Boys Basketball Capsules: Taking a Quick Look at Area Boys Basketball Teams
Ryan Murken
Your Prep Sports
City High
Coach: Brennan Swayzer (3rd season)
Assistant coaches: Shamari Scott
Last season: 4-7
Returning starters: Jamari Newson, 6-2, Sr.; Darren Richardson, 6-0, Sr.
Other returning letterwinners: Gavin Koch, 6-7, Sr.; Shamar Benton, 6-2, Jr.; Jay Kennedy 6-6, Sr.; Ostyn Friday, 6-3, Sr.
Newcomers to watch: Trey Wright, 5-9, Fr.; Taeveon Stevens, 5-10, Soph.; Thomas Ksobiech, 6-0, Jr.; Matt Schaeckenbach, 6-1, Jr.; Evan Lampe, 6-2, Jr.
Top returning scorers: Jamari Newson 10.8; Darren Richardson 6.9; Gavin Koch 2.3
Top returning rebounders: Jamari Newson 6.8; Darren Richardson 2.7; Shamar Benton 1.8
Headliner: Senior guard Jamari Newson is a three-year varsity starter coming off a strong junior season in which he averaged 10.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game.
Keep an eye on: Senior Darren Richarson averaged 6.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game a year ago and has shown the explosiveness that can make him a valuable presence either on the perimeter or in the paint for the Little Hawks.
Circle the date: December 17 vs. West High. City High hosts cross-town rival West High in the first of two regular season meetings this season and the first contest between the two teams since a 77-71 City High win over West High in the opener for both teams a year ago.
Breakdown: Head coach Brennan Swayzer has high expectations in his third season leading the program after the Little Hawks went 4-7 in an abbreviated season a year ago.
Newson and Richardson return with starting experience but City High should receive a boost from a strong group of players returning with varsity experience as well as a talented bunch of newcomers.
Seniors Gavin Koch (2.3 ppg, 1.6 rpg), Jay Kennedy and Ostyn Friday saw limited action a year ago along with junior Shamar Benton (2.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg).
Swayzer has liked what he has seen from the crop of newcomers that includes freshman Trey Wright, sophomore Taeveon Stevens and juniors Thomas Ksobiech, Matt Schaeckenbach and Evan Lampe.
West High
Coach: Steve Bergman (31st season)
Assistant coaches: Paul Rundquist, Gordon Rundquist
Last season: 4-9
Returning starters: Pete Moe, 6-8, Sr.; Christian Barnes, 5-11, Sr.; Kareem Earl, 6-5, Soph.; Savion Taylor, 6-4, Jr.
Newcomers to watch: Jack McCaffery, 6-8, Fr.; Brady Simcox, 6-0, Jr.; Jacob Koch, 6-1, Soph.; Wyatt Dotson, 6-2, Jr.
Top returning scorers: Pete Moe 21.9; Christian Barnes 10.5; Kareem Earl 7.3
Top returning rebounders: Pete Moe 8.5; Kareem Earl 2.9; Christian Barnes 2.5
Headliner: Senior forward Pete Moe burst onto the scene a year ago nearly averaging a double-double while ranking third in Class 4A in scoring putting up 21.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
Keep an eye on: Senior point guard Christian Barnes is coming off the best season of his prep career after averaging 10.5 points, a team-high 3.7 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game last season in his first year as a full-time starter.
Circle the date: January 14 vs. Cedar Falls. West High hosts perennial power and defending state semifinalist Cedar Falls in a MVC cross-divisional showdown between two of the most successful programs in Eastern Iowa.
Breakdown: The Trojans won just four games a year ago during a Covid-interrupted season in which West High broke in an entire new starting five.
Expect a big-time bounce back this winter as West High returns enough experience and firepower to return to the top of Class 4A.
Seniors Moe and Barnes lead a list of four returning starters that also includes a pair of talented younger players in sophomore Kareem Earl and junior Savion Taylor.
Earl averaged 7.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists as a freshman while Taylor averaged 5.8 points per game.
The addition of talented 6-foot-8 freshman Jack McCaffery will also be a boost while juniors Wyatt Dotson and Brady Simcox and sophomore Jacob Koch could find playing time for the Trojans.
Liberty High
Coach: Ryan Kelly (1st season)
Assistant coaches: Brian Motley, Seth Schroeder, Scott Chandler
Last season: 7-6
Returning starters: None
Other returning letterwinners: Griffin Kraft, 6-3, Sr.; Ja’Quez Hall, 6-3, Sr.; Da’Shon Fisher, 6-0, Jr.
Newcomers to watch: Owen Swartzendruber, 5-9, Sr.; Kalhan Handoo, 5-9, Sr.; Keadyn Leiss-Demus, 5-10, Jr.; Christian Barney, 6-3, Jr.; TJ Tellis, 6-2, Sr.; Trey Hughes, 6-3, Jr.; Gage Kampman, 6-6, Soph.; Graham Beckman, 6-1, Soph.; Luke Ramsey, 5-11, Jr.; Vontrell Jefferson, 5-10, Jr.
Top returning scorers: Griffin Kraft 4.5; Da’Shon Fisher 2.7; Ja’Quez Hall 1.9
Top returning rebounders: Griffin Kraft 2.3; Da’Shon Fisher 1.4; Ja’Quez Hall .5
Headliner: Senior Griffin Kraft was a role player on Liberty High’s substate final team last season providing energy off the bench but will be looked upon to take on a much larger role this season after averaging 4.5 points and 2.3 rebounds as a junior.
Keep an eye on: Junior Da’Shon Fisher showed flashes of playmaking ability last season and will be one of a number of Liberty High players given chances to take a big-time step this season with expanded minutes.
Circle the date: December 2 vs. Pleasant Valley. The new-look Lightning open the season hosting Pleasant Valley in a rematch of last season’s substate final won by the Spartans 57-46.
Breakdown: After sharing head coaching duties with long-time coach Stu Ordman last season Ryan Kelly enters his first season leading the Lightning program.
Kelly will have an entirely new starting five this season as Liberty High lost all five starters to graduation following a 7-6 season in which it advanced to the 4A substate finals for the first time.
The cupboard isn’t bare at Liberty High where Kraft, Fisher and senior JaQuez Hall lead a list of players fighting for spots in the starting lineup.
Seniors Owen Swartzendruber, Kalhan Handoo and TJ Tellis and juniors Keadyn Leiss-Demus, Christian Barney, Luke Ramsey and Vontrell Jefferson will be among those looking to join the rotation along with sophomores Gage Kampman and Graham Beckman.
Clear Creek Amana
Coach: Brandon Clubb (6th season)
Assistant coaches: Mark Stern
Last season: 17-5
Returning starters: Kyle Schrepfer, 6-1, Sr.
Other returning letterwinners: Ben Swails, 6-3, Sr.
Newcomers to watch: Baylin Zimmerman, 6-4, Sr.; Grant Kruse, 6-1, Sr.; Brody Clubb, 6-3, Fr.
Top returning scorers: Kyle Schrepfer 11.1; Ben Swails 7.2; Baylin Zimmerman 1
Top returning rebounders: Ben Swails 2.1; Kyle Schrepfer 2; Baylin Zimmerman 1
Headliner: Senior guard Kyle Schrepfer returns after a breakthrough season in which he averaged 11.1 points, 2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game last season.
Keep an eye on: Senior Ben Swails was instant production off the bench last season averaging 7.2 points and 2.1 rebounds per game but should see that production skyrocket this season as he will be looked to take on a much more prominent role.
Circle the date: December 21 vs. Williamsburg. The Clippers close out the pre-holiday portion of their schedule by hosting rival Williamsburg in a key WAMAC West Division contest.
Breakdown: The Clippers lost four senior starters to graduation from a squad that capped an impressive two-year run by going 17-5 a year ago.
Despite the losses there is talent returning in Tiffin led by experienced seniors Schrepfer and Swails.
That combination gives Clear Creek Amana a strong tandem to build around as seniors Baylin Zimmerman and Grant Kruse find their footing in what will be expanded roles.
Freshman Brody Clubb should make an immediate impact as well and will be a player to watch this season as the Clippers chase a WAMAC West Division title.
Solon
Coach: Jared Galpin (2nd season)
Last season: 21-3
Returning starters: Kinnick Pusteoska, 6-5, Sr.;
Other returning letterwinners: Jake Quillin, 5-10, Sr.; Jacob Timmons, 6-3, Sr.
Newcomers to watch: Logan Sieverding, 6-0, Sr.; Brady Mullen, 6-1, Sr.; Carson Miller, 6-1, Sr.; Grant Gerdin, 6-2, Sr.; Cayden Knipper, 6-2, Sr.
Top returning scorers: Kinnick Pusteoska 8.8; Jake Quillin 3.9; Logan Sieverding 1
Top returning rebounders: Kinnick Pusteoska 4.5; Jake Quillin 1.5; Cayden Knipper 1.1
Headliner: Senior forward Kinnick Pusteoska is the top returning scorer and rebounder for the Spartans after averaging 8.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game as a junior.
Keep an eye on: Senior Jake Quillin will take over full-time at point guard for the Spartans this season and the 5-10 Quillin has shown the ability to be an effective scorer from the perimeter or getting into the paint.
Circle the date: February 8 vs. Mount Vernon. The two rivals split a pair of games last season each winning at home and Solon will try to defend its home court against the Mustangs again this season.
Breakdown: Solon must replace four senior starters including its top three scorers from last year’s squad that went 21-3 and fell to Monticello in the Class 3A substate final.
The Spartans bring back a strong senior duo to build around with veteran point guard in Quillin and an experienced post in Pusteoska.
Senior wing Jacob Timmons also returns after seeing varsity action a year ago and junior Blake Timmons should provide a boost in the backcourt as well.
Head coach Jared Galpin is expecting a number of seniors to step up and provide scoring and rebounding punch this season with Logan Sieverding, Brady Mullen, Carson Miller, Grant Gerdin and Cayden Knipper among those that will likely take on larger roles.
West Branch
Coach: Jason Kern (4th season)
Assistant coaches: Kaleb Duwa, Luke Posivio, Brian Boelk
Last season: 19-3
Returning starters: Holden Arnaman, 6-1, Soph.; Thomas Gould, 6-2, Sr.
Other returning letterwinners: Brady Knoop, 6-3, Sr.; Peyton Miller 5-9, Sr.
Newcomers to watch: Andy Henson, 6-3, Jr.; Carver Boelk, 5-10, Jr.; Kinnick Boelk, 5-10, Jr.; Oliver Palmer, 6-2, Jr.; Drake Berry, 6-3, Sr.; Cash Woody, 6-3, Sr.
Top returning scorers: Thomas Gould 9.6; Holden Arnaman 5.6; Peyton Miller 5.1
Top returning rebounders: Tomas Gould 3.2; Brady Knoop 2.6; Drake Berry 1.8
Headliner: Senior guard Thomas Gould has been a four-year varsity contributor and is seeking a strong finish to his prep career after averaging a career-high 9.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game a year ago.
Keep an eye on: Sophomore point guard Holden Arnaman got his feet wet at the varsity level last season averaging 5.6 points and 2.7 assists per game but could rise into the ranks of the top players in the RVC this season as a sophomore.
Circle the date: February 4 vs. Mid-Prairie. The RVC South Division title could very well be on the line when West Branch hosts Mid-Prairie in the final meeting of the regular season between the two rivals.
Breakdown: West Branch came a game away from reaching the state tournament falling to Dyersville Beckman in overtime in a Class 2A substate final.
The Bears lost a trio of senior starters that combined to average 34 points per game from that team but still return more than enough firepower for another postseason run.
Gould and Arnaman headline the list of West Branch returners and give the Bears perhaps the best backcourt duo in the River Valley Conference.
Seniors Peyton Miller (5.1 ppg) and Brady Knoop (2.5 ppg) each saw plenty of varsity action a year ago and are capable of putting up points in expanded roles this season.
Fourth-year head coach Jason Kern will look for contributions from junior Carver and Kinnick Boelk, Andy Henson and Oliver Palmer as well as Drake Berry and Cash Woody to round out what should be a strong West Branch rotation.
Regina
Coach: Barry Lehman (1st season)
Assistant coaches: Jeremy Brooks, Steven Christopherson, Declan Broeg
Last season: 7-12
Returning starters: Coltrae Kerschen, 6-4, Sr.; Jack Tierney, 6-1, Jr.
Other returning letterwinners: Grant Rustan, 6-4, Sr.; Carson Jensen, 5-8, Sr.; Cam Lehman, 6-1, Sr.; Carter Leick, 6-3, Sr.
Newcomers to watch: Nolan McDonald, 6-1, Soph.; John Devery, 6-4, Soph.
Top returning scorers: Coltrae Kerschen 11.6; Jack Tierney 4.8; Nolan McDonald 1.7
Top returning rebounders: Jack Tierney 3.2; Coltrae Kerschen 2.5; Grant Rustan 1.2
Headliner: Senior guard Coltrae Kerschen is coming off a strong junior season in which he averaged a career-high 11.6 points and 2.5 rebounds per game while shooting 39 percent from 3-point range while making a team-high 61 treys.
Keep an eye on: Junior guard Jack Tierney got experience last season as a sophomore and is poised to expand on the 4.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1 assist per game he averaged last season.
Circle the date: February 8 vs. West Branch. What better way to close the regular season than by hosting a conference rival?
Breakdown: Long-time assist coach Barry Lehman takes over the reigns of the Regina program and inherits a roster with a pair of starters returning from a team that went 7-12 a year ago.
Regina must replace its top scorer and rebounding in departed senior Ashton Cook but has a solid nucleus to build around in Kerschen and Tierney.
Lehman expects big things from seniors Grant Rustan, Carson Jensen, Cam Lehman and Carter Leick who are all veterans of the program.
Sophomore Nolan McDonald saw limited action last season as a freshman and is poised to make a jump while the Regals could also receive a boost from 6-foot-4 senior John Devery.
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