Iowa Preps previews the players to watch, matchups, and predicts the winners for the Class 2A State tournament first round now!
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Matchup: #1 Western Christian vs. #8 South Hamilton
On Western Christian: This powerhouse has continued their winning ways despite graduation and a new head coach taking over. This group has been holding foes to under 50 points per game on average.
On South Hamilton: Getting the #8 seed despite the type of season that they had shows the depth at the Class 2A ranks. Collin Hill is one of the best players in the state for a reason and will prove it.
Game Changer: Ben Gesink, Western Christian
Prediction: Western Christian 58, South Hamilton 55
Why: The way Western Christian has a knack for winning state games and that continues.
Confidence in Prediction: Medium
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Matchup: #4 Cascade vs. #5 Camanche
On Cascade: The intensity defensively has once again propelled Cascade to a berth at the state tournament. A lot of faces have changed since last year Gannon O"Brien and company know how to hit the big shots and share the basketball.
On Camanche: Their high-powered offense has been putting up jaw dropping numbers to the tune of over 75-points per game. Dakota Soenksen and Dylan Hundley have been a load to stop all year.
Game Changer: Dakota Soenksen, Camanche
Prediction: Camanche 54, Cascade 53
Why: Beating a good team three times in a season is a difficult task and that revenge motivates Camanche to win the game that matters most.
Confidence in Prediction: Low
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Matchup: #2 Pella Christian vs. #7 Van Meter
On Pella Christian: A senior laden group with Levi Jungling and David Kacmarynski leading the charge has helped the Eagles live up to the preseason hype and spend the winter chalking up victories.
On Van Meter: With their top nine scorers being juniors or younger, Ryan Schmitt and his squad know that they have nothing to lose here and will play with that all game long.
Game Changer: Levi Jungling, Pella Christian
Prediction: Pella Christian 68, Van Meter 60
Why: A schedule of 3A foes is something that gives Pella an edge at the 2A level.
Confidence in Prediction: High
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Matchup: #3 Kuemper Catholic vs. Garner-Hayfield/Ventura
On Kuemper Catholic: Having a Division I bigman in Matt Dentlinger to build around combined with a wealth of talented guards is what has pushed the Knights to a chance to play in Des Moines.
On Garner-Hayfield/Ventura: A trio of double digit scorers have done a great job sharing the basketball and that unselfishness is something that has allowed this team to get to another level.
Game Changer: Matt Dentlinger, Kuemper Catholic
Prediction: Kuemper Catholic 66, Garner-Hayfield/Ventura 59
Why: Experience. Dentlinger knows what it takes to win at crunch time.
Confidence in Prediction: Medium
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Agree/disagree? Let us know your thoughts now!
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Matchup: #1 Western Christian vs. #8 South Hamilton
On Western Christian: This powerhouse has continued their winning ways despite graduation and a new head coach taking over. This group has been holding foes to under 50 points per game on average.
On South Hamilton: Getting the #8 seed despite the type of season that they had shows the depth at the Class 2A ranks. Collin Hill is one of the best players in the state for a reason and will prove it.
Game Changer: Ben Gesink, Western Christian
Prediction: Western Christian 58, South Hamilton 55
Why: The way Western Christian has a knack for winning state games and that continues.
Confidence in Prediction: Medium
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Matchup: #4 Cascade vs. #5 Camanche
On Cascade: The intensity defensively has once again propelled Cascade to a berth at the state tournament. A lot of faces have changed since last year Gannon O"Brien and company know how to hit the big shots and share the basketball.
On Camanche: Their high-powered offense has been putting up jaw dropping numbers to the tune of over 75-points per game. Dakota Soenksen and Dylan Hundley have been a load to stop all year.
Game Changer: Dakota Soenksen, Camanche
Prediction: Camanche 54, Cascade 53
Why: Beating a good team three times in a season is a difficult task and that revenge motivates Camanche to win the game that matters most.
Confidence in Prediction: Low
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Matchup: #2 Pella Christian vs. #7 Van Meter
On Pella Christian: A senior laden group with Levi Jungling and David Kacmarynski leading the charge has helped the Eagles live up to the preseason hype and spend the winter chalking up victories.
On Van Meter: With their top nine scorers being juniors or younger, Ryan Schmitt and his squad know that they have nothing to lose here and will play with that all game long.
Game Changer: Levi Jungling, Pella Christian
Prediction: Pella Christian 68, Van Meter 60
Why: A schedule of 3A foes is something that gives Pella an edge at the 2A level.
Confidence in Prediction: High
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Matchup: #3 Kuemper Catholic vs. Garner-Hayfield/Ventura
On Kuemper Catholic: Having a Division I bigman in Matt Dentlinger to build around combined with a wealth of talented guards is what has pushed the Knights to a chance to play in Des Moines.
On Garner-Hayfield/Ventura: A trio of double digit scorers have done a great job sharing the basketball and that unselfishness is something that has allowed this team to get to another level.
Game Changer: Matt Dentlinger, Kuemper Catholic
Prediction: Kuemper Catholic 66, Garner-Hayfield/Ventura 59
Why: Experience. Dentlinger knows what it takes to win at crunch time.
Confidence in Prediction: Medium
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Agree/disagree? Let us know your thoughts now!
