2007 Class 1A Basketball Previews

[LukeFeddersen]

Class 1A - [/URL]District 1[/URL]




Here is a look at how all the current teams in
District One


Boyden-Hull

Gehlen Catholic, LeMars

George-Little Rock

Kingsley-Pierson

Lawton-Bronson

Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn

Remsen-Union

Rock Valley

St. Mary’s, Remsen

Spalding Catholic, Granville


How
did District 1 do at the State tournament?

George-Little Rock

Defeated Treynor in the quarterfinals (49-39)

Defeated WACO in the quarterfinals (64-36)

Defeated Bellevue Marquette in the finals (49-47)




Thoughts on District 1 for the 2006-2007 Season:

With the defending Class 1A champions as well as a team stocked with some of
the best freshman in Iowa, this substate has a lot of question marks that will
need to be answered during the second half of the year. The two teams that
really stick out as the early favorites to this point in the year are Boyden-Hull
and George-Little Rock. Boyden-Hull won by four when the two teams went
head-to-head earlier this year. Their only loss of the year has been to a
young and inexperienced Rock Valley team that I will touch on later. Like
some of the other loaded Comet teams of the past, they have beating up on some
of the other powerful teams in their conference. This includes big wins
against MOC-Floyd Valley, Sioux Center, and others as well. George-Little
Rock on the other hand came into the State tournament last year with the #8 seed
but left with the trophy. This version of the team has a much different
look but they continue to win basketball games. Outside of their loss to
Boyden-Hull and an upset defeat against Sibley-Ocheyedan, they are 5-0 and have
been a tough squad to beat this year. Talent wise, they have the players
to compete with Boyden-Hull to play in the substate finale. Their record
may not show it but one of the scariest teams in all of Class 1A is Rock Valley.
This team is stacked with inexperienced talent that will peak by the end of the
year. And because of future Iowa State Cyclone Jordan Dykstra and his
teammates, the Rockets are going to be a tough squad to beat. If they can
focus on getting better everyday and avoiding injury, this is a team that is
going to be tough to beat. And although they are only 3-5, Rock Valley has
defeated Boyden-Hull and played other teams tough. St. Mary’s,
Remsen had a nice showing this fall on the football field and a number of their
athletes are busy with hoops. Mike Ruba leads the way scoring wise for a
that sits at 5-3. The Hawks have a favorable second half of the schedule
that could help them earn a high seed for the postseason. Lawton-Bronson
has been a very sporadic team this year. They were able to knock off a
very good Whiting team before the break but that came two weeks after they were
blown out by St. Mary's Remsen. The second half of the season will
be all about being consistent on the court. Look for that to start in
practice and that will help the team carry it over to game nights.
Remsen-Union has had to adjust to a new coach as well as a team full of seniors
and sophomores. But it appears that a number of these inexperienced
athletes have stepped up and are making things interesting against their
opponents. Eric Rohe has been impressive this year for Gehlen Catholic,
LeMars. He will need to step up his play after the break because he will
see a variety of defenses thrown at him as the season winds down. The Jays
have won some big games and played other teams tough but will need to continue
that play if they want to make an impact in this district. The bottom
three teams will have some trouble playing with the upper echelon of teams in
this district. This trio has combined for one win, and that was when
Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn defeated Spalding Catholic. That doesn't exactly
make for some great basketball.





Sleeper Team: Rock Valley

If the players can come to play everyday and get better, watch out. This
team may have the most raw talent in the district.


District Champions: Boyden-Hull

Combine the way Boyden-Hull has been playing and their basketball tradition,
they may have what it takes to knock off the defending champions for a substate
finale berth.


Predictions:

1.) Boyden-Hull

2.) George-Little Rock

3.) Rock Valley

4.) St. Mary’s, Remsen

5.) Lawton-Bronson

6.) Remsen-Union

7.) Gehlen Catholic, LeMars

8.) Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn

9.) Kingsley-Pierson

10.) Spalding Catholic, Granville


Agree/disagree? Talk about it now!










Class 1A - [/URL]District 2




Here is a look at how all the current teams in
District Two


Boyer Valley, Dunlap

Charter Oak-Ute

Galva-Holstein

River Valley, Correctionville

West Harrison, Mondamin

West Monona, Onawa

Westwood, Sloan

Whiting

Woodbine

Woodbury Central, Moville


How
did District 2 do at the State tournament?

N/A




Thoughts on District 2 for the 2006-2007 Season:

On paper, this appears to be a two team race with Galva-Holstein and Charter
Oak-Ute slugging it out for a berth in the substate finals. But the more
you look at the teams, the more quality athletes there are competing in this
district. As mentioned before, Galva-Holstein is obviously one of the
favorites. Elijah Miller is now a senior and has not had a chance to play
at the State tournament. And this future Wayne State Wildcat only has one
opportunity so he needs to make the most of it. Miller and his teammates
have been impressive this year thus far and currently have five players
averaging eight points or more. Teams may focus on Miller because of his
skill but players around him have really stepped up this winter. If that
exceptional balance can continue, the Pirates will be a tough squad to beat.
Even though they are not the favorite now, Charter Oak-Ute has the firepower to
play with anyone in this district. The trio of Tyler Soukup, Kyle Savery,
and Bryant Miller have combined to score around forty points per game this year
and are senior dominated. That means these athletes are very familiar with
the varsity level. Soukup has continued lighting up the scoreboard this
season and is averaging nearly twenty points per game. The Bobcats have
lost one game to IKM earlier in the year but will get a chance to avenge the
loss later this month. Another team with only one loss so far this year is
Whiting. Some may question their schedule but the team has done a nice job
having players step up into different roles. Drew Hanson is doing a lot of
the scoring while averaging over twenty points per game. Sophomore Michael
O'Neal has really stepped up his game this year and has combined with Alex West
to average over twenty-five points between them. The Warriors have some
big games in the second half of the year against teams like Galva-Holstein and
Battle Creek-Ida Grove that will help determine if they are ready to make a run
at State. West Monona has been someone shocking in the fact that they are
5-1 and have won five straight since an opening season loss. The Spartans
are a tough group to defend because they have exceptional balance across their
top five scorers. Steve Willey leads the way with a 11.2 points per game
average. Boyer Valley has started off the conference season with a 4-1
record but is 0-3 against non-conference opponents. The Bulldogs have two
huge wins against Manning and IKM but need to be more consistent if they want to
be a serious threat in the district race. This is another balanced team to
keep an eye out for in the second half of the year. Woodbury Central has
been led this season by Landon Wright. This talented senior is averaging
over fifteen points per game and will be hoping to help his team to more wins
during the second half of the year. Their record currently stands at 2-5.
One of the strangest schedules this year has to be that of Westwood Sloan.
The Rebels have only had a chance to play four games so far this season and have
not played since December 15th. They will get a chance to show off their
ability more as the season heats up. As for the bottom three, this trio
has combined to go 1-21 to this point. That only win was against each
other and that gives West Harrison the nod in the predicted standings.





Sleeper Team: Whiting

If appears as if on paper, many are considering only two teams as serious
contenders. Whiting will get the opportunity to play the dark horse come
playoffs.


District Champions: Galva-Holstein

If Elijah Miller can avoid the injury bug that hurt him last year, there is no
doubt that Galva-Holstein has the athletes to compete for more than just a berth
in the substate finale.


Predictions:

1.)
Galva-Holstein

2.)
Charter Oak-Ute

3.)
Whiting

4.)
West Monona, Onawa

5.)
Boyer Valley, Dunlap

6.)
Woodbury Central, Moville

7.)
Westwood, Sloan

8.)
West Harrison, Mondamin

9.)
River Valley, Correctionville

10.) Woodbine


Agree/disagree? Talk about it now!













Class 1A - District 3[/URL]


Here is a look at how all the current teams in District Three


Armstrong-Ringsted

Bishop Garrigan, Algona

Clay Central-Everly

Graettinger-Terril

Harris-Lake Park

North Kossuth, Swea City

Ruthven-Ayrshire

Sentral, Fenton

Twin River Valley, Bode

West Bend-Mallard


How
did District 3 do at the State tournament?

N/A




Thoughts on District 3 for the 2006-2007 Season:

With only three out of the ten teams currently over .500, this district
could go one of two ways. The first is that it will become a free for all
with shocking upsets throughout the entire district. The second is that
the two teams with the best records (Sentral-Fenton and Twin River Valley) will
dominate and fight for a berth to the substate final. And even though it
is nearly halfway through the year, it is anyone's guess as to which direction
play will go. Sentral-Fenton currently has a 6-2 record but those two
losses have been to teams within this district. That means things could be
a lot of fun when routing for the underdog come postseason time. Twin
River Valley also currently holds a 6-2 record and will be looking to improve on
that tomorrow against Ruthven-Ayrshire. The Thunder have some big wins
against a variety of teams in this district and have been doing a solid job this
year. Sentral-Fenton and Twin River Valley face off on January 12th and
that game could determine who goes into the playoffs with the #1 seed.
Outside of these top two teams, it is almost a coin toss to the order that the
rest of the pack will finish in. Ruthven-Ayrshire is the only other squad
to boast a record over .500 but they have a very important stretch tonight and
tomorrow against Laurens-Marathon and Twin River Valley. These back to
back games will show if the team used the holiday break to their advantage.
Harris-Lake Park sports an impressive 4-1 record in conference but they are 0-3
against other opponents. That success in conference play may help them
earn a higher seed for the playoffs but will they be able to perform against
teams they are not familiar with? Time will tell with that question but
look for Nate Brueggeman to continue making an impact during the rest of the
winter. Bishop Garrigan, Algona may only be 3-5 but they play a tough
schedule. This includes facing off against Humboldt, Clear Lake, and other
much bigger schools that will help them prepare for the postseason. And
considering they were already able to Sentral Fenton when the two teams met
before the break, don't be shocked to see the Golden Bears to come into the
postseason with a record around .500 and yet still be able to play with these
teams. Garrigan has six players capable of having big nights so not only
are they talented, they are also balanced and deep. North Kossuth won
their opener against a good Sentral Fenton team but they have been very
inconsistent ever since. This already includes two three-game losing
streaks. But if the Cougars come to play, they have proven they can hang
with the big dogs. West Bend-Mallard is normally a football school and
that appears to still be the case this winter. They have struggled at
times but the Wolverines are very athletic. They must show they can put it
together on the basketball court. The bottom three teams will struggle
against better competition. Clay Central-Everly has two wins on the year
and both are against the bottom two teams. Armstrong-Ringsted has claimed
their only win against Graettinger-Terril.


Sleeper Team: Algona Garrigan

It is hard to say that my pick for the district title is the sleeper but people
may overlook them because of their record. Once you see their schedule,
there is no doubt they play some of the best competition that any team in this
entire class does.


District Champions: Algona Garrigan

The Golden Bears have a schedule that will prepare them to dominate this
district. They have some tough tests with Sentral Fenton and Twin River
Valley but that competition will prepare them for anything.


Predictions:

1.) Bishop Garrigan, Algona

2.) Sentral, Fenton

3.) Twin River Valley, Bode

4.) Harris-Lake Park

5.) Ruthven-Ayrshire

6.) North Kossuth, Swea City

7.) West Bend-Mallard

8.) Clay Central-Everly

9.) Armstrong-Ringsted

10.) Graettinger-Terril


Agree/disagree? Talk about it now!













Class 1A - District 4[/URL]




Here is a look at how all the current teams in District Four


Alta

Aurelia

Laurens-Marathon

Newell-Fonda

Odebolt-Arthur

Pomeroy-Palmer

Sac City

St. Mary, Storm Lake

Schaller-Crestland

Wall Lake View Auburn


How
did District 4 do at the State tournament?

Alta

Lost in the quarterfinals to Bellevue Marquette (62-48)




Thoughts on District 4 for the 2006-2007 Season:

Although there are a good amount of teams with a good shot at fighting for a
spot in the substate, the favorite appears to be Alta. The Cyclones made
the State tournament last year so they have the experience of playing in Des
Moines. But with another year under their belts and more motivation to do
damage at State, Alta is a team to watch. They currently are undefeated
and among the best teams in this class. The Cyclones have some big tests
coming up against larger schools that will show how talented they really are.
Aurelia started the year with a three game losing streak and promptly followed
that with three straight victories. Seniors Jacob Bruce and Tanner
Winterhof have been leading the way for the team but they must come to play
every night if they want a trip to State. Laurens-Marathon is a team that
is somewhat under the radar. They appear to have a tougher schedule than
many of the teams in this district. The Chargers may only have a 4-3
record at this point but that schedule will pay off come late February and early
March. Another squad with a deceiving record has been Newell-Fonda.
This team has yet to hit their stride this season. Considering they are
one of the most tradition rich schools in Class 1A, don't be shocked to see them
make some noise in the playoffs. Matt Spaulding is leading the scoring
charging by averaging thirteen points per game. Odebolt-Arthur has only
lost two games this year and one was against a talented 2A team (Southern Cal)
and one of the top teams in Class 1A (Galva-Holstein). Few gave the Trojans much
respect in the preseason but it is obvious they are a talented team that is
coming to play every night. If they can continued that play, don't be
shocked to see Odebolt-Arthur competing for a district title. Unlike a
number of other teams, Pomeroy-Palmer only has five games under their belt so
far this year. The Knights will have a busy second half of the year but
they will have an advantage if they used the holiday break to improve. The
team has a rematch against Alta on January 12th and will be hoping to avenge one
of their losses. Sac City has been led offensively by a very balanced
attack that has four scorers averaging between 9.6 and 12.1 points per game.
For the opposition, that balance is tough to defend because all four players are
capable of having a big night at any time. Outside of those four is the
question marks. Will that fifth player be able to step up as the season
goes on? Four talented players is great but Sac City will need that fifth
player to step up. St. Mary, Storm Lake won their opener against Clay
Central-Everly and have lost four times since. The Panthers have some
tough games during the second half of the year so don't expect things to get
much easier. One win may not seem like much but Schaller-Crestland is
currently defeated. They have been unable to play any of their seven
opponents close. It could be a tough season for the team. Wall Lake
View Auburn is a team to watch once the playoffs start. With Chris
Woerdehoff as well as some other talented players, this team could make some
serious noise. They have pulled off some big wins against Southern Cal and
Pocahontas Area that have helped them to a 6-2 start on the year. If they
can continue to show that effort and get more play out of their bench, the
Wolverines could be a team to be reckoned with.


Sleeper Team: Wall Lake View Auburn

The Wolverines are flying under the radar and could be one of the biggest
surprises in this class by the time the playoffs get going.


District Champions: Alta

Their experience, talent, and athletes will have the team primed for a run at
winning a game in Des Moines.


Predictions:

1.) Alta

2.) Odebolt-Arthur

3.) Wall Lake View Auburn

4.) Laurens-Marathon

5.) Sac City

6.) Pomeroy-Palmer

7.) Newell-Fonda

8.) Aurelia

9.) St. Mary, Storm Lake

10.) Schaller-Crestland


Agree/disagree? Talk about it now!













Class 1A - District 5[/URL]




Here is a look at how all the current teams in District Five


CAL, Latimer

Colo-Nesco

East Greene, Grand Junction

Glidden-Ralston

Hubbard-Radcliffe

Northeast Hamilton, Blairsburg

Paton-Churdan

Rockwell City-Lytton

Southeast Webster-Grand, Burnside


How
did District 5 do at the State tournament?

Rockwell City-Lytton

Lost to WACO in the quarterfinals (47-40)




Quick Overview:

Although Northeast Hamilton and Hubbard-Radcliffe may give them a run for
their money, the obvious favorite is Rockwell City-Lytton. The Wildcats
are currently undefeated and ranked among the top teams in Class 1A.
Unless other teams get better as well, this looks like a three team race.



Team Breakdowns:

*To describe the season of CAL, Latimer as struggling would be to put it
mildly. Their high output for points this year has been 36 and they have
been held to seventeen points or less three times this year. The Cadets
will struggle to get a win during the final stretch of the season.



*Colo-Nesco has seen the play of junior Chandler Eley really improve over the
course of the last year. He has taken to the role of being the big scorer
this season and is averaging nearly twenty points per game. The team needs
to play more consistent while sitting at 5-4 but with their tough regular season
schedule, don't be shocked to see them make some postseason noise.



*Although they lost their first six games, East Greene, Grand Junction has won
two of their last four and appears to be playing their best basketball of the
season. The Hawks have a huge game tonight against a very talented Des
Moines Christian team that could get ugly but this team has gotten a lot better.



*Glidden-Ralston has been a team of winning and losing streaks this year.
They started the year by losing four and have since won four of five.
Sitting with a 4-5 record, the Wildcats have a favorable schedule down the
stretch that could allow them to go into the postseason with some momentum.



*The Rebels of Hubbard-Radcliffe have finally started playing the type of
basketball that they had hoped for during the beginning of the season.
After losing two games early to Grundy Center and Gladbrook-Reinbeck, the team
has come together and reeled off five straight wins. That streak will be
on the line tonight against a talented but inexperienced AGWSR team.



*The question that Northeast Hamilton, Blairsburg has to face every year is
about their competition. They currently boast a 7-2 record but have they
really played anyone good? The Trojans have a tougher schedule than people
give them credit for. Their balanced attack offensively, led by Alex
Renaud, has been giving the opposition fits all season. Don't expect that
to stop now that the second half of the year is here.



*They may not be struggling as bad offensively as CAL but Paton-Churdan has not
been putting the points on the board that a team needs to so that they can win
games. Their only victory of the year is against Ankeny Christian.
Compared to their nine losses, it will be a long road for this team to make a
playoff push.



*As one of the top ranked teams and having made the last two State tournaments,
it appears as if Rockwell City-Lytton and head coach Clive Clark are starting to
build a basketball juggernaut. It may not be the type of power as Pomeroy
Palmer and others but this Wildcat team is good. Led by Kale Knisley and a
host of other scorers, this team has the firepower to get to Des Moines and do
damage there as well.



*Despite having seven players averaging 5.4 points or better, Southeast
Webster-Grand, Burnside has not been able to put it together on the basketball
court. That balance is something that is tough to stop but has only really
come to play in their two wins. Could things change during the second half
of the year?


Sleeper Team: COLO-Nesco

Few people are giving them much credit and the team has a tough schedule.
That probably won't be enough to win a district title but don't be shocked if
they surprise people.


District Champions: Rockwell City-Lytton

It won't be much of a surprise if they win this, but it will be a great matchup
in the substate finale if they have to face Northwood-Kensett. Maybe I
should not look that far ahead, yet.


Predictions:

1.) Rockwell City-Lytton

2.) Northeast Hamilton, Blairsburg

3.) Colo-Nesco

4.) Hubbard-Radcliffe

5.) Glidden-Ralston

6.) Southeast Webster-Grand, Burnside

7.) East Greene, Grand Junction

8.) Paton-Churdan

9.) CAL, Latimer


Agree/disagree? Talk about it now!













Class 1A - District 6[/URL]




Here is a look at how all the current teams in District Six


C-W-L, Corwith

Nora Springs-Rock Falls

North Central, Manly

Northwood-Kensett

Rockwell-Swaledale

SCMT, Sheffield

Ventura

West Hancock, Britt

Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka


How
did District 6 do at the State tournament?

Northwood-Kensett

Defeated North Mahaska in the quarterfinals (76-74)

Lost to Bellevue Marquette in the semifinals (66-47)

Defeated WACO in the consolation game (68-48)




Quick Overview:

A quick look at this district and it appears as if two teams will be
fighting for the title. The more experienced team, Northwood Kensett, has
the advantage of being there last year. SCMT has a lot of younger talent
and they still need big game experience. Unless a dark horse emerges, look
for these two to fight for the #1 seed.



Team Breakdowns:

*When summarizing the type of season that C-W-L, Corwith has been having,
inconsistency has been key. The Panthers have been on way too many winning
streaks and losing streaks to really show they have what it takes to make a run
at Des Moines. If they can play consistent and put points up on the board,
the win total win definitely increase.



*In the majority of games that
Nora Springs-Rock Falls is expected to win, the team has played good basketball
and beaten the opposition. But when the Eagles face off against the likes
of Nashua-Plainfield, Northwood-Kensett, and others, they have not risen to the
challenge and given these top teams a game. Unless that chances, an
outstanding sophomore trio in Adam Kramer, Jordan Westphal, and Drew Johnson
will have to wait until next year for a chance to really shine at the state
level.



*With teams like Nashua-Plainfield and North Butler in their conference, things
are not easy for
North Central, Manly. If the Falcons want to start winning games, their
defense must pickup. In each loss, they have given up over 70 points so it
is no wonder they are winless this year.



*After finishing in fourth place last year in Class 1A, it appears as if
Northwood-Kensett has not missed a beat. Their top two leading scorers,
Cody Hanson and Dan Bestul, are back for their senior seasons and putting up
nice numbers once again. The Vikings did lose one game earlier this year
to North Butler, a rated team in Class 2A, but will get another shot later in
the winter.



*It may be due to their tough schedule but
Rockwell-Swaledale has been almost the definition of inconsistent. An
opening win followed by three losses and then four wins is just a small part of
their season so far. Senior Zach Elsbecker has been taking care of the
scoring load at nearly twenty points per game but he must not allow defenses to
slow him down.



*With only one senior among their top seven scorers, it is obvious that
SCMT, Sheffield is young. Now that does not mean inexperienced because a
good number of these players have earned varsity experience. Ryan Stock is
scoring a lot of points for the second straight year but the team also boasts
four other players averaging over eight points per game. Could they make a
serious run at Northwood-Kensett? A 19-point loss earlier in the season
says no but the atmosphere may be different in the postseason.



*Although
Ventura is dominating conference play, that success has not carried over against
teams outside of the Cornbelt. Their main competition for the #2 seed,
SCMT, beat them by 25-points after the holiday break. But even with the
loss, this youthful team is having a great year. The Vikings are stocked
with sophomores and juniors who will only get better by the end of the season.



*West Hancock, Britt had a tough start to the season. With some of their
toughest opponents on the schedule early, confidence was hard to find for the
Eagles. They have won only one game this year and fell on Monday to C-W-L.
Can they turn things around before the playoffs?



*After losing five straight to open the year,
Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka was on a two game winning streak before being
defeated by North Iowa earlier this week. The Tigers played their best
basketball of the year in those wins and will be hoping for that success to
continue during the second half of the year.


Sleeper Team:
SCMT, Sheffield

Although they are young, SCMT is talented and could be ready for a run at
Northwood-Kensett.


District Champions: Northwood-Kensett

Speaking of the Vikings, they are going to be a tough squad for anyone to beat.
Their only loss came at the hands of one of the top ranked teams in Class 2A.
And their schedule will help prepare them for a postseason run.


Predictions:

1.)
Northwood-Kensett

2.)
SCMT, Sheffield

3.)
Rockwell-Swaledale

4.)
Ventura

5.) C-W-L, Corwith

6.)
Nora Springs-Rock Falls

7.)
Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka

8.)
West Hancock, Britt

9.)
North Central, Manly


Agree/disagree? Talk about it now!













Class 1A - District 7[/URL]




Here is a look at how all the current teams in District Seven


Clarksville

Janesville

Kee, Lansing

Postville

Riceville

Tripoli

Valley, Elgin

Wapsie Valley

West Central


How
did District 7 do at the State tournament?

N/A




Quick Overview:

Before breaking things down, it appears that district seven with be a three
team race with Postville, Janesville, and Wapsie Valley. All three teams
have been having great runs so far this year and the talent is there to make a
run at State.



Team Breakdowns:

*Although they have been able to win five games this year, Clarksville
somehow has avoided any type of winning streak. The Indians have basically
alternated wins and losses during the course of the year and have yet to play
consistently from game to game. That does have something to do with their
schedule but that inconsistent play will not help during the playoffs.



*Janesville has been one of the biggest surprises in this district as
well as Class 1A. Although they were blown out in the season opener, the
Wildcats have won nine of ten and taken advantage of their schedule. Their
defense has stepped up to the occasion in each of their wins and must continue
if they want a shot at Des Moines.



*Despite playing a number of close games this year, Kee, Lansing has yet to
break through in the win column. They have struggled to a number of tight
losses and that may be due to the fact that they have a younger team.
Standout Quin Schultz is leading the team in scoring and hopes to help the team
to more victories as the season wears down.



*Postville has been playing some great basketball this year. After
losing to Class 3A opponent Waukon in the season opener, the team has strung
together ten straight wins and most have been in impressive fashion. The
Pirates are looking forward to continuing their success in conference during the
second half of the year.



*The one thing that Riceville has done this year is to make strides. With
a new coach at the helm, the team struggled early but they have fought through
that. They were able to beat Clarksville after the holiday break but have
a brutal schedule down the stretch that includes games against North Butler,
Nashua-Plainfield, SCMT, and others. Senior Nick Crawford has stepped up
his game and is doing a nice job leading the team in scoring.



*Against some of the better teams in Class 1A, Tripoli has had some serious
problems and in most of these contests got blown out. But the Panthers
have done a nice job of not only playing with but also beating some of the other
teams they have faced off against. The team boasts a 3-6 record and they
have many winnable games down the stretch.



*With their only win of the year against winless Kee, Lansing, Valley, Elgin has
not been able to play the type of basketball that they had hoped for. This
team must come together because there are some talented teams left on the
schedule during the rest of the year.



*By playing in the NICL, Wapsie Valley gets a chance to face off against some
very good competition. It always played a factor when they were in Class
2A. But now that the Warriors dropped down to Class 1A, it will help out
even more. Wapsie Valley has suffered three losses on the year but will
get a chance to avenge of them this weekend against NU High.



*Like Wapsie Valley, West Central gets a chance to play against bigger schools
in the Upper Iowa conference. This means that they are going against 2A
competition on a weekly basis. And when the playoffs begin, that
experience could help them surprise some teams.


Sleeper Team: Janesville

Wapsie Valley and Postville will get the pub but Janesville has been having a
great season so far that may be overlooked.


District Champions: Wapsie Valley

The Warriors have not been playing the type of basketball that I thought they
would before the season. But with their coaching experience and work
ethic, this team will have what it takes to beat Postville.


Predictions:

1.) Wapsie Valley

2.) Postville

3.) Janesville

4.) West Central

5.) Clarksville

6.) Riceville

7.) Tripoli

8.) Valley, Elgin

9.) Kee, Lansing


Agree/disagree? Talk about it now!













Class 1A - District 8[/URL]




Here is a look at how all the current teams in District Eight


Central City

Don Bosco

Dunkerton

East Buchanan

GMG, Garwin

H-L-V, Victor

North Tama, Traer

NU High

Walnut Ridge Baptist Academy


How
did District 8 do at the State tournament?

N/A




Quick Overview:

Like district seven, it appears to be a three team race with NU High, North
Tama, and East Buchanan. This trio of teams have a combined seven losses
and have won some big games along the way this year.



Team Breakdowns:

*With only win this year against a defeated Olin team, Central City has had
some struggles this season. Graham Valdes is currently averaging twelve
points per game and will hope to pick up his performances as the end of the year
nears.



*Don Bosco can say that they have worked hard and won two games this year.
Although both games were before break, the Dons have played a lot of teams
tight. Garrett Springer is capable of putting a lot points on the board
every night and is averaging around the twenty point mark.



*Although the next Kuenstling for Dunkerton is in junior high, this version of
the team sits at 5-5 on the year. The Raiders have played most of their
opponents tough but they must come together as the postseason nears.



*The Buccaneers of East Buchanan have had a rousing success on the basketball
court this winter and will be in competition for the #1 seed in this district.
The team has stumbled twice against larger schools (Anamosa and Monticello) but
taken care of business in every other game. The schedule does get easier
during the rest of the year.



*GMG, Garwin and leading scorer Troy Bacon can say they have not lost this year.
With two wins since the holidays, the team has been playing some good
basketball. Things could play out well for the Wolverines if they can
continue to play hoops at this high level.



*Like a lot of other teams in this district, H-L-V, Victor is hovering right
around the .500 mark at 5-5. The Warriors have been somewhat inconsistent
with their games as they have not won or lost more than two games in a row.
They are playing steady basketball but need to get better if they want to make
any noise in this district.



*After winning their first six games of the year, North Tama, Traer has lost two
of four and now sit at 8-2. That record is still good enough for tops
within this district but does that mean the Redhawks are not playing their best
basketball of the year or has the competition improved? Time will tell but
it could be vital in the postseason which way this team is going. Derrick
Dengler leads a balanced group of seniors in scoring.



*If you want to see scrappy basketball players who all can shoot and play hard,
NU High would be the perfect team to see. The Panthers and coach Jon
McKowen have built a basketball factory at the school and continue to have
success on the court. Come playoff time, look for their tough schedule to
help Travis Ellerbroek and his teammates make a run at Des Moines.



*Walnut Ridge Baptist Academy was hit hard by graduation last year and that is
obvious when looking at their record. This team is normally a number of
games above .500 but not have been able to pull it all together this winter.


Sleeper Team: Walnut Ridge Baptist Academy

This is a solid basketball school relying on a team of inexperienced players.
If they can bring it together, watch out.


District Champions: NU High

NU High has to be the pick just to see the coaching matchup of father vs. son in
the substate finale.


Predictions:

1.) NU High

2.) North Tama, Traer

3.) East Buchanan

4.) GMG, Garwin

5.) Walnut Ridge Baptist Academy

6.) Dunkerton

7.) H-L-V, Victor

8.) Don Bosco

9.) Central City


Agree/disagree? Talk about it now!













Class 1A - District 9[/URL]




Here is a look at how all the current teams in District Nine


Andrew

Calamus-Wheatland

East Central, Miles

Marquette Catholic, Bellevue

Midland, Wyoming

Olin

Preston

Prince of Peace Prep, Clinton

Springville


How did District 9 do at the State tournament?

Bellevue Marquette

Defeated Alta in the quarterfinals (62-48)

Defeated Northwood-Kensett in the semifinals (66-47)

Lost to George-Little Rock in the championship game (49-47)




Quick Overview:

With only four teams over .500, it appears that these teams will have an
advantage come playoff time. IowaPreps.com #1 rated team in this class,
Bellevue Marquette, is the obvious favorite to move on to the substate finale.
But don't forget about Preston, Prince of Peace, as well as Andrew.



Team Breakdowns:

*Andrew has a lot of talented athletes and that has been a major factor in
their success on the court this year. They have already been beat by
Bellevue Marquette earlier in the season but will get a chance for revenge later
on. In those games, Andrew must prove they can put points on the board
against a good defense.



*In a battle of teams that had not won a game, Calamus-Wheatland unfortunately
came out on the losing end to Olin. The Warriors will get another change
with Olin but they will be hard pressed to get a win.



*East Central, Miles is another team that has not had much going for them this
year. They were able to defeat Bellevue for their only win of the year but
most of their games have been lopsided. The Raiders must pick up their
defense because they are just giving up too many points.



*After finishing second in Class 1A and losing Jordan Eglseder to UNI, few
thought Marquette Catholic, Bellevue would be undefeated. But with Matt
Kilburg, Casey Kettmann, and a strong senior class picking up the slack, this is
another good Marquette team. Could this finally be the year they get a
title for Coach Squiers?



*Midland, Wyoming has done a nice job of beating opponents that they are
supposed to beat but struggling when the competition is raised. The team
does have six wins but they have been against East Central, Calamus Wheatland
(Twice), Olin, Lisbon, and Central City. That means they may be able to
get past the first round of the playoffs but unless they can improve against
teams like Andrew, they won't be in the postseason for long.



*Congratulations to Olin for getting their first win of the year.
Considering how few things were going their way this year, it is a big win.
But the schedule doesn't look promising for the Lions unless they can use the
momentum they have to get a good week of practice in.



*Preston has been somewhat sporadic on the court this year but they appear to be
playing their best ball of the season. After their win this weekend
against Prince of Peace, the team has won five of six and will have two winnable
games before facing off against Northeast Gooselake.



*Before their loss to Preston, Prince of Peace Prep, Clinton was undefeated
after the holiday break. Even with the defeat, that means that the Irish
used the time off to their advantage and were able to improve. The team
must quickly bounce back from the loss because they are on the road at
undefeated Bellevue Marquette.



*Springville is a team that has kept most of their games within striking
distance. Although they only have two wins to their credit, the Orioles
have competed with some talented teams and that says a lot about the team.
But can they break through during the second half of the year and pull off some
upsets?


Sleeper Team: Prince of Peace Prep, Clinton

The Irish always seem to play really hard and that will help them in the
postseason.


District Champions: Bellevue Marquette

This team is talented, well coached, and ready for another run at State.


Predictions:

1.) Marquette Catholic, Bellevue

2.) Andrew

3.) Preston

4.) Prince of Peace Prep, Clinton

5.) Midland, Wyoming

6.) Springville

7.) East Central, Miles

8.) Olin

9.) Calamus-Wheatland


Agree/disagree? Talk about it now!













Class 1A - District 10[/URL]




Here is a look at how all the current teams in District Ten


Harmony, Farmington

Highland, Riverside

Holy Trinity Catholic, Fort Madison

Lisbon

Lone Tree

New London

Notre Dame, Burlington

Winfield-Mt. Union


How did District 10 do at the State tournament?

N/A




Quick Overview:

If going by records, Lone Tree and Burlington Notre Dame are the favorites.
Lone Tree has been playing good competition and beating them so that would
likely make them the favorite this postseason. But with teams like Holy
Trinity and others trying to make a second half run, this district is far from
over.



Team Breakdowns:

*When your team sits at 1-8 and your only win was by one point against a
team that is winless, things are not going as well as planned. That is the
case for Harmony, Farmington and it will be tough for them to advance in the
postseason.



*Highland, Riverside started the year losing their first seven games but they
have won three of their last six and appear to be playing their best basketball
of the season. Kurtis Hall is leading a very balanced attack scoring and
is the only player averaging double digits. The schedule gets tough from
here on out with games against IMS, Washington, Lone Tree, and others.



*One team that has not been able to put everything together has been
Holy Trinity Catholic, Fort Madison. They were hit hard by graduation last
year and have yet to play consistent this year. They have only won two
straight games twice this season and are having a tough time playing with any
consistency from game to game.



*Outside of their close game against North Cedar,
Lisbon has been a team that has beaten the opponents they are supposed to beat
and then they are drilled by the teams that are the favorites. The Lions
have done a nice job with teams like Olin, Central City, and other teams that
are struggling in 1A. But if they want to make an impact on the district
race, they must play like they did against North Cedar.



*Following their recent win over IMS,
Lone Tree definitely made a statement as the favorite in district play.
Outside of two early losses to West Branch and HLV, this team has not lost a
game and is definitely playing with a purpose. There are some good tests
left for the Lions that will help prepare them for the postseason.



*New London has won one game this year and that was against a struggling Harmony
team. The Tigers need to make some serious strides before the end of the
season if they want to make a postseason run.



*Notre Dame, Burlington is one of the biggest question marks in this district.
With a 7-2 overall, things look good for the team. But the Nikes really
have not played a great schedule and that could come back and haunt them in the
postseason. This could be an interesting team to watch.



*Winfield-Mt. Union is one team that has failed to win a contest this year and
that means it will be tough for a postseason run. They have had a tougher
schedule than some of the other teams at the bottom of this district but that
just means they are tougher losses.


Sleeper Team:
Holy Trinity Catholic, Fort Madison

This team had a nice run last year and there is some talent here. If they
can put it all together, watch out.


District Champions:
Lone Tree

Lone Tree has been playing some great basketball this season and outside of an
early lapse, have been focused on winning games.


Predictions:

1.)
Lone Tree

2.)
Notre Dame, Burlington

3.)
Holy Trinity Catholic, Fort Madison

4.)
Lisbon

5.)
Highland, Riverside

6.)
New London

7.)
Winfield-Mt. Union

8.) Harmony, Farmington


Agree/disagree? Talk about it now!













Class 1A - District 11[/URL]




Here is a look at how all the current teams in District Eleven


Cardinal, Eldon

English Valleys, North English

Iowa Mennonite, Kalona


Keota

Lynnville-Sully

Maharishi, Fairfield

North Mahaska, New Sharon

Tri-County, Thornburg

Waco, Wayland


How did District 11 do at the State tournament?

North Mahaska

Lost to Northwood-Kensett in the quarterfinals (76-64)
WACO

Defeated Rockwell City-Lytton in the quarterfinals (47-40)

Lost to George-Little Rock in the semifinals (64-36)

Lost to Northwood-Kensett in the consolation game (68-48)





Quick Overview:

Basically this is a district with top teams and bottom teams. There
really is no middle. And because there are so many top teams, this will be
a dog fight for who gets to play in the substate final.



Team Breakdowns:

*Aaron Genners has been the leader of Cardinal, Eldon scoring wise and is
putting up twenty points per game. Outside of him, three teammates average
right around double digits. That balance is tough to stop and is a major
factor in their major success so far this year. Watch out for the squad.



*English Valleys, North English has been struggling this year putting points on
the board. The team has a very balanced attack offensively but they
currently have zero players scoring in double digits. If they are likely
to be in a game, it will be a defensive struggle.



*Iowa Mennonite, Kalona is normally known for spreading out their scoring and
that is the case once again. Carson Miller currently leads the team at
nearly fifteen points per game but four others average six or more points per
game. They have bounced back since their loss to Lone Tree and look to
finish the regular season strong.




*Keota is led by a number of talented athletes who are also successful on the
football field. Taylor Stoutner and Eric Hammes lead a very solid team in
the scoring department but consistency has been their main problem.
Although they have won games, there has been no winning streak for the team.



*Lynnville-Sully has been having an outstanding year on the basketball court and
that has translated into the wins and losses. The trio of Alex Huyser,
Kyle Van Rees, and Tanner Vander Weerdt are all averaging double digits and have
proven tough to contain. The team has a big test next week against Class
2A opponent Montezuma that will show if this team has what it takes to make
noise in Des Moines.



*Maharishi, Fairfield has not been having the type of season they had hoped for.
They have been able to play with a few teams this winter but have been blown out
on multiple occasions. There are some tough opponents left as the end of
the season nears.



*After playing in the last four State tournaments,
North Mahaska, New Sharon has a new coach and a much different look.
Juniors Brad Boyle, A.J. Malone, and Caleb Fox are doing most of the scoring
this year. Considering they started the year 0-2, the Warhawks have turned
things around and continue to show that they have a rich basketball program.



*Another team that had a coaching change over the off-season was
Tri-County, Thornburg. Brian Metz is also gone but Andy Koehn has been a
scoring machine and is averaging around twenty per game. They lost a one
point thrilled to Lynnville-Sully earlier in the year but will get a chance to
revenge later on.



*Waco, Wayland was able to play three games at the State tournament last year
and will be hoping to return this time around. Austin McBeth and Caleb
Herman are combining to average nearly thirty points per game but the team needs
to come to play every game. They have struggled against lesser opponents
when they came into the game thinking that it will be easy.


Sleeper Team: North Mahaska

North Mahaska has a basketball factory going and have played some good
basketball since starting the season slowly.


District Champions: Iowa Mennonite

This has been the toughest district I have seen so far but I give the slight
edge to Iowa Mennonite. They are talented, focused, and well coached.


Predictions:

1.)
Iowa Mennonite, Kalona

2.)
Lynnville-Sully

3.) Cardinal, Eldon

4.)
Tri-County, Thornburg

5.)
North Mahaska, New Sharon

6.)
Waco, Wayland

7.)
Keota

8.)
English Valleys, North English

9.)

Maharishi, Fairfield


Agree/disagree? Talk about it now!













Class 1A - District 12[/URL]




Here is a look at how all the current teams in District Twelve


Lineville-Clio

Melcher-Dallas

Moravia

Mormon Trail, Garden Grove

Moulton-Udell

Russell

Seymour

Southeast Warren, Liberty Center

Twin Cedars, Bussey


How did District 12 do at the State tournament?

N/A




Quick Overview:

No offense to this district but after reviewing the last district, this one
pales in comparison. There are a lot more question marks and this one
could be ripe for the taking by a number of teams.



Team Breakdowns:

*Lineville-Clio has been the perfect example of sporadic this winter.
After losing four games before and after the holiday break, the Eagles have
reeled off four of five wins and appear to be playing some solid basketball.
The schedule will also work in their favor over the next few weeks as well.



*Melcher-Dallas has been hit by the injury bug at times this year but they have
been able to put points on the board. The duo of Matt Willoughby and Wil
Bauer have been leading the team while averaging nearly thirty five points per
game. The Saints have been building a nice basketball program over the
past few years but can they finally break through and make it to Des Moines?



*Moravia has done a nice job winning the game that they are expect to prevail in
and losing in the others. But will that really help them come the
postseason? Outside of two games against Class 3A competition, there are a
number of winnable games that could help push the record well over the .500
mark.



*One of the youngest teams in this district has to be
Mormon Trail, Garden Grove. With zero seniors and a sophomore (Cale Moore)
leading the team in scoring, things are bright for the future. The problem
for the Saints is that they may have to wait a year or two until the success
shows up on the court. They may be taking their lumps now but the
experience will be beneficial down the road.



*Chaz Welch is the only senior on another young team in
Moulton-Udell. This standout has been pouring in over eighteen points per
game and has proven that he is an effective scorer. But those points have
not been able to get this team over the .500 mark while currently sitting at
6-6.



*Russell has been having trouble at times putting points on the board.
With Adam Dunivan being the only one to average double digits, the Trojans need
some more firepower. They were able to open the season 1-0 against an
opponent from Missouri but have gone winless since.



*Seymour is another team that has been having trouble playing with any
consistency over the year. Leading scorer T.J. Swan and his teammates may
be playing their best basketball of the year but they need to go into the
postseason with some momentum. And with only six games remaining, time is
running out.



*Southeast Warren, Liberty Center and athlete Luke Putz have struggled in
conference this winter but are 3-0 against other competition. The Warhawks
are playing against a number of Class 2A opponents but they need to increase
their win total for playoff seeding purposes.



*Twin Cedars, Bussey has an outstanding record at 8-3 but have they really
played anyone? Two of their losses have been by 44 and 27 while the third
came at the hands of Southeast Warren. Now the Sabers have taken care of
business in all of their other games, including a blowout victory over
Melcher-Dallas, but there are still a lot of questions remaining around this
squad.


Sleeper Team: Southeast Warren, Liberty Center

They are somewhat the unknown commodity of this group and that mystery could
give them an advantage during the postseason.


District Champions: Twin Cedars, Bussey

This district is definitely up for grabs but considering their big win against
Melcher-Dallas, they get the nod.


Predictions:

1.)
Twin Cedars, Bussey

2.)
Melcher-Dallas

3.) Southeast Warren, Liberty Center

4.) Moravia

5.)
Seymour

6.)
Moulton-Udell

7.)
Mormon Trail, Garden Grove

8.) Lineville-Clio

9.)
Russell


Agree/disagree? Talk about it now!













Class 1A - District 13[/URL]




Here is a look at how all the current teams in District Thirteen


Adair-Casey

Ankeny Christian Academy

Des Moines Christian

Earlham

Guthrie Center

Grandview Park Baptist, DM

Iowa Christian Academy

Madrid

Van Meter


How did District 13 do at the State tournament?

N/A




Quick Overview:

Des Moines Christian, Guthrie Center, and Earlham are loaded and have the
pieces to make a run at State. The problem is that all three are in the
state district.



Team Breakdowns:

*Adair-Casey has had their struggles this year. With only one win
streak that reached two games, the Bombers have not been playing consistent from
game to game. Three of their four wins have come against Paton-Churdan,
Iowa Christian, and Ankeny Christian. That does not bode well for the
postseason.



*The offense of
Ankeny Christian Academy has been improving since the holiday break but that has
not been enough for the team to win more games. Their only victory was
against Iowa Christian but their recent games have been closer. Down the
stretch, there are some winnable games that could boast the moral of the team.



*Des Moines Christian is a flat out talented team. Branden Stubbs has
stepped into the lineup nicely and is leading the team in scoring as a freshman.
But don't sleep on Travis VanderLinden and Steven Roney. Both are
averaging double digits and are part of a very solid trio of players.
Their most recent game was a loss to Earlham so it should be interesting to see
how they respond.



*After their success on the football field,
Earlham has a number of athletes who are keeping busy this winter with
basketball. Cody Aldrich, Jacob Slusher, and Daniel Ory have combined to
score nearly thirty five points per game. The Cardinals have only two
losses on the year and avenged their first against Des Moines Christian.
Will they do the same against Guthrie Center?



*Guthrie Center may have the top overall athlete in this district with Andrew
Meier. This future college football player was named Elite All State as a
football player and is averaging over twenty points per game. But as for
the team, their only defeat was by six points to Des Moines Christian. It
could get interesting when these two teams face each other against.



*Grandview Park Baptist, DM has to play a number of bigger teams and that will
really pay off when the postseason gets underway. And with their 8-4
record overall now, they are definitely a sleeper among this group of talented
teams.



*Iowa Christian Academy did get a chance to taste victory earlier in the year
against Russell. And although there is potential to get another win as the
season wears on, unless they score more than sixteen points as they did last
game, it will be tough.



*Madrid is a team loaded with youth and that should pay off down the road.
The problem is that this year, youth will have trouble with all of the top teams
in this district. The Tigers won their first contest of the season against
East Greene but have been winless since.



*Matt Vande Kamp and Jake Meyer of
Van Meter have been doing a nice job scoring this year but the problem is that
no one else has proven to be able to consistently step up. The Bulldogs
have given Earlham and Guthrie Center tough games this year but that was not
enough to get the win.


Sleeper Team:
Grandview Park Baptist, DM

Their conference could prepare them to knock off some of the giants in this
district.


District Champions: Des Moines Christian

This really is a coin toss at this point just because all of the top three teams
are so even and have been beating up on each other.


Predictions:

1.)
Des Moines Christian

2.)
Guthrie Center

3.)
Earlham

4.)
Grandview Park Baptist, DM

5.)
Van Meter

6.) Adair-Casey

7.)
Madrid

8.) Ankeny Christian Academy

9.)
Iowa Christian Academy






Agree/disagree? Talk about it now!













Class 1A - District 14[/URL]




Here is a look at how all the current teams in District Fourteen


Bedford

Diagonal

East Union, Afton

Lamoni

Lenox

Martensdale-St. Mary’s

Murray

Orient-Macksburg

Villisca


How did District 14 do at the State tournament?

N/A




Quick Overview:

With so many teams with good records, this is definitely going to be a
district that will be fun to watch. Only three teams are currently under
.500 and many are well above.



Team Breakdowns:

*Outside of a three game losing streak that started before break and ended
after the holidays, Bedford has been playing some good basketball all year long.
The problem is that stretch of three losses shows the team is vulnerable.
If the Bulldogs pose a serious threat at making State, which could happen, the
trio of Gary Ewart, Andy Schweitzer, and Shean Fletcher must be playing their
best basketball late in the year.



*Diagonal is a team that has been struggling the entire season. Their wins
have come against an opponent in Missouri and Russell, who has not exactly been
strong this year. This is a young team with sophomores and freshman making
an impact in the scoring column but their best basketball is likely ahead of
them.



*East Union, Afton opened up the season with a blowout win against Diagnoal.
The problem is since then, the Eagles have not won a game and their have been
some ugly losses in the process. The schedule will be tough down the
stretch but don't be shocked to see this team pull off more victories.



*Lamoni may have a 7-6 record overall but they have played a lot of teams tough.
The problem is that they have been unable to pull out games at the end and that
is hurting their record. Keegan Smith is leading the team in scoring and
the rest of the players are doing a nice job. But outside of their top
four, the team has had trouble getting consistent production.



*If Lenox is winning or losing, they do it consistently. This team has not
had a winning or losing streak less than two games all year. The positive
for the team is the fact that they are doing more winning at this point.
Alex Peterson has been the top scorer this year but he has been joined by
Steffan Custer and Grant Calvin with double digits averages. This trio has
improved since the season started but they must continue during the rest of the
winter.



*Martensdale-St. Mary’s has had some serious struggles this year. With
more games held in the teens than wins, things are not going well for the Blue
Devils. The team needs more of a scoring punch if they hope to get into
the win column again this year.



*Murray has shown over the past few years that they can play some basketball.
They have already won twelve games this season and that number could approach
twenty if they can finish the year strong. Justin Halls has been doing a
nice job putting points on the board and is a tough senior to stop. The
Mustangs have only lost two games this year and they were both to other teams in
this district. And if they want to make any noise in the playoffs, they
must be able to avenge those losses.



*With an undefeated season to this point and only three games played within
single digits, Orient-Macksburg has been doing some great things on the
basketball court. They have proven to be one of the top teams in Class 1A.
What will be interesting to see during the postseason is if their schedule hurts
them of helps them. Outside their first game, they have played all Class
1A opponents.



*Villisca may be flying under the radar more than any team in this class.
Outside of their loss to Orient-Macksburg, this team has won twelve games and
has proven they are a tough team to beat. But the Bluejays have also
played a favorable schedule so that will definitely be a plot line to watch next
month.


Sleeper Team: Lenox

Their tough schedule may help them prepare for a run at State.


District Champions:
Orient-Macksburg

How can I go against a team that is undefeated and has a definite chance of
running the table this regular season?


Predictions:

1.)
Orient-Macksburg

2.)
Lenox

3.)
Murray

4.)
Villisca

5.) Bedford

6.)
Lamoni

7.)
East Union, Afton

8.)
Martensdale-St. Mary’s

9.)
Diagonal


Agree/disagree? Talk about it now!













Class 1A - District 15[/URL]




Here is a look at how all the current teams in District Fifteen


A-H-S-T, Avoca

Ar-We-Va, Westside

CAM, Anita

Coon Rapids-Bayard

Elk Horn-Kimballton

Exira

IKM, Manilla

Manning

Walnut


How did District 15 do at the State tournament?

N/A




Quick Overview:

Before the season, I would have picked Manning. But their rivals from
IKM have taken the district lead and look tough to beat.



Team Breakdowns:

*A-H-S-T, Avoca has been led this year by two of their top football players,
Danny Pattee and Alan Bladt. Both are averaging double digits for a very
inconsistent Vikings team. This team has won four, lost four, won three,
and lost two this year. If they can get hot and stay focused. they may
have a team that can make a postseason run. The problem is that
consistency has not been there this year.



*Ar-We-Va, Westside has not been as sporadic as AHST but they certainly have
been close. The team currently sits at 7-7 and have given some top teams
(See Boyer Valley and IKM) a tough game but did not have enough in the end to
pull off a win. The Rockets need to focus on playing with the big boys if
there is any postseason hope.



*Although CAM, Anita lost last night, they have been playing their best
basketball as of late and have won three of their last four. Considering
their overall record is only 4-10, that shows that the Cougars have been
improving as the season has gone on. Eric Hockenberry has been leading the
way in the scoring column while putting up over sixteen points per game.



*In a conference that pits them against a lot of good teams, Coon Rapids-Bayard
will be prepared to play against the top 1A teams in this district.
Similar to Ar-We-Va, the Crusaders have not been able to knock off any of the
top tiers teams that they have played but there have been some close games.
If they can continue to make strides in the next month, they could be a
darkhorse to watch out for.



*Is the 10-4 record that Elk Horn-Kimballton currently boasts for real?
The team will get a chance to prove critics wrong during the rest of the season
as they have a schedule loaded with tough games. With Manning, AHST, and
Orient-Macksburg left, the Danes will get a chance to prove if they really have
the talent to make a postseason run.



*Jeff Bauer and Willy Muhr have been the leaders for Exira this year and have
helped the team to a 5-9 record to this point. They have taken care of
business in the games they are expected to win but have been blown out against
top competition. Unless changed, that formula does not bode well for any
type of late season success.



*IKM, Manilla was somewhat a surprise on the football field this fall and that
success has carried over to basketball. An athletic senior class led by
Zack Bandow has played a major role in allowing the team to get off to a 12-2
start on the year. As shown during the football season, this team knows
how to win and it is definitely showing up on the basketball court.



*Before the season started, Manning would be my pick as the district champion.
The Bulldogs have been having a good run this winter but they haven't played up
to the potential I felt they had. Manning has won six games in a row and
will get a chance later in the year to avenge one of their losses to IKM.
This is turning out to be quite a rivalry that has really heated up since
football.



*Walnut is one of the youngest teams in this district and that has not stopped
them from winning big games so far this year. The problem is that because
Scott Blum and his teammates are without a senior class, they are missing that
leadership from the older players. Keep an eye on this team for next
season.


Sleeper Team: Manning

The rivalry is getting worse by the day between Manning and IKM. Plus the
Bulldogs have the revenge factor on their side.


District Champions:
IKM, Manilla

When you get athletes who knows how to win, they can overcome a lot on the
basketball court that will help them win a district title.


Predictions:

1.)
IKM, Manilla

2.)
Manning

3.)
Elk Horn-Kimballton

4.) A-H-S-T, Avoca

5.)
Ar-We-Va, Westside

6.)
Coon Rapids-Bayard

7.)
Walnut

8.)
Exira

9.)
CAM, Anita


Agree/disagree? Talk about it now!













Class 1A - District 16[/URL]




Here is a look at how all the current teams in District Sixteen


Essex

Farragut

Fremont-Mills, Tabor

Hamburg

Malvern

Nishna Valley

Sidney

South Page, College Springs

Stanton


How did District 16 do at the State tournament?

N/A




Quick Overview:

Despite having a freshman, sophomore, and junior all averaging double
digits, Stanton has made a case as the top team in this district. But
don't sleep on Essex and Nishna Valley come playoffs.



Team Breakdowns:

*Essex has had an outstanding and better than many expected. John King
and Matt Nicholas have been leading the way scoring for a very balanced
offensive attack. But if the Trojans want to serious think about winning
this district title, they must find a way to beat Stanton. That is the
team that has given Essex two of their three losses and they will play one more
time before the end of the regular season.



*Farragut won both of their games this season before the holiday break and have
been unable to get back into the win column since. The problem in those
losses has been their defense. If the Admirals want to think seriously
about putting off some postseason upsets, they must prove they can stop talented
teams.



*Despite only being a sophomore, Herrick Brandon of Fremont-Mills, Tabor has
really stepped up his game this year and that has been huge for the team.
They are only two games under the .500 mark and have some very winnable games
down the stretch. If they can take care of business in those, it could
help the Knights go into the postseason with momentum.



*Hamburg has won only one game on the year but they have actually played some of
their opponents tough. Those don't mean much unless they can go over that
hump and get back in the win total. But with Farragut, Clarinda Academy,
and Sidney left on the schedule, there are opportunities for Hamburg to double
their win total.



*Malvern is the classic team that has been up and down all year. They
currently sit one game over the .500 mark but have two huge games coming up.
Levi Helbing, Tom McEvoy, and their teammates must step up if they want to show
they can compete with Essex and Stanton over the next week. These will not
be any games but will show if this team has a serious chance to contend.



*Nishna Valley has lost five games this winter but they are against some of the
best teams in Class 1A. This senior laden team has a favorable schedule
during the rest of the season that could help improve their inconsistent play.
And if they want any chance to make a playoff run, they must get better.



*After starting the year 2-1, Sidney has been winless ever since and struggling
to keep games competitive. Junior Morgan Starner is leading the scoring
while chipping in over sixteen points per game but this is another young team.
And with freshman and sophomores making an impact, the inexperience is normally
a tough transition.



*Two of the four games that South Page, College Springs has won this year have
been against Hamburg. Obviously the Rebels have their number but the team
has taken their lumps against other competition. Lowell Maxwell has been
putting up nearly eighteen points per game but he must find a way to help his
team win more games.



*With their only two losses of the year against Villisca, Stanton was finally
able to turn the tables against them last night. Their two point victory
showed that this team is getting better and making strides. Overtime was
needed for Grant McArdle, Alex Whigham, and company but that is a major win.
And considering how young this team is, watch out because they are skilled and
getting better everyday.


Sleeper Team: Nishna Valley

This team is talented and experienced. Can they put it together for a
serious run?


District Champions: Stanton

Youth usually struggles at any level of high school but Stanton has had a number
of younger players step up.


Predictions:

1.)
Stanton

2.) Essex

3.)
Nishna Valley

4.)
Malvern

5.)
Fremont-Mills, Tabor

6.)
South Page, College Springs

7.)
Farragut

8.)
Hamburg

9.)
Sidney


Agree/disagree? Talk about it now!






















Class 1A State Tournament Predictions[/URL]

Substate 1 - Boyden Hull (11-3) vs. Galva-Holstein (10-3)

Game Breakdown: Boyden Hull looked very strong early in the season but
their recent twenty point loss to George Little Rock, who is also in their
district, brings up question about them making it to the substate finale.
Those won't be answered anytime soon but this team needs to start playing the
type of basketball that has helped them to a very successful record.
Galva-Holstein lost their most recent game against Maple Valley but will get
chance for revenge next week because of the schedule. This team boasts an
extremely sound starting five but outside of that, there are a lot of question
marks. If any of these top five get hurt or have foul trouble, will
someone be able to step up?

Prediction: Boyden Hull 57, Galva-Holstein 52

Difference in the game: The schedule that Boyden Hull plays will help
them in the end.

Substate 2 - Algona Garrigan (15-0) vs. Alta (7-7)

Game Breakdown: This is a battle of opposites as the team with the best
record in 1A (Alta) and the team with the worst record to make it this far
(Algona Garrigan) will face off. But what the .500 record that Algona
Garrigan has does not show is their competition. They have spent the
entire season playing against larger opponents and have only played one game
against Class 1A competition. That could definitely play a role in this
game. As for Alta, they have been rolling against mostly 1A opponents but
they did play up against Sioux City West and Storm Lake. Both games ended
up being big wins for the team.

Prediction: Alta 68, Algona Garrigan 59

Difference in the game: Alta was happy making the State tournament last
year. That is not the case this season.

Substate 3 - Rockwell City-Lytton (15-0) vs. Northwood-Kensett (15-1)

Game Breakdown: When you pit two teams that made the State tournament
last year together and they have one combined loss at this point in the year, it
is obvious that a great game will likely occur. Rockwell City-Lytton
has actually made an appearance at the last two State tournaments but lost in
the first round both times. Kale Knisley and his teammates would like
nothing else than to get to State and be able to stay in Des Moines for the
week. Northwood-Kensett counters with a veteran team that finished as the
third best squad in Class 1A last winter. They return their top two
scorers and both have been having great senior years. This may be the best
substate finale in Class 1A.

Prediction: Northwood-Kensett 61, Rockwell City-Lytton 60

Difference in the game: I see this game going back to their competition.
Northwood-Kensett has played some of the top teams in Class 2A and that will
help them prepare for another run at the title.

Substate 4 - Wapsie Valley (10-4) vs. NU High (11-3)

Game Breakdown: Obviously the main subplot in this game has to be the
coaches. Marty McKowen, aka dad, will be coaching against his son, Jon,
with a berth to the State tournament on the line. Both of these teams will
be very familiar with one another after playing during the regular season twice.
In both contests, NU High has had the advantage and even pulled out the last win
by fourteen points. Also, many of the players on both teams know each
other well and are friends.

Prediction: Wapsie Valley 53, NU High 50

Difference in the game: I am picking the upset with the Warriors
extracting a little revenge. That factor as well as it being tough to beat
a good team three times in one year are the reasons.

Substate 5 - Bellevue Marquette (13-0) vs. Lone Tree (13-3)

Game Breakdown: Lone Tree has been an outstanding team at times and
struggles at others. They have been the only squad in Iowa to beat Iowa
Mennonite and yet they recently fell to Lousia-Muscatine. That
inconsistency will be huge when the postseason gets underway. Bellevue
Marquette, the non-Jordan Eglseder version, has been a huge surprise this year
and have proven why they are one of the best basketball programs in Iowa.
The team has not missed a beat with their 7-footer at Northern Iowa and
continues to play great basketball.

Prediction: Bellevue Marquette 54, Lone Tree 48

Difference in the game: Consistency is a huge part of making a run at
State and Marquette has been playing with more of it than Lone Tree.

Substate 6 - Iowa Mennonite (15-1) vs. Twin Cedars Bussey (9-5)

Game Breakdown: Not to overlook Twin Cedars but the toughest games on the
road to State for Iowa Mennonite will be in their district. It is loaded
with some of the best teams in Class 1A and they will be fighting it out every
night of the postseason. There are teams in that district that have a
quality team. Twin Cedars will likely be fighting Melcher Dallas for the
bid to the substate finale and they will be a major underdog in this game.
That mentality could give them a chance but IMS will be a tough team to beat,
especially with a trip to the State tournament on the line.

Prediction: Iowa Mennonite 66, Twin Cedars Bussey 56

Difference in the game: Iowa Mennonite has played in many big games over
the past few years and that mentality will help them punch their ticket to
State.

Substate 7 - Des Moines Christian (13-1) vs. Orient-Macksburg (15-0)

Game Breakdown: Another potential great game in the substate finals that
will pit two teams with a combined record of 28-1. Both teams have been
having great seasons as of late and they are starting to build talented
basketball programs. But only one will be moving on to Des Moines for the
State tournament.

Prediction: Des Moines Christian 59, Orient-Macksburg 54

Difference in the game: I know Orient-Macksburg cannot do much about it
but the Des Moines Christian conference schedule will be a huge plus for the
postseason. They may have less experience but talent is on their side.

Substate 8 - IKM (12-2) vs. Stanton (13-2)

Game Breakdown: This is yet another game that will come down to the
competition that they played during the year. IKM was doing battle with 2A
and other top 1A teams while Stanton was going against Villisca and Essex.
That will once again factor into this game but no matter what happens, both
teams have had great years.

Prediction: IKM 52, Stanton 47

Difference in the game: After starting the year 3-2, IKM has not lost and
that momentum will help propel them to Des Moines. Their athletes have
played in a lot of big time games since the start of the school year as well.

If these predictions turn out to be true, here is the eight State
tournament teams:

Boyden Hull

Alta

Northwood-Kensett

Wapsie Valley

Bellevue Marquette

Iowa Mennonite

Des Moines Christian

IKM

Agree/disagree with the picks? Talk about it now!

This post was edited on 1/25 1:54 PM by LukeFeddersenif(GetAdminCookie() != 0) {document.write(' (Revisions[/URL])');}

 

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