Iowa Playoffs: Class 4A, Substate 4 Preview
Davenport Central has been one of the state’s biggest turnarounds this year The favorite: Paced by the athletic trio of Kelvin “Ray” Miller (15.5), Tirique Randolph (13.2) and Tim Rummels (14.3), Davenport Central has been one of the state’s biggest…
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Continue ReadingDavenport Central has been one of the state’s biggest turnarounds this year
The favorite: Paced by the athletic trio of Kelvin “Ray” Miller (15.5), Tirique Randolph (13.2) and Tim Rummels (14.3), Davenport Central has been one of the state’s biggest surprises this season. The Blue Devils enter postseason play at 15-6 and are this substate’s top seeded team. This group thrives off of turnovers and is dynamic in transition. They don’t shoot the ball very well (just 29.1 3P%), but they should be able to dictate tempo and play good enough defense to get through this group.
The biggest threat: North Scott lost an earlier season game to Dubuque Senior by 15, but the Lancers were playing on the road in that one and they shot just 5-18 from three. The defending state champions are led by a trio of double-figure scorers in Bailey Basala (17.8), Corvon Seales (12.2) and Drew Bofelli (10.6). They aren’t a very big team, but they’ve got some toughness and a duo that can take over games, in particular Basala with his shooting ability. Playing the semi-final at home gives them an edge, then they would likely face a Central team that they’ve split with.
The dark horse: An extremely young Dubuque Senior team is dangerous in this substate. The Rams are loaded with young talent, both inside and out, in guards Carter Stevens (13.2) and Derek Noel (9.9), and big man Noah Carter (9.0). They play a rather methodical style, and if they’re able to take care of the ball, they could dictate tempo and grind a few wins out. Either way, this is a team that will be heard from for years to come.
Players to watch
Kelvin “Ray” Miller, Davenport Central, 2017
Tirique Randolph, Davenport Central, 2017
Tim Rummels, Davenport Central, 2016
Bailey Basala, North Scott, 2017
Drew Bofelli, North Scott, 2017
Corvon Seales, North Scott, 2018
Carter Stevens, Dubuque Senior, 2018
Noah Carter, Dubuque Senior, 2019
Connor Duax, Dubuque Hempstead, 2017
SUBSTATE FINAL PREDICTION
Davenport Central vs. North Scott
These teams split their regular season meetings, with each winning on the other’s home floor. Central’s win came late in the season, in a game in which they held North Scott to just 31 points. The Blue Devils’ athleticism causes problems for the Lancers on the defensive end, and they make it to Des Moines for the first time since 2008.