Class 1A District Final Preview

District 1: #1 North Union (20-3) vs. #3 St. Edmond (12-11)   The strength of schedule edge here certainly goes to St. Edmond, who plays in a largely 3A league, which helps account for a record that is just above .500. The Gaels have two big time scorers in sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1907683' first='Hunter' last='Horn'] (19.9, 10.6 rebounds, 1.6 blocks) and senior [player_tooltip player_id='1751221' first='Sam' last='Mericle'] (13.1, 38.4 3P%). Horn, a mobile 6-4 big man, and Mericle, a 6-2 off-ball guard, are the headliners, while Jack McElroy (7.6, 3.4 assists) and JT Laufersweiler (5.1, 3.1 assists) make up a solid backcourt. St. Edmond has struggled at times with turnovers, giving it away nearly 13 times a game, which could be an area of concern against a good defensive team like North Union. The Warriors average nearly 12 steals a night, force a few other dead-ball turnovers, and have allowed just 45.5 points a game this season. With Kody Irmiter (12.3, 8.7 rebounds), they have someone who can match up with Horn in the paint, and guards [player_tooltip player_id='2377298' first='Kyan' last='Jones'] (7.5, 6.3 assists), Preston Guerdet (10.9), and wings [player_tooltip player_id='2377373' first='Aiden' last='Lofstrom'] (11.3, 7.3 rebounds) and Danyal Fothergill (10.2, 3.1 steals) give them balanced scoring and a number of different looks they can throw at Mericle on the defensive end. The Warriors have never made it to the state tournament, but this could be their year. They're balanced, deep, athletic, and tough defensively. Our pick: North Union   District 2: #1 South O'Brien (20-3) vs. #2 MMCRU (14-8)   These teams split their meetings in the regular season, with each winning on their home floor. MMCRU won 62-51 on January 5, while South O'Brien took the rematch, 66-64, on January 30. The Royals have won the rebounding battle in both meetings and have done a really good job moving the ball against the South O'Brien 2-3 zone, averaging 17.5 assists in those two games. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1765534' first='Brayson' last='Mulder'] (13.9) leads MMCRU in scoring, and this isn't a team that fills it up in bunches, averaging just 53.4 points a game, but this is a group that shares the ball well (15.1 assists per game) and outside of Mulder, anyone on the floor can be the next leading scorer on any given night. South O'Brien has won 11 straight games heading into this one, and they're the better offensive team, with three players averaging in double-figures and one more just outside. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2721643' first='Derek' last='Paulsen'] (15.5) leads the team in scoring, while seniors David Bottjen 912.7), Willie Conley (11.8), and Ben Woodall (9.4) are all quality scoring threats as well. The Wolverines will need to be better on the glass in this rubber match if they want to avoid the upset and move into the substate final. Our pick: MMCRU   District 3: #1 Lake Mills (22-1) vs. #2 Bishop Garrigan (15-9)   Lake Mills comfortably swept the season series between these teams, winning by 20 points on December 5 and 19 on January 16. A dynamic offensive team that leads 1A in scoring, putting up 79.6 points a game, they're simply too overpowering for Bishop Garrigan to keep pace with. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1751213' first='Lance' last='Helming'] (19.7, 54.3 FG%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1938210' first='Eli' last='Menke'] (17.0, 42.9 3P%) lead the team in scoring, but [player_tooltip player_id='1288890' first='Aiden' last='Stensrud'] (16.7, 9.5 rebounds, 72.1 FG%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1641849' first='Jackson' last='Gaul'] (12.1, 9.1 assists) aren't far behind. Since Gaul entered the lineup following his transfer from Crestwood, the 'Dogs have taken off, putting up 84.5 points a game. Bishop Garrigan is young, led by freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2243086' first='Michael' last='Joyce'] (14.5, 3.9 assists) and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1781875' first='Carter' last='Schwab'] (13.7, 4.3 assists). They have a bright future, but it's hard to see them keeping this one competitive for four quarters. Our pick: Lake Mills   District 4: #1 St. Mary's, Remsen (18-3) vs. #3 George-Little Rock (16-5)   St. Mary's has qualified for seven straight state tournaments, so this is a program that has enjoyed a ton of success, and has a ton of experience, in big games. As per usual, the Hawks have been dominant on the defensive end of the floor, allowing just 38.8 points a game, 4th in the class, so points will be tough to come by here for George-Little Rock. St. Mary's is fairly young, led by six juniors, but they have a lot of experience on this roster, most notably leading scorer and rebounder [player_tooltip player_id='1759937' first='Collin' last='Homan'] (16.5, 8.1 rebounds), an efficient interior scorer, strong rebounder, and rim protector. [player_tooltip player_id='1568264' first='Sam' last='Schmillen'] (13.4, 6.7 rebounds) is a skilled wing, and [player_tooltip player_id='2511517' first='Landon' last='Waldschmitt'] (8.6, 5.6 assists) has been very reliable as a ball-handler and playmaker. In senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1376715' first='Drew' last='Denekas'] (15.6, 8.8 rebounds), George-Little Rock has a really good big man of their own. A 6-4 forward who can score inside and out, he may try to draw Homan away from the rim in this game, allowing Isaiah Johnson (9.9) and Noah Terhark (9.5, 5.6 assists) more room to get to the rim. The Mustangs have struggled with turnovers (13.9 a game), and that can't happen against St. Mary's. The Hawks won the regular season meeting, 56-46, and we expect a pretty similar result here. Our pick: St. Mary's, Remsen   District 5: #1 North Linn (21-1) vs. #3 Waterloo Christian (18-6)   Waterloo Christian has put together a really nice year, with their 18 wins being the most the program has won since the 2007-08 season, when they also won 18. The Regents have a dominant interior scorer in [player_tooltip player_id='1376713' first='Drew' last='Wagner'] (26.9, 11.2 rebounds), a highly efficient 6-3/6-4 forward who is shooting 62% from the floor. Guards [player_tooltip player_id='2425904' first='Eli' last='Evans'] (14.9, 7.5 rebounds) and Jared Aronson (11.1, 7.0 assists) are the other headliners for Waterloo Christian, a team that has a huge uphill battle against the preeminent program in 1A basketball. North Linn continues to just truck along, beating teams by an average of 42.7 points a game so far this season behind the dynamic one-two punch of guard [player_tooltip player_id='1484418' first='Mason' last='Bechen'] (20.4, 5.7 assists) and senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1426164' first='Ty' last='Pflughaupt'] (19.9, 39.7 3P%). [player_tooltip player_id='1751216' first='Breckyn' last='Betenbender'] (9.6) is a really good defender and reliable shooting threat who complements Bechen and Pflughaupt well. You can't turn the ball over, especially not live-ball turnovers, if you want to beat this team, and that's an area that Waterloo Christian has struggled with at times this season. The Regents have the firepower to keep it close for a while, but the Lynx are just better. Our pick: North Linn   District 6: #1 Ankeny Christian Academy (19-3) vs. #2 West Fork (19-4)   Ankeny Christian Academy is one of just two teams in 1A to rank within the top 10 in both scoring offense (10th, 69.3) and defense (10th, 43.6). A veteran team led by five seniors, the Eagles have a pair of double-figure scorers in Tyler Mahoney (15.1) and [player_tooltip player_id='1751231' first='Cade' last='Wierck'] (14.6). Wierck, a mobile, lanky 6-6 combo forward, can score inside and out, and could be a matchup problem for West Fork here. He is able to score off the dribble, protect the rim, and stretch the floor. The backcourt of Eli Christensen (8.5, 3.7 assists) and Brody Hoefle (6.1, 4.0 assists) does a great job protecting the ball, and Garrett Pearson (6.0, 40.0 3P%) gives them some shooting. The question for ACA is how tested they are, with a strength of schedule that ranks 131st in the class. West Fork counters with a pair of big-time scoring guards in [player_tooltip player_id='1476981' first='Cayde' last='Eberling'] (19.7, 3.7 assists) and [player_tooltip player_id='1454905' first='Sage' last='Suntken'] (17.5, 41.6 3P%), a pair of senior guards who complement each other well. Eberling is a big, physical 6-4 guard who is at his best when he's playing downhill and getting to the rim, while Suntken is a knockdown shooter who shoots it at a high level both off the dribble and the catch. Gavin Cronk (9.7, 7.1 rebounds) and Edison Maske (8.6) give them some additional scoring, with Cronk controlling the paint, and Maske helping stretch the floor. West Fork has played a significantly tougher schedule, ranked 39th in the class, and being more tested could be beneficial for them here. Our pick: West Fork   District 7: #1 Marquette Catholic (23-1) vs. #2 Bellevue (12-10)   The Battle for Bellevue is a huge one this time around, with a trip to the substate final on the line. In the regular season meeting, Marquette Catholic won 71-64, using a 19-6 third quarter to grab control. Bellevue dominated the Defenders on the glass in that contest, 39-28, but were done in by an eye-popping 24 turnovers. The Comets are a really young team, with four sophomores in their rotation, joined by two seniors. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1751111' first='Hunter' last='Putman'] (16.4, 37.6 3P%), a three-level scoring wing, leads the team in scoring, followed by three sophomores: [player_tooltip player_id='2413480' first='KeShawn' last='DeShaw'] (11.9, 6.9 rebounds), [player_tooltip player_id='2413487' first='Spencer' last='Abbott'] (10.9, 5.7 rebounds), and [player_tooltip player_id='1765510' first='Cameron' last='Casel'] (10.9, 4.3 assists). DeShaw is a raw, but athletic forward who can control the glass alongside senior forward Dalton Clasen (7.1, 8.2 rebounds), while Abbott is a combo forward who can score inside and out, and Casel is the lead guard who initiates the offense. The young Comets are talented, but relatively inexperienced still, especially in big games. Ball protection will be key for them if they want to spring the upset over their parochial school rivals. Outside of a highly competitive loss to powerhouse North Linn, Marquette Catholic has been dominant this season, winning games by an average of around 32 points a game behind a very balanced offensive attack. [player_tooltip player_id='1759939' first='Spencer' last='Roeder'] (16.0, 8.0 rebounds), a 6-5 combo forward, is the headliner. He can score from anywhere on the floor, taking smaller defenders onto the block or stretching the floor against bigger opponents. Fellow juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2511527' first='Eli' last='Scott'] (11.7, 4.8 assists) and [player_tooltip player_id='2721446' first='Jacob' last='Litterer'] (10.1) are double-figure scorers, while [player_tooltip player_id='1338777' first='Caden' last='Kettmann'] (11.5) and [player_tooltip player_id='2204880' first='Kannon' last='Still'] (10.5), a pair of experienced seniors, are the other double-figure scorers. The Defenders are a balanced team who can beat you in a number of ways, and they like to get up-and-down, as Bellevue does as well. However, this is a much more experienced team, and they do a much better job protecting the basketball, which will be key here. Our pick: Marquette Catholic   District 8: #1 Dunkerton (19-4) vs. #2 Maquoketa Valley (19-4)   This is an interesting game between an explosive offensive team and a really good defensive team. Dunkerton is averaging 72.3 points a game, 5th in the class, while Maquoketa Valley is allowing just 43.2 a night, good for 8th. Dunkerton is led by a trio of juniors - [player_tooltip player_id='1436496' first='Dylan' last='Marquart'] (17.4, 39.7 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='1759946' first='Noah' last='Fuelling'] (16.8, 35.9 3P%), and [player_tooltip player_id='1834827' first='Dalton' last='Weepie'] (10.3), and senior [player_tooltip player_id='2325334' first='Jacob' last='Snyder'] (12.8, 9.0 rebounds). While the Raiders didn't have a ton of experience returning this season, and had to break in a new coach, they've pretty much picked up right where they left off, playing fast, free, and scoring in bunches. Marquart will be the best player on the floor in this one, a skilled 6-2/6-3 guard who can play with or without the ball in his hands. He has "in the gym" range and shoots it extremely well both off the dribble and the catch. And he has drastically improved as a playmaker, leading the team in assists to go with his potent scoring. Maquoketa Valley will probably be looking to force this one into more of a halfcourt game. They're led by seniors Lance McShane (18.3, 9.4 rebounds, 40.5 3P%) and Kody Hoeger (13.2, 40.0 3P%). McShane is a big wing at 6-3 who can score from all three levels and create off the dribble, while Hoeger is a stretch-5 at 6-5 who can invert the offense a bit and pull his defender out. Toby Grimm (8.1, 5.0 assists) has been solid with the ball in his hands, and [player_tooltip player_id='2731675' first='Brady' last='Wall'] (11.5) provides some more perimeter scoring. While Dunkerton does like to get up-and-down, they've also shown that they can score efficiently in a halfcourt game, and with Marquart leading the charge, they should have a slight edge in what figures to be a tight game. Our pick: Dunkerton   District 9: #1 Winfield-Mt. Union (18-2) vs. #2 Notre Dame (16-6)   Playing in opposite divisions of the Southeast Iowa Super Conference, these teams didn't meet this season, but will meet in Mediapolis on Tuesday night in what should be a really good game. Winfield-Mt. Union is the #1 scoring defense in the class this season, allowing just 34.0 points a game. They've held six opponents to 30 or fewer points, including holding three teams to teens in scoring. An athletic, physical team that is led by a pair of future Division I football players, they are able to suffocate teams on that end of the floor with their versatile, athletic weapons. [player_tooltip player_id='1171697' first='Cam' last='Buffington'] (18.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 53.7 FG%), headed to Iowa, is a physically imposing freak in the paint who finishes above the rim with authority, controls the glass, and has improved as a playmaker. [player_tooltip player_id='1171698' first='Abram' last='Edwards'] (14.8, 11.6 rebounds, 1.9 blocks) is a long, lanky 6-7 combo forward who can stretch the floor, get his teammates involved, and protect the rim. He's headed to Army. Younger brother [player_tooltip player_id='1381409' first='Jake' last='Edwards'] (10.8, 4.1 assists, 39.1 3P%) is the team's best perimeter shooter and their lead guard. Notre Dame will counter with an attack led by senior wing Liam Delaney (17.6) and sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1978106' first='Shay' last='Stephens'] (10.4). A quick, perimeter-oriented team, the Nikes are going to need to either force the game into a faster tempo, or knock down a bunch of 3s if they want to pull the upset, as points are going to be very difficult to find in the paint against the Wolves. Our pick: Winfield-Mt. Union   District 10: #1 Holy Trinity Catholic (18-5) vs. #2 North Mahaska (18-6)   Holy Trinity's 18 wins so far this season are the most the program has had since the 2009-10 season, when they won 19 games. They're led by a dominant junior wing in [player_tooltip player_id='1622174' first='Luke' last='Hellige'] (24.2, 8.5 rebounds), a 6-4 scorer who is posting 54-43-78 shooting splits, and with his size, length, athleticism, and shooting ability, he's an incredibly difficult matchup. Conner Gehling (15.8) and [player_tooltip player_id='2887884' first='Layne' last='Rung'] (10.9) are two more double-figure scorers for the Crusaders, taking some of the scoring pressure off of Hellige, and junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2397192' first='Adam' last='Sobczak'] (5.0, 8.8 assists) has been really good in setting the table for his teammates. North Mahaska counters with four double-figure scorers of their own in [player_tooltip player_id='2721760' first='Asher' last='DeBoef'] (15.0, 8.8 rebounds), Gabe Hora (14.3, 37.7 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='2221633' first='Nolan' last='Andersen'] (12.5, 7.9 rebounds), and [player_tooltip player_id='1587398' first='Nate' last='Sampson'] (10.1, 4.9 assists), giving them a multitude of scoring options as well. Expect this one to be an up-and-down affair, with two explosive offensive teams, and it should be a pretty competitive game throughout. In a tight game, we generally side with the team with the best player on the floor, giving the edge to the Crusaders. Our pick: Holy Trinity Catholic   District 11: #1 Keota (23-0) vs. #2 Gladbrook-Reinbeck (19-5)   These teams met in the postseason last year as well, a 77-57 Gladbrook-Reinbeck win. The Rebels lost by far their best player from that team, while Keota brought back nearly everyone, so expect it to be a tighter game this time around. Keota has rolled through the season so far, winning games by an average of 35 points a game behind the #3 scoring offense (78.6) and #11 defense (43.7). However, there are very real questions about the schedule the Eagles have played, ranked 127th in the class (compared to 23rd for Gladbrook-Reinbeck). [player_tooltip player_id='1376716' first='Sawyer' last='Stout'] (21.2) is a volume scorer who leads the Eagles, while [player_tooltip player_id='2511617' first='Billie' last='Kindred'] (11.9, 10.9 rebounds), Cole Kindred (10.7, 5.9 assists), and Evan Vittetoe (10.3, 66.3 FG%) are all very valuable contributors as well. Keota has been absolutely dominant on the glass this season, averaging 42 rebounds a game, including 16 offensive, which helps offset some of their 3-point shooting (27.3 3P%). They'll likely have difficulty replicating that success on the glass against the Rebels and a physical frontcourt of [player_tooltip player_id='2397981' first='Michael' last='Boyd'] (14.0, 7.2 rebounds) and [player_tooltip player_id='2397276' first='Drew' last='Eilers'] (12.6, 10.5 rebounds). Those two have been really good on the glass and are efficient interior scoring options, while Isaac Clark (11.3, 36.1 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='2820164' first='Austen' last='Mathern'] (8.9, 34.1 3P%), and [player_tooltip player_id='2204862' first='Brandon' last='Mathern'] (5.7, 38.3 3P%) give them some quality shooting. Keota has put together a fantastic season, but their strengths play into what Gladbrook-Reinbeck does well. Our pick: Gladbrook-Reinbeck   District 12: #1 Kee (21-2) vs. #2 South Winneshiek (15-8)   Kee is trying to make history, as the school has never reached a substate final, let alone the state tournament. The Hawks swept the season series against South Winn, winning 65-49 on December 15 and 58-51 on January 23. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1951831' first='Jordan' last='Cota'] (19.6, 8.1 rebounds, 39.3 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='2397266' first='Dalton' last='Mudderman'] (16.7, 5.7 assists) have been fantastic for the Hawks this season, giving them a pair of athletic guards who can score in bunches or create for their teammates. Kaleb Drape (7.0, 4.0 assists) has been reliable as a secondary playmaker and provides some more shooting alongside Cota. The Warriors are led by three sophomores - [player_tooltip player_id='1874773' first='Carson' last='Streeter'] (15.9), [player_tooltip player_id='2520041' first='Matson' last='Winings'] (14.2, 7.7 rebounds), and [player_tooltip player_id='2520046' first='Braiden' last='Todd'] (12.5) - and senior Kole Hageman (13.7). A young team with plenty of talent, it certainly wouldn't be a shock if they were able to beat Kee the third time around, but given the success the Hawks have had in the series this season, we have to side with the potential team of destiny. Our pick: Kee   District 13: #1 Lynnville-Sully (22-1) vs. #2 ACGC (14-8)   Lynnville-Sully has been one of the most consistent programs in the state over the last few decades, a school that is accustomed to success and playing in big games, while this is new territory for ACGC. Lynnville-Sully has been exceptional on the defensive end of the floor, allowing just 39.0 points per game, good for 5th in the class. A tough, quick team that plays really well together, they rotate well on that end of the floor and are a disciplined team. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2377418' first='Mitchell' last='Miller'] (13.2) is the team's leading scorer, a good shooter off the catch who can also create some off the bounce. [player_tooltip player_id='1376719' first='Klayton' last='Van Dyke'] (12.2, 2.2 blocks, 66.8 FG%) is a bouncy forward who can protect the paint and score efficiently around the rim, while [player_tooltip player_id='2886854' first='Dawson' last='James'] (9.4, 56.9 FG%) is another solid scorer who does most of his damage inside the arc. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1171666' first='Corder' last='Noun Harder'] (8.5, 4.8 assists) has been one of the best pure point guards in the class for years now, a heady guard who limits turnovers and scores when the opportunity presents itself. The question for the Hawks is how much they've been tested in the SICL, but they've posted some solid wins over Baxter, Pleasantville, and Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont out-of-conference. ACGC enters this game with a 14-8 record, but the Chargers play in a primarily 2A league that features a lot of teams that are still alive in postseason play. The Chargers are tested in the West Central every night, and while they were struggling down the stretch of the regular season, losing four straight to close, they've rebounded against 1A competition, blasting Martensdale-St. Marys and Earlham by a combined 78 points. [player_tooltip player_id='2480003' first='Jathan' last='South'] (15.6) leads a quartet of double-figure scorers, joined by [player_tooltip player_id='1587316' first='Lance' last='Bunde'] (14.0), [player_tooltip player_id='1416420' first='Noah' last='Kading'] (12.0), and [player_tooltip player_id='1797393' first='Payton' last='Policky'] (10.5, 9.7 rebounds), giving them a number of different options who can be a leader on any given night. When ACGC is playing well, as they seem to be now, there is an argument to be made that their ceiling is a top-4 team in the class. Our pick: ACGC   District 14: #1 East Mills (21-1) vs. #2 Bedford (22-2)   Except points to be at a premium in this one, as East Mills ranks 2nd in the class in scoring defense (35.4) and Bedford ranks 6th (41.6). These teams met in the regular season, a 51-44 East Mills road win right before the holiday break. East Mills has three double-figure scorers in Jackson Embree (13.0), Layne Mastin (12.5, 7.4 rebounds), and Kyler Williams (10.3), while Lincoln Palmer (9.7, 3.1 assists) and Zach Thornburg (7.1, 4.0 assists) have given the Wolverines a pair of reliable ball-handlers and playmakers. They don't shoot it particularly well from the arc (29.0%), but they pound the offensive glass (12.4 a game), force a ton of turnovers (14.3 steals a game), and are tough, physical, and athletic. Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1874772' first='Cal' last='Peterman'] (15.7, 8.7 rebounds) leads Bedford on both ends of the floor, an athletic and long player who can get to the rim and defend multiple positions. Brody King (12.2) is the other big scorer, and four others average between 6.2 and 8.3 points a game, giving the Bulldogs some balance. This is the year that East Mills has been building toward, and they use their defense to suffocate Bedford and move into the substate final. Our pick: East Mills   District 15: #1 Madrid (21-2) vs. #2 Coon Rapids-Bayard (19-4)   Madrid has been one of the best teams in the class all season, returning a significant chunk from last year's state tournament roster that gave North Linn a stiff test in the quarterfinals. They'll have their hands full here with a strong Coon Rapids-Bayard team, in particular sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='1765521' first='Cal' last='Heydon'] (20.5, 8.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 53.8 FG%). Heydon, a 6-4/6-5 wing, is a stat-sheet stuffer who can take over the game on either end of the floor. He's posting 54-40-68 shooting splits, can control the glass, and defend multiple positions. The Crusaders also have a reliable second scorer in senior Cade Behrens (12.8, 41.6 3P%), a floor stretcher who can get hot from deep. That said, this Madrid team is on another level from CR-B. A loaded junior class is headlined by [player_tooltip player_id='1174816' first='Toryn' last='Severson'] (23.0, 1.9 blocks), a skilled 6-4/6-5 wing who can score from all three levels, create off the dribble, and defend multiple positions. He's posting 52-40-84 shooting splits and is a high IQ wing who really knows how to get to his spots. [player_tooltip player_id='2397210' first='Brody' last='Buck'] (17.2, 51.1 FG%) is a streaky shooter from deep who has improved his all-around game this season, turning into more of a three-level scorer, and [player_tooltip player_id='2398087' first='Fabian' last='Ortiz-Alaniz'] (15.3, 6.9 assists, 41.8 3P%) has been an extremely reliable ball-handler and is dynamic as a third scorer. He has posted a 4.3 assist-to-turnover ratio, knocks down shots from deep, and has a quick first step that he uses to blow by defenders. Coon Rapids-Bayard is good, Madrid has the potential to be great. Our pick: Madrid   District 16: #1 Woodbine (21-2) vs. #2 Exira-EHK (19-4) Given the fact that Exira-EHK swept the season series between these teams, winning by 16 and 11 points, it was a bit surprising to see Woodbine get the top seed in the district. The Spartans have controlled the glass in both meetings, and with their quartet of double-figure scorers, they're difficult to slow down. [player_tooltip player_id='1587298' first='Cash' last='Emgarten'] (18.0) and Aiden Flathers (13.4, 5.0 assists, 48.2 3P%), the standout backcourt from Exira, are the headliners, but Josh Nelson (10.9, 7.5 rebounds) and Jackson Radcliff (10.3, 6.9 rebounds) have been really good as well. Woodbine will need to get big games out of junior [player_tooltip player_id='1951827' first='Carter' last='Gruver'] (20.1) and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1977076' first='Landon' last='Blum'] (13.4) if the Tigers are going to get revenge for the first two meetings and advance to the substate final. This is a team that is certainly capable of doing so, having won every other game this season, but the lack of success against the Spartans so far this season makes it hard to see them winning here. Our pick: Exira-EHK

District 1: #1 North Union (20-3) vs. #3 St. Edmond (12-11)