Postseason Preview: Class 2A, Substate 2
The favorite: South Hamilton has been ranked among the top 5 in 2A all year, and their only loss came to a ranked 3A team in Gilbert. The Hawks have four players averaging in double figures, headlined by Conner…
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The favorite: South Hamilton has been ranked among the top 5 in 2A all year, and their only loss came to a ranked 3A team in Gilbert. The Hawks have four players averaging in double figures, headlined by Conner Hill (17.7), one of the best two-way guards in the state, let alone 2A. The duo of Hill and Logan Peters (14.7) thrive on getting into the paint and creating for teammates, while Cade Balvanz (11.6) and Cole Berg (11.7) do a majority of their scoring in the paint. The Hawks have played the most difficult schedule in the district, according to BC Moore’s power rating system, and should be considered a heavy favorite here.
The biggest threat: The single most talented player in the district comes from Garner-Hayfield-Ventura and future UNI Panther forward James Betz (18.5). A highly athletic forward, Betz has the inside-out game, rim protection and rebounding abilities to dominate games on both ends of the floor, and has the size to give South Hamilton some issues. Landon Dalbeck (13.7) and Justin Reding (7.9) provide some additional scoring punch on the perimeter. The Cardinals have the top defense in the district, allowing just 47.3 points a game, which ranks 13th in 2A. If Betz can limit the production of Hill and Peters at the rim, and dominate the glass, G-H-V is more than capable of winning this district.
The dark horse: Roland-Story was swept by South Hamilton this year, 63-39 and 47-38, but the closer game was played more recently, and the Norsemen have five players who have made at least 20 3s this season. If they’re able to knock down some shots against a tough South Hamilton perimeter defense, they could pull the upset and make their way to the district final.
Players to watch
2019 Conner Hill, South Hamilton
2019 Cole Berg, South Hamilton
2019 Logan Peters, South Hamilton
2020 Cade Balvanz, South Hamilton
2019 James Betz, Garner-Hayfield-Ventura
2020 Landon Dalbeck, Garner-Hayfield-Ventura
2019 Cade Spieker, South Hardin
The favorite: The top three teams in this district haven’t played each other at all, so there are no results to base anything off of. Aplington-Parkersburg has the most explosive offense, with the deepest roster of scorers. Eight players average at least 3.5 points a game, led by Carter Cuvelier (16.8), an athletic, skilled forward who can dominate games on the glass and around the rim. Aaron Bartels (10.2, 35 3PM) and Aaron Price (9.7, 43 3PM) give the Falcons some shooting, and Junior Bodden (9.1) is a high-level perimeter defender who will be tasked with shutting down the opposition’s best scorer. A-P is a perennial power with a lot of players who are used to the spotlight, and the experience of Cuvelier, Price and Coach Aaron Thomas gives them a slight edge in this balanced district.
The biggest threat: The top seed in the district is Crestwood, who has played the most difficult schedule in the district. The Cadets are led by Zackary Lane (17.0) and Nathan Martinek (11.3). Lane is a solid interior presence who can also stretch the floor and knock down an occasional 3, while Martinek serves as the team’s top perimeter scorer. This group has done a solid job protecting the ball, with 278 assists to 219 turnovers, and they can’t turn the ball over against A-P’s pressure defense if they want to win the district final.
The dark horse: Osage has lost seven games this year, but six of them have been by 4 or less. The Green Devils have one of the best defensive teams in 2A, allowing just 39.3 points a game, and they have a trio of shooters who can help them beat anyone in the district in Brett Bobinet (15.0, 42 3PM), Jonah Bluhm (13.3, 28 3PM) and Elijah Bluhm (7.0, 28 3PM).
Players to watch
2019 Carter Cuvelier, Aplington-Parkersburg
2019 Aaron Bartels, Aplington-Parkersburg
2019 Zackary Lane, Crestwood
2019 Nathan Martinek, Crestwood
2021 Kole Johnson, North Fayette Valley
2019 Tristan Sweitzer, New Hampton
2019 Michael Sweeney, Waukon
2019 Brett Bobinet, Osage
2020 Jonah Bluhm, Osage
SUBSTATE FINAL PREDICTION
South Hamilton vs. Aplington-Parkersburg
These teams played in a scrimmage before the season started, and I was told that A-P rolled in that game. But it’s hard to take anything away from a preseason scrimmage. South Hamilton has been the better team all season, and their tandem of guards carries the Hawks back to State.