Hannah Lach
DISTRICT 9 The favorite: The Lasek brothers have been sensational this year for Highland, Riverside, and they’re looking to take home a district title. Freshman big man Zack Lasek (15.6) is having one of the best freshman years of…
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Continue ReadingDISTRICT 9
The favorite: The Lasek brothers have been sensational this year for Highland, Riverside, and they’re looking to take home a district title. Freshman big man Zack Lasek (15.6) is having one of the best freshman years of anyone in the state, and his brothers Trent (13.5) and Trey (5.4) are also key pieces for the Huskies. This is one of the most efficient teams in the state, shooting 53.1% from the floor, and while a large chunk of that is the easy buckets that big man Zack gets in the paint, both Trent (42.9 3P%) and Trey (42.5 3P%) are capable of lighting it up from the arc.
The biggest threat: Iowa City Regina hasn’t been terribly consistent this year, but when they’re playing their best, the Regals might be better than Highland. A team loaded with shooters to put around a standout freshman big in Even Brauns (10.2), if the Regals get it going from deep, watch out. They’ve got three players shooting above 40% from behind the arc (Masen Miller, Jake Phillips, Ryne Schooley), and Jocoa Kerschen is one of the state’s better shooters, although he’s been mired in a season long slump. If he can get it going, look out.
The dark horse: It’ll be difficult to prevent a Highland-Regina district final, but if any team is going to do it, it’s probably Central Lee. The Hawks have a interior force in Evan Doyle who can control the glass and could cause some problems, and Rick Galle (40.3 3P%) is capable of getting hot from deep.
Players to watch
Zack Lasek, Highland Riverside, 2020
Trent Lasek, Highland Riverside, 2017
Even Brauns, Iowa City Regina, 2020
Jocoa Kerschen, Iowa City Regina, 2018
DISTRICT 10
The favorite: Playing in the Little Hawkeye Conference has prepared Pella Christian well for the postseason grind, and they are a heavy favorite in this district. The Eagles have made it to the state tournament two years in a row, and should be considered not only a favorite to make it back, but one of the favorites to win it all in March. Led by dazzling point guard Levi Jungling (17.2) and big man David Kacmarynski (14.2), this group has played the most difficult schedule in 2A, according to BC Moore’s power rankings, and nobody in this district comes close to the competition they’ve seen already. The role players have been great as well, with five players averaging between 5.1 and 6.9 points, and each of them gives them a little something different. This group won’t burn you much from deep, but they’re great in transition, get great looks in their halfcourt offense and will play very good defense. They’ll be very tough to stop here.
The biggest threat: Brett Kauzlarich (24.0) has put together a sensational senior season for Centerville, who has dropped down to 2A this season after spending a while as a 3A school. The Big Reds have played the 5th most difficult schedule according to BC Moore’s rankings, so they won’t be intimidated by PC in the district final. Colton Belloma (13.9) gives them a solid second option, and this team is capable of outscoring just about anyone. The question here is on the defensive end, but if they’re able to get into a track meet with Pella Christian, they could test them.
The dark horse: Peyton Walker (13.4) leads Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, who won their opening round game by 24 over Davis County. The Rockets have a better chance at getting through Centerville than Albia does at Pella Christian, especially if Walker is able to have a big night. They beat Centerville in a 4OT classic earlier this season, a game in which Walker scored just nine points. This team could make some noise.
Players to watch
Levi Jungling, Pella Christian, 2017
David Kacmarynski, Pella Christian, 2017
Peyton Walker, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, 2017
Brett Kauzlarich, Centerville, 2017
SUBSTATE FINAL PREDICTION
Highland, Riverside vs. Pella Christian
Pella Christian is not only a heavy favorite here, they’re one of the top three threats to win the state title in Des Moines. Highland’s size could make this one interesting for a bit, but too much depth and defense for PC leads to another state tournament berth.