There will be many "twists and turns" in the CIML this year as there are 5-6 top tier teams (and depending on the night, maybe 7-8). I would be really surprised if anyone goes through the regular season unbeaten, or even with one loss.
Dowling will be really good come tournament time - they are rotating in 2 freshman at the post to free Faber up from getting worn down/in foul trouble - growing pains early (like what Jacobson did to them on Tuesday) but they will be really good come February.
Waukee is tough, especially with Jacobson asserting herself in the paint, they will be tough for a lot of teams to handle with that post presence, (and outside shooting to compliment)
Valley's questions are the opposite - they have the perimeter presence with Vanderweide/Fuller(s) - who will step up so that they can stop/compete with the Waukee/Faber/Knuth presence inside.
Southeast Polk will rely heavily on their perimeter shooting and faces a lot of the same challenges as Valley as it relates to their interior presence. They will look great on some nights and have people scratching their head on others.
Johnston is a sleeper in my estimation, with Knuth/Hinders and Brown on the outside - if they can stay out of foul trouble and find a 4th, they will be tough come tournament time as well.
Centennial just got coal in their stocking with Winters leaving the program, they were young on the perimeter to begin with and now will have to grow up even more quickly with Winters gone. Never, ever count out a Scott Dejong coached team come tournament time however, and they will surprise some people as the season progresses.
On the East (and this is from someone from the West looking at a distance), Iowa City West is balanced and will be tough to guard/slow down. Linn-Mar just got a huge gift in the transfer of Amanda Ollinger and now becomes probably the favorite from the East side of the state. Iowa City High will go as far as the Joens' girls can take them.
