Iowa High School State Tournament: Class 2A Predictions

It's March and that means it's time for the madness to begin. This week, teams and fans from all over the state of Iowa will travel to Des Moines to play for a chance at winning a state championship. All eyes will be on Wells Fargo arena to see what players step up on the big stage... and who might wilt under the pressure of the big lights. What teams will rise to the challenge, and who cracks under the pressure? One thing is for certain, it will be a lot of fun watching things unfold.

Here's a look at the Class 2A match-ups and our predictions:

Opening Round:

#1 Des Moines Christian (26-0) vs. #8 Carroll Kuemper (15-11)

Des Moines Christian has had an unforgettable run this year, and they are fueled by senior star Branden Stubbs. The coach's son has been a statistical monster this season, averaging 25.8 (best in the state in Class 2A) and dishing out 172 assists (which leads the state in all classes). Stubbs was able to do this while shooting over 60% from the field! Senior transfer Nana Yaw is another player to watch for DMC... he averaged 9.1 ppg and 7.6 rpg since he began playing in January. Carroll Kuemper counters with a balanced attack, led by juniors Bryce Berg (12 ppg, but only 39% shooting) and Cody Williams (11 ppg on 43% shooting).

Our pick: Carroll Kuemper will have their hands full with Des Moines Christian all night long, and it could get ugly. In fact, it probably will be ugly. DMC wins this one big.

#4 Western Christian (22-3) vs. #5 Wapsie Valley (20-5)

Over the last 10 or so years, Western Christian has put together one of the most memorable runs in recent history. They're led this year by junior Tyler Wolterstorff, who averages 19.3 ppg on the year. Western Christian is an efficient offensive machine (their top 6 players all shoot 50% or better from the field), and they know how to win. Wapsie Valley comes in led by senior Zach Schmidt, who averages 14.9 ppg and 9.6 rebounds per game.

Our pick: Once again, we feel like State Tournament experience will play a huge factor in this game. While Wapsie Valley might be a little taken with the bright lights and sights at Wells Fargo, Western Christian will get down to business. We like them to win, but Wapsie Valley will put up a good fight, especially in the second half after they settle down.

#2 IKM-Manning (24-0) vs. #7 Turkey Valley (19-6)

IKM-Manning has had an outstanding season, and is the only undefeated #2 Seed at the State Tournament this year. This senior-laden team is led by Jerad Croghan (12.8 ppg), Rick Blake (10.3 ppg), Jarad Gaskill (9.4 ppg and 7 rebounds), and Bryce Irlbeck (9.3 ppg and 6.1 assists). Their veteran leadership has taken this club a long way this season. Turkey Valley is led by a lower-scoring, balanced attack that relies on defense. Senior Brad Winters is the only player who averages in double figures (10.0), but they boast three players who have more than 50 steals on the year.

Our pick: IKM-Manning's veteran leadership has taken them a long way this season, and it will get them to the next round. Turkey Valley's defense keeps the game close, but IKM-Manning will pull away at the end.

#3 Solon (23-2) vs. #6 Mid-Prairie (19-5)

Solon, last year's 2A State Champions, lost nearly ALL of their statistical production to graduation last spring... and yet still found a way to reload and have a remarkable season. Gone are Matt Morrison and Tucker Wentzien... now Solon is led by senior Tanner Wentzien (13 ppg) and junior transfer Zach Velez-Westphal (9.4 ppg). Mid-Prairie comes into the tournament led by senior Tanner Miller (18.7 ppg), a great athlete who will play football next year at the University of Iowa.

Our pick: These two schools are no strangers, and seem to play each other 2-3 times every season. The schools last played on December 22, when Mid-Prairie won 55-52. Solon avenges that loss this time, winning a close one.

Semi-Finals:

Des Moines Christian vs. Western Christian: This battle of the private schools is anxiously anticipated, and will be a fun one to watch. Tyler Wolterstorff and Branden Stubbs will get the publicity leading into this one, but look for Stubb's supporting cast to step up in the clutch to help deliver a win for Des Moines Christian.

IKM-Manning vs. Solon: Although we wanted to pick Solon in this one because of their State Tournament experience (which we feel is very important), this IKM-Manning group has been seemingly playing together forever, and it will show. We think IKM-Manning will advance to the finals with a close win.

Finals:

Des Moines Christian vs. IKM-Manning: Branden Stubbs has had an amazing season, and he will really impress coaches and fans with a spectacular array of scoring and passing in the finals. It will be Des Moines Christian's night on Friday night, but IKM-Manning won't go away without a fight.

Class 2A All-Tournament Team:

Branden Stubbs (Captain, Des Moines Christian), Austin Stubbs (Des Moines Christian), Bryce Irlbeck (IKM-Manning) Tyler Wolterstorff (Western Christian), and Zach Velez-Westphal (Solon)

Iowa High School State Tournament: Class 1A Predictions

It's March and that means it's time for the madness to begin. This week, teams and fans from all over the state of Iowa will travel to Des Moines to play for a chance at winning a state championship. All eyes will be on Wells Fargo arena to see what players step up on the big stage... and who might wilt under the pressure of the big lights. What teams will rise to the challenge, and who cracks under the pressure? One thing is for certain, it will be a lot of fun watching things unfold.

Here's a look at the Class 1A match-ups and our predictions:

Opening Round:

#1 NU High (24-1) vs. #8 Coon Rapids-Bayard (16-9)

NU High is becoming a fixture at the State tournament. They placed third in 2005, won the Class 1A Championship in 2008, and got second in 2009. This year's team at NU High, led by seniors Eddie Diemer (14 ppg on 60% shooting. 8.5 rebounds), Tanner Cooke (11.4 ppg, 64 threes on the year), and junior Kyle Denning (11.6 ppg, 118 assists), all played a significant role in last year's runner-up finish, and they have some unfinished business in Des Moines. Coon Rapids-Bayard is a relative newcomer to the State tournament, and are led by junior Jacob Esdohr (14.5 ppg).

Our pick: NU High's experience playing at Wells Fargo is a big advantage... and their talent is top-notch, too. We like them running away in this one.

#4 Rock Valley (23-2) vs. #5 St. Albert (18-4)

This is the most intriguing first-round matchup in Class 1A: two teams that played at the State Tournament last season, who both play a tough non-conference schedule and are battle-tested. Rock Valley won the Class 1A State Championship last season and are led by last year's all tournament post players Jordan Dykstra (23.9 ppg and 11.7 rpg) and Marcus Heemstra (19.9 ppg and 9.4 rpg). The two future South Dakota State Jackrabbits would like nothing better than to finish on top again this year. St. Albert made it to the Class 2A State tournament last year, but have moved "down" a classification to 1A this season. They are led by senior Jake Waters (14.5 ppg).

Our pick: Rock Valley's "twin towers" inside are a tough matchup for anyone... but at the Class 1A level, that kind of size is unheard of. Their inside presence wins this one, but it will be a close one... one of the best first-round games all week.

#2 Lynnville-Sully (24-1) vs. #7 Bishop Garrigan (18-7)

Lynville-Sully is coming off a great season, and are led by post player Logan Vos (7.7 ppg and 10.1 rpg) and sophomore guard Chase Cullen (13.7 ppg, 39 threes). Lynville-Sully has excellent size with Vos and senior Corey Gifford, and have a very balanced offensive game with 6 players who average at least 7 ppg or more. Bishop Garrigan, on the other hand, will look to get a lot of production out of senior guard Brandon Doughan (20.1 ppg, 65 threes). Doughan is a do-everything player for Bishop Garrigan, and also leads them in rebounds, steals, and blocks.

Our pick: Lynnville-Sully hasn't been tested much this year, but their size and offensive firepower will win out in this one. We expect Doughan to create a lot of noise for himself with a great game, but it will be too little, too late.

#3 Ankeny Christian Academy (24-1) vs. #6 Calamus-Wheatland (20-5)

The fans at Wells Fargo Arena will get to see two high-scoring players go head-to-head in this one! Ankeny Christian is led by junior guard Tim Olejniczak, who averaged 22 ppg this season, making 73 three pointers, and dishing out 159 assists (third in the state for all classes). Calamus-Wheatland counters with senior Ryan Powers, who also averaged 22 ppg, tossed 127 assists, had 62 steals, and added 7.1 rebounds per game.

Our pick: Calamus Wheatland will pill off the upset in this one. Olejniczak will do all he can to prevent it, but we think senior Powers isn't ready for his outstanding high school career to end just yet.

Semi-Finals:

NU High vs. Rock Valley: This is the rematch of the 2009 1A final, where Rock Valley came out on top 64-42. This time around, we like NU High to pull out the win, although it will be a lot closer than last year. Regardless of who wins this one, we think the winner of this game will go on to win the championship. If you're looking for a great game to attend this week in Des Moines, this one could be in.

Lynnville-Sully vs. Calamus Wheatland: We think Lynville-Sully's firepower and big men inside will give them the upper hand in this matchup, although Powers might score 30ppg this week, keeping Calamus Wheatland in the game until the end.

Finals:

NU High vs. Lynnville-Sully: Lynnville-Sully's made a great run with a talented cast this year, but NU High will be just too much for them in the final. Diemers, Cooke, and Denning seem to be on a mission this season, and it will end up with their second State Title in three years.

Class 1A All-Tournament Team:

Eddie Diemer (Captain, NU High), Tanner Cooke (NU High), Chase Cullen (Lynnville-Sully) Ryan Powers (Calamus Wheatland), Marcus Heemstra (Rock Valley), and Jordan Dykstra (Rock Valley)