Heart of America Releases Preseason Basketball Polls

The Heart of America Conference has released its preseason coaches’ polls for men’s and women’s basketball. In the men’s poll, William Penn claimed the top spot in the preseason rankings by claiming 13 of 14 first-place votes. Park came in at second by claiming the other first-place vote. Benedictine and Clarke tied for third. Locally, Central Methodist tied for seventh in the poll with Evangel, Missouri Valley came in at tenth, and Culver-Stockton rounded out the bottom of the standings at 14th.

In the women’s poll, Clarke was the top ranked team garnering eight first-place votes. Central Methodist received three first-place votes to be ranked second in the poll. Mid America Nazarene placed third with two first-place votes, while Evangel received the remaining vote to rank fourth in the poll. Among the other local schools, Culver-Stockton to finish sixth in the conference, while Missouri Valley was tabbed to take eleventh. You can see the full poll results with this story online at centralmoinfo.com.

020-21 Heart Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll:

Place School (1st Place Votes) Points

1. William Penn (13) 169

2. Park (1) 139

3. Benedictine 137

3. Clarke 137

5. MidAmerica Nazarene 132

6. Peru State 100

7. Central Methodist 91

7. Evangel 91

9. Baker 72

10. Missouri Valley 70

11. Mount Mercy 57

12. Graceland 31

12. Grand View 31

14. Culver-Stockton 17

2020-21 Heart Women’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll:

Place School (1st Place Votes) Points

1. Clarke (8) 162

2. Central Methodist (3) 144

3. MidAmerica Nazarene (2) 141

4. Evangel (1) 136

5. William Penn 135

6. Culver-Stockton 98

7. Benedictine 97

8. Grand View 92

9. Baker 72

10. Peru State 69

11. Missouri Valley 50

12. Mount Mercy 27

12. Graceland 27

14. Park 24