Iowa Playoffs: Class 2A, Substate 1 Preview
The favorite: While Sioux Center was swept in the season series by Rock Valley, the Warriors have the benefit of a first round bye, giving them a slight edge in the district. Both losses to RV were by three points,…
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Continue ReadingThe favorite: While Sioux Center was swept in the season series by Rock Valley, the Warriors have the benefit of a first round bye, giving them a slight edge in the district. Both losses to RV were by three points, one coming in overtime. Sioux Center is paced by a trio of high scorers in Matt Van Engen (19.0 points, 60.3 FG%), Marcus Winterfeld (17.0 points, 10.7 rebounds) and Tyus Arends (15.9 points). It’s tough to beat a team three times in a season, and we expect to see Sioux Center finally get over the hump against the Rockets.
The biggest threat: Rock Valley is a young team that has had their ups and downs, but entered the playoffs on a five game winning streak and then won their first round game against Cherokee. The Rockets have a balanced attack featuring seven players averaging at least four points a game, and with sophomore big man Jason Taylor on the interior, they’ve got a solid defensive presence in the paint. This team has confidence having already beaten Sioux Center twice, and they’ll be eager to do it a third time.
The dark horse: Hinton hasn’t played the same level of competition that Sioux Center and Rock Valley do during the year, but they’ve got the district’s best player in junior guard Jay Small (25.7), a big-time scorer who can also facilitate for his teammates (134 assists). If he’s able to get loose, the Blackhawks could make a run to substate.
Players to watch
Matt Van Engen, Sioux Center, 2016
Marcus Winterfeld, Sioux Center, 2016
Tyus Arends, Sioux Center, 2018
Jason Taylor, Rock Valley, 2018
Myles Van Maanen, Rock Valley, 2016
Jay Small, Hinton, 2017
The favorite: Western Christian entered the season as the favorite in the class, and they should enter the postseason with the same distinction. Everyone is back from last year’s state qualifying team, and the Wolfpack are a perennial power in 2A. One of the state’s highest scoring teams at 73.7 points a game, they’re led by big man Josh Van Lingen, who is one of the most dominating presences in the state on both ends of the floor. An efficient interior player, they flank him with a number of perimeter options. WC’s only losses this year have come to a pair of top ranked teams from Sioux Falls, SD. They are an overwhelming favorite here, and arguably the team to beat should they reach Des Moines.
The biggest threat: The other team with the benefit of a first round bye, Sheldon is led by the duo of Kyle Boerhave (12.8 points) and Jaden Kleinhesslink (11.6). The Orabs are a traditionally strong program, but it will take a monumental effort for them to knock off Western Christian in the district final. This is a young team that should be looking to build towards the future.
The dark horse: West Lyon has the benefit of playing in the always strong Siouxland Conference, which prepares them well for playoff basketball. The duo of Jaden Snyder and Colton Hage shoot a ton of 3s, so if they can get hot, the Wildcats could make things interesting.
Players to watch
Taylor Miedema, Western Christian, 2016
Josh Van Lingen, Western Christian, 2016
Jesse Jansma, Western Christian, 2017
Kyle Boerhave, Sheldon, 2018
Jaden Kleinhesslink, Sheldon, 2018
Isaac Heyer, West Lyon, 2017
SUBSTATE PREDICTION
Sioux Center vs. Western Christian
Western Christian has been motivated to get back to Des Moines since last year’s first round upset loss to Pella Christian. This is the team to beat in 2A, and they won’t be denied a shot at getting back to the top of the heap. Josh Van Lingen posts another double-double in a comfortable Wolfpack win.