Meskwaki (8-0)

Things have gone incredibly smooth for the Warriors so far. After eight games, Meskwaki finds themselves undefeated with just one win decided by single digits (Janesville, 67-65). The team knew what they had in seniors Allis Tahahwah and Terrell Grant, but the emergence of sophomore Jarius Bear has given them arguably the most talented back-court in the conference. Meskwaki is simply too athletic for most opponents as they use their speed and man to man defense to get out in transition. This strategy absolutely wears down opposing teams to the point Meskwaki can usually rest their starters by the fourth quarter.

However, despite their impressive start the true test is yet to come. Last year the team was undefeated at this time as well and were handed their two regular season losses by Colo-Nesco. Speaking of the Royals, the Warriors will face off with them in the first of two head to head match-ups in the first game coming out of break. This first match-up will basically be for bragging rights as the conference title, like last year, will more than likely come down to the final game between the two teams on February 9th.

The individual statistics show Meskwaki’s strength as they are exceptionally gifted at putting the ball in the hoop. The team boasts a back-court that each average double digits a night (Tahahwah (16.6), Jarius Bear (15.0), and Grant (13.3). However, its the front-court that will be tested in the two games against Colo-Nesco. Freshman Tate Bear offers the most height on the team while also showing shot-making abilities (8.0 ppg). Tate and Jonas Bear will be pinned against the Royals front-court of Garret Tiarks (12.1 ppg) and Christian Reischauer (16.4 ppg). If that duo can be contained, the conference is their for the taking for the #5 ranked Meskwaki Warriors.

Colo-Nesco (7-1)

The Royals have returned all five starters from last seasons conference championship team and have reaped the benefits. Colo-Nesco has put on a scoring clinic in every game with 4/5 starters averaging double digits a night. Reliance on all-conference forward Christian Reischauer has diminished as Brady Stoeffler actually leads the team in points per game (17.5). It hasn’t been all smooth sailing however, the team ran into trouble once they were pitted against a talented 3A team in the Gilbert Tigers (6-1). Gilbert’s fourth quarter scoring splurge gave Colo-Nesco their first loss of the season as they host division front-runner Meskwaki coming out of break on January 5th.

Waterloo Christian (5-4)

Last year, the scouting report with this team is force someone other than Timothy Doering to beat you. Well this year they can do just that. Shooting guard Luke Zwack has shot to a tune of 30% from beyond the arc in 77 attempts. While still Doering’s team (23.4 ppg), Zwack has finally given the team what it needs, a second consistent scoring threat (11.0 ppg). Despite their improvement, the team has shown that they lack the defense to play up against the top teams of the conference with a pair of lob-sided losses already to Meskwaki and Colo-Nesco. The Regents should however easily push past the nine wins they totaled last season.

Don Bosco (5-4)

Without a doubt the surprise team of the conference has been the Dons of Don Bosco. After racking up just three wins all of last season, the team is on pace for their first double-digit win season since the 2013-14 season. The difference has been the emergence of freshman shooting guard Jack Kelley. Kelley (14.3 ppg), has filled the scoring void left by Brady Thome, but he has not acted alone. Sophomores Zach Nie (12.9 ppg) and Sean McFadden (10.1 ppg) give the Dons a young trio that leads to optimism for the team in the coming years. At this stage, the Dons, much like Waterloo Christian, are a pesky team, but have been easily defeated by the conference top-dogs so far.

GMG (2-5)

The Wolverines decline should come as little shock to a team that lost their top three scorers from last season. After a tough (0-4) start to teams that have a combined record of (25-9), the Wolverines won two of their final three games heading into the break. Senior Jacob Burt has risen to the challenge of being the go to player offensively by averaging 14 points a night highlighted by a 21 point effort against Janesville. Burt’s supporting cast of young players appeared in just 21 varsity games combined last season.

North Tama (2-8)

The losses of Paul Kauffman and Caden Stuart really wore on this Redhawk 2015-16 team. Without Kauffman’s consistent scoring, senior forward Ben Panfil has been forced into taking more shots. Despite Panfil’s career high numbers (15.8 ppg) the team has lost seven games in a row heading into the break. In that stretch, the Redhawks have been beaten in all of them by an average of 29 points a game. However, the team’s final 6/11 opponents also sit with sub .500 records including two match-ups with conference rival GMG.