News Summary

The Iowa United Basketball Prep School is set to open its doors on September 2 in Des Moines, offering state-of-the-art facilities and focusing on holistic athlete development. With modern basketball courts and a Christian foundation, the school aims to provide full scholarships and living arrangements for student-athletes. Its founder, Mark Scharnberg, is committed to training and academics, blending both for aspiring athletes. With notable recruits like Arafan Diane, the school anticipates raising Iowa’s championship aspirations.

Exciting New Basketball Prep School Opens in Des Moines

Des Moines, here’s some thrilling news! The highly anticipated Iowa United Basketball Prep School officially kicks off classes on September 2 at its dazzling new facility located in the 7400 block of Southwest 22nd Street. This state-of-the-art venue is expected to serve as a game-changer in the world of basketball education and training.

Facilities That Are Out of This World

The buzz surrounding this new basketball prep school has been soaring, especially after a recent viral video showcased its impressive amenities. Imagine training like a pro at a venue that boasts a whopping 73,000-square-foot renovated warehouse near the Des Moines airport! This facility is no ordinary school; it’s a complete sports training hub featuring modern basketball courts, a cutting-edge performance training center, and locker rooms outfitted with digital displays. Talk about a top-notch place to hone your skills!

A Shift in Prep Sports

Iowa United Basketball is not just another school; it’s pioneering a new wave in prep sports education that reflects a professional-style development model. Founded by Mark Scharnberg, who also runs a family business specializing in the medical and cosmetic sectors, the school caters to young athletes by offering full-time coaching and international recruiting opportunities. This solidifies the notion that serious training and academics can absolutely coexist.

A Christian Foundation with Scholarships

As a Christian school, Iowa United aims to merge strong moral values with athletic prowess. Over the past three years, the school has been developed through the acquisition of Oakmore Academy, previously a multi-sport training facility. Aiming high, Iowa United is set to provide full scholarships to all its players! While a recent video by an online personality labeled it as the “state’s most expensive high school,” this seemingly misleading title does not account for the fact that scholarships cover all expenses. Scharnberg is reportedly investing around $150,000 per athlete annually—a commitment to ensuring that exceptional talent thrives in a supportive environment.

Living Arrangements for Student Athletes

Understanding the importance of a comfortable living situation for its students, Iowa United is also constructing six four-bedroom apartments for athletes who currently live in nearby apartments. This thoughtful touch enhances the overall experience of the student-athletes, allowing them to focus more on their training and studies while enjoying the camaraderie of their peers.

New Talent on the Horizon

One of the standout athletes at Iowa United is a remarkable prospect named Arafan Diane. Standing tall at an impressive 7-foot-1, this center hails from Guinea and has already made a name for himself by receiving an offer from the University of Iowa after dazzling everyone at the NBPA Top 100 camp. Ranked as a consensus four-star recruit for the 2026 class, Diane proudly holds the title of the top center and the best player from Iowa!

Building Championship Aspirations

Iowa’s hopes are high, and by signing elite talents like Diane, they are keen on boosting their championship aspirations. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Ben McCollum, the program is looking to cultivate a winning culture while making waves in the prep sports scene.

As the September launch date approaches, excitement continues to build in Des Moines. With unparalleled facilities, a commitment to athlete development, and an unwavering focus on educational values, Iowa United Basketball is set to become a cornerstone of future basketball training and development. Here’s to a bright future for aspiring athletes in Iowa!

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