Games of the Week (Week 8)
MONDAY (Jan. 22)
Game of the night: 1A No. 7 Dunkerton vs. Colo-NESCO (at Wells Fargo Arena)
This game is of interest more because of the spot in the schedule for Dunkerton than anything. The Raiders are coming in off a four-game week, which included a double overtime win over previously undefeated 2A No. 7 Aplington-Parkersburg. The Raiders also suffered their first loss last week at the hands of Gladbrook-Reinbeck, so it was an emotional week all around. They take their high powered attack (69.4 points a game) to a larger venue to face a Royals team that allows just 48.3 points a night. Adjusting to a much different shooting backdrop at Wells Fargo Arena can be difficult, and if the Raiders’ shots aren’t falling, this game could be tight. Colo’s Matthew Hill will be the best player on the floor and could carry the Royals to a win, but we’ll still take Dunkerton’s balanced attack in a close one.
Our pick: Dunkerton 55, Colo-Nesco 50
Others to monitor
Baxter at Martensdale-St. Mary’s
Greene County at Winterset
TUESDAY (Jan. 23)
Game of the night: 1A No. 4 Bishop Garrigan, Algona at Garner-Hayfield-Ventura
This is a chance for Bishop Garrigan to take control of the Top of Iowa West. The Golden Bears are 11-1 in league play, and have already beaten both G-H-V and Forest City, who are each 11-2. Garrigan’s size dominated the first matchup, as TJ Schnurr, Cade Winkel and Angelo Winkel combined for 45 points and 33 rebounds in a 61-54 win. G-H-V has won nine straight games since their loss to Garrigan, and playing at home here should make them a bit more comfortable. Ryan Meyers (18.5 points per game), who shoots 58.2% from the floor on the year, was just 5-17 in the first meeting, and the Cardinals, who shoot above 50% as a team, were just 20-59 (33.9%) in that game. Some of that can be chalked up to a big Garrigan lineup presenting some issues, but we still think that G-H-V is playing good basketball right now and gets some revenge at home in what should be an outstanding game.
Our pick: Garner-Hayfield-Ventura 63, Bishop Garrigan 61
Others to monitor
Dike-New Hartford at 2A No. 9 Aplington-Parkersburg
4A No. 3 North Scott at Davenport Assumption
2A No. 3 Cascade at Camanche
1A No. 1 Grand View Christian at Chariton
1A No. 5 at Colfax-Mingo
Cedar Rapids Prairie at Dubuque Hempstead
West Sioux at LeMars, Gehlen Catholic
West Lyon at 1A No. 6 George-Little Rock
Iowa City High at 4A No. 1 Iowa City West
4A No. 4 Cedar Falls at Linn-Mar
Dubuque Senior at 3A No. 2 Cedar Rapids Xavier
THURSDAY (Jan. 25)
Game of the night: South Tama at PCM, Monroe
After starting the season 1-2, South Tama has won nine of their last ten games and been one of the pleasant surprises in Class 3A. There is one glaring number against the Trojans, however, that could spell problems for them in this game. They’ve turned the ball over 196 times in 13 games (over 15 a game), which is something you can’t do against a quality team like PCM. The Mustangs will make you pay for turnovers. A balanced PCM attack led by Andrew Van Ryswyk will lead the ‘Stangs to a home win after they feast on live-ball turnovers.
Our pick: PCM, Monroe 66, South Tama 58
Others to monitor
Martensdale-St. Mary’s at Centerville
FRIDAY (Jan. 26)
Game of the night: 4A No. 3 North Scott at 4A No. 7 Pleasant Valley
This is a huge game in the MAC race, as a North Scott win here would effectively end it. The Lancers are the lone unbeaten team remaining in league play, and Pleasant Valley’s only loss came to North Scott back on December 12. (Every other MAC team has at least three league losses.) The last six meetings between these two teams have been really low scoring, with North Scott going 4-2 and winning by an average of 45-41.3. North Scott’s senior star Corvon Seales scored 21 in the first meeting, and with his length and athleticism, he’s a difficult matchup for the Spartans. PV will need to find a way to limit him here in they want to tie up the league race, but we just don’t see it happening. The Minnesota State-Mankato signee will be the best player on the floor and make just enough plays for the Lancers to grab complete control of the MAC in another low-scoring game between these two methodical teams.
Our pick: North Scott 43, Pleasant Valley 39
Others to monitor
Winterset at Carroll
3A No. 10 Dubuque Wahlert at Dubuque Senior
Janesville at 1A No. 7 Dunkerton
3A No. 6 Harlan at Kuemper Catholic
2A No. 5 Sheldon at MOC-Floyd Valley
Davenport North at Muscatine
Iowa City Regina at 2A No. 8 Northeast, Goose Lake
Linn-Mar at Cedar Rapids Prairie
PCM, Monroe at 2A No. 6 South Hamilton
LeMars, Gehlen Catholic at 1A No. 9 South O’Brien
Cedar Rapids Washington at 3A No. 2 Cedar Rapids Xavier
SATURDAY (Jan. 27)
Game of the night: 3A No. 7 Sioux City Bishop Heelan at 2A No. 2 Western Christian
The Cruasders have hit a bit of a swoon, losing three straight games entering the week. But those losses have come to 4A Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln (by two in double overtime), 4A No. 2 Sioux City East (by one) and 2A No. 7 Treynor (by two in overtime). Three losses by five points, with three overtimes involved. The schedule doesn’t lighten up much either, with a trip to Hull to take on the Wolfpack, who are cruising along at 13-0 coming into the week. Elijah Hazekamp (21.6 points, 13.5 rebounds) is playing at an extremely high level, and he should be favored in a presumed matchup against Jacob Vis (18.8 points), who doesn’t have the foot speed to keep up with Hazekamp on the defensive end. The ‘Pack will likely throw a number of different looks at Hazekamp and force the Crusaders role players to beat them, which is easier said than done playing in Hull. Western has won 17 straight at home, and they’ll do just enough to keep rolling against the bear of a schedule they’re playing. If you’re in northwest Iowa, this is definitely the place to be on Saturday afternoon (tip at 4:30), as it should be one of the best games of the year.
Our pick: Western Christian 68, Bishop Heelan 63
Others to monitor
Iowa City West vs. Bishop Miege (KS)
Fort Dodge, St. Edmond at Kuemper Catholic
Linn-Mar at 4A No. 8 Waukee