Postseason Preview: Class 3A, Substate 1
The Favorite: Unlike the past two years where Sergeant Bluff-Luton played the underdog role and snuck its way into the state tournament, the Warriors are heavy favorites to advance to Des Moines this year. The senior leadership of Sam DeMoss…
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The Favorite: Unlike the past two years where Sergeant Bluff-Luton played the underdog role and snuck its way into the state tournament, the Warriors are heavy favorites to advance to Des Moines this year. The senior leadership of Sam DeMoss and Conner Groves combined with the talent of junior Daniel Wright has this team riding a 10-game winning streak heading into the postseason. Groves, who is averaging 15.2 points per game, can hit deep and often when his team needs him to. DeMoss and Wright can beat teams both inside and outside, while Jake Layman continues to have a stellar sophomore year by scoring points and being strong on the boards. The No. 1 team in Class 3A has a mix of seven players that can step up when the game is on the line. Adam Vander Schaaf’s Warriors also know how to battle back when facing adversity.
The Biggest Threat: As we mentioned before the season started, it would only be a matter of time before Le Mars would hit its stride with its youthful roster. The new year seemed to be just what the Bulldogs needed as they won nine of their last 12 games and clinched a share of the Lakes Conference title. Senior Alex Irwin is averaging 20.1 PPG and recorded 43 assists, while Spencer Mackey has become a leader as only a sophomore. Mackey has averaged 15.6 PPG and has been among the best from behind the arc in Class 3A with 54 three pointers. Junior forward Aisea Toki also ranks in the Top 5 in Class 3A with 200 total rebounds. Le Mars’ seven losses at the beginning of the season are in the rear view mirror and there is no telling what this team can accomplish. Regardless of how Le Mars finishes this season, head coach Dave Irwin deserves a lot of credit after losing 85 percent of his scoring from last year.
One More Contender: Storm Lake is the team in this substate field that could play spoiler. The co-champions of the Lakes Conference have the talent and athleticism to make a run at a state tournament bid, but will it be able to get three straight wins away from home? Five of the Tornadoes six losses have come on the road this season. The scoring trio consisting of Mach Nyaw, Cham Deng and Malga Yanga would have anyone on high alert with their big play potential. There is no word if Yanga will play Monday night, after missing the Tornadoes last two games. If Storm Lake gets past Bishop Heelan in the quarterfinal round, its meeting with Le Mars on Thursday could be the most intriguing matchup in this substate. The Tornadoes defeated Le Mars early in the season, but were blown out on the road by the Dawgs 78-52 on January 25.
The Dark Horse: The Tigers will play the role of dark horse in the Class 3A-1 bracket. Spencer, who was also in the mix for a Lakes Conference title, has quality wins this season against both Storm Lake and Western Christian. Freshman Karter Petzenhauser and senior Michael Storey lead the Tigers in scoring with 15 PPG and 11.8 PPG respectively. Its biggest challenge will be getting through Sergeant Bluff-Luton in the semifinal round.
Players to watch
2019- Conner Groves, Sergeant Bluff-Luton
2019- Sam DeMoss, Sergeant Bluff-Luton
2020- Daniel Wright, Sergeant Bluff-Luton
2019- Alex Irwin, Le Mars
2021- Spencer Mackey, Le Mars
2019- Mach Nyaw, Storm Lake
2019- Malga Yanga, Storm Lake
2019- Cham Deng, Storm Lake
2022- Karter Petzenhauser, Spencer
2019- Michael Storey, Spencer
2020- Alex Van Kalsbeek, MOC-Floyd Valley
SUBSTATE FINAL PREDICTION
Sergeant Bluff-Luton vs. Le Mars
The two teams met back on January 3rd with Sergeant Bluff-Luton winning that contest 68-57. The Warriors always seem to be prepared heading into critical games, but an improved Bulldog squad led by Alex Irwin could make things interesting at the Tyson Event Center on February 25. Sergeant Bluff-Luton will be going for its third straight trip to Des Moines, while Le Mars will be looking to make it back for the first time in four years.