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The 50 best Iowa high school girls basketball players ahead of the 2022-23 season

alyssa hertel, des moines register
·8 min read

The Iowa high school girls basketball season is almost here – first games are scheduled for Friday – and the level of talent statewide has never been higher.

With last year’s graduating class off on new adventures in college basketball, there is plenty of room for new players to step into the spotlight. The season hasn’t even begun and some athletes already stand out from the crowd.

From Sahara Williams’ stock-rising offseason to the possibility of Jenica Lewis – a freshman with offers from 20 of the top 25 teams in college basketball – living up to her reputation, there are talented players from several schools and classes represented on this list.

More:Iowa high school girls basketball preseason Super 10 rankings

But it is just preseason, after all. Could new names emerge during the 2022-23 season and solidify their spot on a list down the road? Absolutely.

For now, let’s take a look at the top 50 girls high school basketball players in Iowa.

1. Sahara Williams, Waterloo West

Waterloo West's Sahara Williams tops the Register's girls basketball rankings after an offseason that included a commitment to Oklahoma and a gold medal with Team USA.
Waterloo West's Sahara Williams tops the Register's girls basketball rankings after an offseason that included a commitment to Oklahoma and a gold medal with Team USA.

Position: Forward

Year: 2023

It’s hard to beat an offseason that included a five-star ranking, a commitment to Oklahoma and a gold medal with Team USA. That’s why the Waterloo West senior – who averaged 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and four assists per game last season – is in the top spot.

2. Audi Crooks, Bishop Garrigan

Audi Crooks, one of the state's top players, is signed to Iowa State. First, though, she'll add to her 1,845-point total at Bishop Garrigan in Algona.
Audi Crooks, one of the state's top players, is signed to Iowa State. First, though, she'll add to her 1,845-point total at Bishop Garrigan in Algona.

Position: Center

Year: 2023

Crooks dropped a spot, but that doesn’t make her any less talented. The Iowa State commit is one of the top recruits nationwide in her class. Racking up 1,845 points in three seasons, shooting 71.1% from the field and winning a state title are just some of the reasons Crooks was so sought after.

More:Vote for the Des Moines Register's male and female athlete of the week candidates for Nov. 6-12

3. Kelsey Joens, West Liberty

Kelsey Joens transferred from Iowa City High to West Liberty for her senior season to play for her older sister, Courtney.
Kelsey Joens transferred from Iowa City High to West Liberty for her senior season to play for her older sister, Courtney.

Position: Guard

Year: 2023

The Joens name is a big one to live up to, and the senior certainly has. She has more than 1,000 career points with a season left to play and averaged 21.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game as a junior. She transferred to West Liberty from Iowa City High to play for her sister, and that instantly puts the Comets in the state tournament conversation before she heads to Iowa State.

4. Arianna Jackson, Des Moines Roosevelt

Des Moines Roosevelt lost a couple key pieces from last year's squad but the Roughriders still have their top scorer in Arianna Jackson.
Des Moines Roosevelt lost a couple key pieces from last year's squad but the Roughriders still have their top scorer in Arianna Jackson.

Position: Guard

Year: 2023

Jackson was a steady force for Roosevelt, leading the Roughriders to the state quarterfinal with 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game. Iowa State landed an early commit from the only Jackson daughter, who follows in her father and brother’s footsteps by playing a Division I sport up in Ames.

5. Kaliyah Sain, Cedar Rapids Kennedy

Kaliyah Sain was a standout star for Cedar Rapids Kennedy and hopes to continue that success into her senior season.
Kaliyah Sain was a standout star for Cedar Rapids Kennedy and hopes to continue that success into her senior season.

Position: Guard

Year: 2023

The Lindenwood commit averages 19.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game entering her senior year, while knocking down 71.4% of her free throws. Was the most dominant player on a Cougars team that struggled at times but still made it to the regional semifinal.

6. Halli Poock, Waterloo West

Waterloo West will have a dynamic duo in Halli Poock, pictured, and Sahara Williams.
Waterloo West will have a dynamic duo in Halli Poock, pictured, and Sahara Williams.

Position: Guard

Year: 2023

Waterloo West might be a bit of a problem this year. Teammate Sahara Williams is No. 1 on this list, but it was Poock who stole the show last season. She averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 3.7 rebounds per game. Bradley signee.

7. Jenna Hopp, Glenwood

Jenna Hopp helped Glenwood to the Class 4A state semifinal last season, and she'll look to get the Rams even further in 2023.
Jenna Hopp helped Glenwood to the Class 4A state semifinal last season, and she'll look to get the Rams even further in 2023.

Position: Guard

Year: 2023

Committed to a South Dakota team ranked No. 1 in College Insider’s Mid-Major Top 25 poll. Made her mark at Glenwood as a three-time all-state selection and has picked up more than 1,000 career points and nearly 500 career rebounds.

More:Introducing the 2022 All-Iowa girls high school cross country honorees

8. Aili Tanke, Johnston

Aili Tanke was a big part of Johnston's 26-0 state title run, and she should take on an even larger role with Jada Gyamfi gone.
Aili Tanke was a big part of Johnston's 26-0 state title run, and she should take on an even larger role with Jada Gyamfi gone.

Position: Guard

Year: 2024

The first junior on this list and for good reason. Tanke, a fast-rising prospect already committed to Iowa State, won a state championship with Johnston last season and made it to the title game as a freshman. Helped All Iowa Attack to a national championship.

9. Callie Levin, Solon

Callie Levin has two more seasons of high school basketball left to play, but she's already committed to Iowa women's basketball.
Callie Levin has two more seasons of high school basketball left to play, but she's already committed to Iowa women's basketball.

Position: Guard

Year: 2024

Levin was the first commit in the 2024 class for Iowa, and what a way to start. She averaged 21 points, 4.3 steals, 4.2 assists and 3.7 rebounds as a sophomore.

10. Jenica Lewis, Johnston

Jenica Lewis, pictured doing practice drills, has more than 20 Division I offers before ever playing a high school basketball game.
Jenica Lewis, pictured doing practice drills, has more than 20 Division I offers before ever playing a high school basketball game.

Position: Guard

Year: 2026

Yes, there is a freshman on this list and yes, she’s in the top 10. Lewis has more than 20 Division I scholarship offers …and she’s never played a second of high school basketball. She’s ranked the top player nationally in her recruiting class by some sources and will play for a Johnston team that still has the talent to go far this season despite losing some key pieces.

11. Brooklin Dailey, Southeast Polk

Position: Guard/Forward

Year: 2023

The Drake basketball commit is staying close to home to continue her basketball career, and what a career it’s been. She averaged 17.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game and made 40% of her 3-point attempts as a junior.

12. Molly Joyce, Bishop Garrigan

Position: Guard

Year: 2023

Joyce is headed to Truman State for college basketball, but not before she finishes a successful career alongside Crooks. She finished her junior season with 18.5 points, 4.9 assists, 3.9 steals and 2.4 rebounds per game.

13. Clara Teigland, Treynor

Position: Guard

Year: 2023

Treynor’s star guard finished her junior campaign averaging 14.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.3 steals and 3.5 assists per game before committing to the United States Air Force Academy for basketball.

More:Waukee girls repeat as Iowa high school state swimming and diving champions

14. Elise Jaeger, West Des Moines Valley

Position: G/F

Year: 2024

A junior star with her recruiting stock on the rise. Jaeger was the Tigers’ second-highest scorer as a sophomore – behind only a senior – and averaged 12.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

15. Molly Noelck, Johnston

Position: Guard

Year: 2023

Third on last year’s state championship team in scoring with 8.7 points and found her way into all 26 games despite a loaded roster. Oh, and she’s played AAU basketball with Lewis, so that should be a fun connection to watch at the high school level.

16. Emma Miner, Dallas Center-Grimes

Position: F

Year: 2023

The Mustangs roster was absolutely stacked last season, and Miner led the way. She averaged 13.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and shot 40.9% from 3-point range while leading DCG to the state semifinal. Committed to St. Thomas.

17. Halle Vice, Pleasant Valley

Position: Guard

Year: 2023

Marquette commit who won a national championship with All Iowa Attack, alongside Jackson. Led Pleasant Valley to the state semifinal – where the Spartans lost to the eventual champions – with an average of 19.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.

18. Gracie Schoonhoven, Unity Christian

Position: Forward

Year: 2023

Absolute force who put up 24.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game as a junior. Already has 1,000 career points and has broken school records left and right.

19. Addy Johnson, Westwood

Position: C/F

Year: 2024

Led her team as a sophomore with 18.4 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Helped Westwood to the regional semifinal in 2021-22.

20. Addison Klosterbuer, Central Lyon

Position: Guard

Year: 2023

The South Dakota signee is Central Lyon’s single-season and career record holder for 3-pointers. Helped the Lions to the state championship game as a junior and averaged 14 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.

21. Makayla Boatman, North Polk

Position: Guard

Year: 2023

Headed to Colorado Christian for college basketball. Averaged 13.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while helping the Comets to the regional championship game.

22. Katy Reyerson, West Marshall

Position: Forward

Year: 2023

Averaged 19.8 points, 11.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists while helping the Trojans to the regional championship game. Signed to play at Northern Iowa, becoming the first Division I women’s basketball player from West Marshall.

More:The Register's Male and Female Athletes of the Week have been named for the week of Oct. 30-Nov. 5.

23. Meena Tate, Iowa City West

Position: Guard

Year: 2023

Led Iowa City West with 15 points per game last season and added 3.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Headed to Dartmouth after high school.

24. Jasmine Barney, Iowa City Liberty

Position: Guard

Year: 2023

Stood out from the rest of the Lightning roster with 18.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. Continuing her basketball career at Minnesota State.

25. Carlee Rochford, New Hampton

Position: Guard

Year: 2023

Put up insane numbers as a junior: 24.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Pursuing track and field in college, but still one of the state’s top ballers.

26. Ava Schubert, Davenport Assumption

27. Alliyah Thompson, Ballard

28. Kendall McDaniel, Indianola

29. Vanessa Bickford, Dallas Center-Grimes

30. Grace Knutson, Cedar Falls

31. Jenna Pitz, Ankeny

32. Madison Hillman, Saint Ansgar

33. Kennedy White, Ankeny Centennial

34. Journey Houston, Davenport North

35. Brooklyn Stanley, Bishop Heelan

36. Amani Jenkins, Des Moines North

37. Ava Zediker, Dowling Catholic

38. Stella Charleston, Southeast Polk

39. Averi Porter, Ankeny Centennial

40. Jayla Williams, Ankeny

41. Haylee Stokes, Estherville Lincoln Central

42. Libby Fandel, Xavier

43. Lillie Petersen, Bettendorf

44. Payton Petersen, Dike-New Hartford

45. Sophia Hope, Waukee

46. Carmindee Ricke, Remsen St. Mary’s

47. Alizabeth Jacobsen, Underwood

48. Nicole Sherer, Woodbine

49. Brooklyn Love, Hudson

50. Elizabeth Puot, Des Moines North

Alyssa Hertel is the college sports recruiting reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact Alyssa at ahertel@dmreg.com or on Twitter @AlyssaHertel.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Preseason top 50 players in Iowa high school girls basketball