Iowa Preps previews the players to watch, matchups, and predicts the winners for the Class 1A State tournament first round now!
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Matchup: #1 North Linn vs. #8 Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto
On North Linn: An offense that is putting up a ridiculous 80 points per game led by Jake Hilmer, David Seber, and Ryan Miller are why this group heads in state undefeated.
On Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto: Peaking at the perfect time is exactly what Maple Valley was able to do during their run in the playoffs. The opponent gets much tougher in this showdown.
Game Changer: Jake Hilmer, North Linn
Prediction: North Linn 73, Maple Valley 60
Why: The sheer wave of playmakers that has helped North Linn dominate during the winter.
Confidence in Prediction: High
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Matchup: #4 Gladbrook-Reinbeck vs. #5 Lynnville-Sully
On Gladbrook-Reinbeck: The Joe Smoldt show has continued to the tune of 30 points per game and his ability to carry the Rebels has them three wins away from a championship.
On Lynnville-Sully: A younger core group at Lynnville-Sully has used balance offensively to win games and that has included a defense holding foes to under 40 points per night.
Game Changer: Joe Smoldt, Gladbrook-Reinbeck
Prediction: Gladbrook-Reinbeck 59, Lynnville-Sully 55
Why: Joe Smoldt. This Upper Iowa signee is a game changer.
Confidence in Prediction: Medium
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Matchup: #2 Grand View Christian vs. #7 West Hancock
On Grand View Christian: Having one of the top offenses is what Grand View Christian is in the headlines for but their defense has been off the charts as well with their ability to get stops.
On West Hancock: Graduation may have struck hard and some of the faces have changed but the winning continues. West Hancock has handed the reins over to Dylan Eckels and he has come ready to perfect at an elite level.
Game Changer: Grant DeMeulenaere, Grand View Christian
Prediction: Grand View Christian 68, West Hancock 59
Why: The overall numbers of scorers that can make plays at Grand View Christian.
Confidence in Prediction: Medium
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Matchup: #3 St. Mary's Remsen vs. #6 New London
On St. Mary's Remsen: Many overlooked them despite an undefeated regular season but St. Mary's Remsen sent Boyden-Hull home for the winter and will come into state with the confidence needed to dominate.
On New London: After a fast start early in the winter, New London has learned from adversity and continued to lean on Mason Porter to carry his team early and often.
Game Changer: Mason Porter, New London
Prediction: New London 51, St. Mary's Remsen 50
Why: The youth at New London knows they have nothing to lose and will use that to shock the Class 1A world.
Confidence in Prediction: Very Low
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Agree/disagree? Let us know your thoughts now!
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Matchup: #1 North Linn vs. #8 Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto
On North Linn: An offense that is putting up a ridiculous 80 points per game led by Jake Hilmer, David Seber, and Ryan Miller are why this group heads in state undefeated.
On Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto: Peaking at the perfect time is exactly what Maple Valley was able to do during their run in the playoffs. The opponent gets much tougher in this showdown.
Game Changer: Jake Hilmer, North Linn
Prediction: North Linn 73, Maple Valley 60
Why: The sheer wave of playmakers that has helped North Linn dominate during the winter.
Confidence in Prediction: High
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Matchup: #4 Gladbrook-Reinbeck vs. #5 Lynnville-Sully
On Gladbrook-Reinbeck: The Joe Smoldt show has continued to the tune of 30 points per game and his ability to carry the Rebels has them three wins away from a championship.
On Lynnville-Sully: A younger core group at Lynnville-Sully has used balance offensively to win games and that has included a defense holding foes to under 40 points per night.
Game Changer: Joe Smoldt, Gladbrook-Reinbeck
Prediction: Gladbrook-Reinbeck 59, Lynnville-Sully 55
Why: Joe Smoldt. This Upper Iowa signee is a game changer.
Confidence in Prediction: Medium
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Matchup: #2 Grand View Christian vs. #7 West Hancock
On Grand View Christian: Having one of the top offenses is what Grand View Christian is in the headlines for but their defense has been off the charts as well with their ability to get stops.
On West Hancock: Graduation may have struck hard and some of the faces have changed but the winning continues. West Hancock has handed the reins over to Dylan Eckels and he has come ready to perfect at an elite level.
Game Changer: Grant DeMeulenaere, Grand View Christian
Prediction: Grand View Christian 68, West Hancock 59
Why: The overall numbers of scorers that can make plays at Grand View Christian.
Confidence in Prediction: Medium
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Matchup: #3 St. Mary's Remsen vs. #6 New London
On St. Mary's Remsen: Many overlooked them despite an undefeated regular season but St. Mary's Remsen sent Boyden-Hull home for the winter and will come into state with the confidence needed to dominate.
On New London: After a fast start early in the winter, New London has learned from adversity and continued to lean on Mason Porter to carry his team early and often.
Game Changer: Mason Porter, New London
Prediction: New London 51, St. Mary's Remsen 50
Why: The youth at New London knows they have nothing to lose and will use that to shock the Class 1A world.
Confidence in Prediction: Very Low
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Agree/disagree? Let us know your thoughts now!
