Iowa Playoffs: Class 1A, Substate 4 Preview
The favorite: One of the hottest teams in the class, Easton Valley has won 14 straight games heading into the postseason, using an impressive defense that allows just 44.8 points a game. Both of their losses came prior to the…
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Continue ReadingThe favorite: One of the hottest teams in the class, Easton Valley has won 14 straight games heading into the postseason, using an impressive defense that allows just 44.8 points a game. Both of their losses came prior to the break and to 2A teams. Blake Bormann (16.4 points, 10.1 rebounds) leads an attack that does a great job taking care of the ball (286 assists to 172 turnovers as a team), and has gone 12-0 against teams in the district this season, including a season sweep of Bellevue Marquette, their biggest competition here.
The biggest threat: C.J. Michels (22.3 points, 10.2 rebounds) is the top offensive threat in the district, an efficient player with the ability to score from anywhere on the floor for Bellevue Marquette. The Mohawks were swept by Easton Valley during the regular season, but one of those losses came by just five points, proving them can play with the RiverHawks.
The dark horse: After starting the season 0-7, Calamus-Wheatland has won 10 of their last 14 games, heading into the postseason with some momentum. They could stand to be a bit more efficient (40.9 FG%), but they’ve got a trio of double figure scorers – Brett Kelting (15.4), Garrett Rickels (13.2) and Hunter Rickels (11.6). If they’re able to become a bit more efficient with their shooting during the postseason, they could do some damage.
Players to watch
Blake Bormann, Easton Valley, 2016
C.J. Michels, Bellevue Marquette, 2016
Brett Kelting, Calamus-Wheatland, 2017
Garrett Rickels, Calamus-Wheatland, 2017
Seth Moeller, Prince of Peace Prep, 2017
Bailey Arwine, Lisbon, 2018
The favorite: Danville has established themselves as a regular in Des Moines, and behind yet another high-scoring team, they should be considered the favorite in this substate to do so again. The Bears are still playing without Kolton Jackson, who is tied with Dillon Sanchez at 14.1 points a game as the team’s leading scorers. Nonetheless, there is still more talented here than on any other roster in the district, with Mitch Martin (12.2), Kole Perkins (9.8), Mason Lobber (9.6) and Kaleb Haeffner (9.2) all contributing solid efforts on both ends of the floor. The Bears force lots of turnovers with their constant pressure, something most teams will struggle with.
The biggest threat: Lone Tree is probably the most likely team to meet Danville in the district final, having already swept the season series with Iowa Mennonite. They split with Highland, but would get to play the semifinal game at home, giving them the edge. Jovonte Squiers (15.2 points, 7.8 assists) paces a Lions attack that is among the most efficient in 1A. Niko Gosnell has provided a defensive presence on the interior, something that could cause problems for the opposition.
The dark horse: Iowa Mennonite has been a powerful team for years in this area of the state, and Eli Gingerich (17.7) and crew played Danville to their closest game this season, an eight-point loss. If IMS is able to get past Lone Tree, they could give Danville a scare in the district final.
Players to watch
Dillon Sanchez, Danville, 2016
Mitch Martin, Danville, 2017
Mason Lorber, Danville, 2016
Jovonte Squiers, Lone Tree, 2017
Niko Gosnell, Lone Tree, 2017
Eli Gingerich, Iowa Mennonite, 2016
Xavior Williams, Burlington, Notre Dame, 2016
SUBSTATE PREDICTION
Easton Valley vs. Danville
Danville is a regular at the state tournament, and with their experience both on the floor and on the sidelines, they should be prepared for this one. The usual explosive offense of the Bears does what it does and carries them to another state tournament berth.