Iowa Preps previews the players to watch, matchups, and predicts the winners for the Class 3A State tournament first round now!
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Matchup: #1 Waverly-Shell Rock vs. #8 Atlantic
On Waverly-Shell Rock: It is the final run for future Northern Iowa Panther Austin Phyfe and he has played like he has something to prove with the dominance he has shown on the court as a senior.
On Atlantic: This club can make a case for getting the worst seed in all of Class 3A but having a Division I athlete in Garrett Franken to count on along with two other double digit scorers will make this team a tough challenge.
Game Changer: Austin Phyfe
Prediction: Waverly-Shell Rock 61, Atlantic 58
Why: Phyfe is a man among boys at the high school level and this squad is known for excelling in Des Moines.
Confidence in Prediction: Medium
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Matchup: #4 Cedar Rapids Xavier vs. #5 Mount Pleasant
On Cedar Rapids Xavier: The defending champs may not have the best-looking record overall but the level of talent on their roster combined with a brutal MVC schedule makes them a serious contender for the crown.
On Mount Pleasant: Brady Sartorius and company have lived up to the hype this winter and have the playmakers needed to win a championship. Now they must avenge their season opening loss to the Saints.
Game Changer: Max Techau, Cedar Rapids Xavier
Prediction: Cedar Rapids Xavier 59, Mount Pleasant 56
Why: The Saints are battled tested and spending the year playing against elite competition gives them a slight nod.
Confidence in Prediction: Low
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Matchup: #2 West Delaware vs. #7 Dallas Center-Grimes
On West Delaware: The hype has been high all season for the Hawks and they have lived up to it with an undefeated record that has been guided by three playmakers averaging double digits.
On Dallas Center-Grimes: Despite a tough ending to the regular season, the Mustangs came ready in the playoffs and their success when it mattered most is what helped them punch a ticket to the postseason.
Game Changer: Derek Krogmann, West Delaware
Prediction: West Delaware 66, Dallas Center-Grimes 57
Why: Although DC-G has the athletes to make it interesting, the consistency that West Delaware has shown all season gives them an advantage in the second half.
Confidence in Prediction: Medium
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Matchup: #3 Pella vs. #6 Sergeant Bluff-Luton
On Pella: This program just churns out victories and that is no different this winter. Their high scoring offense has spent the season putting up jaw dropping numbers and having a wealth of athletes who have excelled on the big stage will be tough for foes to stop.
On Sergeant Bluff-Luton: This MRC program took a huge step forward during the winter months and is excited to see what their four top playmakers can do on the court.
Game Changer: Ryan VanWyk, Pella
Prediction: Pella 67, Sergeant Bluff-Luton 61
Why: The additional offensive threats of Pella.
Confidence in Prediction: Medium
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Agree/disagree? Let us know your thoughts now!
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Matchup: #1 Waverly-Shell Rock vs. #8 Atlantic
On Waverly-Shell Rock: It is the final run for future Northern Iowa Panther Austin Phyfe and he has played like he has something to prove with the dominance he has shown on the court as a senior.
On Atlantic: This club can make a case for getting the worst seed in all of Class 3A but having a Division I athlete in Garrett Franken to count on along with two other double digit scorers will make this team a tough challenge.
Game Changer: Austin Phyfe
Prediction: Waverly-Shell Rock 61, Atlantic 58
Why: Phyfe is a man among boys at the high school level and this squad is known for excelling in Des Moines.
Confidence in Prediction: Medium
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Matchup: #4 Cedar Rapids Xavier vs. #5 Mount Pleasant
On Cedar Rapids Xavier: The defending champs may not have the best-looking record overall but the level of talent on their roster combined with a brutal MVC schedule makes them a serious contender for the crown.
On Mount Pleasant: Brady Sartorius and company have lived up to the hype this winter and have the playmakers needed to win a championship. Now they must avenge their season opening loss to the Saints.
Game Changer: Max Techau, Cedar Rapids Xavier
Prediction: Cedar Rapids Xavier 59, Mount Pleasant 56
Why: The Saints are battled tested and spending the year playing against elite competition gives them a slight nod.
Confidence in Prediction: Low
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Matchup: #2 West Delaware vs. #7 Dallas Center-Grimes
On West Delaware: The hype has been high all season for the Hawks and they have lived up to it with an undefeated record that has been guided by three playmakers averaging double digits.
On Dallas Center-Grimes: Despite a tough ending to the regular season, the Mustangs came ready in the playoffs and their success when it mattered most is what helped them punch a ticket to the postseason.
Game Changer: Derek Krogmann, West Delaware
Prediction: West Delaware 66, Dallas Center-Grimes 57
Why: Although DC-G has the athletes to make it interesting, the consistency that West Delaware has shown all season gives them an advantage in the second half.
Confidence in Prediction: Medium
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Matchup: #3 Pella vs. #6 Sergeant Bluff-Luton
On Pella: This program just churns out victories and that is no different this winter. Their high scoring offense has spent the season putting up jaw dropping numbers and having a wealth of athletes who have excelled on the big stage will be tough for foes to stop.
On Sergeant Bluff-Luton: This MRC program took a huge step forward during the winter months and is excited to see what their four top playmakers can do on the court.
Game Changer: Ryan VanWyk, Pella
Prediction: Pella 67, Sergeant Bluff-Luton 61
Why: The additional offensive threats of Pella.
Confidence in Prediction: Medium
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Agree/disagree? Let us know your thoughts now!
