Class 1A, Substate 1 Preview
DISTRICT 1 The favorite: One of just four remaining undefeated teams in the state, Remsen, St. Mary’s has to be considered the favorite here. Through February 6th, they’re 6-0 against other teams in the district, including a season sweep against…
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Continue ReadingDISTRICT 1
The favorite: One of just four remaining undefeated teams in the state, Remsen, St. Mary’s has to be considered the favorite here. Through February 6th, they’re 6-0 against other teams in the district, including a season sweep against LeMars Gehlen, arguably their toughest competition in the bracket. Nicholas Ruden paces an efficient attack for the Hawks at 16.9 points a game on 63.9% shooting, and as a team, they are shooting above 52% from the floor. The No. 6 defensive team in Class 1A, St. Mary’s is allowing just 41 points a night, so teams will have their work cut out for themselves each night as they make their way through this bracket.
The biggest threat: LeMars Gehlen has gone 6-0 against teams in the district not named St. Mary’s, putting them in a pretty good spot to advance to the district final and get a third meeting with the Hawks. Cooper Davis (12.5) leads a balanced Jays offense that has three players averaging in double figures. Bryan Nohova gives them a nice interior presence at 6-5, and averaging over a block a game.
The dark horses: The Wildcats of Woodbury Central have played the toughest schedule of anyone in the district, something that could come in handy. Tyler Walker (11.4) is a volume shooter hitting nearly 40% from the arc, and if he gets hot, they could give St. Mary’s some trouble in the district semifinal. Kingsley-Pierson has come on strong of late, winning six of their last seven games. Led by Nathan Keck (16.2), one of the district’s top scorers, the Panthers could get hot and make a run.
Players to watch
Nicholas Ruden, Remsen, St. Mary’s, 2018
Cooper Davis, LeMars Gehlen, 2017
Tyler Walker, Woodbury Central, 2018
Nathan Keck, Kingsley-Pierson, 2019
Nathan Kneifl, Lawton-Bronson, 2017
DISTRICT 2
The favorite: Winners of seven of their last eight games, Boyden-Hull looks like the favorite here. Included in those seven wins are victories over George-Little Rock and Central Lyon, arguably the two biggest threats in the district. A traditionally strong program with the added bonus of playing in the Siouxland Conference against bigger schools, the Comets are led by Marcus Rens (14.2), a versatile scoring threat. The Comets are shooting 50.3% from the floor and are the 15th highest scoring team in 1A despite playing against one of the classes’ most difficult schedules.
The biggest threat: George-Little Rock has faltered a bit down the stretch, losing six of their last eight, but all of those losses have come to quality 2A teams or Boyden-Hull. The Mustangs have a balanced array of threats on the offensive end, with all five of their starters averaging between 9.3 and 12.5 points a game. This is a team that rebounds at a high level, especially on the offensive end of the floor, and if they can control the glass in a district final against Boyden-Hull, they would have a great chance at coming out of the district.
The dark horse: Central Lyon split their season series with Boyden-Hull, and the Lions may have the district’s best individual player in Riley Van Wyhe (22.4). Van Wyhe is a big-time scorer who can make an impact on both ends of the floor. If they’re able to get past a tricky game with South O’Brien in the quarterfinals, they could certainly give the Comets all they want and more in the semifinal.
Players to watch
Marcus Rens, Boyden-Hull, 2017
Caleb Terhark, George-Little Rock, 2019
Austin Jensen, George-Little Rock, 2017
Riley Van Wyhe, Central Lyon, 2017
Carson Louscher, South O’Brien, 2018
Cameron Maxwell, South O’Brien, 2017
SUBSTATE FINAL PREDICTION
Remsen, St. Mary’s vs. Boyden-Hull
While Boyden-Hull’s more difficult schedule will certainly be an edge for the Comets, it’s hard to pick against a team that has made it this far unbeaten. We’ll give the slight edge to Remsen, St. Mary’s in what should be a tight, low-scoring game throughout. The Hawks make their first ever trip to the state tournament.