State Tournament: Monday Preview

1A Quarterfinal: #1 North Linn (23-1) vs. #8 Woodbine (23-2), 10:30 am   Analysis: North Linn is making their eighth straight state tournament appearance, while Woodbine is making their first trip since 1996. The Lynx are the highest-scoring team in the state, averaging 79.1 points a game, and they rank 3rd in the class in scoring defense, giving up just 37.2 on average. They brought back three starters from last year's runner-up team, led by junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1484418' first='Mason' last='Bechen'] (20.5, 5.7 assists, 3.3 steals) and senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1426164' first='Ty' last='Pflughaupt'] (20.0, 6.8 rebounds, 42.0 3P%). Bechen might be the best player in the 1A field, a do-it-all guard who paces the attack on both ends of the floor. He creates well off the dribble with his combination of speed, ball-handling, and toughness, and he has a really nice mid-range game. Pflughaupt is a long, lanky defender who knocks down shots from 3 with regularity and protects the rim. The other returning starter is [player_tooltip player_id='1751216' first='Breckyn' last='Betenbender'] (10.2, 2.6 assists), who pairs with Cole Griffith (7.3) to give the Lynx a pair of really good on-ball defenders. They will likely both get shots at Woodbine star [player_tooltip player_id='1951827' first='Carter' last='Gruver'] (20.6, 4.5 assists).   The aforementioned Gruver is a dynamic three-level scorer who creates well off the dribble for himself and his teammates. He's capable of having explosive scoring nights and can take over a game in a hurry if he gets it going. [player_tooltip player_id='1977076' first='Landon' last='Blum'] (12.8) is one of the best athletes in the state in the freshman class, already an All-State wide receiver, and his length and athleticism can make an impact on both ends of the floor. Woodbine has done a good job protecting the basketball this season, averaging less than 10 turnovers a game, but the pressure that the Lynx throw at you, and the magnitude of the moment, could prove to be too much for the Tigers here. If they give it away early, North Linn can run away and hide in the blink of an eye. If they protect it early, this could be a good one.   Players to watch North Linn: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1484418' first='Mason' last='Bechen'] (20.5 points, 5.7 assists, 3.3 steals, 51.5 FG%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1426164' first='Ty' last='Pflughaupt'] (20.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.7 steals, 42.0 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1751216' first='Breckyn' last='Betenbender'] (10.2 points, 2.6 assists, 2.5 steals); 2025 Cole Griffin (7.3 points, 3.5 assists, 40.0 3P%); 2024 Jake Van Etten (8.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 57.3 FG%) Woodbine: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1951827' first='Carter' last='Gruver'] (20.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.6 steals); 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1977076' first='Landon' last='Blum'] (12.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 steals); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2413631' first='Jax' last='Pryor'] (10.8 points, 6.2 rebounds)   Our pick: North Linn 72, Woodbine 58   1A Quarterfinal: #4 Winfield-Mt. Union (20-2) vs. #5 Lynnville-Sully (24-1), 12:15 pm   Analysis: Points are going to be hard to come by in this one, as these are two of the top five teams in the state in scoring defense, and neither team lights it up from the 3-point line. Winfield-Mt. Union is making their first trip to Des Moines since making five straight tournaments from 1992-96. The Wolves' two losses this season have come to West Burlington, an undefeated 2A state tournament qualifier, and Illini Bluffs (IL), the team ranked #2 in Illinois' Class 1A. That Illini Bluffs loss came without the services of star forward [player_tooltip player_id='1171697' first='Cam' last='Buffington'] (19.1, 7.3 rebounds), a future Iowa football player who can change the game with his size, strength, and athleticism. Fellow Division I football signee [player_tooltip player_id='1171698' first='Abram' last='Edwards'] (14.4, 11.6 rebounds, 1.8 blocks) is the son of former Iowa State player Klay Edwards, the head coach of the team, who was a star during that five-year run in the 90s. Edwards gives the Wolves more size, at 6-6, and length that he uses to protect the rim defensively. He's also a good passer out of the high post area who can initiate the offense. His younger brother, [player_tooltip player_id='1381409' first='Jake' last='Edwards'] (10.7, 39.5 3P%) is the team's lead guard, leading the team in assists and serving as their most dangerous 3-point shooting threat. The Wolves rank 1st in scoring defense in the class, giving up just 35.0 points a game, and the size, athleticism, and length that they put on the floor is the big reason why.   Lynnville-Sully is 5th in the class in scoring defense, allowing 39.7 a game. The Hawks are led by senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2377418' first='Mitchell' last='Miller'] (12.8) and forward [player_tooltip player_id='1376719' first='Klayton' last='Van Dyke'] (12.5, 2.2 blocks). Miller is a 6-2 wing scorer who can knock down shots from deep and create off the dribble, while the 6-6 Van Dyke is the athletic big man who makes the defense go. He has good timing and instincts as a shot blocker, and he allows the Hawks' guards to play a bit more aggressively on the defensive end. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1171666' first='Corder' last='Noun Harder'] (8.9, 4.8 assists) is a small, but tough and physical guard, who initiates the offense and is a solid on-ball defender. The Hawks do a great job pounding the glass on both ends of the floor, especially on the offensive end (14.3 a game), but rebounding will be a bit tougher against Buffington and Edwards than it was against many in the SICL.   Players to watch Winfield-Mt. Union: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171697' first='Cam' last='Buffington'] (19.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 54.8 FG%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171698' first='Abram' last='Edwards'] (14.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 63.3 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381409' first='Jake' last='Edwards'] (10.7, 4.0 assists, 2.5 steals, 39.5 3P%) Lynnville-Sully: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2377418' first='Mitchell' last='Miller'] (12.8 points, 2.4 assists, 80.0 FT%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1376719' first='Klayton' last='Van Dyke'] (12.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 66.2 FG%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171666' first='Corder' last='Noun Harder'] (8.9 points, 4.8 assists); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2886854' first='Dawson' last='James'] (9.4 points, 6.8 rebounds)   Our pick: Winfield-Mt. Union 41, Lynnville-Sully 37   1A Quarterfinal: #2 Marquette Catholic (25-1) vs. #7 Gladbrook-Reinbeck (21-5), 2:00 pm   Analysis: Marquette Catholic is making their first trip to the state tournament since 2006, which was the end of a stretch that saw them go six out of seven years. Their lone loss this season came to top-seed North Linn, a nine point home loss to the Lynx, and only two of their wins have been decided by single digits. A deep, balanced team that sees six Defenders averaging at least 8.2 points a game, led by junior combo forward [player_tooltip player_id='1759939' first='Spencer' last='Roeder'] (16.3, 8.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists). Roeder is a 6-4/6-5 forward who has improved his ability to create off the dribble and he has a really nice stroke off both the dribble and the catch. He's the most difficult player to defend on this Marquette roster with his combination of size and offensive versatility. Guards Eli Scott (11.5, 4.6 assists) and [player_tooltip player_id='2204880' first='Kannon' last='Still'] (10.8) are both capable of playing with or without the ball in their hands, and senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1338777' first='Caden' last='Kettmann'] (11.3, 6.1 rebounds) is the team's best defender. He's an athletic 6-4 forward who can defend one through five with his size, toughness, and athleticism. Expect to see him getting shots at [player_tooltip player_id='2397981' first='Michael' last='Boyd'], [player_tooltip player_id='2397276' first='Drew' last='Eilers'], and Isaac Clark throughout the game.   Gladbrook-Reinbeck lost do-it-all guard William Kiburis from last year's state qualifying team, but the Rebels are back in Des Moines with a new-look team that could make some noise. They're led by a pair of forwards - juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2397981' first='Michael' last='Boyd'] (14.2, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 blocks) and [player_tooltip player_id='2397276' first='Drew' last='Eilers'] (12.5, 10.1 rebounds) - who give them significant production in the paint on both ends of the floor on a nightly basis. Boyd is a 6-5 combo forward who can score inside and out, shooting 39.3% from the arc, while Eilers is a traditional big who does all of his damage inside the painted area. The Rebels surround that tandem with a trio of good shooters - Isaac Clark (11.7, 38.5 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='2820164' first='Austen' last='Mathern'] (9.0, 35.3 3P%), and [player_tooltip player_id='2204862' first='Brandon' last='Mathern'] (5.2, 37.1 3P%). They're the best 3-point shooting team in the 1A field, burying 37.5% of their attempts from deep on the season.   Players to watch Marquette Catholic: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759939' first='Spencer' last='Roeder'] (16.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 51.4 FG%); 2025 Eli Scott (11.5, 4.6 assists, 3.0 steals); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1338777' first='Caden' last='Kettmann'] (11.3 points, 6.1 rebounds); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2204880' first='Kannon' last='Still'] (10.8 points, 2.7 assists, 2.1 steals) Gladbrook-Reinbeck: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2397981' first='Michael' last='Boyd'] (14.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 56.3 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2397276' first='Drew' last='Eilers'] (12.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 66.4 FG%); 2024 Isaac Clark (11.7, 4.7 assists, 38.5 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2820164' first='Austen' last='Mathern'] (9.0 points, 35.3 3P%)   Our pick: Marquette Catholic 67, Gladbrook-Reinbeck 59   1A Quarterfinal: #3 Lake Mills (24-1) vs. #6 North Union (22-3), 3:45 pm   Analysis: This is probably the most interesting of the 1A quarterfinals, as these teams are conference rivals who met twice during the regular season, splitting their matchups. On December 19, North Union won 47-43, and on February 6, Lake Mills avenged the loss with a 70-68 win. Lake Mills is making their fourth trip to the state tournament in the last five years, and while the majority of the players on this roster weren't major contributors on the 2022 team that got here, a few of them got minutes on that team and that experience will be very beneficial for them here. Four double-figure scorers lead the way in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1751213' first='Lance' last='Helming'] (19.1, 53.2 FG%, 40.2 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1938210' first='Eli' last='Menke'] (16.4, 42.0 3P%), and juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1288890' first='Aiden' last='Stensrud'] (16.0, 9.3 rebounds, 72.3 FG%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1641849' first='Jackson' last='Gaul'] (11.7, 8.5 assists). They're an explosive offensive team that is putting up 77.3 points a game, and they have a number of different ways they can beat you. They can play in a halfcourt setting and use their size to wear you down, and they're certainly comfortable getting up-and-down.   North Union, on the other hand, is making their first trip to the state tournament in school history. The Warriors are really balanced, with six players averaging between 7.0 and 12.0 points a game, and they're senior-dominant with five seniors and a junior comprising their rotation. Forwards Kody Irmiter (12.0, 8.5 rebounds, 53.7 FG%) and [player_tooltip player_id='2377373' first='Aiden' last='Lofstrom'] (11.3, 7.2 rebounds) lead the way in the paint, while Preston Guerdet (11.5, 38.2 3P%) pairs with Danyal Fothergill (9.8, 3.2 steals) and [player_tooltip player_id='2377298' first='Kyan' last='Jones'] (7.3, 6.3 assists, 2.3 steals) on the perimeter. In the Warriors' win over Lake Mills, there were only 88 field goal attempts, while in the Lake Mills win, there were 106. Whichever team is able to dictate the tempo in this one will have the edge, and the experience that Lake Mills has in this venue could be the deciding factor.   Players to watch Lake Mills: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1751213' first='Lance' last='Helming'] (19.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 53.2 FG%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1938210' first='Eli' last='Menke'] (16.4, 3.7 assists, 42.0 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1288890' first='Aiden' last='Stensrud'] (16.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 72.3 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1641849' first='Jackson' last='Gaul'] (11.7 points, 8.5 assists, 57.8 FG%) North Union: 2024 Kody Irmiter (12.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 53.7 FG%); 2024 Preston Guerdet (11.5, 38.2 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2377298' first='Kyan' last='Jones'] (7.3 points, 6.3 assists, 2.3 steals); 2024 Danyal Fothergill (9.8, 3.2 steals); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2377373' first='Aiden' last='Lofstrom'] (11.3 points, 7.2 rebounds)   Our pick: Lake Mills 58, North Union 55   2A Quarterfinal: #1 Western Christian (20-3) vs. #8 Regina Catholic (17-6), 5:30 pm   Analysis: Western Christian is looking to add to their state record haul of 10 state championsips. The Wolfpack finished runner-up here last season, losing to the Central Lyon buzzsaw in the championship, and their top two players on this year's team were extremely important parts of that team and are looking to get some revenge this season. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1436462' first='Kaden' last='Van Regenmorter'] (19.4, 3.7 assists) and [player_tooltip player_id='1484412' first='Karsten' last='Moret'] (12.8, 39.2 3P%). Van Regenmorter is a tough, physcal 6-3 power wing who can score inside and out, create out of the mid-and-high post area as a passer, and he can defend multiple positions. Moret is an athletic wing who can play downhill and knock down shots off the catch. Senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='2377345' first='Tyler' last='Mantel'] (9.5, 5.6 rebounds) and [player_tooltip player_id='2377331' first='Caleb' last='Douma'] (6.3, 40.7 3P%) contribute across the board and are reliable, veteran presences in the backcourt. Having played against an independent schedule, the Wolfpack have had an opportunity to really test themselves this season, and that should prove beneficial in this tournament.   Regina has been one of the pleasant surprise teams in the class this season, making the state tournament in Paul Rundquist's first year at the helm. Rundquist has won a state title at Mount Pleasant and coached in several state tournaments, and he'll have a great gameplan drawn up here to keep Regina in the game late. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2325496' first='Michael' last='Martin'] (17.9, 44.4 3P%) has had a fantastic senior season, knocking down 3s off the catch and the dribble at an incredibly high rate, and he's knocked down several huge shots during their postseason run. His classmate [player_tooltip player_id='1807351' first='Eddie' last='Petersen'] (8.4, 5.0 assists) joins him in the backcourt, giving them an experienced guard who likes to get his teammates involved. A pair of freshmen, [player_tooltip player_id='2419768' first='Tate' last='Wallace'] (11.9) and [player_tooltip player_id='2419815' first='Will' last='Litton'] (8.3), have provided some athleticism and size, and they'll need to be major factors against Van Regenmorter, a big ask for freshmen. The X-factor for this group this week, and in this game in particular, will be junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2360905' first='Lucas' last='Schechinger'] (7.1, 38.5 3P%), who has provided a real scoring spark off the bench for the Regals down the stretch. He's able to score from all three levels and create off the dribble. Slowing down Van Regenmorter and taking away his playmaking in the high-post area will be key if Regina is going to spring the upset.   Players to watch Western Christian: 2025 Kaden Van Regemorter (19.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 48.2 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1484412' first='Karsten' last='Moret'] (12.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 39.2 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2377345' first='Tyler' last='Mantel'] (9.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 53.6 FG%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2377331' first='Caleb' last='Douma'] (6.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 40.7 3P%) Regina Catholic: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2325496' first='Michael' last='Martin'] (17.9 points, 44.4 3P%); 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2419768' first='Tate' last='Wallace'] (11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 54.5 FG%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1807351' first='Eddie' last='Petersen'] (8.4 points, 5.0 assists); 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2419815' first='Will' last='Litton'] (8.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 64.0 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2360905' first='Lucas' last='Schechinger'] (7.1 points, 38.5 3P%)   Our pick: Western Christian 66, Regina Catholic 56   2A Quarterfinal: #4 West Burlington (22-0) vs. #5 Treynor (21-3), 7:15 pm   Analysis: This should be one of the best quarterfinal games of the week, regardless of class. These are two teams that largely mirror each other, both lacking size but making up for it with incredible speed, athleticism, and playmaking. Both play primarily five-guard lineups and are comfortable playing in halfcourt or up-tempo games. West Burlington is making their first state tournament appearance behind the dynamic play of the trio of [player_tooltip player_id='1381425' first='Mason' last='Watkins'] (21.9, 3.2 assists, 41.8 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='1171665' first='Brady' last='Martin'] (15.3, 3.9 assists), and [player_tooltip player_id='2397997' first='Quincy' last='Collins'] (13.4, 8.1 rebounds). Watkins is the team's most dynamic offensive weapon, a 6-3 guard who can create off the dribble, knock down shots off the dribble and the catch, and he's a really good passer. Martin has been remarkable on the defensive end of the floor during the Falcons' postseason run, and Collins, while listed at just 5-11, plays more like he's 6-6 with the way he attacks the glass on both ends of the floor and finishes at the rim. The Falcons play with a bit of a chip on their shoulder, and they're going to bring a huge contingent to Wells Fargo, so if they get a little bit of momentum, the arena is going to get loud.   Another team that is really small, but makes up for it with their speed, shooting, and talent, Treynor is making their 17th state tournament appearance, and it's the sixth for coach Scott Rucker, making him one of the most experienced coaches in the 2A field. Senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='1376717' first='Jace' last='Tams'] (19.4, 35.2 3P%), Ethan Konz (14.8, 37.1 3P%), and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1978103' first='Alec' last='Lovely'] (10.1, 5.3 assists) headline the group, giving them a skilled trio of playmakers and shooters in the backcourt. All three are capable of playing with or without the ball in their hands, stretching the floor, and getting teammates involved. Karson Elwood (9.4, 6.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists) is Treynor's answer to [player_tooltip player_id='2397997' first='Quincy' last='Collins'], another player who plays bigger than his listed height with their willingness to compete with the bigger players on the glass. These are two guard-heavy teams, and neither of them are heavily reliant on the 3. Both like to attack off the dribble and use their speed to create. This one should be tightly contested throughout and a lot of fun to watch.   Players to watch West Burlington: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381425' first='Mason' last='Watkins'] (21.9 points, 3.2 assists, 2.3 steals, 41.8 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171665' first='Brady' last='Martin'] (15.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.4 steals); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2397997' first='Quincy' last='Collins'] (13.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 54.8 FG%) Treynor: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1376717' first='Jace' last='Tams'] (19.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 steals, 35.2 3P%); 2024 Ethan Konz (14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 37.1 3P%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1978103' first='Alec' last='Lovely'] (10.1 points, 5.3 assists, 2.6 steals, 39.4 3P%); 2024 Karson Elwood (9.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists)   Our pick: West Burlington 56, Treynor 52

1A Quarterfinal: #1 North Linn (23-1) vs. #8 Woodbine (23-2), 10:30 am