STATE TOURNAMENT: Monday Preview
No. 4 West Hancock, Britt (23-2) vs. No. 5 IKM-Manning (22-2) — 10:30
Analysis: We start the week out with a bang, two of 1A’s most successful programs over the past few years meeting in a sure-to-entertain four/five game. It could be an up-and-down affair, and if it’s up to the Eagles — the second highest scoring team in the state — the score will soar. However, West Hancock can play some serious defense too, allowing a mere 45 point per game this season. This one should be very interesting.
Players to Watch:
West Hancock, Britt: Connor Sonius (85th in ’16), Nate Paulus (177th in ’16), Seth Weiland (108th in ’17)
IKM-Manning: Kyle Wagner (47th in ’16)
No. 1 Danville (24-1) vs No. 8 Council Bluffs, St. Albert (15-9) — 12:15
Analysis: Danville comes in as the top-seed and in many minds the favorite to win the 1A tournament. St. Albert comes in after pulling off back-to-back impressive wins over Maple Valley-Anton-Oto and Stanton. Danville is a high scoring club, averaging 73 points per game — good for 11th best in that state. It will be difficult for the Falcons to stop the potent offensive attack of the Bears.
Players to Watch
Danville: Kolton Jackson (162nd in ’16), Dillon Sanchez (195th in ’16),
Council Bluffs, St. Albert: Travis Miller (224th in ’16), Matt Fagan (99th in ’18)
No. 2 Grand View Christian (25-1) vs. No. 7 South O’Brien (22-3) — 2:00
Analysis: A classic clash of styles here. The Thunder are the highest scoring team in the state, scoring 80.6 points per game. And the Wolverines are a staunch defensive squad, giving up just 42.5 points per game — that’s 13th best in the state. Something’s got to give – and if the Wolverines are able to slow down the potent 3-point attack of Grand View Christian — which is tops in the state — they just might have a chance for the upset here.
Players to Watch
Grand View Christian: Stephen Glenn (89 in ’17)
South O’ Brien: Damon Struve (140 in ’16)
No. 3 Gladbrook-Reinbeck (23-2) vs. No. 6 Jesup (22-3) — 3:45
Analysis: The Rebels come into the tournament with one of the longest winning streaks in the state at 14 games. They also have the best player in the field, point guard Joe-Smoldt — a sharpshooting veteran. He was last season’s tournament MVP, and it will be interesting to see how he reacts to the big stage season. Jesup is good on both ends of the floor, and should at the very least put up a good fight in this one.
Players to Watch
Gladbrook-Reinbeck: Joe Smoldt (13th in ’17)
Jesup: Ethan Wyant (41st in 17), Tyler Lienau (53 in ’17)
No. 4 Cascade, Western Dubuque (20-3) vs. No. 5 Osage (20-4) — 6:15
Analysis: With a wealth of experience returning from last season’s state qualifier, the Cougars will be the favorite to advance to the semifinal round here. Devin Green and Trace Hoffman were starters for the Cougars last season, and Green is playing in his third straight tournament with the team. Both teams are tough defensively, with the Cougars allowing just 42.3 points per game, and the Green Devils allowing just 47. Expect a low scoring, but close game.
Players to Watch
Cascade, Western Dubuque: Devin Green (18th in ’16), Johnny Supple (23rd in ’18)
Osage: Collin Havel (182nd in ’16)
No. 1 Dike-New Hartford (25-0) vs. No. 8 Pella Christian (16-9) — 8:45
Analysis: As the only undefeated team in the state, you’d think Dike-New Hartford would be favored to win the 2A tournament. But that’s not necessarily the case. They played a relatively weak schedule this season, and they have a tough draw with an experienced and red-hot Pella Christian squad. Last March Levi Jungling and Co. came into Wells Fargo Arena as a No.7 seed and took down mighty Western Christian, Hull. We’re not saying that’s going to happen again — but it’ll probably be closer than a typical one vs. eight matchup.
Players to Watch
Dike-New Hartford: Ben Latusek (33rd in ’17), Connor Neuroth (166th in ’16)
Pella Christian: Levi Jungling (21st in ’17)