The Iowa women’s basketball team has some work to do to convince Associated Press poll voters that the Hawkeyes are a Top 25 team.

The AP released its preseason poll on Tuesday, and the Hawkeyes fell just short of making the Top 25. Coach Jan Jensen’s team received the most votes of teams that did not make the cut.

Jensen is embarking on her first season as head coach after a long stint as Lisa Bluder’s assistant. Bluder announced her retirement in May, not long after the Hawkeyes advanced to the NCAA championship game for the second consecutive year.

With superstar Caitlin Clark now playing in the WNBA, it seems many women’s basketball observers believe Iowa will take a step back in 2024-25. Jensen’s team will try to prove them wrong.

Associated Press women’s basketball preseason top 25

1, South Carolina; 2. UConn; 3. USC; 4. Texas; 5. UCLA; 6. Notre Dame; 7. LSU; 8. Iowa State; 9. North Carolina State; 10. Oklahoma; 11. Duke; 12. Baylor; 13. Kansas State; 14. Ohio State; 15. North Carolina; 16. West Virginia; 17. Louisville; 18. Maryland; 19. Florida State; 20. Ole Miss; 21. Creighton; 22. Kentucky; 23. Nebraska; 24. Alabama; 25. Indiana

Others receiving votes: Iowa 37, TCU 30, Utah 24, Illinois 23, Stanford 17, Michigan St. 16, Gonzaga 16, Vanderbilt 12, South Dakota St. 7, Miami 4, Tennessee 3, Fairfield 3, Middle Tennessee 3, Georgia Tech 2, Syracuse 1, Princeton 1.

The top teams in Iowa high school football have solidified their positions after another round of games in October. However, while there’s not much movement in the Iowa On3 Massey Ratings top 25 list as of Oct. 14, one team cracked the list.

Meanwhile, only seven of the 25 ranked teams remain undefeated as the season approaches its home stretch. These teams might be far from the top 100 in the nation, but the competition is shaping up for an exciting finish.

The On3 Massey Ratings, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory.

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The Tigers from West Des Moines earned their first shutout victory of the 2024 Iowa high school football season. In addition to blanking the Waterloo West Wahawks, Valley tied their season-high of 49 points. The Tigers were so dominant that Kellen Hove, Drake DeGroote, and Beau Lombardi registered touchdown passes.

After seven games, Valley has the state’s top-ranked offense and fifth on defense. While they look unstoppable as of late, the Tigers will face a formidable challenge in tenth-ranked Ankeny in their next game.

After completing a 49-28 masterclass over Urbandale, the Maroons are on a four-game winning streak. While the J-Hawks made the final margin more respectable, it should be noted that Dowling Catholic was already up 35-7 at halftime.

However, while the Maroons’ defense is ranked fourth within the state, surrendering 63 points in their last two games is quite a concern. Giving that many points might lead to an unfavorable outcome in their next match against fourth-ranked Southeast Polk.

The Dragons have not let up in their last four games. In addition to outscoring their opponents 135-21, they’ve shut out fourth-ranked Southeast Polk (34-0) and scored a season-high 56 points against the Lincoln Lynx. Johnston had a defensive touchdown versus Lincoln, courtesy of Bryan Beachem’s 30-yard interception return.

Johnson has defied the odds in their recent games. They’ve won against Ankeny, Waukee, and Southeast Polk, even if Massey Ratings predicted against them. After surviving that gauntlet, the Dragons should have an easier time against Urbandale and Sioux City East in their next two games.

After a shocking shutout loss to Johnston, the Rams bounced back by surviving 12^th-ranked Waukee’s challenge. That victory brings their record above .500 and should give them momentum as they finish their season.

Despite losing three games, Southeast Polk has the top-ranked defense in Iowa high school football. The Rams need that unit to be excellent when they face second-ranked Dowling Catholic in their next match.

The Bulldogs have improved to 7-0 after a shutout victory over Davenport Central. It’s the first time Bettendorf blanked an opponent this season and the third time they’ve limited an opponent to less than ten points.

Bettendorf has a shot at winning all its regular-season matches. However, Prairie or Iowa City might pull off a shocker that can hand the Bulldogs their first loss this year. They are not a lock to win both games, as Massey Ratings gave them win probabilities of 66 percent and 55 percent, respectively.

The Spartans are living up to their school’s name. They have pleasantly established a six-game winning streak. They could have been undefeated if they hadn’t come up short by a point against Bettendorf.

However, they have the second-best offense in Iowa high school football, averaging 40.28 points per game. That offensive power will be helpful against Iowa City West and Linn-Mar in their next two games.

After dropping back-to-back games against Southeast Polk and Dowling Catholic, the Jaguars returned to their winning ways in a 45-3 demolition of Roosevelt. It’s the lowest output they’ve given to an opponent this season.

Ankeny Centennial can complete a solid finish to their season, granted they maintain the performance level displayed against the Roughriders. It’s easier said than done, though, because they will battle with 18^th-ranked Waukee Northwest for a shot at a 6-2 record.

The Titans maintained their undefeated record after edging the Winterset  28-24. Brady Hetzel led the way on offense by completing 71.4 percent of his passes for 309 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Leo Tatum and Parker Stessman combined for 12 receptions for 194 yards and two touchdowns.

The 28 points against Winterset is their second-lowest total throughout the 2024 Iowa high school football season. However, they should have no problems putting up the points at home against Norwalk in their next game.

The Lightning have found a way to win their last four games. They’ve won against Cedar Falls, Prairie, Cedar Rapids, and Ankeny by one possession. The Liberty defense showed up when it mattered most against the Hawks, with Sutton Koller leading with ten tackles.

Owen Drapeaux had five tackles and a fumble recovery, while Logan Laubenthal had an interception. While the Lightning will go on the road for the next two games, they should have no problems defeating Waterloo West and Jefferson.

The Hawks remain in the top ten despite their season going topsy-turvy. They suffered their fourth loss in seven games against Liberty, ending their two-game winning streak. Despite losing to the Lightning, Ankeny is still the state’s second-best defensive team.

Unfortunately, the Hawks’ schedule doesn’t get easier. They have a game against top-ranked Valley this week and Cedar Rapids Washington next week.

11. North Polk
12. Waukee
13. West Lyon
14. Linn-Mar
15. Pella
16. Decorah
17. Cedar Falls
18. Waukee Northwest
19. ADM
20. Wahlert Catholic
21. Iowa City High
22. Williamsburg
23. Grundy Center
24. Xavier
25. Humboldt