High School Preseason Top 10: Class 5A Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are about 2.5 months out until high school basketball action kicks off in the state of Iowa. With that being said throughout the next two weeks I will be publishing a lot of content pertaining to Preseason Preview's. I will be highlighting the top teams from each class, while also shouting out some of the other programs that could make a big run this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this article specially I will be dropping our Preseason Top 10 Rankings for the 5A class here in Iowa. Below a specific teams perspective ranking I will name some of the factors taken into consideration that helped us place these teams, where they are.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#10: Waukee Northwest High School</strong> (8-12)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2/5 starters returning; accounting for 16.9 PPG combined.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Returning 3 freshman who played significant minutes last season, accounting for 10.7 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 3.6 APG.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Team w/ a good offensive system should float around the Top 10 spot all season with their mixture of talent/skill.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Biggest "X"- Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='246156' first='Sadie' last='Maas'], a Northwestern Missouri State commit. The way Maas can control the paint will be vital to her teams success in each game they participate in this winter, especially once playoff time comes around.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#9: Ankeny High School</strong> (12-11)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>3/5 starters retuning; accounting for 23.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.8 APG</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>This team was very good last year at home. As the year went on and progressed toward the playoffs, this group displayed what it meant to defend their home court. I'm expecting much of the same this season, the question will be how they will fair Away. If they can travel, as well as they played at home to end last year, they will be in good shape going into the spring when playoff seeding comes around.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Biggest "X" - Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='342205' first='Jayla' last='Williams'], a Division - 1 talent that is a multiple sport athlete but excels on the basketball court. A mismatch nightmare for most that come across her, will definitely be the most important player on this teams roster this upcoming season. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#8: Waukee High School</strong> (10-12)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>4/5 starters returning; accounting for 37.7 PPG, 13.7 RPG, &amp; 8 APG</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Returning a freshman in Dylan Petersen, who is getting college offers prior to her sophomore high school season. Will be a big factor for this team as the season moves forward. [player_tooltip player_id='638015' first='Maryne' last='Szalo'] as well, another college level player with a bright future ahead of herself on the court this season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>3 of this teams 5 starters are committed to play at the college level. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Good coaching staff that understands game and game strategy. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Biggest "X" - Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='246149' first='Sophia' last='Hope'], Truman State commit. Her post play is what is going to matter the most once playoffs come around. When they need an efficient bucket , when it matters the most near the rim, this team will look to Hope to seal the deal. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#7: Davenport North High School</strong> (21-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>3/5 starters returning; accounting for 40.2 PPG, 21.9 RPG, 8.1 APG</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>All 3 returning starters are college committed or have high D1 offers. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The lost of [player_tooltip player_id='612984' first='Alyvia' last='McCorkle'] to Bettendorf is big. A player with several D1 offers as only a 2026. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Biggest "X" - Factor: The coaching staff/offensive system. When I watched this team last season it was obvious that they had several players with HIGH D1-D2 talent. They just played mostly 1-on-1 basketball and at state, it was a tough go for them. This team is starting at #7 on my list but they have the possibility to break the Top 4-5 at any given moment. As long as they can prove that they have a system in place, for the type of players they currently have on roster.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#6: Southeast Polk High School</strong> (15-8)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2/5 starters returning; accounting for 16.7 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 6 APG</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Losing 3 players that started as seniors last year and put up some big time numbers in each game hurts. They will have to figure out a way to score some points this season as they will lose around 35 PPG.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Biggest "X" - Factor: The production of the starters. This team is going to start 5 players that have varsity experience from years past. They all may not have started in the past, but they played significant minutes, in meaningful moments in the past. Those new players that will be in this starting line up are going to have to prove themselves almost right away. If they can get some consist production across the board, by all 5 players, it will help their chances of making a deep run once playoffs come around. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#5: Ankeny Centennial High School</strong> (18-7)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2/5 starters returning; accounting for 19 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 4.9 APG</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A team last season that pride themselves on creating havoc in the open court is going to do much of the same this time around. They are going to bring back their intense strategic game plan each night in hopes of coming away with a victory before their opponent even knows what hit them. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Biggest "X" Factor: Wether their guard play can carry them or not when it matters the most. Last season it was obvious that this team goes as far as their guards + Kennedi White could take them. This season they won't have the advantage of White in the middle meaning 2 things: 1 - Guard play has to be efficient and flawless in big moments. 2 - This will give the opportunity to a younger player to take over that spot. If they can do so early this season, they will solidify their playing time moving toward the playoffs this spring. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#4: West Des Moines - Valley High School</strong> (15-9)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2/5 starters returning; accounting for 9.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.5 APG</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Young players are going to be called to step up this season. Players like [player_tooltip player_id='432963' first='Grace' last='Linder'] and [player_tooltip player_id='912093' first='Avery' last='Moon']. If they can find their footing early on, it'll matter greatly for their future individually but more-so for the future of this program. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A team that will have a roster with every "type" of player on it. If they can put together an offensive game plan and stay disciplined on defense, it's going to go a long way before the season comes to an end. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Biggest "X" Factor: How the addition of [player_tooltip player_id='246148' first='Kendall' last='McDaniel'] will be used in coordination with [player_tooltip player_id='246134' first='Elise' last='Jaeger']. McDaniel gives this team a chance to really spread the floor with Jaeger and company. If McDaniel can dominate inside the lane all season long for her team, while Jaeger exploits her mismatches, this group is going to be very difficult to stick with throughout an entire contest. Honestly, in my opinion, a lot is riding on this transfer being a major success this year for the Tigers. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#3: Dowling Catholic High School</strong> (20-5)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>4/5 starters returning; accounting for 34.2 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 7.1 APG</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Their "6th man" last year was [player_tooltip player_id='582813' first='Ellie' last='Muller']. Muller has recently received a few D1 offers after this past AAU season. Muller will step-in as this teams 5th starter. Bringing more scoring efficiency, rebounding, and defensive prowess to the floor each game.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>This team last season averaged 29.7 RPG in their class. Ranking them as one of the highest rebounding teams on both sides of the floor, throughout the state.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Biggest "X" - Factor: The leadership of [player_tooltip player_id='311396' first='Ava' last='Zediker'] + The young talent on this roster stepping up in a big way. [player_tooltip player_id='311396' first='Ava' last='Zediker'] is going to show everyone this high school season once again that she is the #1 PG in the entire state. That's not the worry. Their worry is that Zediker at some points is going to have to rely on this groups young talent to get a bucket or a stop. Last season, this group made it to state with basically the same roster they have now, only difference? They have more experience under their belt. This team is going to be my "underdog" to win it all in the 5A class this winter. With a post season run and the players they have on this team, it's more than possible. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#2: Pleasant Valley High School</strong> (26-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>4/5 starters returning; accounting for 32.1 PPG, 13.2 RPG, 10.8 APG</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Losing one starter in Halle Vice, but returning 4 others, including her younger sister, with a very deep bench.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Opponents averaged 29.1 PPG last season against PV's zone. One of the lowest, points against totals, throughout the state.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Biggest "X" - Factor: The defense of PV. This group wins a lot of games because other teams don't have enough players to beat their zone defense or they aren't trained well enough. This defense is one of the most stifling that you will see in Iowa with their mixture of size and athleticism. Its tricky. I think it's going to play a factor this season in a big way. If a team can figure out a way to beat it, and gives the blue print to others, it'll be interesting how PV will respond. If teams don't figure it out this year, it could be a blood-bath, drawn by the Trojans once again. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#1: Johnston High School </strong>(24-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>3/5 starters returning; accounting for 41.2 PPG, 17.9 RPG, 7.9 APG</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A roster that will debatably have 4 players on it with multiple-D1 offers, not including their D1 &amp; D2 players who are already committed.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The high school experience of [player_tooltip player_id='557354' first='Jenica' last='Lewis'] will matter this season. She was young and inexperienced last year, that won't be the case this season. She is going to come for revenge with this group after her teams performance in the state championship a year ago. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Last season this group went 24-2 with only lost twice. Both losses were Away and by teams that had well over + .500 records.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Following this great roster, is a great coaching staff. A group that really understands what it means to coach this game. They call timeouts in the correct moments and adjust accordingly on the fly.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Biggest "X" - Factor: The returning starters + transfer [player_tooltip player_id='311351' first='Amani' last='Jenkins']. This team should be upset they lost in the finals last season. With 2 minutes left in that game, it was anyone's contest. These starters need to use that as motivation this season. The addition on the #2 ranked player in the 2025 class will be very important in the lane. Her presence could be the difference between holding up the trophy at the end of this season or going home again, falling just short. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->