Previews: Maquoketa Valley, Marion, Marquette, Marshalltown

Maquoketa Valley Wildcats 17-5 last year 49.2 points scored, 36.5 points against xx returning players One of the top programs in the state over the past decade resides at Maquoketa Valley, as the Wildcats have posted at least 16 wins each of the past several seasons. Nothing should change this year with leading scorer Taya TuckerTayaTucker5'9" | SFMaquoketa Valley | 2021StateIA returning. Tucker scored 15 points and grabbed over eight rebounds per game, shooting 44 percent from the field. She is joined by senior classmate Ella ImlerEllaImler5'6" | SGMaquoketa Valley | 2021StateIA, who dished out 104 assists and had a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Notable returners: Taya TuckerTayaTucker5'9" | SFMaquoketa Valley | 2021StateIA - 15.0 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 4.0 SPG Ella Imer - 14.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.7 APG, 2.5 SPG   Marion Indians 21-2 last year 67.3 points scored, 38.7 points against 11 returning players Among the highlights for Marion last year included a perfect 12-0 record on the road. The Indians also hit the 20-win mark for the fifth consecutive seasons. While leading scorer Kayba LaubeKaybaLaube5'9" | SGMarion | 2020StateIA departs, Ella Van WeeldenEllaVan Weelden5'10" | SFMarion | 2021StateIA and Riley WrightRileyWright5'10" | SFMarion | 2021StateIA return. Van Weelden averaged 12 points and seven rebounds per game, with Wright adding almost 14 points and five assists. Notable returners: Riley WrightRileyWright5'10" | SFMarion | 2021StateIA - 13.8 PPG, 5.3 APG, 4.5 RPG, 2.3 SPG Ella Van WeeldenEllaVan Weelden5'10" | SFMarion | 2021StateIA - 12.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 2.0 BPG Sadie StruchenSadieStruchen5'9" | SGMarion | 2022StateIA - 9.3 PPG, 2.0 RPG   Marquette Catholic Mohawks 24-2 last year 53.4 points scored, 36.0 points against 10 returning players A couple of close calls in the postseason did not keep Marquette Catholic from advancing to the Class 1A state semifinals. The Mohawks have one of the top defenses in the state, allowing just 36 points per game. Ellie O’Brien and Delaney Banowetz look to take over the roles of leading scorer while also being key producers in several other categories. Notable returners: Delaney Banowetz - 6.8 PPG, 2.7 APG Ellie O’Brien - 8.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.6 APG Holly Kremer - 4.8 PPG, 2.6 RPG   Marshalltown Bobcats 3-20 last year 30.8 points scored, 62.2 points against 5 returning players It’s been a tough stretch for Marshalltown, as the last winning season for the Bobcats came in 2007-08 when they went 13-8. Marshalltown will also be replacing leader Erica Johnson, who posted team-highs in points, rebounds and assists. Johnson was also part of a big senior class, as just five players return including Paige Wertzberger, Carlye Castillo, Sophie Younkin, Lily Roberts and Rachel Smith. Notable returners: Lily Roberts - 4.8 PPG, 1.3 RPG Paige Wertzberger - 1.0 PPG, 1.3 RPG