Class 2A, Substate 2 Preview
DISTRICT 3 The favorite: Garner-Hayfield-Ventura is riding an 18-game winning streak into the postseason, entering with the best record in Class 2A at 20-1. The Cardinals have the No. 3 defense in the class, allowing just 43 points a game,…
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Continue ReadingDISTRICT 3
The favorite: Garner-Hayfield-Ventura is riding an 18-game winning streak into the postseason, entering with the best record in Class 2A at 20-1. The Cardinals have the No. 3 defense in the class, allowing just 43 points a game, and they’ve also got a potent offense at 66.8 points a night. They’re paced by a trio of double figure scorers who all shoot at least 52% from the floor, headlined by sophomore standout James Betz, a versatile, athletic forward who makes a major impact on both ends. This group shares the ball extremely well (376 assists on 561 field goals), and they hold a 19-point win over Clear Lake, arguably their biggest competition in the district.
The biggest threat: The only other team over .500 in the district, Clear Lake is lead by a pair of big-time scorers in Zach Lester (21.0) and Thomas Storbeck (19.3). The Lions are a solid offensive team, ranking No. 22 in the class at 65.4 points a game, but they’re also giving up 60.1 a night, good for No. 63 in 2A. Nonetheless, if Lester and/or Storbeck get hot in the district final, they could push G-H-V.
The dark horse: Clarion-Goldfield-Dows split their season series with likely district semifinal opponent Clear Lake, with each winning by four on their home court. The Cowboys have three double figure scorers in Rhett Darland (15.9), Sam Urness (12.5) and Ryan Darland (10.5), and either Darland brother is capable of getting hot from the arc and carrying them to a win on a given night. They enter the postseason hot, winning five of their last six in the regular season.
Players to watch
James Betz, Garner-Hayfield-Ventura, 2019
Zach Lester, Clear Lake, 2018
Thomas Storbeck, Clear Lake, 2017
Rhett Darland, Clarion-Goldfield-Dows, 2018
DISTRICT 4
The favorite: Osage is tied with G-H-V for the best record in Class 2A entering the postseason at 20-1. The Green Devils are led by Drew Olson (18.5) and have a bunch of players who can light it up for the arc with Olson (46.8 3P% on 111 3PA), Nathan Bushbaum (41.0 on 83), Ben Grimm (44.2 on 43), Brett Bobinet (37.5 on 40) and Colin Klapperich (41.2 on 34). A lack of size could eventually become a problem for them, but in this district, they shouldn’t have too much trouble. Consider them a heavy favorite here.
The biggest threat: Playing in a primarily 3A conference should help New Hampton out a bit, and they certainly won’t be intimidated by Osage in the district final. The Chickasaws have four double figure scorers, led by Tristan Sweitzer (13.8). A balanced group, the tough schedule gives them an edge, and watch out if Jake Zwanzinger (48.5 3P%) can get it going a bit from the arc.
The dark horse: North Fayette Valley is probably the next best team in the district, but they lost to New Hampton by 29 in a regular season meeting and likely don’t have much of a chance at advancing past the district semifinal. If Spencer Heyer can have a big night, maybe they can make some noise, but it’ll be very tough for the TigerHawks to make much of a splash here.
Players to watch
Drew Olson, Osage, 2018
Tristan Sweitzer, New Hampton, 2019
Spencer Heyer, North Fayette Valley, 2017
SUBSTATE FINAL PREDICTION
Garner-Hayfield-Ventura vs. Osage
A pair of teams that are 20-1 entering the postseason, this is a rematch of an early season non-conference game, in which Osage won by two on the road. We look for Garner-Hayfield-Ventura, the hottest team in the class, to get revenge for not only that loss, but also for the substate final loss last season. This should be one of the best substate finals in any class, and it’s a shame these two teams have to meet before the state tournament.