Iowa Playoffs: Class 1A, Substate 7 Preview
The favorite: Spencer Brown (22.7 points, 19.7 rebounds, 5.1 blocks) is putting up ridiculous numbers for a Lenox team that has gone 10-0 this season against teams in the district, including a season sweep over Nodaway Valley. Kaleb Anderson (12.8…
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Continue ReadingThe favorite: Spencer Brown (22.7 points, 19.7 rebounds, 5.1 blocks) is putting up ridiculous numbers for a Lenox team that has gone 10-0 this season against teams in the district, including a season sweep over Nodaway Valley. Kaleb Anderson (12.8 points, 78 3PM) and Samual Donaldson (11.4 points) are solid pieces around Brown, and nobody in the district has the big body to limit Brown’s effectiveness.
The biggest threat: Jackson Lamb (26.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists) is one of the most versatile offensive threats in the state, with the ability to beat teams in a multitude of ways for Nodaway Valley. The Wolverines have been a perennial power in this area of the state, and with a veteran star and a coach who has been around the block a time or two, they can never be counted out. If they make it to the district final, they’ll need to find a way to slow down Lenox’s star big man Spencer Brown.
The darkhorse: Central Decatur has three players averaging in double figures, led by do-everything guard Peyton Pedersen, who leads the team in a majority of categories. The Cardinals have lost to both Lenox and Nodaway Valley, but those losses were by just one and six, respectively. They’ve proven they can be right there with the top teams in this district. Also on the bottom part of the bracket, Murray has put together a solid 16-5 record behind strong play from Kenny Boles (15.6 points), Bryce Keller (12.8) and Jack Jones (10.7).
Players to watch
Spencer Brown, Lenox, 2016
Samual Donaldson, Lenox, 2018
Kaleb Anderson, Lenox, 2017
Jackson Lamb, Nodaway Valley, 2016
Peyton Pedersen, Central Decatur, 2016
Nick Durell, Central Decatur, 2016
Carter Boothe, Central Decatur, 2018
Kenny Boles, Murray, 2017
Bryce Keller, Murray, 2017
The favorite: IKM-Manning enters the postseason having won seven straight games, and they’ve got a season sweep of their biggest competition in the district, Audubon, by 17 and 11 points. Led by Kyle Wagner and his 22.5 points a game, the Wolves have one of 1A’s better offenses, putting up 67.9 points a game. Having already beaten their biggest competition comfortably, IKM is a substantial favorite here.
The biggest threat: Four of Audubon’s six losses have come to 2A power Treynor (twice) and district favorite IKM-Manning (twice). The other two were also to 2A teams, so they won’t have to worry about seeing them again. The Wheelers have three players averaging in double figures, led by Mitchell Nelsen at 15.6 points a night. They only attempt 11.5 3s a game, making them one of the state’s least reliant team on the perimeter shot, which could translate well to the higher pressure atmosphere of playoff basketball.
The dark horse: Exira/Elk Horn-Kimball allows just 47.2 points a game, making them one of the better defensive squads in 1A. With a trio of players averaging between 10.2 and 11.6 points, they’re a balanced offensive attack. Working against them is a schedule that BC Moore’s computer rankings rank 143rd in 1A (out of 153). Paton-Churdan’s Noah Juergensen (20.4 points) could also help carry his team to a win or two.
Players to watch
Kyle Wagner, IKM-Manning, 2016
Ben Wegner, IKM-Manning, 2017
Jared Vollstedt, IKM-Manning, 2016
Mitchell Nelsen, Audubon, 2016
Noah Juergensen, Paton-Churdan, 2016
SUBSTATE PREDICTION
Lenox vs. IKM-Manning
A substantially more difficult schedule during the course of the regular season helps IKM-Manning out significantly here. The scoring battle that could take place between Spencer Brown and Kyle Wagner will be entertaining, but the Wolves have the edge here.