Iowa Playoffs: Class 4A, Substate 2 Preview
Douglas Wilson is a dominant interior force for Hoover, averaging a double-double The favorite: It hasn’t been the usual formula for Des Moines Hoover, this season with dominant big men, but it’s still working to the tune of a 19-2…
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Continue ReadingDouglas Wilson is a dominant interior force for Hoover, averaging a double-double
The favorite: It hasn’t been the usual formula for Des Moines Hoover, this season with dominant big men, but it’s still working to the tune of a 19-2 record for the Huskies and the substate’s top seed. Hoover is always one of the best defensive teams in the state and this year is no exception, ranking second in 4A, allowing just 45.2 points a game. Douglas Wilson (16.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 60 blocks) and Nate Lee (10.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 42 blocks) have led the way for Hoover on the interior, while Y’Vez Quinn (12.0) has come on of late as a scoring threat on the perimeter. Hoover will grind teams down and use their athleticism and defensive ability to shut down their opponents. Expect low-scoring games, but also expect convincing Hoover wins.
The biggest threat: Behind a high-powered offensive attack that thrives on ball movement, Waukee has come on strong in the second half of the season, winning 11 of their last 14 games. The Warriors have a quartet of double-figure scorers in Adam Rose (15.8), Jacob Rau (13.3), Michael Winger (12.4) and Drew Johnson (12.1). Rose, Winger and Johnson all shoot at least 41.4% from the arc, giving them a number of weapons to place around Rau, who has been very good in the paint. They take great care of the ball (336-213 assist-to-turnover ratio) and shouldn’t be overwhelmed by the defensive pressure Hoover puts on guards. If the perimeter shots are falling (they were just 4-13 3P in an earlier five-point loss), they could knock off the Huskies.
The dark horse: Behind one of the state’s better defenses, Ames earned a first round bye and the right to host Waukee, a team they beat earlier in the season. The Little Cyclones have 4A’s fourth best scoring defense, allowing just 47.7 points a game. They aren’t explosive offensively, scoring just 53.7, led by Colby Shane’s 12.9. If they’re able to grind the game into a slower pace, they can win.
Players to watch
Douglas Wilson, Des Moines Hoover, 2017
Nate Lee, Des Moines Hoover, 2016
Y’Vez Quinn, Des Moines Hoover, 2016
Colby Shane, Ames, 2016
Adam Rose, Waukee, 2016
Michael Winger, Waukee, 2016
Jacob Rau, Waukee, 2017
Drew Johnson, Waukee, 2017
Kyle Beisch, Fort Dodge, 2016
Samuel Kolacia, Fort Dodge, 2016
SUBSTATE FINAL PREDICTION
Des Moines Hoover vs. Waukee
An interesting contrast of style here, as Hoover would like to keep the game in the 50s, and Waukee would like to get into the high 60s. Whoever is able to dictate tempo here should win, and in playoff games, I think things tend to slow down a bit, playing into Hoover’s hands. In a tight, competitive game, give the Huskies a five-point win.