STATE TOURNAMENT: Class 2A Game Recaps

Semifinal #2: #2 Western Christian 56, #3 Des Moines Christian 47

It’s going to be an all-Hull championship game in Class 2A this year, as second-seeded Western Christian knocked off third-seed Des Moines Christian, 56-47, to advance to tomorrow’s championship.

A tight, back-and-forth game throughout the first half, Western Christian grabbed control late in the second quarter and carried that momentum through the third quarter, outscoring the Lions 19-8 in that 9:41 time frame to grab control of this one. Outside of a 43 second window from the 7:35 to 6:52 mark in the third quarter, the Wolfpack led by at least two possessions for the entire second half. 

A disciplined group that shares the ball, is constantly cutting, and crashes the offensive glass hard, Western Christian eventually just wears teams down, and that’s what they did in this one. They’re long, balanced, deep and skilled, and play excellent team defense.

Western Christian (21-5) advances to the school’s 11th championship game and will be looking to take home their 10th title, which would be a record. The Wolfpack were led by junior forward Ty Van Essen Ty Van Essen 6'4" | PF Western Christian | 2022 State IA , who had 15 points and 10 rebounds. Brayden Van Meeteren added 11 points, and three other Wolfpack had eight points each – Wyatt Gulker, Tyson Boer and Dalton Westra. They now have the tall task of an undefeated Boyden-Hull team from 0.6 miles down the block.

Des Moines Christian’s season ends with a 22-3 record and the school’s first semifinal appearance since 1999. The Lions were led by Elijah Hess, who had 12 points before fouling out. Adam Witty Adam Witty 6'2" | SF Des Moines Christian | 2022 State IA added 11, and all five starters had at least six points.

MVP: Ty Van Essen Ty Van Essen 6'4" | PF Western Christian | 2022 State IA , Western Christian (2022) — 15 points (3-11 FG, 9-10 FT), 10 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal, 1 assist

The 6-4 junior didn’t score his first points until the 6:49 mark of the third quarter, but he kept grinding and finding ways to get to the free throw line and to impact the game with his prowess on the glass. 

Des Moines Christian: Elijah Hess 12, Adam Witty Adam Witty 6'2" | SF Des Moines Christian | 2022 State IA 11, Tristan Brown 9, Grant Veenstra Grant Veenstra 6'2" | SF Des Moines Christian | 2021 State IA 8, Ben Loverude Ben Loverude 6'6" | PF Dmc | 2021 State IA 6, Micah Bradenburg 1
Western Christian: Ty Van Essen Ty Van Essen 6'4" | PF Western Christian | 2022 State IA 15, Brayden Van Meeteren 11, Wyatt Gulker 8, Tyson Boer 8, Dalton Westra 8, Ashtin Van’t Hul 6

Team stats
Des Moines Christian: 16-46 FG (34.8%), 6-23 3P (26.1%), 9-13 FT (69.2%), 28 rebounds (10 offensive, 18 defensive), 10 assists, 12 turnovers
Western Christian: 16-40 FG (40.0%), 3-9 3P (33.3%), 21-31 FT (67.7%), 29 rebounds (9 offensive, 20 defensive), 9 assists, 10 turnovers

Semifinal #1: #1 Boyden-Hull 77, #4 Aplington-Parkersburg 66

The reigning state champions will get a chance to defend their Class 2A title, as top-ranked Boyden-Hull made the big plays when they needed to, topping fourth-seed Aplington-Parkersburg, 77-66, to advance to tomorrow’s championship game. They await the winner of the Des Moines Christian vs. Western Christian game still to come.

The first half was a bit of a slog, as these two high-powered teams felt each other out. Boyden-Hull used a 6-0 run to close the half and go to the locker rooms with a 22-20 lead. 

The Comets kept A-P just out of reach for the majority of the third quarter. They would routinely push the lead up to 6 or 7 points, then the Falcons would trim it back down to 3. Then Boyden-Hull would push it back to 6 or 7, rinse and repeat. They were finally able to push the lead up to double-digits midway through the fourth quarter, and a fantastic free-throw shooting team was able to ice the game away in the last few minutes at the stripe. After going 14-14 from the line in the quarterfinals, Boyden-Hull was 22-25 from the line in this one.

Boyden-Hull (26-0) was led by Tanner Te Slaa Tanner Te Slaa 6'5" | SF Boyden-Hull | 2022 State IA , who had 24 points and 11 rebounds in the win. Marcus Kelderman Marcus Kelderman 6'1" | SG Boyden-Hull | 2021 State IA shook off an early ankle injury and finished with 22 points. Bryan Zylstra chipped in 15 off the bench. The Comets will play in their 10th state championship, and the school’s third straight. 

Aplington-Parkersburg’s season ends with a 22-4 record. The Falcons were led by Jayden Mackie Jayden Mackie 6'2" | PG Aplington-Parkersburg | 2022 State IA , who continued his fantastic week with a 21-point showing. Owen Thomas Owen Thomas 6'4" | SF Aplington-Parkersburg | 2021 State IA added 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Gavin Thomas had 12 in the loss. The Falcons bring back six of their top eight scorers from this group, led by Mackie, so expect to see them back here next year. 

MVP: Bryan Zylstra, Boyden-Hull (2022) — 15 points (5-9 FG, 3-4 3P, 2-2 FT), 6 rebounds, 1 assist

Yes, the Comets got huge production out of Tanner Te Slaa Tanner Te Slaa 6'5" | SF Boyden-Hull | 2022 State IA and Marcus Kelderman Marcus Kelderman 6'1" | SG Boyden-Hull | 2021 State IA again, but Zylstra came off the bench to provide a huge boost for the Comets in this one. He provided much needed offense during a slow first half, and made another big 3 in the second half to help keep the Comets rolling.

Aplington-Parkersburg: Jayden Mackie Jayden Mackie 6'2" | PG Aplington-Parkersburg | 2022 State IA 21, Owen Thomas Owen Thomas 6'4" | SF Aplington-Parkersburg | 2021 State IA 15, Gavin Thomas 12, Garrett Hempen 8, Christian Haugstad Christian Haugstad 6'7" | C Aplington-Parkersburg | 2022 State IA 6, Cooper Hoff 3, Josh Haan Josh Haan 6'6" | PF Aplington-Parkersburg | 2021 State IA 1
Boyden-Hull: Tanner Te Slaa Tanner Te Slaa 6'5" | SF Boyden-Hull | 2022 State IA 24, Marcus Kelderman Marcus Kelderman 6'1" | SG Boyden-Hull | 2021 State IA 22, Bryan Zylstra 15, Dayton Brunsting 7, Dylan Francis 5, Kody Noble 4

Team stats
Aplington-Parkersburg: 23-49 FG (46.9%), 9-19 3P (47.4%), 11-14 FT (78.6%), 20 rebounds (4 offensive, 16 defensive), 12 assists, 10 turnovers
Boyden-Hull: 24-47 FG (51.1%), 7-17 3P (41.2%), 22-25 FT (88.0%), 32 rebounds (8 offensive, 24 defensive), 15 assists, 11 turnovers

Quarterfinal #4: #2 Western Christian 71, #7 Camanche 55

Western Christian made their return to Wells Fargo Arena in a big way on Tuesday afternoon, as the second-seeded Wolfpack blasted seventh-seed Camanche, 71-55, to advance to the 2A semifinals. They’ll face Des Moines Christian at 12:00 on Thursday afternoon.

Making their 22nd state tournament appearance, but the first since winning it all in 2017, this new crop of Wolfpack players didn’t look intimidated at all. They led for the final 29:07 of the game, using their length to force a number of Camanche turnovers, which they turned into 21 points off turnovers. An efficient offense that moves the ball, cuts hard off the ball and features a number of players who can really shoot it, the Wolfpack shot 52.1% from the floor in the win.

The Wolfpack built up a lead as large as 24 in the third quarter and cruised to the win. They’ll be making the school’s 17th semifinal appearance.

Western Christian (20-5) was led by Wyatt Gulker, who had a game-high 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals. Ty Van Essen Ty Van Essen 6'4" | PF Western Christian | 2022 State IA added 18 points and Brayden Van Meeteren chipped in 12 in the win. 

Camanche’s season ends with an 18-7 record. The Indians were led by Jordan Lawrence Jordan Lawrence 5'9" | PG Camanche | 2021 State IA , who had 17 points in his final high school game. Zach Erwin Zach Erwin 6'6" | SF Camanche | 2022 State IA and Zayne Feller Zayne Feller 6'7" | PF Camanche | 2021 State IA each added 12 points for the Indians.

MVP: Wyatt Gulker, Western Christian (2022) — 26 points (8-13 FG, 3-5 3P, 7-7 FT), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals

The 6-3 junior wing made a major impact on both ends of the floor, using his length to jump passing lanes and turn defense into easy offense. He is constantly moving on the offensive end, making good hard basket cuts that he turns into easy buckets and he showed a smooth stroke from the arc as well.

Camanche: Jordan Lawrence Jordan Lawrence 5'9" | PG Camanche | 2021 State IA 17, Zayne Feller Zayne Feller 6'7" | PF Camanche | 2021 State IA 12, Zach Erwin Zach Erwin 6'6" | SF Camanche | 2022 State IA 12, Mike Delzell Mike Delzell 6'0" | SF Camanche | 2022 State IA 8, Zane Witt 4, Tucker Dickherber 2
Western Christian: Wyatt Gulker 26, Ty Van Essen Ty Van Essen 6'4" | PF Western Christian | 2022 State IA 18, Brayden Van Meeteren 12, Ashtin Van’t Hul 7, Eli Van Essen 4, Tyson Boer 2, Dalton Westra 2

Team stats
Camanche: 21-49 FG (42.9%), 4-20 3P (20.0%), 9-12 FT (75.0%), 23 rebounds (6 offensive, 17 defensive), 7 assists, 15 turnovers
Western Christian: 25-48 FG (52.1%), 6-16 3P (37.5%), 15-19 FT (78.9%), 32 rebounds (9 offensive, 23 defensive), 16 assists, 16 turnovers

Quarterfinal #3: #3 Des Moines Christian 58, #6 Beckman Catholic 38

Defense has been the name of the game all year for third-seeded Des Moines Christian, and it was on full display on Tuesday morning, as the Lions locked down sixth-seeded Beckman Catholic en route to a 58-38 win. The win sends the Lions into Thursday’s semifinals, where they’ll face either Western Christian or Camanche.

A slugfest in the first half was blown open in the third quarter, when Des Moines Christian used a 18-4 period to grab a 36-23 lead. Behind an offense that looked to push in transition when given the opportunity, the Lions shot an efficient 51.4% from the floor, routinely looking to get easy buckets before Beckman Catholic could set their defense. Des Moines Christian led by double-figures the entire fourth quarter.

The Lions, primarily senior Ben Loverude Ben Loverude 6'6" | PF Dmc | 2021 State IA , did an outstanding job on Beckman’s leading scorer, Padraig Gallagher Padraig Gallagher 6'5" | SF Beckman Catholic | 2023 State IA , holding him scoreless through the first 27:15 of the contest. While Gallagher battled some foul trouble in the first half, he was just never able to get an inch of space to get things going.

Des Moines Christian (22-2) was led by Adam Witty Adam Witty 6'2" | SF Des Moines Christian | 2022 State IA , who had a game-high 20 points. Elijah Hess added 14 and Ben Loverude Ben Loverude 6'6" | PF Dmc | 2021 State IA chipped in 12. They will be making their first semifinal appearance since 1999.

Beckman Catholic’s season ends with a 16-8 record. The Blazers were led by Jack Gehling Jack Gehling 6'4" | PF Beckman Catholic | 2021 State IA , who ended his high school career with an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double. They’ll bring back Padraig Gallagher Padraig Gallagher 6'5" | SF Beckman Catholic | 2023 State IA and Logan Goedken next season, so the Blazers should be formidable again.

MVP: Ben Loverude Ben Loverude 6'6" | PF Dmc | 2021 State IA , Des Moines Christian (2021) — 12 points (5-7 FG, 1-3 3P, 1-2 FT)

Loverude provided some punch in the scoring column, sure, and his 3-pointer to cap off the third quarter gave the Lions all the momentum, but it was his stellar work on the defensive end that earned him this honor. He didn’t give Gallagher an inch of space at all in this one, and their ability to limit Gallagher really turned this game.

Beckman Catholic: Jack Gehling Jack Gehling 6'4" | PF Beckman Catholic | 2021 State IA 11, Jacob Hermsen 8, Logan Goedken 7, Mason White Mason White 6'0" | SG Beckman Catholic | 2021 State IA 6, Logan Burchard 3, Padraig Gallagher Padraig Gallagher 6'5" | SF Beckman Catholic | 2023 State IA 3
Des Moines Christian: Adam Witty Adam Witty 6'2" | SF Des Moines Christian | 2022 State IA 20, Elijah Hess 14, Ben Loverude Ben Loverude 6'6" | PF Dmc | 2021 State IA 12, Grant Veenstra Grant Veenstra 6'2" | SF Des Moines Christian | 2021 State IA 6, Tristan Brown 4, Scotty Wynne 2

Team stats
Beckman Catholic: 14-38 FG (36.8%), 5-15 3P (33.3%), 5-8 FT (62.5%), 23 rebounds (7 offensive, 16 defensive), 7 assists, 15 turnovers
Des Moines Christian: 18-35 FG (51.4%), 2-9 3P (22.2%), 20-31 FT (64.5%), 26 rebounds (7 offensive, 19 defensive), 8 assists, 8 turnovers

Quarterfinal #2: #4 Aplington-Parkersburg 68, #5 Van Meter 41

Jayden Mackie Jayden Mackie 6'2" | PG Aplington-Parkersburg | 2022 State IA was the most talented player on the floor in this one, and he played like he was anxious to prove it. The 6-2 junior guard, and Upper Iowa commit, scored 34 points and led fourth-seeded Aplington-Parkersburg to a big 68-41 win over fifth-seed Van Meter on Monday night. The win sends the Falcons to the 2A semifinals, where they’ll take on top-ranked Boyden-Hull.

Normally a very balanced offensive attack that sees six players averaging between 8.5 and 13.2 points a game, it was the Mackie show all night for the Falcons. The athletic lead guard showcased a much-improved jumper and showed his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor all night long.

A 12-0 run by the Falcons in the first and second quarters broke open a 9-9 tie, and the Falcons never looked back, leading by double-digits for the final 23:41 of this contest.

Aplington-Parkersburg (22-3) was led by Mackie, who finished with 34 points on 13-14 shooting. Garrett Hempen added 14 in the win.

Van Meter’s season ends with a 17-7 record. The Bulldogs were led by Clark Fiala, who had 9 points. We can expect to see this annual power right back here next year, as only one regular is a senior. 

MVP: Jayden Mackie Jayden Mackie 6'2" | PG Aplington-Parkersburg | 2022 State IA , Aplington-Parkersburg (2022) — 34 points (13-14 FG, 4-4 3P, 4-6 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal

The future Upper Iowa Peacock guard was unstoppable on Monday night, showcasing a little bit of everything in his arsenal. He got to the rim for buckets, knocked down pull-up, mid-range jumpers and showed a much-improved and confident stroke from behind the arc. He even had an impressive one-handed dunk in transition for good measure.

Van Meter: Clark Fiala 9, Carter Durflinger 8, Casey Trudo 6, Taylor Birks 5, Chris Schreck Chris Schreck 5'10" | PG Van Meter | 2022 State IA 4, Skyler Yazzie 3, Dustin Barth 3, Ayden Netten 3
Aplington-Parkersburg: Jayden Mackie Jayden Mackie 6'2" | PG Aplington-Parkersburg | 2022 State IA 34, Garrett Hempen 14, Owen Thomas Owen Thomas 6'4" | SF Aplington-Parkersburg | 2021 State IA 8, Gavin Thomas 4, Josh Haan Josh Haan 6'6" | PF Aplington-Parkersburg | 2021 State IA 2, Aidan Junker 2, Joe Johnson 2

Team stats
Van Meter: 16-46 FG (34.8%), 4-14 3P (28.6%), 5-13 FT (38.5%), 29 rebounds (8 offensive, 21 defensive), 7 assists, 15 turnovers
Aplington-Parkersburg: 27-50 FG (54.0%), 5-14 3P (35.7%), 9-13 FT (69.2%), 31 rebounds (5 offensive, 26 defensive), 11 assists, 11 turnovers

Quarterfinal #1: #1 Boyden-Hull 74, #8 South Central Calhoun 49

Top-ranked and undefeated Boyden-Hull got a bit of a scare from eighth-seeded South Central Calhoun early on, but righted the ship and cruised to a 74-49 win on Monday night, advancing to Thursday morning’s semifinals, where the defending champions will meet either Aplington-Parkersburg or Van Meter.

South Central Calhoun, making their first ever state tournament appearance, came out on fire, making their first three 3-point attempts and getting out to a quick 7-10 start from the field, building a 17-8 lead. From there, however, Boyden-Hull ramped up the defensive effort and turned defense into easy offense, closing the quarter on an 8-0 run. The run expanded into a 25-9 run to close out the half, giving them a 33-26 edge at the break.

The methodical and efficient Comets slowly extended their lead, really digging in on the defensive end and working to get great shots on the offensive end. 

Boyden-Hull (25-0) advances to the semifinals for the third straight season. The Comets were led by Marcus Kelderman Marcus Kelderman 6'1" | SG Boyden-Hull | 2021 State IA and Tanner Te Slaa Tanner Te Slaa 6'5" | SF Boyden-Hull | 2022 State IA .

South Central Calhoun’s season ends with a 19-6 record and the school’s first state tournament appearance. The Titans were led by Cole Corey, who had 18 points in the loss, the lone Titan to finish in double figures.  

MVP: Marcus Kelderman Marcus Kelderman 6'1" | SG Boyden-Hull | 2021 State IA , Boyden-Hull (2021) — 27 points (11-14 FG, 1-1 3P, 4-4 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, 3 steals

Something about Wells Fargo Arena brings out the best in Kelderman. He came off the bench for last year’s Comets team but still made the all-tournament team with his strong play, and he was excellent on both ends in this opening round win. A wiry, explosive and efficient scoring wing, he led the Comets in scoring and sparked the game-deciding first-half run with his effort on the defensive end.

South Central Calhoun: Cole Corey 18, Eli Wheelock 8, Brennan Holder Brennan Holder 6'1" | SG South Central Calhoun | 2021 State IA 6, Joshua Dietrich 6, T’Juan Hildreth 5, Blake Thompson 3, Jacob Kalkward 2, Evan Jacobs 1
Boyden-Hull: Marcus Kelderman Marcus Kelderman 6'1" | SG Boyden-Hull | 2021 State IA 27, Tanner Te Slaa Tanner Te Slaa 6'5" | SF Boyden-Hull | 2022 State IA 19, Kody Noble 7, Bryan Zylstra 6, Drew Van Roekel 5, Dayton Brunsting 4, Dylan Francis 2, Cade Fisher 2

Team stats
South Central Calhoun: 18-42 FG (42.9%), 7-19 3P (36.8%), 6-11 FT (54.5%), 22 rebounds (5 offensive, 17 defensive), 8 assists, 19 turnovers
Boyden-Hull: 29-54 FG (53.7%), 2-10 3P (20.0%), 14-14 FT (100%), 29 rebounds (8 offensive, 21 defensive), 14 assists, 11 turnovers