State Tournament: Thursday Preview

2A Semifinal: #1 Western Christian (21-3) vs. #5 Treynor (22-3), 10:30 am   Analysis: Western Christian was in control for the last three quarters in a dominant 56-34 win over Regina, while Treynor closed the game on an 18-8 run to move past West Burlington, 73-63.   The Wolfpack's methodical beatdown of Regina showed that this is your typical Western Christian team - they're tough, physical, fundamentally sound, long, athletic, and they aren't going to beat themselves. In junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1436462' first='Kaden' last='Van Regenmorter'] (19.4), they have a dominant scorer and playmaker who can control the game from anywhere on the floor. Treynor will struggle to match up with his physicality given their primarily five guard lineup. [player_tooltip player_id='1484412' first='Karsten' last='Moret'] (12.8) gives the Wolfpack some more size and shooting on the wing, and they are able to surround that tandem with more fundamentally sound, skilled players who can do a little bit of everything. They are going to come in with a good game plan and make Treynor beat them.   On the other end, Treynor's speed could be an issue for the Wolfpack. With that aforementioned five guard lineup, the Cardinals are able to spread the floor with five players who can all handle it and create off the dribble, and most of them shoot it fairly well from 3. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1978103' first='Alec' last='Lovely'], who had 22 points in their quarterfinal win, could be a problem. He's oozing with confidence and is the type of downhill, quick guard who can get it going in a hurry. If the Cardinals are able to spread Western out and create some driving lanes for Lovely, [player_tooltip player_id='1376717' first='Jace' last='Tams'], and Ethan Konz, and they know down the open 3s that are created when the defense collapses, they could spring the upset.   Players to watch Western Christian: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1436462' first='Kaden' last='Van Regenmorter'] (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%) 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: Western Christian 73, Treynor 65   2A Semifinal: #2 Hudson (24-2) vs. #6 Unity Christian (21-4), 12:15 pm   Analysis: Hudson got four late free throws from [player_tooltip player_id='1476978' first='Camden' last='Davis'] to escape NICL rival Grundy Center in a tough, physical battle, 55-51, while Unity Christian kept Underwood at arms length in a tight 59-55 win to move into the semifinals for the first time since 2005.   Hudson struggled against the length and athleticism of Grundy Center, but good teams find ways to win when you aren't playing your best, and that's exactly what the veteran Pirates did, going 20-25 from the line and forcing 18 turnovers. A senior-laden team, they're led by 6-4 forward [player_tooltip player_id='1476978' first='Camden' last='Davis'] (19.5, 10.1 rebounds), the type of long, athletic forward who can take over games, and they're able to put a lot of skilled shooters and playmakers on the perimeter to surround him. The dribble penetration of [player_tooltip player_id='1288893' first='Tanner' last='Michael'] (10.3) was huge in that quarterfinal win, sparking an offense that struggled for a majority of the game, while [player_tooltip player_id='2325381' first='Lyle' last='Olsen'] (10.6, 5.6 assists) and [player_tooltip player_id='2325396' first='Culin' last='Ugrin'] (13.4, 43.9 3P%) will be looking to bounce back in the semifinals. After getting dominated on the glass against Grundy, expect that to be a point of emphasis for Hudson heading into this one.   Unity Christian isn't big, which is good for Hudson, but they are tough and athletic. And their two sophomore star guards, [player_tooltip player_id='2413578' first='Dylan' last='Bosma'] (13.7) and [player_tooltip player_id='2413600' first='Austin' last='Wieringa'] (12.0), aren't afraid of anyone. The tandem combined for 46 points in their win over Underwood, and containing their dribble-drive will be key for the Pirates here. Wieringa pulled down 14 rebounds in that quarterfinal win as well and the Knights won the rebounding battle 38-32 against a bigger Underwood team. If they're able to win the rebounding battle again, that would be great news for the Knights.   Players to watch Hudson: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1476978' first='Camden' last='Davis'] (19.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 59.0 FG%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2325396' first='Culin' last='Ugrin'] (13.4 points, 43.9 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2325381' first='Lyle' last='Olsen'] (10.6 points, 5.6 assists, 53.5 FG%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1288893' first='Tanner' last='Michael'] (10.3 points, 2.7 assists, 45.5 3P%) Unity Christian: 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2413578' first='Dylan' last='Bosma'] (13.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.5 steals); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2413600' first='Austin' last='Wieringa'] (12.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 53.1 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1874781' first='Jackson' last='Vogel'] (6.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 50.0 FG%)   Our pick: Hudson 64, Unity Christian 62   3A Semifinal: #1 Decorah (23-2) vs. #4 Assumption (17-8), 2:00 pm   Analysis: Decorah used a 32-1 run, holding Williamsburg to just one point over 14:18 of game time, to cruise into the semifinals with a 66-42 win. Assumption used their athleticism and efficient offense to blow by Ballard, 84-73.   Expect some fireworks in this one, as these are two of the most explosive offensive teams in the state, regardless of class. Decorah got a great game out of senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1256304' first='Ben' last='Bockman'] (19.8) in the quarterfinals, with the 6-4 sharpshooter going for 29 points on 11-17 shooting (5-9 3P). The Vikings have gotten off to several slow starts this season, but have the explosiveness offensively and the speed defensively to put together ridiculous runs (40-5 in the substate final, 32-1 in the quarterfinals) and grab control of games out of nowhere. Against Assumption, they won't be able to get off to a slow start, or else they could be in trouble. The backcourt tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='1171655' first='Treyton' last='McCain'] (11.8) and [player_tooltip player_id='1381408' first='Zach' last='Driscoll'] (10.1) has done a really good job protecting the ball this season and getting their teammates involved, but against the speed and athleticism of the Knights, they'll have a more difficult task than they have seen this season. Sophomore big man Cael LaFrentz (15.8, 10.7 rebounds) is the player who could be a difference maker in this game. If they are able to keep him out of foul trouble, the long 6-10 center could impact shots around the rim against an Assumption team that loves to drive to the bucket.   Assumption put on an offensive clinic against Ballard, shooting over 63% from the floor and outrebounding the Bombers 37-16. [player_tooltip player_id='1759900' first='Damyen' last='Jackson'] (15.1) and [player_tooltip player_id='1660062' first='Navon' last='Shabazz'] (14.8), their two star guards, each had 21 points. Jackson did most of his via dribble penetration, while Shabazz shot it well from 3, but he's certainly capable of exploding to the rim off the dribble. [player_tooltip player_id='1759902' first='Kayvion' last='Hodges'] (9.6, 7.0 rebounds) was fantastic in the quarterfinals, scoring 19 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, and he'll likely be the primary defender on Bockman. Hodges is an athletic 6-3 wing who can defend multiple positions, and he'll look to bottle up the dynamic shooter. When Assumption is playing well and is engaged, as they should be in a state semifinal, they're probably the best team in the class. This one should be a ton of fun and could go in either direction.   Players to watch Decorah: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1256304' first='Ben' last='Bockman'] (19.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 53.0 FG%, 49.1 3P%); 2026 Cael LaFrentz (15.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 68.1 FG%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171655' first='Treyton' last='McCain'] (11.8 points, 7.1 assists, 51.2 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381408' first='Zach' last='Driscoll'] (10.1 points, 4.7 assists, 52.5 3P%) Assumption: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759900' first='Damyen' last='Jackson'] (15.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1660062' first='Navon' last='Shabazz'] (14.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759902' first='Kayvion' last='Hodges'] (9.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 54.5 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759943' first='Braylon' last='Thomsen'] (9.0 points)   Our pick: Assumption 72, Decorah 66   3A Semifinal: #2 Waverly-Shell Rock (21-3) vs. #3 MOC-Floyd Valley (22-3), 3:45 pm   Analysis: MOC-Floyd Valley got a huge game from [player_tooltip player_id='1376686' first='Jesse' last='Van Kalsbeek'], who had 37 points and 14 rebounds, as the Dutchmen rolled past defending champion Bondurant-Farrar, 67-50. Waverly-Shell Rock escaped Pella, in overtime, on a [player_tooltip player_id='1751095' first='Noah' last='Frazell'] free throw with 1.8 seconds left to win 65-64.   MOC-Floyd Valley star forward [player_tooltip player_id='1376686' first='Jesse' last='Van Kalsbeek'] (25.2, 10.8 rebounds) was unstoppable in the quarterfinal win over Bondurant-Farrar, and with [player_tooltip player_id='2377385' first='Luis' last='Portillo'] either sidelined or limited, does Waverly-Shell Rock have an answer for him on the defensive end? The Dutchmen were highly efficient against the Bluejays, shooting nearly 56% from the floor, 47% from 3, and winning comfortably despite giving it away 18 times. Van Kalsbeek is the headliner, but they got good production out of [player_tooltip player_id='2887838' first='Carter' last='Van Gelder'], knocking down three 3s, and guard [player_tooltip player_id='2398061' first='Blake' last='Aalbers'] (14.5) in the quarters as well, and the defense that [player_tooltip player_id='1978131' first='Draeden' last='Punt'] played against [player_tooltip player_id='1288861' first='Tanner' last='Berggren'] was fantastic. An athletic 6-5/6-6 forward who can move his feet, Punt could be the X-factor defensively for MOC, and he'll likely get cracks at [player_tooltip player_id='1759905' first='Luke' last='Frazell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1376675' first='Cole' last='Marsh'] throughout this one.   While the aforementioned Portillo only averages around 5 points a game, his impact on the game is immense, providing strong defense, rebounding, and he's the ultimate glue guy who just does a little bit of everything for his team. He injured his ankle in practice leading up to the quarterfinals and missed that one, and if he's unable to go, the Go-Hawks will have to turn to either Marsh or Frazell as the primary defender on Van Kalsbeek, which will take a lot out of two of their most important offensive weapons. The Go-Hawks, who have been the best 3-point shooting team in the state this season, went just 6-19 from the arc against Pella, a number that will need to improve if they are going to keep pace with Van Kalsbeek here.   Players to watch Waverly-Shell Rock: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759905' first='Luke' last='Frazell'] (18.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 55.0 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1751095' first='Noah' last='Frazell'] (17.0 points, 51.3 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1376675' first='Cole' last='Marsh'] (16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 43.4 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1751097' first='Benny' last='Ramker'] (12.5 points, 3.9 assists, 46.6 3P%) MOC-Floyd Valley: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1376686' first='Jesse' last='Van Kalsbeek'] (25.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 61.0 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2398061' first='Blake' last='Aalbers'] (14.5 points, 2.5 assists); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1523401' first='Ahman' last='Langton'] (9.9 points, 3.0 assists); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1951793' first='Owen' last='Vander Pol'] (7.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 58.0 FG%)   Our pick: MOC-Floyd Valley 71, Waverly-Shell Rock 66   4A Semifinal: #1 Kennedy (24-0) vs. #5 Ankeny (18-6), 5:30 pm   Analysis: Kennedy shook off any demons that lingered from last year's quarterfinal upset, burying seven straight 3s in the second quarter to blow past Dallas Center-Grimes, 66-45. Ankeny led wire-to-wire en route to a comfortable 60-47 win over Senior.   Kennedy got off to a slow start against Dallas Center-Grimes, but went on a 21-5 run in the second quarter to grab control and they never looked back. It was another strong defensive showing from the Cougars, who are able to throw so many different looks at teams on that end of the floor behind the defensive mastermind Jon McKowen. McKowen will certainly have a game plan drawn up to try and limit Ankeny star [player_tooltip player_id='1171660' first='Carson' last='Johnson'] (23.4), who has been arguably the best player in 4A this season. I would imagine that game plan involves a heavy dose of [player_tooltip player_id='1171687' first='Cyrus' last='Courtney'] (8.8), the hyper-athletic 6-2/6-3 guard with great length and lateral movement. While Courtney probably gets the bulk of the Johnson assignment, don't be surprised to see [player_tooltip player_id='1381415' first='Trey' last='McKowen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1171667' first='Joseph' last='Bean'] get some action there as well. On the offensive end, the Cougars just need to continue to play free and easy, the way they have all year and the way they did for the last three quarters of the quarterfinals. Bean can be a mismatch when they get him down on the block against smaller defenders, and they have so much shooting that they're hard to keep down.   Ankeny was dominant against Senior, but they'll have a more difficult matchup here against a Kennedy team that can score in bunches. Johnson is obviously fantastic, going for 26 points against the Rams on highly efficient shooting, but the Hawks are going to need to get more from the Aguirre brothers - senior [player_tooltip player_id='1171676' first='Lio' last='Aguirre'] (12.7) and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1977422' first='Rio' last='Aguirre'] (13.4) - in this one after they combined for just 7 points against Senior. In their place, they got good production out of role players [player_tooltip player_id='1751178' first='Cash' last='Schoolen'], [player_tooltip player_id='2511594' first='Luke' last='Anderson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2377397' first='Cade' last='Pederson'], who combined for 27 points, but if the Hawks are going to upset Kennedy, they'll need big games from Johnson and at least one of the Aguirre boys.   Players to watch Kennedy: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381415' first='Trey' last='McKowen'] (13.5 points, 4.1 assists, 2.6 steals, 53.4 FG%, 40.2 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171667' first='Joseph' last='Bean'] (12.9 points, 3.0 assists, 2.3 steals, 55.4 FG%, 39.8 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171679' first='Micah' last='Schlaak'] (10.7 points, 61.2 FG%, 41.0 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1288851' first='Trevan' last='Krumrei'] (10.2 points, 45.2 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171687' first='Cyrus' last='Courtney'] (8.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 3.0 steals) Ankeny: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171660' first='Carson' last='Johnson'] (23.4 points, 3.6 assists, 51.2 FG%, 47.3 3P%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1977422' first='Rio' last='Aguirre'] (13.4 points, 3.1 assists, 42.9 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171676' first='Lio' last='Aguirre'] (12.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2377397' first='Cade' last='Pederson'] (4.6 points, 5.5 rebounds)   Our pick: Kennedy 66, Ankeny 60   4A Semifinal: #2 Valley (19-5) vs. #6 Bettendorf (18-6), 7:15 pm   Analysis: Valley never felt threatened in a closer-than-it-felt 64-57 win over Johnston, while Bettendorf smothered a potent Cedar Falls offense in a 65-56 win to advance to the semifinals.   The story of the day yesterday was the health status of Valley star guard [player_tooltip player_id='1288899' first='Xzavion' last='Robinson'], who suffered an ankle injury in the substate final win over Norwalk. He entered the arena yesterday in a walking boot, but laced up the sneakers, started, and played 28 minutes against Johnston. He was limited offensively, but still pulled down 8 rebounds and made an impact defensively, while [player_tooltip player_id='1381422' first='Curtis' last='Stinson Jr'] (19.8), [player_tooltip player_id='1381407' first='Kiki' last='Deng'] (10.5), and [player_tooltip player_id='1759895' first='Trevin' last='Jirak'] (10.5) combined to put up 52 points. With Robinson playing that many minutes, the Tigers have to be encouraged about his status heading into this semifinal game, and having him on the floor makes a huge impact on how they play. Look for Jirak to remain heavily involved in the offense after a great quarterfinal game, as his ability to step out and handle the ball, find open teammates, and occasionally stretch the floor could be big in this one. If he's able to drag [player_tooltip player_id='1476936' first='Asher' last='Wade'] out to the perimeter and open up driving lanes for Stinson, Robinson, [player_tooltip player_id='1765532' first='Jayden' last='McGregory'], and Deng, it could be a big night for the Tigers.   Bettendorf smothered what had been a red-hot Cedar Falls offense in the quarterfinals, using their physicality and length to their advantage. They're playing really good basketball, winning 11 straight heading into this semifinal game, and they have a star player in [player_tooltip player_id='1171682' first='Caden' last='Wilkins'] (18.5) who can create his shot and is great in the mid-range. [player_tooltip player_id='2397255' first='Cole' last='Odefey'] (6.6) was great in the quarters, scoring 12 points with 9 rebounds, and [player_tooltip player_id='1951786' first='Ben' last='Kerkhoff'] (10.1) will need to knock down his open looks from 3 in this one. He's a nearly 43% shooter from deep. One area of concern did arise in that win over Cedar Falls, however, and that was the 22 turnovers the Bulldogs committed. Against Valley, that can't happen, or they'll be off to the races. If Bettendorf can protect the ball, get this into a halfcourt game, and punch the Tigers in the mouth early, they'll have a chance at knocking off the defending champs.   Players to watch Valley: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381422' first='Curtis' last='Stinson Jr'] (19.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 53.0 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1288899' first='Xzavion' last='Robinson'] (15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381407' first='Kiki' last='Deng'] (10.5 points, 1.4 steals); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765532' first='Jayden' last='McGregory'] (10.5 points, 4.4 rebounds); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759895' first='Trevin' last='Jirak'] (10.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.9 blocks); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759897' first='Kyle' last='Cason'] (9.5 points, 5.0 rebounds) Bettendorf: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171682' first='Caden' last='Wilkins'] (18.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.1 blocks, 37.0 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1951786' first='Ben' last='Kerkhoff'] (10.1 points, 42.7 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1288870' first='Tre'von' last='Coney'] (8.3 points, 4.7 assists); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1476936' first='Asher' last='Wade'] (8.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 66.7 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2397255' first='Cole' last='Odefey'] (6.6 points, 4.7 rebounds)   Our pick: Valley 69, Bettendorf 59

2A Semifinal: #1 Western Christian (21-3) vs. #5 Treynor (22-3), 10:30 am