Class 2A District Final Preview

District 1: #1 West Lyon (21-1) vs. #3 Spirit Lake (12-9)   West Lyon has spent a significant chunk of the season ranked #1 in the class, and they blew out Spirit Lake earlier this month, 85-61, behind 30 points from [player_tooltip player_id='1759936' first='Carson' last='Hoogeveen'] (15.6, 39.3 3P%). The Wildcats are one of four teams in the class to rank within the top 10 in both scoring offense (3rd, 72.4) and defense (45.5), and their depth and athleticism overwhelms teams on both ends of the floor. Hoogeveen is the only double-figure scorer, a skilled guard who can play with or without the ball in his hands, and then eight players average between 4.0 and 9.0 points a game, giving them a multitude of scoring options. [player_tooltip player_id='2325556' first='Trevor' last='Ciesielski'] (9.0, 4.0 assists) pairs with Hoogeveen to control the backcourt, and this is a team that shares the ball tremendously well, averaging nearly 17 assists a game. Spirit Lake can put up points in bunches, led by junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1759904' first='Dylan' last='Stecker'] (24.1, 9.0 rebounds). He's an athletic forward who finishes efficiently around the bucket, but he can also occasionally step out and stretch the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='1765548' first='Wesley' last='Walz'] (11.6) and [player_tooltip player_id='2398038' first='Ethan' last='Stecker'] (11.0, 39.5 3P%) are also reliable scorers who can step up and take some pressure off of Stecker. There's no doubt that the Indians will score, but will they be able to get enough stops against the 'Cats to pull off a monumental upset? Our pick: West Lyon   District 2: #1 Unity Christian (18-4) vs. #2 Emmetsburg (18-5)   Despite losing leading scorer [player_tooltip player_id='1874768' first='Braeden' last='Bosma'] to an injury nine games into the season, Unity Christian has put together a great year, racking up 18 wins in their initial season in the Siouxland Conference. The Knights are an athletic team that has posted impressive wins over Central Lyon (twice) and West Lyon. Sophomore guards [player_tooltip player_id='2413578' first='Dylan' last='Bosma'] (13.6, 2.9 assists) and [player_tooltip player_id='2413600' first='Austin' last='Wieringa'] (11.7) are the top scorers, but this is a team that can go pretty deep into their rotation with viable scoring threats, as six other players average between 4.0 and 7.2 points per game. If there is one thing that could hurt the Knights here, though, it's ball security. They average more turnovers (13.7) than assists (11.5) a game. Emmetsburg is a young team, with seven juniors leading the team in scoring. [player_tooltip player_id='1874771' first='Byron' last='Maina'] (14.7, 42.1 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='2519988' first='Gavin' last='Swanson'] (11.5, 4.6 assists), Carter Hudson (11.0, 7.7 rebounds), [player_tooltip player_id='1587312' first='Kale' last='Fank'] (9.7), and [player_tooltip player_id='2511532' first='Carson' last='Baak'] (8.9, 44.7 3P%, 4.8 assists) are a dynamic quintet of players who have a ton of experience playing together, but they haven't really played in many big games yet. Our pick: Unity Christian   District 3: #1 Western Christian (18-3) vs. #3 Central Lyon (13-10)   The teams are the same as last year's 2A championship game, won by Central Lyon, but many of the faces are new, especially for Central Lyon. The defending champion Lions have had an up-and-down year as they broke in new pieces, but they've played great ball in the first two rounds of the postseason, beating West Sioux and Kingsley-Pierson by a combined 65 points. The challenge against Western Christian is obviously going to be much more tough, but this is a team with an elite player in [player_tooltip player_id='1751110' first='Reece' last='Vander Zee'] (24.5, 10.5 rebounds) and a number of talented shooters in [player_tooltip player_id='1426697' first='Ephraim' last='Hoefert'] (13.1, 37.4 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='1573093' first='Koury' last='Serck'] (9.0, 43.1 3P%), and Matt Elbert (6.1, 37.3 3P%) to flank him with, which is a good recipe for an upset. Vander Zee, an athletic 6-6 combo forward, is headed to Iowa to play receiver, and with his athleticism and ability to score from anywhere, he could take over this game. Western Christian is the preeminent program in 2A basketball and have once again been great. Their three losses have come against Dakota Valley and Sioux Falls Christian, the top two teams in South Dakota, and Sioux City East, a top-5 team in 4A. They've pretty much steamrolled through everyone else on the schedule, with just three of their wins decided by single digits. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1436462' first='Kaden' last='Van Regenmorter'] (19.3, 3.5 assists) and [player_tooltip player_id='1484412' first='Karsten' last='Moret'] (13.0, 40.4 3P%) are the headliners for the Wolfpack, a very talented tandem who complement each other well. Van Regenmorter is a tough, physical wing who excels in the free-throw line area, creating off the dribble, knocking down shots, and finding open teammates. Moret is a great athlete on the wing who thrives playing downhill, but he's also a really good perimeter shooter who moves well without the ball. The 'Pack are always a tough, physical team that shares the ball, plays disciplined defense, and isn't going to beat themselves. Central Lyon has the athletes to play with them, but in the end, Western is the better all-around team. Our pick: Western Christian   District 4: #1 Estherville Lincoln Central (18-3) vs. #3 Forest City (15-8)   The best player in 2A basketball, and arguably the best player in the state this season, takes the floor in this one in Estherville Lincoln Central guard [player_tooltip player_id='1171659' first='Owen' last='Larson'] (28.0, 8.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 3.2 steals). Larson, who is headed to play his college ball at South Dakota State, has put up fantastic numbers with 48-36-82 shooting splits despite getting a ton of junk defenses thrown at him. His ability to score from anywhere or create for his teammates is rivaled by few. [player_tooltip player_id='2325337' first='Cael' last='Miller'] (11.4), [player_tooltip player_id='2721777' first='Sincere' last='McMurran'] (11.2), and Jordan Jensen (11.0) have been the beneficiaries of Larson's playmaking, and Forest City is going to have their hands full with him. If they want to upset the Midgets, they'll need to force this into a halfcourt game and hope to get efficient scoring nights from [player_tooltip player_id='2397233' first='Carsen' last='Hall'] (12.6), Tommy Miller (12.2, 5.0 assists), and [player_tooltip player_id='2381218' first='Ty' last='Sopko'] (11.4). Our pick: Estherville Lincoln Central   District 5: #1 Hudson (21-2) vs. #2 Jesup (17-5)   Hudson has been building for this year for the last few years now, and the Pirates haven't disappointed, with their two losses coming to the #1 team in 3A (Decorah) and the #1 team in 4A (Kennedy). They rank 2nd in the class in scoring offense (73.3) and 4th in defense (45.4), and they blasted Jesup early this season by 39 points. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1476978' first='Camden' last='Davis'] (19.8, 10.0 rebounds, 59.1 FG%) is a fantastic finisher around the rim and his constant off-ball movement, paired with his size, athleticism, and IQ, make him nearly impossible to defend at this level. The Pirates are able to flank him with a number of skilled guards - [player_tooltip player_id='2325396' first='Culin' last='Ugrin'] (13.3, 43.9 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='2325381' first='Lyle' last='Olsen'] (10.0, 5.7 assists), [player_tooltip player_id='1288893' first='Tanner' last='Michael'] (9.6, 45.1 3P%), and Kiean Crile (7.1). They can play a number of different styles and have the athletes, IQ, and discipline to play great pressure defense. Jesup counters with senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1153046' first='Jack' last='Miller'] (26.4, 40.8 3P%), an Upper Iowa signee, who is among the most explosive scorers in the state. He can score from anywhere, provides some highlight reel dunks in transition, and creates for his teammates off the dribble. [player_tooltip player_id='1839807' first='Ryan' last='Treptow'] (17.1, 7.1 rebounds, 38.1 3P%) is a really good second scorer alongside Miller. The J-Hawks can score in bunches, but can they slow down the Pirates? Our pick: Hudson   District 6: #1 MFL MarMac (19-3) vs. #2 North Fayette Valley (20-3)   Since the return of [player_tooltip player_id='2325439' first='Wyatt' last='Powell'] (10.7, 7.0 assists) to the lineup for MFL MarMac the Bulldogs have gone 14-0 and blown out just about everyone, and they were able to avenge an early-season loss to North Fayette Valley after he came back. [player_tooltip player_id='2511550' first='Parker' last='Kuehl'] (16.3) is the leading scorer while [player_tooltip player_id='2221613' first='Carver' last='Blietz-Bentien'] (15.5, 7.8 rebounds) is a mobile, athletic forward who controls the glass on both ends of the floor. A team that relies on their speed, they force a ton of turnovers and turn defense into offense in the blink of an eye. North Fayette Valley counters with a dominant forward in junior [player_tooltip player_id='1951832' first='Cael' last='Reichter'] (22.5, 13.2 rebounds, 2.8 blocks), a fantastic two-way player who protects the rim, scores inside and out, and dominates the glass on both ends of the floor. Reichter will need to be dominant if the TigerHawks are going to win this one and advance to the substate final. Our pick: MFL MarMac   District 7: #1 West Burlington (20-0) vs. #2 West Branch (17-6)   There is going to be some really good guard play in this game between West Burlington's [player_tooltip player_id='1381425' first='Mason' last='Watkins'] (21.6, 41.3 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1171665' first='Brady' last='Martin'] (15.9, 3.9 assists), and West Branch's [player_tooltip player_id='1171662' first='Holden' last='Arnaman'] (23.8, 48.3 3P%). West Burlington has gone through another regular season undefeated, and while some questions persist about the relative strength of the schedule they've played, there is no doubt that the Watkins-Martin tandem has won a ton of games and become accustomed to winning on both ends of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='2397997' first='Quincy' last='Collins'] (13.2, 8.1 rebounds) has emerged as a solid tertiary option for the Falcons, giving them more quickness and athleticism. For West Branch, Arnaman, a dynamic scorer and playmaker who can drop 40 on any given night, is the headliner, but [player_tooltip player_id='1476994' first='Reese' last='Trepanier'] (14.8, 9.0 rebounds) is a really good secondary option for the Bears. He's a strong, physical forward who plays bigger than his listed 6-2 with his non-stop motor and toughness. This one should be a lot of fun, and while Arnaman is the best player on the floor, it's hard to pick against an undefeated team here. Our pick: West Burlington   District 8: #5 Beckman Catholic (7-16) vs. #2 Cascade (17-4)   Things really opened up in this district and substate following Beckman's upset win over Monticello, and Cascade is the biggest beneficiary. The Cougars swept the season series against the Blazers, winning by 21 on December 19 and 10 on February 6. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1587383' first='Jackson' last='Lieurance'] (22.9, 39.7 3P%) is an electric scorer on the wing, a pure shooter with unlimited range, efficiency, and the ability to create off the dribble. [player_tooltip player_id='1978108' first='Mick' last='Hoffman'] (13.8, 42.5 3P%), a talented sophomore wing, has stepped into a reliable secondary scoring role alongside Lieurance, giving the Cougars a ton of shooting and shot creation, while [player_tooltip player_id='1405102' first='Nathan' last='Schockemoehl'] (9.4, 8.9 rebounds) gives them some athleticism and rebounding. Beckman Catholic is in the midst of a bit of a rebuilding year, but the Blazers have a chance to pull off a second huge upset, and doing so against their biggest rivals would be a tremendous way to keep this run going. Eli Kluesne (11.2) and Max Oberbroeckling (9.0) are their top two scorers, but the X-factor here may be freshman wing [player_tooltip player_id='2419787' first='Jake' last='Wegmann'] (8.9). Wegmann is a streaky shooter who can score from all three levels, and if he can knock down some shots early and put some pressure on the Cougars, we could be in for a good one. Our pick: Cascade   District 9: #1 Pella Christian (17-5) vs. #2 Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont (17-5)   Pella Christian dominated the Rockets in the season-opener for both teams, winning 77-51, and while this one may not be quite as big of a blowout, the Eagles should still be a pretty heavy favorite here. They've won eight of their last nine, with the lone loss coming to 4A Dallas Center-Grimes. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1423351' first='Tysen' last='Devries'] (14.3, 45.2 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1872424' first='Dane' last='Geetings'] (13.5, 3.0 assists) have been fantastic for the Eagles this season, but have taken their games up another level during the last month and a half. They're the team's go-to scorers, but this is a deep, athletic, and long team that plays great defense, shares the ball, and has a proven winner in Devries who can take over games. Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont is led by senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1171680' first='Brooks' last='Moore'] (25.9, 8.4 rebounds), an athletic combo forward who is a terror in transition. [player_tooltip player_id='1751224' first='Karic' last='Stout'] (12.1, 3.2 blocks) is a bouncy rim protector who can make it difficult for the Eagles in the paint, and the backcourt tandem of Landon Glosser (11.2, 4.8 assists) and [player_tooltip player_id='1476979' first='Jesse' last='Cornelison'] (11.0, 4.9 assists) have done a nice job protecting the ball and getting others involved. EBF has the size advantage at a number of spots here, but PC is the team that has been much more tested throughout the year and has the best individual player on the floor. Our pick: Pella Christian   District 10: #1 Alburnett (19-3) vs. #2 Regina (15-6)   Expect points to be at a premium in this one, as Alburnett is #1 in 2A in scoring defense, allowing just 42.4 points per game, while Regina ranks 21st, giving up 50.5. Alburnett hasn't lost since December 16, riding a 15-game winning streak, and during that stretch they've held six opponents below 40 points. [player_tooltip player_id='1751109' first='Braydon' last='Osborn'] (15.7, 39.2 3P%), an athletic wing who can defend and stretch the floor, leads the team in scoring, and he pairs with guard [player_tooltip player_id='1751108' first='Jordan' last='Caton'] (11.2, 42.2 3P%) to give the Pirates a pair of dynamic floor-stretchers. Payton Baker (6.3, 7.3 assists) isn't a big scorer, but has been excellent in commanding the offense and putting Osborn and Caton in positions to succeed, and [player_tooltip player_id='2397976' first='Matthew' last='Neighbor'] (14.4, 66.7 FG%) has been remarkably efficient as the interior scoring presence. The Pirates don't have a ton of traditional size, with Neighbor and Osborn, both listed at 6-3, the tallest of their regular contributors, but they're athletic, disciplined defensively, and really have bought in on that end of the floor. They'll make things difficult for the Regals in this one. Regina lost their first two games of the season but then caught fire, winning 13 straight under new coach Paul Rundquist. They stumbled down the stretch of the regular season, losing four of their last five games, but avenged a regular-season loss to Wilton to get here. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2325496' first='Michael' last='Martin'] (17.3, 43.7 3P%) is the leader of the bunch, a fantastic shooter, especially off the catch, and when he gets it rolling, he can score in bunches. The Regals have gotten great production out of a pair of freshmen bigs, [player_tooltip player_id='2419768' first='Tate' last='Wallace'] (12.5, 55.5 FG%) and [player_tooltip player_id='2419815' first='Will' last='Litton'] (8.7, 63.4 FG%), and that tandem as well as [player_tooltip player_id='1807351' first='Eddie' last='Petersen'] (8.6) will need to be big in this one, as we wouldn't be surprised to see Alburnett throw a few different "junk" defensive looks at Martin in an effort to take him and his shooting out of the game. Our pick: Alburnett   District 11: #1 Kuemper Catholic (18-3) vs. #2 South Central Calhoun (17-5)   South Central Calhoun will have their hands full tonight with Kuemper's explosive offense, averaging 76.1 points a game, best in 2A. The Knights come at you in waves with a multitude of players who can stretch the floor, shooting 38.1% from the arc as a team and averaging over 10 made 3-pointers per game. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1765503' first='Brock' last='Badding'] (13.2, 46.9 3P%) leads the team in scoring but is just one of four averaging double digits, with two others contributing 7.0 and 9.6 points a game. That gives the Knights six dynamic scoring options, and each of them is capable of launching from deep, which opens up the dribble penetration ability of junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1759944' first='Carson' last='Kanne'] (10.2, 5.3 assists). This is a quick, athletic group filled with scoring threats, and each of them are also capable of creating shots for themselves and their teammates off the bounce. The Titans will have difficulty slowing this attack down. So, if they can't slow it down, will they have the firepower to keep pace? [player_tooltip player_id='1751229' first='Gavin' last='Batta'] (19.7) and [player_tooltip player_id='2721807' first='Cole' last='Higgins'] (15.4) are a pair of big scorers, while Keegan Soard (9.2, 10.5 rebounds, 67.5 FG%), a 6-4 forward, could have an edge in the paint against a smaller Kuemper team. The Titans don't shoot it particularly well from deep (32.4%), but in Batta and Soard, they have some physicality. If they're able to slow the game down, they could keep this one close. Our pick: Kuemper Catholic   District 12: #1 Grundy Center (18-3) vs. #2 Aplington-Parkersburg (17-5)   These teams met once in the regular season, an 82-67 Grundy Center win on December 19. Aplington-Parkersburg was playing that game without star guard [player_tooltip player_id='1171686' first='Gavin' last='Thomas'] (19.7, 43.5 3P%), which was obviously a significant blow, but the Spartans also shot over 63%, outrebounded the Falcons 30-20, and won by double digits despite A-P shooting 30 free throws. A-P is led by the aforementioned Thomas, a skilled guard who can create for his teammates and score efficiently from all three levels, posting 53-44-75 shooting splits. [player_tooltip player_id='1765547' first='Benny' last='Waller'] (16.2, 41.7 3P%), a sophomore guard, has been really good this season alongside Thomas, giving the Falcons more shooting, while [player_tooltip player_id='2325268' first='Nick' last='Neuroth'] (9.9, 4.3 assists) is the lead guard who gets everything going on both ends of the floor. This year's A-P team is much smaller than previous iterations have been, with no player on the roster listed taller than 6-2, which could be an issue again against a bigger Grundy Center team. The Spartans starting lineup goes 6-1, 6-4, 6-3, 6-5, and 6-6, giving them a size advantage at every spot on the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='1478357' first='Jalen' last='Kirkpatrick'] (15.8, 53.7 FG%), a 6-6 wing, is the team's leading scorer and rebounder, a versatile three-level scorer with a pure stroke from deep and the ability to create off the dribble. [player_tooltip player_id='2325346' first='Tate' last='Jirovsky'] (9.5, 3.0 blocks) is a difference-maker in the paint defensively, and the trio of [player_tooltip player_id='1759911' first='Tiernan' last='Vokes'] (10.9), Colin Gordon (8.9), and [player_tooltip player_id='1759941' first='Brayden' last='Wallis'] (8.0) help round out a very balanced offensive attack. The Spartans move the ball incredibly well, averaging 21 assists a game as a team, and they have a number of players who can beat you. The size advantage and the rebounding edge is too much for A-P to overcome, unless Thomas goes nuts. Our pick: Grundy Center   District 13: #1 Treynor (19-3) vs. #2 Van Meter (12-10)   Van Meter has really tested themselves this season, playing 12 games against teams that are still alive in their respective classes this season. The Bulldogs are a tough, physical, defensive-oriented team that prefers to play in a halfcourt game, using their strength and athleticism to their advantage. They don't have a ton of traditional size, with only [player_tooltip player_id='2325542' first='Cael' last='Trudo'] (14.2, 7.0 rebounds) listed above 6-2 (6-5) among the players who play regularly, but they pack a punch, play disciplined defense, and always have a number of athletes they can throw at you. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2325537' first='John' last='Braun'] (15.2) leads the team in scoring and he and Trudo will be looking to take advantage of a smaller Treynor lineup. [player_tooltip player_id='2398079' first='Caleb' last='Moore'] (12.7, 3.8 assists, 40.0 3P%) is the "straw that stirs the drink" on the offensive end, getting his teammates involved and he's their best perimeter shooter. Treynor plays a five-guard lineup that is able to space the floor and open up lanes to get to the rim, using their quickness to their advantage. The Cardinals play fast, averaging 70.2 points a game, and have three players in [player_tooltip player_id='1376717' first='Jace' last='Tams'] (18.9, 35.4 3P%), Ethan Konz (14.6, 36.5 3P%), and [player_tooltip player_id='1978103' first='Alec' last='Lovely'] (9.7, 5.2 assists, 36.8 3P%) who can shoot it at a high clip and get the offense rolling in a hurry. Karson Elwood (9.8, 3.9 assists) pairs with Lovely as the primary playmakers, and Aaron Ehmke (5.1) is the glue guy of the unit, a player who scores efficiently (63.8 FG%) when the opportunity presents itself, but mostly plays strong defense and keeps the ball moving. What will win out here? The speed of Treynor or the physicality of Van Meter? Our pick: Treynor   District 14: #1 Des Moines Christian (16-4) vs. #2 Grand View Christian (12-9)   This game became even more interesting in the last few weeks, as Grand View Christian gained the services of former Des Moines Christian guard [player_tooltip player_id='2349501' first='Jameson' last='Scharnberg'] (12.0, 45.5 3P%) down the stretch. Scharnberg appeared in 11 games for the Lions earlier this season, averaging 11.7 points a game, and is now with the Thunder, where he has played in their last two games. He gives the Thunder something that they had been lacking - a playmaking guard who can create shots off the dribble for himself and his teammates, and a floor stretcher. His presence opens things up a little more for star forward [player_tooltip player_id='1381402' first='Emiliano' last='Barrantes'] (27.6, 14.7 rebounds, 3.2 blocks, 61.4 FG%), who has been dominant on both ends of the floor. A mobile 6-8 big man who has added some range to his game, he can protect the rim, dominate the glass, and finish at the bucket. [player_tooltip player_id='2287857' first='Brayden' last='Hoben'] (15.6, 9.1 rebounds) is a streaky shooter, but when he gets it going, he can light a team up in a hurry, as he did in the regular season finale against Grundy Center, and [player_tooltip player_id='1476971' first='Noah' last='John'] (10.0, 6.1 assists) is a playmaking 6-4 forward who sees the floor really well. Des Moines Christian has dealt with some serious injuries throughout the year but still put together another strong season. The Lions are led by athletic guard [player_tooltip player_id='2398006' first='Sean' last='Tunks'] (19.5, 3.4 assists), who has given them some quickness, three-level scoring, and playmaking in the backcourt. He looks to push the pace and attack the rim whenever he can. [player_tooltip player_id='1759901' first='Seaton' last='Ingram'] (12.8, 7.0 rebounds) missed the pre-holiday break portion of the season but has returned to give them an athletic, versatile defender, and [player_tooltip player_id='1751233' first='Tate' last='Platte'] (11.4, 7.3 rebounds) has been a mainstay in the rotation for several years now. Platte is a physical forward with a non-stop motor, and he and Ingram will need to make a concerted effort on the glass against Barrantes, Hoben, and John, trying to limit second chance opportunities for the Thunder. This one should be a ton of fun, and a very emotional game, but it's hard to see DMC keeping up with GVC's size on the glass, and the added element that Scharnberg provides gives the Thunder a boost. Our pick: Grand View Christian   District 15: #1 Underwood (22-0) vs. #2 East Sac County (18-4)   Underwood is a senior-laden team that has been building towards this season for the last few years, and they have been fantastic. One of two undefeated teams left in the class, the Eagles rank 4th in scoring offense (72.0) and 3rd in defense (44.3), and have had just three games decided by single digits. They start five seniors: Mason Boothby (13.6), Josh Ravlin (12.6, 40.9 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='2377360' first='Owen' last='Larsen'] (11.1, 7.1 rebounds), [player_tooltip player_id='1751187' first='Jack' last='Vanfossan'] (10.8, 10.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists), and Luke Seidler (9.5, 37.9 3P%). A balanced team that can beat you in a number of ways, they have been extremely efficient offensively, posting 52-38-62 shooting splits as a team. They pound the glass, averaging nearly 40 rebounds a night, including 12 on the offensive end, and the share the ball really well (17.2 assists). Oh, and scoring against them, especially in the paint, is nearly impossible, as they block six shots a night. East Sac County is led by a pair of 6-4 forwards in sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1765513' first='Ryan' last='Clair'] (19.0, 10.9 rebounds, 62.5 FG%) and senior Luke Wright (11.5, 8.1 rebounds, 63.2 FG%), while Sam Julin (12.0, 39.6 3P%) and Caleb Eichorn (10.2, 42.9 3P%) provide some floor spacing. While Clair and Wright have been solid this season, they're taking a significant step up in competition here against the length, athleticism, and IQ of the Eagles. Our pick: Underwood   District 16: #1 South Hamilton (17-4) vs. #3 Pleasantville (14-9)   Despite having a pair of 20-point scorers, it was Trent Jolly (7.9, 36.2 3P%) who scored 26 points to help Pleasantville upset Roland-Story in the semifinals to advance to this district final. Jolly went 6-8 from behind the arc in that win, which is the type of performance that the Trojans needed with freshman wing [player_tooltip player_id='2419699' first='Braylon' last='Bingham'] (20.7, 7.6 rebounds) and senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1725069' first='Dayson' last='Leerhoff'] (20.7, 11.2 rebounds) largely held in check against the Norsemen. Bingham is having a sensational freshman season, showing the ability to create looks off the dribble for himself and his teammates, and Leerhoff is a dominant force in the paint who pounds the glass, scores efficiently at the rim, and can stretch the floor, shooting 38% from 3-point range this season. South Hamilton counters with a trio of double-figure scorers in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2204891' first='Ryland' last='Ubben'] (17.0, 9.1 rebounds), Reece Ricke (12.3, 8.7 rebounds), and Ty Koehnk (10.1). The Hawks don't shoot it well from deep (27.4 3P%) and have struggled with turnovers (15.7 a game), but they have a lot of experience playing in, and winning, tight games, having gone 10-1 in games decided by single digits this season. Being able to remain calm late in a tight game will be big. The Leerhoff-Ricke battle in the paint will be entertaining, and whichever team takes better care of the ball will move on here. Our pick: Pleasantville

District 1: #1 West Lyon (21-1) vs. #3 Spirit Lake (12-9)