Iowa Playoffs: Class 3A, Substate 6 Preview
The favorite: Chariton has rolled through their schedule to the tune of a 20-1 record, sweeping each of the other three teams in the district. The Chargers have a fantastic trio in Daric Laing (23.6 points), T.J. Hockenson (19.3 points,…
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Continue ReadingThe favorite: Chariton has rolled through their schedule to the tune of a 20-1 record, sweeping each of the other three teams in the district. The Chargers have a fantastic trio in Daric Laing (23.6 points), T.J. Hockenson (19.3 points, 10.1 rebounds) and Lim Chuol (10.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists). The trio should be enough to get them through the district.
The biggest threat: Knoxville has played a pair of tight games against Chariton, losing by seven and one in their meetings. They split with their first round opponent, Centerville, but matchup better with the Chargers than Centerville does. Chase Larson (12.0), Blake McClung (10.2) and Trent Davis (10.0) lead their attack.
The dark horse: If Centerville is able to beat Knoxville, they’ll meet up with Chariton. Brett Kauzlarich (17.0) is the best player in the district not from Chariton and could do some damage in an open game. Tate Felton (11.2), Hunter Cowan (10.8) and Colton Belloma (10.4) provide additional scoring punch.
Players to watch
Daric Laing, Chariton, 2016
T.J. Hockenson, Chariton, 2016
Lim Chuol, Chariton, 2017
Brett Kauzlarich, Centerville, 2017
Chase Larson, Knoxville, 2017
The favorite: Grinnell has a very talented inside-out combination in juniors Cade McKnight (18.7) and Sam Allen (16.4). The Tigers have gotten solid contributions from a pair of new role players in Zaine Leedom (8.7) and Brevin Hansen (6.2). Hansen is one of the better shooters in the state, pairing with Allen to form a fantastic shooting duo. The Tigers split with Newton, winning the more recent meeting by 21 at Newton.
The biggest threat: Connor Gholson (19.1) and Garrett Sturtz (17.3) lead a much improved Newton team. The Cardinals split with Grinnell, their likely district final opponent, so they know they can beat them.
The dark horse: Oskaloosa has a high-level shooter in Spencer Tucker (48 3P%) who could get hot and carry them to a win or two. Jack Moore is a talented wing with the ability to score from anywhere on the floor.
Players to watch
Cade McKnight, Grinnell, 2017
Sam Allen, Grinnell, 2017
Connor Gholson, Newton, 2017
Garrett Sturtz, Newton, 2018
SUBSTATE PREDICTION
Chariton vs. Grinnell
Chariton lost the regular season meeting in Grinnell by 3. On a neutral floor, I think the Chargers get revenge and head to state.