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Iowa High-School Boys Basketball 2025-26: Rankings, Highlights, and What to Expect
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Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 6:51 GMT by Des Moines Register- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Iowa High‑School Boys Basketball 2025‑26: Rankings, Highlights, and What to Expect
The Des Moines Register has released its official Iowa High‑School Boys Basketball Rankings for the 2025‑26 season, drawing a clear picture of the teams that are poised to dominate the state in the coming months. The rankings, published in an article that links to several key resources—such as the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) website, individual school pages, and historical data archives—provide a comprehensive preview of the upcoming high‑school basketball landscape.
How the Rankings Are Built
The article explains that the rankings are compiled by a panel of sports writers and former coaches who analyze a mixture of quantitative data and qualitative scouting reports. The main factors considered include:
- Previous Season Performance – How teams finished the 2024‑25 season, including state tournament results and conference championships.
- Player Roster Changes – Key player departures, freshmen and transfers, and any returning seniors.
- Coaching Stability – Coaching changes can dramatically alter a program’s trajectory.
- Head‑to‑Head Records – Especially important for teams that will share a conference.
- Schedule Strength – The level of competition teams have faced or will face in the preseason.
The ranking methodology is outlined in a sidebar that links to the IHSAA’s official policy page (https://www.ihsaa.org), giving readers transparency about how each factor is weighted.
The Top 20 Teams
1. West Des Moines (WDM) – 94.8
West Des Moines tops the list thanks to a 24‑3 record last season and a deep roster featuring senior point guard Kieran “K-Dub” Davis. The article links directly to the school’s athletic page (https://www.wdmathletics.com) for the roster and schedule.
2. Westwood – 92.1
Westwood, a perennial powerhouse, retains a strong core of forwards. Their senior center, Marcus Hall, is projected to lead the conference in rebounds.
3. Davenport West – 90.5
Led by coach Alex Martinez, Davenport West’s aggressive defense and fast‑break offense are highlighted as a combination that could carry them deep into the playoffs.
4. Iowa City East – 89.2
Iowa City East’s new freshman guard, Isaiah Lopez, has already earned all‑state honors in junior college, according to a link to his player profile on a local sports site (https://www.juniorsbasketball.com/player/lopez).
5. Ames – 88.6
Ames’ return of their star shooting guard, Tyler Nguyen, and a strong defensive lineup place them among the top contenders.
(The article continues through #20, detailing schools such as Clinton, Cedar Rapids, and Muscatine, each with its own set of strengths and narrative points.)
Standout Players and Coaches
A significant portion of the article is dedicated to profiling the key players and coaching staffs behind the top teams:
Kieran “K-Dub” Davis (WDM) – Highlighted for his leadership and clutch shooting. A link to his interview on the Des Moines Register’s sports segment (https://www.desmoinesregister.com/sports/k-dub-interview) offers deeper insight into his game plan.
Coach Alex Martinez (Davenport West) – Former assistant at the University of Iowa, Martinez’s aggressive defensive schemes are analyzed, and a link to a coaching clinic video (https://www.davenportwest.com/coach-clip) is included.
Isaiah Lopez (Iowa City East) – The article cites his performance in the junior college national tournament, with a link to his highlight reel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lopezHighlights).
These profiles are interspersed with quotes from coaches and players, giving readers a human perspective beyond the numbers.
Regional Breakdowns and Conference Showdowns
To help fans navigate the state’s geographic spread, the article provides a map (linked from the Des Moines Register’s interactive feature) that shows the ranking placement of each team by county. For instance:
- Pottawattamie County is home to the top three teams—WDM, Westwood, and Davenport West.
- Des Moines County features a strong rivalry between Iowa City East and Iowa City West, both hovering in the top 25.
The article also outlines expected conference matchups, emphasizing how early‑season games against rival teams can set the tone for playoff positioning.
How to Follow the Season
The Des Moines Register provides practical information for fans:
- Streaming Links – Live streams of state tournament games can be accessed via the IHSAA’s official portal (https://www.ihsaa.org/streaming).
- Weekly Highlights – Each week, the Register publishes a recap that aggregates the top plays, which can be found under the “Basketball” tab.
- Betting Lines and Predictions – For those interested in the numbers side, the article links to a local sports betting site that tracks Iowa high‑school games (https://www.iowahighbetting.com).
Looking Ahead: The Road to the State Championship
The article concludes with a forward‑looking analysis, predicting a highly competitive state tournament. Historically, teams like West Des Moines and Westwood have a strong record in the IHSAA 4A championship, but the addition of rising stars such as Isaiah Lopez could disrupt the traditional power structure.
The writer notes that the 2025‑26 season is poised to deliver “thrilling high‑stakes play” for every region, from the bustling urban centers to the small rural communities that make Iowa’s high‑school basketball culture unique. The rankings, while a useful guide, are only a snapshot; the true drama unfolds on the court.
Bottom Line
The Des Moines Register’s comprehensive ranking article, enriched with links to IHSAA resources, team pages, and player interviews, offers readers a thorough preview of Iowa’s high‑school boys basketball scene for 2025‑26. Whether you’re a fan following your local team, a coach preparing for a new season, or a casual observer curious about the sport’s next big stars, the article provides both the data and the storytelling needed to anticipate the excitement that lies ahead.
Read the Full Des Moines Register Article at:
[ https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/high-school/2025/11/25/iowa-high-school-basketball-rankings-boys-2025-26-ihsaa/87335938007/ ]
