3 Up, 3 Down (Week 4)
Up Dowling: After two strong wins the week before, over Urbandale and Ames, the Maroons kept their winning streak alive with another tough win over a very good Johnston Dragons squad. The CIML is always tough, and seems especially…
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Dowling: After two strong wins the week before, over Urbandale and Ames, the Maroons kept their winning streak alive with another tough win over a very good Johnston Dragons squad. The CIML is always tough, and seems especially tough this season, yet the Maroons — behind some outstanding play from Sam Ingoli — have raced out to a 5-1 start. They’ll open 2017 with Mason City and then Urbandale next week.
Waverly-Shell Rock: One of 3A’s best programs, the Go-Hawks are living up to their stellar reputation this season. A 7-0 start has been catalyzed by Austin Phyfe’s 20.4 points per game on 75 percent shooting, he’s snaring 12.9 rebounds a night to boot. They’re winning by an average of 21 points per game, and handed Mount Vernon its first loss of the season just before the break.
North Linn: Jake Hilmer has been ridiculous, to the tune of 24.3 points, 10 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game so far this season. And when you have teammates like Ryan Miller and David Seber to help lead the way, you’ll be a tough team to beat. North Linn is off to a 7-0 start, including an impressive 14 point win over a very good Prince of Peace Prep squad just before the break. And they aren’t just beating teams, they are smacking teams; the Lynx’s average margin of victory is 50 points.
Down
Xavier: After winning last season’s 3A state championship, Xavier returned many of their key players this season. Much was expected of the Saints, and much still is despite a slow start. But their record was pushed to 2-4 last week after two more losses to Jefferson and Kennedy. The Saints have played one of the toughest schedules in the state this season, much of it against 4A competition, which could help them down the road. They’ll look to rebound next week when they play Assumption and Prairie.
Ballard: With senior leaders like Tyler Ihle and Max Stoltz leading the way, we expected the Bombers to be a formidable squad in 3A this season. And though they still may become that, they’ve struggled early, and lost two more last week pushing their losing streak to four. It’s been a very tough early-season schedule for the Bombers (2-6), and they’ll look to right the ship next week against Perry and Carroll.
Des Moines Lincoln: According to BCMoorerankings.com, the Rails have played the toughest schedule in the state so far this season, that’s one big reason why they’re 0-7. But last week they they hit rock bottom when they were able to muster just 15 points in a 55-16 lost to Hoover. The Rails though will have a winnable games after the break, they’ll start 2017 with Ottumwa, Des Moines East and Indianola.