Class 2A, Substate 8 Preview
DISTRICT 15
The favorite: Des Moines Christian has gone 7-1 against teams in the district, with the lone loss coming to Woodward Academy by a point. The Lions showed how good they can be with a late season win over No. 1 Van Meter, and they’re capable of beating anyone in the class. Led by Isaac Prewitt (21.3), this is the highest scoring team in the district, averaging just under 66 points a game. Prewitt excels at getting to the rim and is the best player in the district. He should be able to help carry the Lions through the district without much resistance.
The biggest threat: Second seed Woodward Academy has already beaten DMC once and lost to them by just nine in the other meeting. The Knights are highly athletic and can defend a powerful Lions attack, and have a trio of double figure scorers of their own in Mike Barker (14.8), Rob Salley (12.3) and Qwame Davis (11.7). The free throw line (54.6%) can be a killer for this group, but they’ve already proven they can beat the Lions, and they’ll get another shot on a neutral floor.
The dark horse: Greene County could provide a threat to DMC’s reign in the semifinals. The Rams are led by point guard Trey Hinote (16.8), who can get hot and carry them to three wins.
Players to watch
2018 Isaac Prewitt, Des Moines Christian
2020 Seth Juhl, Des Moines Christian
2019 Mike Barker, Woodward Academy
2019 Qwame Davis, Woodward Academy
2019 Rob Salley, Woodward Academy
2019 Trey Hinote, Greene County
2018 Wade Adcock, Greene County
2020 Bryce Achenbach, Woodward-Granger
SUBSTATE 16
The favorite: A traditionally strong Treynor program has been excellent again this season, rolling through their slate to a 21-0 record, winning by an average of 27 points a game. The Cardinals are led by the standout guard duo of Luke Clausen (17.6) and Dillon Faubel (14.7), and they take tremendous care of the basketball, dishing out 423 assists to 214 turnovers as a team. 6-8 sophomore big man Jon Schwarte adds some rim protection, which has helped lead the Cards to the fifth ranked defense in 2A, allowing just 42.2 points a game, and they’ve swept both the second and third seeded teams in the district, Underwood (by 26 and 28) and AHSTW (by six and 14). They shouldn’t have too much trouble getting through the district.
The biggest threat: AHSTW and Underwood split their season meetings and are pretty similar teams, so we’ll give the slightest edge to AHSTW in their semifinal meeting, as they’re playing better basketball. The Vikings have won seven straight games entering the postseason and have a better offense (62.9 points a game) and defense (48.5 points a game) than Underwood does. RJ Harris (15.1) will be the best player on the floor when they play.
The dark horse: Underwood lost two of their final three games of the season, but split with AHSTW during the regular season. They lost their two meetings against Treynor by a combined 54 points, so a lot would have to change to give the Cardinals a serious run in a district final.
Players to watch
2018 Dillon Faubel, Treynor
2018 Luke Clausen, Treynor
2020 Jon Schwarte, Treynor
2018 RJ Harris, AHSTW
2018 Thomas Conn, Underwood
SUBSTATE FINAL PREDICTION
Des Moines Christian vs. Treynor
Treynor’s balance and defensive abilities should be able to limit Des Moines Christian’s offense. Cardinals big man Jon Schwarte’s presence int he paint limits Prewitt’s ability to score at the rim, and the 2015 state champions make a return trip to Des Moines.