Both of Central College’s basketball programs have been picked to finish in eight place in the Iowa Conference preseason coaches’ polls.

On the women’s side, the Dutch return four starters – including league honorable mention selection Sarah Paulson – this season. Central will be led by new head coach Mike Jacobsma, who comes to Pella after serving as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator with the University of Evansville’s program.

The Central women are hoping to turn things around, after struggling in the 2010-2011 season, which saw them finish 5-20 overall and 2-14 in the Iowa Conference. Four-time defending league champion Simpson College was picked to again finish atop the conference.

The Central men’s basketball team was a bit of a surprise as a fourth-place finisher in the Iowa Conference last season, but are tabbed to finish four spots below that this season in what is anticipated to be a highly competitive league race. Luther College is the runaway selection to finish first, followed by Buena Vista University.

The Dutch return 11 letterwinners and four starters to the court this season, including First-Team All-Conference guard DeMarco Turner and Honorable Mention pick Jack Bruns.