Iowa Playoffs: Class 3A, Substate 5 Preview
The favorite: Losers of six straight heading into the postseason, Cedar Rapids Xavier may not seem like they should be a favorite. But those losses either came without Matthew Mims in the lineup or against top-level 4A teams. The Saints…
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Continue ReadingThe favorite: Losers of six straight heading into the postseason, Cedar Rapids Xavier may not seem like they should be a favorite. But those losses either came without Matthew Mims in the lineup or against top-level 4A teams. The Saints have a quartet of double-figure scorers in Mitchell Burger (16.6), Max Techau (14.3), Mims (12.3) and Jackson Joens (10.0). They’ve got the ability to play both inside and out, slow and fast, and they’re easily the most talented team in this district.
The biggest threat: The only other team above .500 in the district is Clear Creek-Amana. The Clippers are led by a solid guard duo of Cal Miller (15.1) and Jake Neubauer (12.7). Both are capable scorers from the perimeter and could take advantage of a sometimes leaky Saints defense.
The dark horse: Washington has a better chance at beating CC-A than Williamsburg does at beating Xavier, so make them the dark horse. The Demons have a high-scoring guard in Derek Anding (18.6) and a solid role player in Dalton Myers.
Players to watch
Mitchell Burger, Cedar Rapids Xavier, 2016
Max Techau, Cedar Rapids Xavier, 2017
Matt Mims, Cedar Rapids Xavier, 2018
Jackson Joens, Cedar Rapids Xavier, 2018
Ryan Stulken, Cedar Rapids Xavier, 2016
Cal Miller, Clear Creek-Amana, 2016
Jake Neubauer, Clear Creek-Amana, 2016
Derek Anding, Washington, 2016
The favorite: Mount Pleasant is one of the youngest teams in the state, starting four sophomores and a junior. The Panthers have the second best scoring defense in 3A, allowing just 43.1 points a game. They’re led by Brady Sartorius (15.7), a scoring guard who also takes great care of the ball. Jordan Magnani (11.1), Kieran Kohorst (9.1) and Colin Mulford (6.3) are all solid pieces around him. The Panthers will look to grind out wins using their solid defense and patient offensive approach.
The biggest threat: Joel Howren (15.1 points, 9.1 rebounds) has the type of size that could present some problems for Mount Pleasant. His Keokuk team won four of their last six, so they’re playing solid basketball right now.
The dark horse: Fairfield beat Fort Madison on February 12th and has a balanced attack that could spread Mount Pleasant’s defense thin. The Trojans could squeak out a few lower-scoring games.
Players to watch
Brady Sartorius, Mount Pleasant, 2018
Jordan Magnani, Mount Pleasant, 2018
Joel Howren, Keokuk, 2016
SUBSTATE PREDICTION
Cedar Rapids Xavier vs. Mount Pleasant
Xavier won this game by 33 in the season opener for both teams. While I don’t expect the rematch to be that lopsided, it’s still a comfortable win for the Saints who head back to Des Moines for the second straight year.