10 Best: Pella Christian vs. Des Moines Christian
NEWTON — Neither team led by more than seven points on Tuesday night, as Pella Christian avenged a regular season loss to Des Moines Christian, winning 53-47 to advance to Saturday’s substate final against South Hamilton. After exchanging mini-runs throughout…
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Continue ReadingNEWTON — Neither team led by more than seven points on Tuesday night, as Pella Christian avenged a regular season loss to Des Moines Christian, winning 53-47 to advance to Saturday’s substate final against South Hamilton.
After exchanging mini-runs throughout the first half, Pella Christian took a 26-25 lead into the break. The teams traded the lead seemingly on every possession throughout the third quarter before Pella Christian took the lead for good with 5:10 left to play in the game.
Jackson Waring went to the line with 1:05 left and a chance to tie it, but missed the second free throw. Josh Van Gorp answered with a bucket on the other end, pushing the Eagles’ lead back to 50-47. Grant Veenstra got a good look at the tie with about 30 seconds to play, and Curran Ingram missed a putback. Jack Vermeer went 2-2 at the line to make it a two-possession game and clinch the win for Pella Christian.
Pella Christian (12-10) was led by Jack Vermeer, who had 17 points. Josh Van Gorp chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds, and Dan Jungling added 13.
Des Moines Christian’s season ends with a 17-6 record. The Lions were led by Curran Ingram, who scored a game-high 24 points. With Grant Veenstra, Adam Witty and Ben Loverude coming back next year, they should be strong again.
Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | F |
Pella Christian | 14 | 12 | 15 | 12 | 53 |
Des Moines Christian | 9 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 47 |
Pella Christian: Jack Vermeer 17, Josh Van Gorp 14, Dan Jungling 13, Keean Cadwell 4, Bryant Agre 3, Ryan Vande Haar 2
Des Moines Christian: Curran Ingram 24, Grant Veenstra 9, Jackson Waring 7, Adam Witty 6, Ben Loverude 1
MVP: Jack Vermeer (Pella Christian)
Best shooter: Vermeer (Pella Christian)
Best defensive performance: Vermeer (Pella Christian)
The 6-2 senior guard led the Eagles in scoring, and made huge shot after huge shot to help stop Des Moines Christian runs. He was 4-6 from behind the arc, knocking down each of his first four attempts with a smooth lefty stroke, and his emotional reactions to each bucket helped spur PC and their sizable crowd. In addition to his 3-point shooting, he was 5-6 from the free throw line, making three big ones late to ice the game. He was also the key defender on DMC’s 6-6 forward Ben Loverude, a talented stretch forward who was held to just a single point.
Best offensive performance: Curran Ingram (Des Moines Christian)
The 6-3 senior guard saved one of his best performances for last, going off for 24 points on 9-16 shooting. He showed outstanding body control around the rim, with the ability to finish from different angles and through or around contact. He also knocked down four 3s, but he’s at his best when he’s attacking the rim and playing downhill, using his athleticism and physicality to score, allowing that ability to open up the rest of his game. In addition to his scoring, he dished out a pair of assists and had a solid showing on the defensive end.
Best low post presence: Josh Van Gorp (Pella Christian)
Best college prospect: Van Gorp (Pella Christian)
Best rebounder: Van Gorp (Pella Christian)
A 6-9 senior big man, Van Gorp didn’t play in the regular season meeting, which PC lost 84-71. It’s clear the impact that he can make on both ends of the floor, as a ton of attention was paid to him on every catch, with DMC sending a double at him every time he caught it on the block. The lefty did still finish with 14 points on 6-10 shooting from the floor, showing good touch and decision making around the rim. He makes quick decisions with the ball, recognizes the double and can pass it, and rebounds well on both ends of the floor. He had 9 rebounds (5 offensive) and a pair of assists in addition to his 14 points. He will have a strong college career at a small school.
Best passer: Dan Jungling (Pella Christian)
In the mold of older brother Levi Jungling, Dan is a quick guard who sees the floor really well and makes great decisions with the ball in his hands. He had 3 assists, but could have had a handful more.
The energy guy: Adam Witty (Des Moines Christian)
A 6-1 sophomore who does a bit of everything, Witty contributes across the board, can get to the rim for buckets and keeps the ball moving on offense. He also crashes the glass on both ends of the floor.
Looking ahead to Pella Christian vs. South Hamilton substate final
Pella Christian should be a pretty sizable favorite in this substate final meeting with South Hamilton. That game will be played on Saturday night in Marshalltown. In Josh Van Gorp, the Eagles have the big man to negate Cade Balvanz, and the guard play of Jack Vermeer, Dan Jungling and Keean Cadwell provide enough versatility and switchability to throw athletic guard Doran Lutjen off his game. The depth and massive strength of schedule edge should give the Eagles an advantage here.