2026 ICCAC Showcase Preview

Black Hawk enters the ICCAC Fall Showcase coming off a 43-13 season in 2026, giving the Braves one of the strongest returning profiles in the field. The Braves bring back a group of productive position players and several arms who will look to build on last season's success.

The returners are led by Tobias Cruz, who hit .360 with 58 hits, 18 doubles, six home runs and nine stolen bases over 161 at-bats. Shraden Lechtenberg also returns after hitting .309 with 38 hits, 12 doubles, two triples, five home runs and 43 RBI, while Alex Churchill hit .336 with 40 hits, 12 doubles, one home run and 34 RBI.

On the mound, Black Hawk returns several arms, including Lucas Matejka, Chuck Hathaway and Kasey Clark. The Braves also add a group of freshmen and transfers who will provide additional depth as the program prepares for the upcoming season.

2026 Record: 43-13

Black Hawk finished the 2026 season with a 43-13 record, setting the stage for another competitive season with a strong group of returning players.

The Braves also saw several members of the roster move on to NCAA programs, including Jackson Mishler (Illinois State), Dylan Bergman (Berry University), Matt Chandler (Roosevelt University), Ricky Barnes (Florida Tech), Colin Christensen (University of Wisconsin-Parkside), Ethan Broser (Southwest Baptist University), Cal Parr (University of Illinois Springfield), Danny Newman (Northwood University) and Nolan Malmstrom (Dordt University).

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) heads into the showcase following a strong 33-25 campaign where they placed 4th in the conference regular season and 3rd in the conference tournament. The Bears boast a deeply experienced roster returning all but one primary starting pitcher from last year's rotation.

Offensively, DMACC retains significant firepower led by NJCAA 2nd Team All-American Drew Owen (.424 BA, 10 HR, 63 RBI), Drake Obermueller (.388 BA, 18 2B, 45 RBI), and Maverick DeVeau (.333 BA in an injury-shortened season). The staff also features returning left-handers Izzaq Zrust (52 SO in 44 IP) and two-way asset Grayson Kirsch.

The Bears welcome an impactful incoming class including Sacramento State transfer Sam Kemmer alongside key freshmen Noah Davies, Logan Roff, Dawson Evans, Kal Chamberlain, Collin McClintock, and Jaxson Crancer.

2026 Record: 33-25 (4th Reg. Season / 3rd Tourney)

The Bears moved an impressive group of players on to NCAA Division I, II, and III programs following the 2025 season:

Division I: Trey Franck (North Dakota State), Blake Crancer (Washington State), Brock Moore (Ohio State), Austin Andersen (Northern Kentucky), Adam Leininger (Troy), Brayden Foster (Niagara), Andrew Theiss (South Dakota State), Gage Miller (North Dakota State).

Division II & III: Cole Baumgart (Northwest Missouri State), Martin Smith (Southwest Minnesota State), Jake Espeland (King University), Jordan Leininger (Minnesota State Mankato), Zack Turpin (Central College).

Team preview not available.

Season result and transfer information not available.

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Indian Hills Community College enters the upcoming showcase following a 24-23 season. The Warriors bring back a strong group of core returners, led by power-bat Gage Perri (.345 BA, 10 HR, 47 RBI) and Brody Geist (.338 BA), alongside right-handed reliever Connor Griess (34 K's in 28 IP, 4 SV).

The roster is further strengthened by Sauk Valley transfer Christian Guzman (.322 BA, 4 HR) and an impactful incoming freshman class featured by left-handers Beck Button and James Varela, catcher Maxime Decarie, two-way threat Elias Robinson, and right-hander Kaleb Ledgerwood.

2026 Record: 24-23

Indian Hills sent several key contributors on to Division I and Division II programs following the 2026 season:

Division I: Kevin Ramps (Dayton), Boris Rodriguez (Prairie View A&M), Yuan-Kai Chang (Miami OH).

Division II: Callum Donnelly (Catawba), Dylan Raines (St. Edward's).

Team preview information not available.

Season result and transfer information not available.

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Iowa Lakes enters the showcase coming off a 13-23 campaign in 2026. The Lakers feature a very young, tight-knit roster with key incoming freshmen looking to make an immediate splash, led by middle infielder Francisco Mejias.

2026 Record: 13-23

The Lakers finished the 2026 campaign with a 13-23 record as they continue building momentum with an exciting new wave of talent.

Kirkwood enters the ICCAC Showcase coming off a dominant 45-10 season in 2026. The Eagles return a formidable offensive nucleus anchored by first baseman Jax Theeler (.388 BA, 13 HR, 61 RBI), third baseman Will Nuss (.304 BA, 7 HR), outfielder Cam Templeton (.333 BA, 10 SB), and catcher Landon Jasper (7 HR).

On the mound, Kirkwood brings back high-strikeout arms in Kye Smith (43 K's in 39 IP), Collin Homan (34 K's in 26 IP), and Tate Proskovec (34 K's in 27 IP).

The roster is further boosted by impactful additions, highlighted by elite shortstop transfer Tyler Acevedo and second baseman Dylan Acevedo, alongside a deep incoming freshman class featuring standout outfielder Brandon Bea, two-way threat Trent Grevengoed, and right-hander Bohdy Colling.

2026 Record: 45-10

Kirkwood moved an impressive 19 players on to NCAA programs following their 45-10 season:

Division I: Brady Blake (Creighton), Ty Andrews (SEMO), Wrigley Matthys (Iowa), Blake Lundholm (Northern Kentucky), Alex Altmann (New Mexico), Landon Frost (Southern Illinois), Reid Burkle (Iowa), Jackson Niederwerder (Charleston Southern), Adrian Broadus (UW-Milwaukee), Drew Zemaitis (SEMO), Reece Wrage (Omaha), Rowan Donels (Iowa), Cael Ortmann (George Mason).

Division II & III: Adam Kayko (Minnesota State), CJ Davis (Mount Mercy), Nathan Motl (Sioux Falls), Jake Goodman (Mount Mercy), Ayden Schrunk (Briar Cliff), Grant Miller (Minnesota State).

Marshalltown enters the showcase returning the bulk of an offensive lineup that was predominantly composed of freshmen last spring. Following a notable surge in offensive production, the Tigers bring back a core group of key returners led by First Team All-Region outfielder Cooper Fiskewold (.478 BA, 13 HR, 45 RBI in 27 conference games) and All-Region Honorable Mention utility asset Anderson Schirm (.394 BA, 25 RBI).

The rotation returns All-Region Honorable Mention starter Chase Bauer and pitcher of the week honoree Cole Lindberg, while receiving boosts from incoming freshmen Farens Wooter and Oliver Taynton along with sophomore transfers Ty Lowry (LHP) and Drew Nye (Highland CC).

2026 Record: 13-41

The Tigers continue to move players on to four-year programs, highlighted by left-handed pitcher Ty Harmsen advancing to the NCAA Division II level following the 2026 season.

North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) enters the showcase following an 8-42 campaign in 2026. The Trojans return key right-handed arms Tyler Rosenow and Joe Pirillo to anchor the pitching staff, alongside a fresh group of incoming talent featuring freshmen Ben Shearer and Tavian Soppe.

NIACC underwent a massive roster overhaul, adding 14 transfers to the program, including three All-Region performers. Highlighting the transfer class are key additions Luke Holcomb (RHP), Ayden Wells (INF), and Joas Mercedes (RHP) from Iowa Lakes, alongside Diego Caraballo (RHP) from Monroe University (NY).

2026 Record: 8-42

The Trojans sent key contributors to Division I and Division II programs following the 2025 season:

NCAA Division I: Jacob Neutz (Central Michigan)
NCAA Division II: Caden Watson (Sioux Falls)

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) enters the ICCAC Showcase coming off a 7-40 campaign in 2026. The Cougars return a core of offensive contributors led by power-bat Damin Churchman (.318 BA, 9 HR, 31 RBI, .626 SLG), outfielder Tanner Bahl (.343 BA, 4 2B, 3 HR), and infielder Jacob Austin (.298 BA), alongside right-hander Jack Fenwick (50 SO in 47.2 IP).

The squad adds depth on both sides of the ball with an extensive group of incoming talent including Jack Wedemeier, Bryce Christian, Brady Gogel, Easton Lowe, Hunter Halajian, Trae Houser, Jordan Meeker, Cason Rausch, and Camden Wroe, along with transfers Colton Bergen (Black Hawk) and Hunter Scoma (State Fair CC).

2026 Record: 7-40 (10th in Conference)

The Cougars moved key players on to four-year programs following the 2026 season:

NCAA Division II: Caleb Schusted (Northern State)
NCAA Division III: Jake Schmidt (Simpson College)
NAIA: Michael Kleinhans (Dakota State)

Northeast Community College enters the showcase coming off a competitive 32-27 season and a 5th-place finish in the conference. The Hawks return a talented group of core sophomores including 6'5" right-handed pitcher Barrett Fries, left-hander Thomas Marshall, and infielder Emmett Minderman, alongside utility asset Louis Hodoly.

The incoming freshman class brings added depth on the mound and in the dirt, led by two-way prospect Ricardo Navarro (INF/RHP), right-hander Nick Wendt, and arm Orelvys Gomez.

2026 Record: 32-27 (5th in Conference)

Northeast moved an impressive slate of 11 players on to four-year Division I and Division II programs following the 2025 season:

NCAA Division I: Brady Fitzpatrick (Tulane), Hayden Parrish (SIUE), Giuseppe Salvatore (New Mexico), Beau Pasteur (Jacksonville State), Caden Rezac (Incarnate Word).

NCAA Division II: Brice Waller (Regis), Beckett Lund (Washburn), Cole Kuszak (Fort Hays State), Max Denson (Wayne State), Kye Privett (St. Leo), Eli Johnston (St. Cloud State).

Team preview information not available.

Season result and transfer information not available.

Key players to watch not available.