STATE TOURNAMENT: 2A Preview
No. 1 seed: Dike New-Hartford (25-0)
About Dike-Hartford: The Wolverines are Iowa’s only undefeated team, and they can credit their staunch defense for that — allowing just 42 points per game in their 25 wins. They won a nip-and-tuck game against South Hamilton to reach the state tournament. Its offense is one of the more well-balanced attacks in the state, with five guys averaging between five and 11 points per game.
Why they can win it all: As the top-seed, and the only undefeated team in the field there is no reason why the Wolverines shouldn’t be considered one of the favorites here. Junior center Ben Latusek is a fiery competitor and a well-built big-man. The team’s success could hinge on his effectiveness.
Chances they win it all: We’ll give the Wolverines a decent chance to win it all, but they are not necessarily the favorites. Other teams in the top of the bracket will be tough to beat.
No. 2 seed Western Christian, Hull (22-2)
About Western Christian, Hull: A group of seasoned veterans lead the Wolfpack into the state tournament. It’s the school’s third straight appearance at state, and 18th all-time. Skilled big-man Josh Van Lingen has been instrumental in all three trips. They played a substantially more difficult schedule than the top-seeded Wolverines, and have only lost to out-of-state teams (Sioux Falls O’Gorman, Sioux Falls Christian).
Why they can win it all: Experience is the first thing that comes to mind, most of the team’s contributors played on last season’s team which was ousted in the first round. Also determination to prove that last season’s early exit was a fluke should play a role here.
Chances they win it all: We don’t want to go as far as to say their chances are good, but they are the favorites, and we will say they should win a state title.
No. 3 seed: Des Moines Christian (21-3)
About Des Moines Christian: The Lions have just three losses this season by a combined nine points, and they may have the best player in the field with Air Force-bound Keaton Van Soelen. They avenged a one point loss on the first game of the season when they beat Panorama in a substate final last week.
Why they can win it all: Aside from Van Soelen, junior guard Ben Juhl is also one of the more talented players in the field. The pair may make up the best tandem in this group of teams.
Chances they win it all: There’s a chance. It would be tough for anyone in this field to take out Western Christian, Hull, but the Lions may have the best shot. With 6-foot-7 Keaton Van Soelen being so versatile, it’ll be up to him to determine how successful this Lions team can be.
No. 4 seed: Cascade, Western Dubuque (20-3)
About Cascade, Western Dubuque: Like Western Christian, Hull, the Cougars are also making their third straight appearance to the state tournament. Like Dike-New Hartford, the Cougars are allowing just 42 points per game this season defensively. They had two hard-fought wins over Monticello and Beckman Catholic in district final, and substate.
Why they can win it all: Devin Green. He’s no question a top player in this group, and his experience and leadership will be critical to his team’s success.
Chances they win it all: Their chances to win it all are about as good as Des Moines Christian’s. Any team can get hot for a few games, and if the Cougars do so, they’re capable of beating anyone in this field.
No. 5 seed: Osage (20-4)
About Osage: The Green Devils have not been to a state tournament since 1995, and are making only their third trip ever to the event. They beat a very good G-H-V squad in their substate final. And after a middling 5-3 start, they’ve won 15 of 16 coming into the tournament.
Why they can win it all: They are red-hot and confident. They’ll need to harness all of that confidence if they’re able to make a deep run in this tournament.
Chances they win it all: Slim. The Green Devils are the youngest and least experienced group in the field. And played the weakest schedule of the bunch.
No. 6 seed: Anamosa (20-5)
About Anamosa: A senior-laden squad who is sizzling coming into the week. They have won 11 straight after a 9-5 start. And though they had a very difficult road through districts and substate, they won each game by double-digits. Kolin Schulte has been marvelous this season, averaging 22.3 points (45 3FG%), and 5.1 assists per game. It’s only the second-ever trip to the state tournament for the Raiders, the last one was in 1921.
Why they can win it all: The Raiders are playing arguably the best ball of any team in the field, and have certainly found a groove since their five early losses. Schulte is one of the best guards in the field, and all five starters are seniors.
Chances they win it all: Their chances of winning it all are better than their No. 6 seed would suggest. They are playing better than anybody right now, and have the star-power and senior leadership to make things happen. There’s definitely a chance.
No. 7 seed: Kuemper Catholic (21-3)
About Kuemper Catholic: The Knights are making their 14th-ever trip to the state tournament, and the first since 2013. Matt Dentlinger provides the star-power, he’s a 6-foot-7 power forward who’s been receiving some early Division I looks. They beat 2A powerhouse Treynor in a substate final to get here — that’s saying something.
Why they can win it all: Dentlinger is averaging a double-double and is an elite shot-blocker. Jacob Schaefer and sophomore guard Parker Badding provide a nice supporting cast.
Chances they win it all: Not very good. They are playing great right now, and have some very nice talent, But the fact remains that other teams are hotter coming in, and at the very least, just as talented.
No. 8 seed: Pella Christian (16-9)
About Pella Christian: They are again making an appearance as a low seed seed, last year it was the No. 7 seed, and oh ya….they knocked-off No. 2 seed Western Christian, Hull in the opening round. This season they narrowly avoid another first-round matchup with the Wolfpack, and instead will try and pull another upset against top-seed Dike-New Hartford.
Why they can win it all: They started 8-9, but have figured it out since, winners of eight straight. Also junior Levi Jungling is one of the state’s most dazzling point guards — and he has the experience to lead a final surge.
Chances they win it all: Very slim. It would help if big-man David Kacmaryinski was playing, but he sustained a season-erasing injury during the fall while playing football. You can never say never, but it would be shocking if the Eagles took home a 2A crown.
Our Picks
Quarterfinals: Dike-New Hartford, Cascade, Western Christian, Des Moines Christian
Semifinals: Western Christian, Cascade
Championship: Western Christian
Tony
Quarterfinals: Dike-New Hartford, Cascade, Western Christian, Anamosa
Semifinals: Dike-New Hartford, Anamosa
Championship: Anamosa
Quarterfinals: Dike-New Hartford, Cascade, Western Christian, Anamosa
Semifinals: Cascade, Western Christian
Championship: Western Christian