Iowa Playoffs: Class 3A, Substate 7 Preview
Pella is the highest scoring team in 3A The favorite: The highest scoring team in 3A, Pella has once again cruised through the season, averaging 75.4 points a game. The Dutch have a solid group of athletes who score efficiently…
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Continue ReadingPella is the highest scoring team in 3A
The favorite: The highest scoring team in 3A, Pella has once again cruised through the season, averaging 75.4 points a game. The Dutch have a solid group of athletes who score efficiently and are dynamic defensively. They’re deep, play a pressing, frantic style and put up points in a hurry. Ryan VanWyk (14.5), Will Warner (13.1) and Payson Vande Lune (11.0) lead the way, but there are six other players who average between 4.3 and 7.3 points, making this team extremely dangerous.
The biggest threat: Bondurant-Farrar played to within 12 of Pella early in the season, and they’ve got a dynamic scorer in Dylon Storey (19.6 points). The Bluejays will look to attack the rim and get to the free throw line, something they did an awful lot of during the regular season.
The dark horse: Max Evans (17.0) and Noah Schmitt (13.7) form a solid scoring tandem for Carlisle. The Wildcats split their meetings with B-F this season.
Players to watch
Ryan VanWyk, Pella, 2017
Will Warner, Pella, 2016
Payson Vande Lune, Pella, 2016
Dylon Storey, Bondurant-Farrar, 2016
Max Evans, Carlisle, 2017
Noah Schmitt, Carlisle, 2016
The favorite: Cole Gidel (20.8) is a big-time scorer for Nevada, a team that has split their meetings with both Gilbert and North Polk. This district is another in which any of the four teams winning would be understandable. In a situation like that, we’ll take the top player at take our chances.
The biggest threat: Gilbert gets to play the opening round game against Ballard at home, and they just beat the Bombers by 14. Adam Baker (13.0), Ryan Blum (11.8) and Ryan Fleener (10.0) lead a team that is solid on both ends of the floor.
The dark horse: Despite losing by 14 in the regular season finale, Ballard could still make a run at this district behind Jaden Moody and his 16.7 points a game. The Bombers have a solid perimeter shooter in Max Stoltz, who shoots 50% from the arc.
Players to watch
Cole Gidel, Nevada, 2016
Jaden Moody, Ballard, 2016
Adam Baker, Gilbert, 2016
Brett Haun, North Polk, 2016
SUBSTATE PREDICTION
Pella vs. Nevada
This substate final would be one of the most lopsided affairs across any class. Pella cruises, returning to state for some unfinished business.