State Tournament: Tuesday Preview

2A Quarterfinal: #2 Hudson (23-2) vs. #7 Grundy Center (20-3), 10:30 am   Analysis: These teams met very early in the season, a 66-55 Hudson win on December 1, while Grundy Center was still getting into basketball mode after a state championship run in football. Hudson has been dominant this season, winning their games against 2A competition by an average of 32.6 points a game, and their two losses have come to Decorah and Kennedy, the top seeds in the 3A and 4A tournaments, respectively. In 6-4 senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1476978' first='Camden' last='Davis'] (19.5, 10.1 rebounds, 59.0 FG%), the Pirates have a go-to weapon in the paint that can go get a bucket when they need it, and they're able to surround him with a lot of shooting and playmaking with the backcourt trio of [player_tooltip player_id='2325396' first='Culin' last='Ugrin'] (13.2, 43.9 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='2325381' first='Lyle' last='Olsen'] (10.6, 5.6 assists), and [player_tooltip player_id='1288893' first='Tanner' last='Michael'] (10.3, 45.5 3P%). Ugrin has been the team's most consistent 3-point shooting threat and provides some secondary playmaking for this group. Olsen is the floor general, a tough, defensive-minded guard who loves to get his teammates involved and lock down the opposing team's best player, and Michael is a versatile guard who can do a little bit of everything. The Pirates also get good production out of role players Kiean Crile (6.7), Oliver Thompson (4.3), and Nathan Rueber (4.0), giving them seven quality players in their rotation.   Grundy Center started the year 1-2 before rattling off 16 straight wins, and the Spartans have lost just once since December 4. A long, athletic team that plays really good defense, allowing just 46.3 points a game, they have the athletes to give Hudson some trouble on that end of the floor. Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1478357' first='Jalen' last='Kirkpatrick'] (15.9, 38.9 3P%) is the headliner, a long and athletic 6-6 wing who provides versatility on both ends of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='2325346' first='Tate' last='Jirovsky'] (9.1, 2.8 blocks) has been a difference-maker in the paint, protecting the rim and finishing around the bucket, while [player_tooltip player_id='1759911' first='Tiernan' last='Vokes'] (10.5), Colin Gordon (8.7), and [player_tooltip player_id='1759941' first='Brayden' last='Wallis'] (8.4) give them some additional scoring. The Spartans share the ball really well, averaging nearly 21 assists a game, and their ball movement gets them really good shots on nearly every possession. Grundy will need to be really disciplined on the defensive end if they want to slow down this high-powered Hudson offense, which has improved since the early-season meeting.   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%) Grundy Center: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1478357' first='Jalen' last='Kirkpatrick'] (15.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 53.6 FG%, 38.9 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759911' first='Tiernan' last='Vokes'] (10.5, 5.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2325346' first='Tate' last='Jirovsky'] (9.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, 64.0 FG%); 2024 Colin Gordon (8.7 points, 4.9 rebounds); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759941' first='Brayden' last='Wallis'] (8.4 points, 3.7 assists, 50.3 FG%)   Our pick: Hudson 69, Grundy Center 58   2A Quarterfinal: #3 Underwood (24-0) vs. #6 Unity Christian (20-4), 12:15 pm   Analysis: Underwood is making their first state tournament appearance, but this senior class is accustomed to playing in big games after finishing runner-up in baseball and making a semifinal run in football, with many of the players on this roster being major contributors in those sports as well. The Eagles rank 3rd in 2A in both scoring offense (71.9) and defense (44.8), and they start five seniors, giving them a ton of experience. Guards Mason Boothby (13.8, 3.8 assists) and Josh Ravlin (12.5, 41.2 3P%) and forward [player_tooltip player_id='1751187' first='Jack' last='Vanfossan'] (10.6, 10.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists) have all started since they were sophomores, and each provides a little something different, while [player_tooltip player_id='1171659' first='Owen' last='Larson'] (10.9, 6.8 rebounds, 64.3 FG%) gives them some more size and interior scoring, and Luke Seidler (9.9, 38.6 3P%) and sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2731691' first='Garrett' last='Luett'] (6.8, 41.2 3P%) give them more shooting on the wings. This is a balanced team with six players who can lead the team in scoring on any given night, and they play very well together.   Unity Christian will almost certainly be at a size disadvantage in this one, but the Knights have been at a size disadvantage on a nearly nightly basis in their first journey into the Siouxland Conference, and they did just fine, going 16-3 against conference foes, including taking two out of three from West Lyon. Sophomore guards [player_tooltip player_id='2413578' first='Dylan' last='Bosma'] (13.7, 5.3 rebounds) and [player_tooltip player_id='2413600' first='Austin' last='Wieringa'] (12.0, 5.8 rebounds) lead the charge for the Knights. They're both tough, physical guards who don't shy away from contact on either end of the floor, and they make a major impact on the game on the defensive end, averaging over four steals a game combined. This is a team that knows they can beat anyone, playing bigger than their listed size, and they're tough. This should be a really fun game, and a Unity win shouldn't really be considered an upset, despite Underwood being undefeated. These teams are evenly matched.   Players to watch Underwood: 2024 Mason Boothby (13.8 points, 3.8 assists, 3.1 steals); 2024 Josh Ravlin (12.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 41.2 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2377360' first='Owen' last='Larsen'] (10.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 64.3 FG%, 1.4 blocks); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1751187' first='Jack' last='Vanfossan'] (10.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 55.7 FG%); 2024 Luke Seidler (9.9 points, 38.6 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: Unity Christian 56, Underwood 50   3A Quarterfinal: #1 Decorah (22-2) vs. #8 Williamsburg (16-8), 2:00 pm   Analysis: The highest scoring team in 3A, putting up 77.5 points a game, Decorah comes to Des Moines boasting an explosive offense and opportunistic defense that can lead to game-changing runs as they've done all season. The Vikings have been extremely efficient, posting 54-47-72 shooting splits as a team behind the fantastic play of senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1256304' first='Ben' last='Bockman'] (19.8, 49.1 3P%) and guard [player_tooltip player_id='1171655' first='Treyton' last='McCain'] (11.8, 7.1 assists). Bockman, a 6-4 wing who can shoot it from anywhere, has been great this season as a scorer, playmaker, and defender. And with McCain sidelined last season, he improved as a ball-handler and passer, turning himself into a dangerous all-around offensive weapon. McCain and [player_tooltip player_id='1381408' first='Zach' last='Driscoll'] (10.1, 4.7 assists) give the Vikings a pair of quick, dynamic playmaking guards, and sophomore big man Cael LaFrentz (15.8, 10.7 rebounds, 2.7 blocks) has been dominant in the painted area on both ends of the floor. A balanced team filled with explosive scoring options and versatility on both ends of the floor, they look primed to win the first state tournament game in school history in their fourth appearance.   Williamsburg got hot at the right time, beating Fort Madison, Clear Creek Amana, and Keokuk by a combined 37 points to get to the state tournament for the first time since 2015. The Raiders are led by senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1171685' first='Derek' last='Weisskopf'] (21.0, 8.0 rebounds), one of the best all-around athletes in the state. A 6-4 wing who can score from all three levels and defend multiple positions, he'll play linebacker at Iowa and is a good enough prospect on the gridiron to have been selected to play in the Army All-American game. [player_tooltip player_id='2397303' first='Grant' last='Hocker'] (10.4) can knock down shots from deep and help space the floor, and 6-6 forward [player_tooltip player_id='1751226' first='Kellen' last='Cockrell'] (10.0, 8.1 rebounds) gives them some more size and athleticism in the paint. If Williamsburg is going to pull off the upset, Weisskopf will need to have the game of his life.   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%) Williamsburg: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171685' first='Derek' last='Weisskopf'] (21.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2397303' first='Grant' last='Hocker'] (10.4 points, 2.8 assists); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1751226' first='Kellen' last='Cockrell'] (10.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 52.2 FG%)   Our pick: Decorah 74, Williamsburg 54   3A Quarterfinal: #4 Assumption (16-8) vs. #5 Ballard (16-8), 3:45 pm   Analysis: Two of the best sophomore guards in the state will meet up in this 4-5 game in Assumption's [player_tooltip player_id='1660062' first='Navon' last='Shabazz'] (14.8, 3.4 assists) and Ballard's [player_tooltip player_id='1765518' first='Jude' last='Gibson'] (17.3, 5.3 assists), which should make for an extremely entertaining back-and-forth. Shabazz holds offers from Iowa, Iowa State, and Wake Forest, among other mid-major offers, and is the explosive, athletic three-level scorer and playmaker who can dominate games on either end of the floor. He's joined in the Knights' backcourt by [player_tooltip player_id='1759900' first='Damyen' last='Jackson'] (15.1), a quick junior who leads the team in scoring. Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1759902' first='Kayvion' last='Hodges'] (9.6, 7.0 rebounds), a Muscatine transfer, is a bouncy, long defender who can defend one through five, and [player_tooltip player_id='1759943' first='Braylon' last='Thomsen'] (9.0) and [player_tooltip player_id='2397362' first='Joey' last='Funderburk'] (7.6) have been really good in their roles. When Assumption is locked in and wants to play, they might just be the most talented team in 3A. They've blasted teams in postseason play so far, winning their three substate games by an average of 31 points.   Gibson is joined in the Bombers backcourt by [player_tooltip player_id='2397342' first='Jackson' last='Brown'] (14.2, 44.4 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='2398123' first='Mason' last='Gatchel'] (6.2, 38.0 3P%), and [player_tooltip player_id='1759945' first='Miles' last='Mudd'] (4.8, 42.9 3P%), a trio that complements his style of play very well. Gibson is one of the fastest guards in the state with the ball in his hands, and he excels when he's playing downhill and attacking the rim. He has great court vision and can find open shooters when the defense collapses, and he is really good in ball-screen action. [player_tooltip player_id='1256298' first='Nolan' last='Cogdill'] (9.8, 5.9 rebounds, 38.2 3P%) has been solid as a floor-stretching big man, but he'll need to stay out of foul trouble because the Bombers will need all the size they can get on the floor to compete with the athletic Knights on the glass.   Players to watch 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) Ballard: 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765518' first='Jude' last='Gibson'] (17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 3.0 steals); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2397342' first='Jackson' last='Brown'] (14.2 points, 44.4 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1256298' first='Nolan' last='Cogdill'] (9.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 38.2 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2398123' first='Mason' last='Gatchel'] (6.2 points, 38.0 3P%)   Our pick: Assumption 66, Ballard 59   3A Quarterfinal: #3 MOC-Floyd Valley (21-3) vs. #6 Bondurant-Farrar (15-9), 5:30 pm   Analysis: Defending champion Bondurant-Farrar is the only returning team from last year's 3A field, which could be a significant advantage for the Bluejays this week. They lost their top two scorers from that team to graduation, and third leading returnee [player_tooltip player_id='1587403' first='Reed' last='Pfaltzgraff'] suffered a knee injury during the football season, but nonetheless, the Jays are playing good ball and are back in Des Moines. [player_tooltip player_id='1288861' first='Tanner' last='Berggren'] (22.3, 38.9 3P%) has been one of the best scorers in 3A this season, an off-ball wing with a quick release off the catch. He has been very efficient, and his constant movement is a bear for defenders to keep up with. Lead guard [player_tooltip player_id='2397237' first='Cole' last='Miller'] (12.6, 7.4 assists) was outstanding at the state tournament last season and returns at the most important position in the game, and [player_tooltip player_id='2397327' first='Hudson' last='McConnell'] (11.3, 52.5 FG%) has been good as a third scorer this season. Miller is the only returnee who saw significant action at the state tournament last year, with Berggren getting some run, but every little bit of experience counts in this setting and can be an advantage.   While Berggren has been one of the best scorers in the class this season, MOC-Floyd Valley wing [player_tooltip player_id='1376686' first='Jesse' last='Van Kalsbeek'] (25.2, 10.8 rebounds, 61.0 FG%) has been even better. A 6-6 wing who loves to play downhill and get to the rim, he's having a ridiculous senior season and is a player who could work his way into Mr. Basketball conversations with a big week. [player_tooltip player_id='2398061' first='Blake' last='Aalbers'] (14.5, 65 3PM) is the team's best 3-point shooting threat, while [player_tooltip player_id='1523401' first='Ahman' last='Langton'] (9.9, 3.0 assists) is a quick guard who, like Van Kalsbeek, is at his best when he's attacking. The Dutchmen have a pair of young, athletic, physical big men in [player_tooltip player_id='1951793' first='Owen' last='Vander Pol'] (7.9) and [player_tooltip player_id='1978131' first='Draeden' last='Punt'] (7.0) who give them some size in the paint as well. This may be the game of the day on Tuesday, and while Van Kalsbeek has been superlative, the experience of the Bluejays could be a factor here in a tight one.   Players to watch 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%) Bondurant-Farrar: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1288861' first='Tanner' last='Berggren'] (22.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 38.9 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2397237' first='Cole' last='Miller'] (12.6 points, 7.4 assists); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2397327' first='Hudson' last='McConnell'] (11.3 points, 52.5 FG%); 2024 Nick Pfantz (2.7 points, 7.1 rebounds)   Our pick: Bondurant-Farrar 62, MOC-Floyd Valley 60   3A Quarterfinal: #2 Waverly-Shell Rock (20-3) vs. #7 Pella (15-9), 7:15 pm   Analysis: These teams met a little less than a month ago, an 86-72 Waverly-Shell Rock win at Pella in which the Go-Hawks shot nearly 57% from the floor. They're the most dangerous 3-point shooting team in the state, knocking down over 11 3-pointers a game at an eye-popping 43.6% clip. They have four players averaging in double figures, and each of them is a sniper from deep in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1751095' first='Noah' last='Frazell'] (17.0, 51.3 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='1376675' first='Cole' last='Marsh'] (16.0, 43.4 3P%), and [player_tooltip player_id='1751097' first='Benny' last='Ramker'] (12.5, 46.6 3P%), and junior [player_tooltip player_id='1759905' first='Luke' last='Frazell'] (18.8, 55.0 3P%). All four of them are equally dangerous shooting it off the dribble or the catch, and they move the ball extremely well, finding open spaces in the defense and getting quality looks on nearly every possession. Going into Wells Fargo Arena and shooting with the unusual backdrop is always a risky proposition for 3-point heavy teams, but the Go-Hawks have also proven that they are capable of creating good looks inside the arc with the sets that they run.   Pella played well offensively in that regular-season loss, shooting 52% from the floor themselves; they just couldn't get stops. In that game, [player_tooltip player_id='1171672' first='Luke' last='Hardman'] (11.7, 37.3 P%) had 18 points, [player_tooltip player_id='2120763' first='Jack' last='McGuire'] (14.3, 7.7 rebounds) had 16, and [player_tooltip player_id='2325476' first='Cameron' last='Rowe'] (10.5) chipped in 13. McGuire, a lanky sophomore wing, has been the Dutch's most consistent player throughout the season, a 6-4 playmaker with good size on the wing. Hardman is their best shooter, while [player_tooltip player_id='2398044' first='Brayden' last='Traetow'] (9.4, 35.3 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='2413561' first='Austin' last='Schulte'] (7.6, 38.0 3P%) are also capable scorers and shooting threats on the wing. Scoring has almost never been the issue in Pella, this is a program that almost always plays really good, free-flowing offensive basketball. Defense will be the question for this team, and if they can defend like they did in their substate games, they could pull off an upset here. But that is a big ask against such a potent offensive team.   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%) Pella: 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2120763' first='Jack' last='McGuire'] (14.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 61.0 FG%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171672' first='Luke' last='Hardman'] (11.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 37.3 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2325476' first='Cameron' last='Rowe'] (10.5 points); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2398044' first='Brayden' last='Traetow'] (9.4 points, 3.3 assists); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2413561' first='Austin' last='Schulte'] (7.6 points, 50.0 FG%)   Our pick: Waverly-Shell Rock 74, Pella 66

2A Quarterfinal: #2 Hudson (23-2) vs. #7 Grundy Center (20-3), 10:30 am