Iowa Playoffs: Class 1A, Substate 3 Preview
The favorite: One of only two remaining unbeaten teams in the state, West Fork is one of 1A’s premier programs – they’re used to winning, having never lost a game in the Top of Iowa conference. The Warhawks are paced by…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe favorite: One of only two remaining unbeaten teams in the state, West Fork is one of 1A’s premier programs – they’re used to winning, having never lost a game in the Top of Iowa conference. The Warhawks are paced by Jacob Kuhlmeier (15.7, 71.1 FG%) and Gunnar Myers (12.8), but also have two players averaging just under 10 points a game in Travis Fekkers and Reese Halloran. This group only knows how to win, they take care of the ball and play good defense. Until someone knocks them off their throne, they have to be considered a heavy favorite in this district.
The biggest threat: Janesville is the state’s most efficient offensive team, shooting 57.6% from the floor, with a trio of players averaging more than 15 points a night, with each shooting at least 54.7%. Danny Amlie (18.5, 54.7%), Isaiah Carlson (16.4, 67.0) and Jack Thode (15.0, 70.5) lead the group that has proven capable of beating one of 1A’s top dogs, taking down Gladbrook-Reinbeck earlier in the season. They’ve got a lot of weapons for West Fork to cover, and they don’t force anything.
The dark horse: After the graduation of star big man Ethan Steinbronn, West Central hasn’t posted the same gaudy record as they had a year ago, but they’ve still got a very talented player in Dustin Gordon (20.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 74 3PM) who is capable of taking over a game and carrying the Blue Devils to a win or two. If they can get some production from their role players, West Central won’t be any easy out.
Players to watch
Jacob Kuhlmeier, West Fork, 2016
Gunnar Myers, West Fork, 2016
Danny Amlie, Janesville, 2016
Isaiah Carlson, Janesville, 2016
Jack Thode, Janesville, 2016
Dustin Gordon, West Central, 2016
Carew Vogt, Tripoli, 2016
Reid Lammers, North Butler, 2016
The favorite: All three of Jesup’s losses have come to very good 2A teams (two to unbeaten Dike-New Hartford and one to Aplington-Parkersburg). The J-Hawks are led by a very talented lead guard, junior Ethan Wyant (18.4 points, 64.0 FG%). He leads an efficient attack that shoots better than 50% from the floor as a team. Tyler Lienau (14.7 points) and Rodney Ciesielski (11.5) are both strong contributors on both ends of the floor.
The biggest threat: North Linn features (arguably) the top player in the district in freshman sensation Jake Hilmer. The Lynx are blasting opponents by an average of 31.5 points en route to a 20-1 record, but they haven’t played the same level of competition as Jesup. Hilmer is putting up ridiculous numbers at 16.3 points and 9.2 assists, and leads a group that features four double figure scorers. While they haven’t played as tough a schedule as the J-Hawks, there is plenty of talent on this Lynx team, and they’ve got a coach roaming the sidelines that has won more than 800 games in his career. This team will be prepared for whatever gets thrown at them.
The dark horse: Entering the postseason on a five-game winning streak, Alburnett is starting to peak at the right time and is the only other team in the district with a plus-.500 record. The Pirates have for players averaging between 8.8 and 11.9 points and have a solid pair of players in Jordan Stewart and Ryan Moyle who do a nice job controlling the glass. This team won’t give up many second chances.
Players to watch
Ethan Wyant, Jesup, 2017
Tyler Lienau, Jesup, 2017
Rodney Ciesielski, Jesup, 2016
Jake Hilmer, North Linn, 2019
Ryan Miller, North Linn, 2018
Logan Novak, North Linn, 2017
David Seber, North Linn, 2019
Joey Philipp, Alburnett, 2016
Ryan Moyle, Alburnett, 2016
Jordan Stewart, Alburnett, 2016
SUBSTATE PREDICTION
West Fork vs. Jesup
In what figures to be the best substate final in Class 1A, we’ll take Jesup in a slight upset. Having played their more difficult schedule, they won’t be surprised by anything West Fork has to throw at them, and a big night from Ethan Wyant gets the J-Hawks their ticket to Des Moines. This (should it happen) will be one hell of a game.