Iowa Playoffs: Class 3A, Substate 8 Preview
The favorite: Dallas Center-Grimes enters the postseason at just a game over .500, but the Mustangs have a number of players on this roster that contributed to last year’s state tournament berth. Doug Heritage (15.3) and Trey Washington (10.5) form…
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Continue ReadingThe favorite: Dallas Center-Grimes enters the postseason at just a game over .500, but the Mustangs have a number of players on this roster that contributed to last year’s state tournament berth. Doug Heritage (15.3) and Trey Washington (10.5) form a solid backcourt, and though they’ve been inconsistent, they’ve beaten all three other teams in the district.
The biggest threat: The top individual talent in the district belongs to Perry, with dynamic scoring guard Shammond Ivory (22.4 points a game). He’s good enough to take over a game and lead his team to a few wins. Joined in double figures by Kyle Nevitt (15.6), Ryan Rathje (10.9) and Janier Puente (10.8), the Bluejays will be looking to outscore their opponents in up-tempo affairs.
The dark horse: Despite being the top seed in the district, ADM, Adel may not be the favorite. The Tigers are led by Tajen Ross (15.9), a talented scorer who transferred in from Waukee. Matthew Larson (13.1) and Payton Conrad (12.7) form the rest of their nucleus. ADM, like Perry, will look to get into higher scoring games.
Players to watch
Doug Heritage, Dallas Center-Grimes, 2016
Trey Washington, Dallas Center-Grimes, 2017
Shammond Ivory, Perry, 2016
Kyle Nevitt, Perry, 2016
Tajen Ross, ADM, Adel, 2017
Payton Conrad, ADM, Adel, 2017
Matthew Larson, ADM, Adel, 2017
The favorite: Last year’s surprise entrant in the 3A tournament, Glenwood has put together a great 17-4 season behind the stellar play of a pair of sophomore guards – Nate Mohr (17.6 points, 43.2 3P%) and Andrew Blum (16.5 points). The Rams have been good on both ends of the floor, ranking 4th in 3A in scoring and 18th defensively. They split the season series with Atlantic.
The biggest threat: The Trojans of Atlantic have the district’s best player in do-everything forward Ryan Hawkins. He’s averaging 22.4 points and 13.4 rebounds. Garrett Franken (16.5 points) is another outstanding player who handles the point guard duties despite standing 6’7″. His size could present some issues for Glenwood.
The dark horse: Creston guards Cody Crawford and Cooper McDermott could get hot and make things interesting, but this district is almost certainly set up for Atlantic vs. Glenwood Part III.
Players to watch
Nate Mohr, Glenwood, 2018
Andrew Blum, Glenwood, 2018
Ryan Hawkins, Atlantic, 2016
Garrett Franken, Atlantic, 2017
SUBSTATE PREDICTION
Dallas Center-Grimes vs. Glenwood
Glenwood’s standout guards have no issue scoring on Dallas Center-Grimes’ defense, sending the Rams back to state, where they can make some noise this time around.