State Tournament: Monday Preview

1A Quarterfinal: #1 Grand View Christian (24-0) vs. #8 New London (19-6), 10:30 am   Analysis: New London is making their second state tournament appearance in school history (2017). The Tigers are led by one of the best tandems in small-school basketball in point guard [player_tooltip player_id='956871' first='Blaise' last='Porter'] (25.0, 8.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists) and forward [player_tooltip player_id='956872' first='Kade' last='Benjamin'] (19.6, 8.7 rebounds, 3.7 blocks). Porter, headed to Truman State, is a quick guard who can break down the defense and get to the rim seemingly at will, and he also has a fantastic mid-range game. Benjamin, headed to Oklahoma State to high jump, is a nice complement to Porter as an athletic, rim-running forward who can finish above the rim and protect the paint. The Tigers' role players - Brendan Richey (8.4, 36.3 3P%), Leo Gebauer (8.2), and Rylan Martin (6.2, 34.1 3P%) - have played much better down the stretch, and they'll need them to step up big here if they're going to give the Thunder a scare.   The Thunder have been dominant this season, winning games by an average of 33.1 points a game, and they enter this one as an overwhelming favorite. That said, they've been a substantial favorite in their opening round game each of the last three years, and they've won those games by just a combined 13 points, so don't be surprised if New London is able to give them a little bit of a scare here. The Thunder are huge, going 7-0, 6-9, and 6-5 across their frontline. The 7-0 [player_tooltip player_id='956875' first='Daniel' last='Tobiloba'] (13.0, 13.1 rebounds, 4.2 blocks), headed to Kennesaw State, is a game-changing presence in the paint as a shot blocker. [player_tooltip player_id='1381402' first='Emiliano' last='Barrantes'] (13.0, 10.2 rebounds), an athletic 6-9 sophomore, finishes well around the rim and provides a ton of length as a versatile defender, and [player_tooltip player_id='1476971' first='Noah' last='John'] (10.9, 9.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists) is another versatile piece who can defend multiple positions, rebound, and make plays. The backcourt of [player_tooltip player_id='1367400' first='Josh' last='Sanderson'] (20.7, 8.3 assists, 39.9 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1469838' first='Frankie' last='Chiodo'] (16.7, 40.3 3P%) lead the team in scoring and are both quality playmakers and shooting threats. If Porter and Benjamin can attack Tobiloba and get him into foul trouble, it would open things up for the Tigers. If not, they could be in trouble.   Players to watch Grand View Christian: 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1367400' first='Josh' last='Sanderson'] (20.7 points, 8.3 assists, 39.9 3P%); 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1469838' first='Frankie' last='Chiodo'] (16.7 points, 40.3 3P%); 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='956875' first='Daniel' last='Tobiloba'] (13.0 points, 13.1 rebounds, 4.2 blocks, 75.8 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381402' first='Emiliano' last='Barrantes'] (13.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, 55.9 FG%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1476971' first='Noah' last='John'] (10.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists) New London: 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='956871' first='Blaise' last='Porter'] (25.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 52.1 FG%); 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='956872' first='Kade' last='Benjamin'] (19.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.7 blocks, 66.1 FG%); 2024 Brendan Richey (8.4 points, 36.3 3P%)   Our pick: Grand View Christian 74, New London 62   1A Quarterfinal: #4 West Harrison (23-1) vs. #5 Dunkerton (24-1), 12:15 pm   Analysis: Dunkerton is making their first state tournament appearance since 2014, while West Harrison is in Des Moines for the second year in a row. This will be an interesting contrast in styles, as Dunkerton is a high-powered offensive attack that likes to get out and go, while West Harrison is a more physical, strong team that will try to make this a halfcourt battle. Dunkerton is led by the senior tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='1367394' first='Preston' last='Gillespie'] (25.8, 11.8 rebounds, 63.0 FG%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1167715' first='Casey' last='Gardner'] (19.2, 9.6 assists). Gardner leads the state in assists per game and is a high-level point guard who sees the floor exceptionally well. While he'll look to push the pace here, he's also gotten much more comfortable operating within the halfcourt over the last few years. Gillespie is a slashing forward who can put the ball on the floor and attack the rim both in transition and in the halfcourt. [player_tooltip player_id='1436496' first='Dylan' last='Marquart'] (13.7, 34.1 3P%) provides some shooting, and the Raiders can comfortably go about seven deep.   West Harrison has been dominant this year, winning games by an average of 30.3 points a game and allowing just 39.1 a night, so they'll be a difficult matchup for Dunkerton if they're able to slow the game down. The Hawkeyes are a senior-laden team, with five seniors making up the top six scorers, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1167693' first='Koleson' last='Evans'] (16.5, 9.3 rebounds, 3.1 blocks), [player_tooltip player_id='1167703' first='Sage' last='Evans'] (15.1, 16.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists), and [player_tooltip player_id='1288871' first='Mason' last='King'] (14.4, 47.2 3P%). [player_tooltip player_id='1167693' first='Koleson' last='Evans'] is a big matchup problem for most 1A teams, as a 6-6 combo forward who can score inside and out as well as protect the rim. [player_tooltip player_id='1167703' first='Sage' last='Evans'] looks like a defensive end, and plays a bit like it, but he's a good playmaker who sees the floor well and loves to pound the glass, while King is a fantastic shooter who moves well without the ball in his hands. It will be interesting to see how the Hawkeyes adjust to the constant defensive pressure that Dunkerton throws at teams. If they're able to handle the pressure and limit live-ball turnovers, they could pick up their first state tournament win.   Players to watch West Harrison: 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1167693' first='Koleson' last='Evans'] (16.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.1 blocks, 46.9 3P%); 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1167703' first='Sage' last='Evans'] (15.1 points, 16.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 53.8 FG%); 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1288871' first='Mason' last='King'] (14.4 points, 4.2 assists, 47.2 3P%) Dunkerton: 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1367394' first='Preston' last='Gillespie'] (25.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 63.0 FG%); 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1167715' first='Casey' last='Gardner'] (19.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 9.6 assists, 2.2 steals); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1436496' first='Dylan' last='Marquart'] (13.7 points, 2.3 assists)   Our pick: Dunkerton 62, West Harrison 57   1A Quarterfinal: #2 North Linn (24-0) vs. #7 Madrid (22-2), 2:00 pm   Analysis: Madrid is making their first state tournament appearance, while North Linn is here for the seventh straight year. North Linn has been the dominant program in the state during that stretch, entering this tournament with a 206-7 record in their last 213 games. They play an up-tempo style that forces a ton of live-ball turnovers and turns defense into offense in the blink of an eye. As they showed in their quarterfinal win over North Mahaska last year, they can put it on you in a hurry if you don't protect the ball. They're led by junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1426164' first='Ty' last='Pflughaupt'] (16.9, 8.1 rebounds), [player_tooltip player_id='1167704' first='Tate' last='Haughenbury'] (16.3, 5.6 assists), and [player_tooltip player_id='1167744' first='Ben' last='Wheatley'] (14.8, 41.0 3P%), a trio of players who were major impact players on last year's 1A championship team. [player_tooltip player_id='1484418' first='Mason' last='Bechen'] (14.8, 45.6 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1751216' first='Breckyn' last='Betenbender'] (8.4, 43.4 3P%) are the top newcomers to the rotation, a pair of dynamic guards who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. They share the ball well, limit turnovers, and force a ton of turnovers. That's a pretty good combination.   Madrid comes into the tournament on a 19-game winning streak and this is a talented offensive team that can fill it up with a number of different options. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1174816' first='Toryn' last='Severson'] (20.8) leads the attack. A 6-4 wing who can score from all three levels, he's a high IQ scorer who doesn't force anything. His older brother [player_tooltip player_id='1155054' first='Kadyn' last='Severson'] (13.4, 45.2 3P%) is the top perimeter shooting threat, while [player_tooltip player_id='2397210' first='Brody' last='Buck'] (10.8, 37.4 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='2398087' first='Fabian' last='Ortiz-Alaniz'] (10.3, 32.6 3P%) offer additional shooting. The major difference maker for this group is 6-7 senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1587384' first='Jackson' last='Newell'] (11.7, 12.8 rebounds, 6.3 blocks), a dominant rim protector who controls the paint. Look for the Lynx to attack him early and often in an effort to get him out of the game. If Madrid is able to handle the pressure that the Lynx throw at you, they can play with them. If not, it'll get ugly in a hurry.   Players to watch North Linn: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1426164' first='Ty' last='Pflughaupt'] (16.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 61.0 FG%); 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1167704' first='Tate' last='Haughenbury'] (16.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1484418' first='Mason' last='Bechen'] (14.8 points, 4.5 assists, 45.6 3P%); 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1167744' first='Ben' last='Wheatley'] (14.8 points, 41.0 3P%) Madrid: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1174816' first='Toryn' last='Severson'] (20.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 49.7 FG%); 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1155054' first='Kadyn' last='Severson'] (13.4 points, 4.0 assists, 45.2 3P%); 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1587384' first='Jackson' last='Newell'] (11.7 points, 12.8 rebounds, 6.3 blocks); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2397210' first='Brody' last='Buck'] (10.8 points, 3.2 assists, 37.4 3P%)   Our pick: North Linn 78, Madrid 62   1A Quarterfinal: #3 Gladbrook-Reinbeck (23-2) vs. #6 Remsen, St. Mary's (22-2), 3:45 pm   Analysis: St. Mary's is another program making their seventh straight trip to the state tournament, so this is a program that has a ton of experience playing at Wells Fargo Arena, and they won't be intimidated by the atmosphere. The Hawks are a fantastic defensive team, allowing just 42.1 points a game, and they've lost just once in their last 17 games, against 2A state-qualifier Western Christian. [player_tooltip player_id='1167735' first='Jaxon' last='Bunkers'] (15.5, 5.3 assists) leads the team in scoring and assists, a four-year varsity contributor who has played a ton of minutes in Des Moines. [player_tooltip player_id='1759937' first='Collin' last='Homan'] (14.6, 7.8 rebounds) is a big interior presence on both ends, a good scorer and defender. Three other Hawks average between 9.1 and 10.9 points a game, giving them a quintet of viable scoring threats.   Gladbrook-Reinbeck is making their first state tournament trip since making three straight from 2015-17. The Rebels are led by senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1167671' first='William' last='Kiburis'] (26.5, 8.0 rebounds, 8.1 assists), a 6-4 guard who can dominate games as a scorer, defender, and playmaker. The development of his jumper has been the key improvement in his game, turning himself into a 37% 3-point shooter, which has opened everything up for the rest of the offense for himself and his teammates. [player_tooltip player_id='1469783' first='Caleb' last='Egesdal'] (13.7, 41.1 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1469822' first='Luke' last='Riffey'] (11.2, 39.2 3P%) are also great shooters next to Kiburis, who puts them into positions to get open looks often. Few teams in the 1A field have the quality wins that Gladbrook-Reinbeck has (Wapsie Valley, Hudson, Aplington-Parkersburg, Grundy Center), and with Kiburis in tow, this group is as dangerous as any in 1A.   Players to watch Gladbrook-Reinbeck: 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1167671' first='William' last='Kiburis'] (26.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 63.4 FG%); 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1469783' first='Caleb' last='Egesdal'] (13.7 points, 41.1 3P%); 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1469822' first='Luke' last='Riffey'] (11.2 points, 39.2 3P%) Remsen, St. Mary's: 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1167735' first='Jaxon' last='Bunkers'] (15.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759937' first='Collin' last='Homan'] (14.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 62.1 FG%); 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1469786' first='Cael' last='Ortmann'] (10.9 points, 3.3 assists)   Our pick: Gladbrook-Reinbeck 66, Remsen, St. Mary's 57   2A Quarterfinal: #1 Central Lyon (21-1) vs. #8 Des Moines Christian (18-6), 5:30 pm   Analysis: Central Lyon finished runner-up in 2A last season and has been on a mission to get back to this spot, winning games by an average of 29.1 points a game behind an explosive offense that features a trio of dynamic scoring threats. [player_tooltip player_id='1253020' first='Zach' last='Lutmer'] (20.8, 6.0 assists), a future Iowa football player, is the headliner. He's a physical, athletic 6-2 guard who can control games on both ends of the floor with his big frame and athleticism. [player_tooltip player_id='1367399' first='Andrew' last='Austin'] (20.0, 8.9 rebounds) and [player_tooltip player_id='1751110' first='Reece' last='Vander Zee'] (18.1, 6.9 rebounds) are a pair of big, bouncy forwards who can score inside and out, and with their size, they're difficult to defend. An efficient offensive team (54-38-69 splits), they can also dominate teams defensively with their quickness and size.   Des Moines Christian will have their hands full with Central Lyon, but if there is a team that may be capable of slowing them down, this could be it. They're allowing just 44.0 points a game, which is the best number in the 2A field, and this is always a really well-coached team on that end of the floor. I would expect them to try and pack it in and make Central Lyon beat them from deep and avoid letting Lutmer get into the paint and control the game that way. [player_tooltip player_id='1171689' first='Landon' last='Craven'] (15.4, 4.4 steals) is a quick guard who can get to the rim and make plays defensively. [player_tooltip player_id='1751233' first='Tate' last='Platte'] (12.0, 7.3 rebounds) is an undersized forward who will need to be excellent on the glass against Austin and Vander Zee, as any second chance opportunities that Central Lyon gets will almost certainly lead the points as DMC scrambles to recover. It's doable, but DMC will need to play their best game of the year if they're going to hang around and keep this interesting into the fourth quarter.   Players to watch Central Lyon: 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1253020' first='Zach' last='Lutmer'] (20.8 points, 6.0 assists, 2.8 steals, 54.6 FG%); 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1367399' first='Andrew' last='Austin'] (20.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, 61.0 FG%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1751110' first='Reece' last='Vander Zee'] (18.1 points, 6.9 rebounds; 63.5 FG%) Des Moines Christian: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171689' first='Landon' last='Craven'] (15.4 points, 4.4 steals); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1751233' first='Tate' last='Platte'] (12.0 points, 7.3 rebounds); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759901' first='Seaton' last='Ingram'] (11.4 points, 2.4 steals)   Our pick: Central Lyon 68, Des Moines Christian 48   2A Quarterfinal: #4 Pella Christian (15-9) vs. #5 MFL-Mar-Mac (24-1), 7:15 pm   Analysis: This is a fascinating way to end the opening day of the state tournament, with a huge difference in strength of schedules between these teams. According to BC Moore's power rankings system, Pella Christian has played the most difficult schedule in 2A, while MFL's schedule ranks 87th out of 96 teams. That said, the Bulldogs have done what was asked of them this year, blowing everyone out, winning games by an average of 30.9 points a game, and they posted really good wins over Beckman Catholic and Lake Mills to get here. They're a small team, with no regular listed over 6-2, but they use their speed to put pressure on opposing teams and fly all over the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='1381408' first='Zach' last='Driscoll'] (20.5, 5.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 4.2 steals) is their leader, a high IQ sophomore guard who does a little bit of everything. [player_tooltip player_id='2221613' first='Carver' last='Blietz-Bentien'] (13.8, 8.1 rebounds) is an undersized forward, but he competes hard on the glass, and [player_tooltip player_id='2511550' first='Parker' last='Kuehl'] (11.2, 3.0 steals) and [player_tooltip player_id='2325439' first='Wyatt' last='Powell'] (10.2, 4.4 steals) are quick guards who jump passing lanes and turn defense into offense.   Pella Christian is led by junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1423351' first='Tysen' last='DeVries'] (12.5, 4.0 assists), a tough, quick guard who can get to the bucket at will as well as pressure opposing ball-handlers full court. He'll try to make life difficult for Driscoll. [player_tooltip player_id='2325478' first='Josiah' last='Vos'] (6.7, 5.5 rebounds) doesn't put up big numbers, but at 6-5, he's a long, athletic wing who provides a ton of versatility on both ends of the floor. Dane Geetings (10.3), [player_tooltip player_id='1469788' first='Aiden' last='Stoltz'] (9.6), and Lincoln Vander Molen (6.0) are the other key scorers for the Eagles, but this is a deep team that has a number of offensive threats and their length defensively makes things difficult for opposing teams.   Players to watch Pella Christian: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1423351' first='Tysen' last='DeVries'] (12.5 points, 4.0 assists); 2024 Dane Geetings (10.3 points); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2325478' first='Josiah' last='Vos'] (6.7 points, 5.5 rebounds) MFL-Mar-Mac: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381408' first='Zach' last='Driscoll'] (20.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 4.2 steals); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2221613' first='Carver' last='Blietz-Bentien'] (13.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 53.2 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2511550' first='Parker' last='Kuehl'] (11.2 points, 3.0 steals); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2325439' first='Wyatt' last='Powell'] (10.2 points, 4.4 assists, 4.4 steals)   Our pick: Pella Christian 54, MFL-Mar-Mac 48

1A Quarterfinal: #1 Grand View Christian (24-0) vs. #8 New London (19-6), 10:30 am