State Tournament: Wednesday Preview

4A Quarterfinal: #1 Kennedy (23-0) vs. #8 Dallas Center-Grimes (20-3), 10:30 am   Analysis: Kennedy rolled through regular season play again this season, and for the second straight year will enter the state tournament with an undefeated record. This year they'll be looking to avoid the first-round upset against a really good Dallas Center-Grimes team. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1381415' first='Trey' last='McKowen'] (13.5, 4.1 assists, 2.6 steals, 40.2 3P%) paces an explosive offensive attack that is averaging 77.7 points a game, best in 4A. He pairs with [player_tooltip player_id='1171667' first='Joseph' last='Bean'] (12.9, 39.8 3P%) to give the Cougars a really good one-two punch in the backcourt, and they're joined by Swiss Army knife [player_tooltip player_id='1171687' first='Cyrus' last='Courtney'] (8.8, 4.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 3.0 steals), an athletic do-it-all guard who can guard everyone on the floor, create for his teammates off the dribble, and score from anywhere. Him and Bean, bigger, physical guards, could be the advantage that Kennedy needs in this one. [player_tooltip player_id='1171679' first='Micah' last='Schlaak'] (10.7, 41.0 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1288851' first='Trevan' last='Krumrei'] (10.2, 45.2 3P%) join those three in the starting lineup, giving them some size and shooting.   Dallas Center-Grimes comes into the tournament on a nine-game winning streak and have lost just once since the holiday break. The Mustangs are led by a strong group of seniors - [player_tooltip player_id='1376674' first='Calix' last='Cahill'] (16.2, 8.1 rebounds, 63.9 FG%), [player_tooltip player_id='1476975' first='Jackson' last='Green'] (16.1, 41.6 3P%), [player_tooltip player_id='1171684' first='Jonathan' last='Howard'] (12.4, 35.8 3P%), and [player_tooltip player_id='1178729' first='Jaden' last='Jones'] (5.3, 4.7 assists) - a group of players with a ton of experience playing together. Cahill is the type of big, tough, and athletic big man who could give the Cougars some problems in the paint and on the glass, while Green and Howard can both can hot from deep in a hurry and make it rain 3s. If DCG is able to keep this one close for three quarters, they have to like their chances, as ghosts of state tournament past could slip into Kennedy's minds.   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'] 910.7 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) Dallas Center-Grimes: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1376674' first='Calix' last='Cahill'] (16.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 63.9 FG%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1476975' first='Jackson' last='Green'] (16.1 points, 55.3 FG%, 41.6 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171684' first='Jonathan' last='Howard'] (12.4 points, 35.8 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759907' first='Tate' last='Perrin'] (6.0 points, 4.3 assists); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1178729' first='Jaden' last='Jones'] (5.3 points, 4.7 assists, 55.6 FG%)   Our pick: Kennedy 68, Dallas Center-Grimes 60   4A Quarterfinal: #4 Senior (21-2) vs. #5 Ankeny (17-6), 12:15 pm   Analysis: This is an interesting contrast in styles, as Senior is going to look to slow this game down and use their size and athleticism in the paint to control the glass and the game, while Ankeny likes to get up-and-down the floor, using their dynamic lead guard to pace the offense. We'll start with Senior, who like to play through their standout bigs, [player_tooltip player_id='1376678' first='Jacob' last='Williams'] (16.6, 8.4 rebounds, 63.8 FG%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1172887' first='Tevin' last='Schultz'] (14.8, 60.1 FG%). Williams, an athletic lefty senior, can score inside and out, and has improved his face-up and dribble penetration games over the last year, while Schultz, one of the top sophomores in the state, is a stretch-4 who is knocking down 36% of his 3s on the season. Sophomore guards [player_tooltip player_id='1765536' first='Cooper' last='Porter'] (6.9, 50.6 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1765555' first='Drake' last='Medinger'] (5.3), and senior [player_tooltip player_id='1198430' first='Nicholas' last='Kennedy'] (4.8) and juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1381404' first='Josh' last='Brauer'] (5.3) and [player_tooltip player_id='1381411' first='Jalen' last='Johnson'] (4.5), comprise a deep rotation of athletic, versatile weapons who can do a bit of everything. The concern with the Rams will be either they can handle the on-ball pressure and speed of Ankeny, and if they can keep up if Ankeny is able to dictate the pace. The Rams were blown out in their two games against Kennedy (57-34) and Cedar Falls (55-37), the only two games they played against state qualifying teams this season, which could be a concern.   This Ankeny team has some shades of the 2020 team led by Braxton Bayless that got hot at the right time and steamrolled through that tournament as a #6 seed. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1171660' first='Carson' last='Johnson'] (23.4, 3.6 assists, 47.3 3P%) is a little different type of player than Bayless, but is just as explosive as a scorer, posting 51-47-90 shooting splits and is a threat to score 35 on any given night. He's joined in the backcourt by [player_tooltip player_id='1977422' first='Rio' last='Aguirre'] (13.4, 42.9 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1171676' first='Lio' last='Aguirre'] (12.7, 6.4 rebounds), a pair who complement him well. Rio is a really good shooter off the catch, while Lio is a tough, physical wing who can get to the rim. Unlike Senior, the Hawks have posted a number of really good wins this season, including four over teams in the 4A field - Johnston (twice), Bettendorf, and Valley. If Johnson gets it going early, watch out.   Players to watch Senior: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1376678' first='Jacob' last='Williams'] (16.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, 63.8 FG%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1172887' first='Tevin' last='Schultz'] (14.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 60.1 FG%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765536' first='Cooper' last='Porter'] (6.9 points, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, 50.6 3P%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765555' first='Drake' last='Medinger'] (5.3 points) 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: Ankeny 66, Senior 54   4A Quarterfinal: #2 Valley (18-5) vs. #7 Johnston (14-9), 2:00 pm   Analysis: Valley swept the season series between these teams, winning 81-49 back on December 14, and 58-52 in Johnston on January 23. The defending champion Tigers brought back nearly everyone from that championship winning team, but have dealt with injuries to their top two players throughout the year. [player_tooltip player_id='1381422' first='Curtis' last='Stinson Jr'] (19.8, 7.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists) and [player_tooltip player_id='1288899' first='Xzavion' last='Robinson'] (15.8, 3.1 assists) pace an explosive team that uses their length and athleticism on the defensive end to fuel their offense. Robinson rolled his ankle in the substate final, and his health is in question heading into this game, but when he's healthy, he's arguably the most dynamic player in the state, as he showed last year during his run to All-Tournament captain. The Tigers flank those two with more length and athleticism in [player_tooltip player_id='1381407' first='Kiki' last='Deng'] (10.5), [player_tooltip player_id='1765532' first='Jayden' last='McGregory'] (10.5), and [player_tooltip player_id='1759897' first='Kyle' last='Cason'] (9.5), while [player_tooltip player_id='1759895' first='Trevin' last='Jirak'] (10.0, 1.9 blocks) holds down the paint. When they're locked in, they can suffocate teams defensively.   Courtney Henderson inherited a talented roster at Johnston after coming over from Hoover, and he led the Dragons to the state tournament in his first season at the helm. The Dragons started the year just 4-5, but have gone 10-4 since then, including good substate wins over Ames and Sioux City East. They're led by senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1171658' first='Trovary' last='Cavil'] (14.6, 3.5 assists), a talented playmaker who puts pressure on opposing teams with his ball handling, speed, and he has really added consistent range to his game this season, shooting 42% from 3. [player_tooltip player_id='1381420' first='Jalen' last='Richardson'] (10.4) is an athletic 6-4/6-5 wing who can defend anyone, and [player_tooltip player_id='1476939' first='Dalen' last='Huston'] (8.7) is an explosive athlete who can do a little bit of everything. If Johnston is able to handle the length and athleticism and protect the ball, they'll be able to slow this one down and could make it interesting late. If not, the experience and dynamism of the Tigers could prove to be too much.   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, 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) Johnston: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171658' first='Trovary' last='Cavil'] (14.6 points, 3.5 assists, 42.3 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381420' first='Jalen' last='Richardson'] (10.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 43.2 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1476939' first='Dalen' last='Huston'] (8.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 58.2 FG%); 2026 TIno Daye Jr (7.2 points, 2.1 assists)   Our pick: Valley 66, Johnston 50   4A Quarterfinal: #3 Cedar Falls (20-3) vs. #6 Bettendorf (17-6), 3:45 pm   Analysis: Cedar Falls has been red hot of late, entering this tournament on a nine-game winning streak and they're winners of 14 of their last 15 games. Their three losses this season have come to Kennedy (by 4), Assumption (6), and Iowa City West (2), and they have become an explosive offensive team down the stretch, with an extremely balanced attack that can beat you in a number of different ways. Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='1765553' first='William' last='Gerdes'] (12.0, 70.8 FG%) is an extremely efficient big who holds an offer from Nebraska, and while he's thin, he has great footwork and touch, and he sees the floor well. [player_tooltip player_id='1199979' first='Anthony' last='Galvin'] (11.3, 36.4 3P%) is a high-level shooter, and [player_tooltip player_id='1171693' first='Cade' last='Courbat'] (11.0, 1.5 blocks) and [player_tooltip player_id='1376677' first='Jake' last='Peters'] (9.1, 60.0 FG%) give the Tigers some beef and athleticism in the paint. Ten different players average at least 3.1 points a game, and while the rotation probably tightens up a bit at the state tournament, they have a number of different weapons and different looks they an throw at you on both ends.   Bettendorf is another red-hot team, winning 10 straight heading into this one. [player_tooltip player_id='1171682' first='Caden' last='Wilkins'] (18.5, 6.3 rebounds, 37.0 3P%) has been the top-ranked player in the 2024 class for the last few years and is the type of athletic, dynamic 6-6 wing who can score from all three levels and take over a game. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1951786' first='Ben' last='Kerkhoff'] (10.1, 42.7 3P%) knocks down shots from deep with regularity, and Tre'Von Coney (8.3, 4.7 assists) has given them some playmaking and length in the backcourt. The Bulldogs are good defensively and a tough, physical team, but will they have the firepower to keep pace with the Tigers?   Players to watch Cedar Falls: 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765553' first='William' last='Gerdes'] (12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 70.8 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1199979' first='Anthony' last='Galvin'] (11.3 points, 36.4 3P%); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1171693' first='Cade' last='Courbat'] (11.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks); 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1376677' first='Jake' last='Peters'] (9.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 60.0 FG%) 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 Tre'Von 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: Cedar Falls 64, Bettendorf 54   1A Semifinal: #1 North Linn (24-1) vs. #4 Winfield-Mt. Union (21-2), 5:30 pm   Analysis: North Linn took a good shot from eighth-seeded Woodbine in the quarterfinals before pulling away in the final eight minutes en route to a 75-59 win, moving into the semifinals for the eighth straight year. Winfield-Mt. Union pulled away in the second half of a defensive battle against Lynnville-Sully, grabbing a 54-37 win.   Winfield-Mt. Union got a great game out of future Iowa football player [player_tooltip player_id='1171697' first='Cam' last='Buffington'] (19.1, 7.3 rebounds), who had 21 points and 9 rebounds in their quarterfinal win while battling some foul trouble. He's a game-changing athlete in the paint with his combination of size, strength, and athleticism, and he could give the Lynx some problems if he's able to stay out of foul trouble. That will be easier said than done against a Lynx team that loves to attack the rim off the dribble. The Wolves only go about six deep, so foul trouble to Buffington or senior big man [player_tooltip player_id='1171698' first='Abram' last='Edwards'] (14.4 points, 11.6 rebounds) would be a game-changer. They'll look to grind this game to a halt, eating up a lot of shot clock to trying to take the air out of the ball against the potent North Linn attack.   North Linn is a program that is accustomed to being here, making their eighth straight semifinal appearance. The Lynx got a good shot from Woodbine in the quarterfinals before eventually pulling away behind the dynamic play of star guard [player_tooltip player_id='1484418' first='Mason' last='Bechen'] (20.5, 5.7 assists), who had 25 points and 5 assists against the Tigers. His ability to attack off the dribble and get good looks for himself and his teammates is rivaled by few in the class. [player_tooltip player_id='1426164' first='Ty' last='Pflughaupt'] (20.0, 6.8 rebounds) had 15 points in the quarters, and the Lynx got really good production out of their role players - Cole Griffith, [player_tooltip player_id='1751216' first='Breckyn' last='Betenbender'], and Jake Van Etten - who combined for 26 points and 13 rebounds. Look for the Lynx to throw a few different pressure looks at the Wolves throughout this one, forcing the WMU guards to make quick decisions with the ball in their hands. If WMU can't handle the pressure, this one could get out of hand. If they can, and they're able to grind the game to a slower pace, they can hang around and potentially pull off an upset.   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 Griffith (7.3 points, 3.5 assists, 40.0 3P%); 2024 Jake Van Etten (8.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 57.3 FG%) 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 points, 4.0 assists, 2.5 steals, 39.5 3P%)   Our pick: North Linn 66, Winfield-Mt. Union 53   1A Semifinal: #2 Marquette Catholic (26-1) vs. #3 Lake Mills (25-1), 7:15 pm   Analysis: Marquette Catholic didn't play very well, by their standards, but were great in the final four minutes to beat Gladbrook-Reinbeck 45-36, advancing to the semifinals for the first time since 2006. Lake Mills won the rubber match against conference rival North Union, 58-50, to get here.   Both teams struggled at times against pressure in their quarterfinal wins, with Marquette turning it over 12 times and Lake Mills giving it away 17 times. That will need to be a point of emphasis heading into this one, as you can expect to see both teams throwing some pressure looks at each other after having watched those games. Marquette Catholic got outrebounded against Gladbrook-Reinbeck, 33-32, while Lake Mills held an overwhelming 43-23 edge on the glass, and if they're able to use their physicality to control the glass in this semifinal, things will bode well for the Bulldogs.   Lake Mills is led by four double-figure scorers: 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 have really good size, with their starting lineup going 6-2 Logan Bacon, 6-2 Gaul, 6-5 Menke, 6-5 Helming, and 6-5 Stensrud, and they love to play with some physicality on both ends of the floor.   Marquette Catholic struggled for the first 28 minutes of their game against Gladbrook-Reinbeck and then [player_tooltip player_id='1338777' first='Caden' last='Kettmann'] made two big plays in an 11-second span to give them control over the last four minutes. Six players average at least 8.2 points a game for the Defenders, but those six are really the only six that they play, and if there is foul trouble, they'll be forced to go deeper into their bench than they'd like to. And against Lake Mills, foul trouble is always going to be a concern. Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1759939' first='Spencer' last='Roeder'] (16.3, 8.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists) struggled in the quarterfinals, going just 1-10 from the floor, but he's the most talented player on the roster and should be due for a bounceback after getting his feet wet in this setting. Role players Isaac Brinker (8.2) and [player_tooltip player_id='2721446' first='Jacob' last='Litterer'] (9.7) stepped up in a big way in the quarters, combining for 16 points on 7-14 shooting and 12 rebounds, helping the Defenders stay within striking distance while some of their stars struggled. If Marquette can compete on the glass and limit second-chance opportunities, they should win. If that becomes an issue, advantage Lake Mills.   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 points, 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) 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%)   Our pick: Lake Mills 65, Marquette Catholic 61

4A Quarterfinal: #1 Kennedy (23-0) vs. #8 Dallas Center-Grimes (20-3), 10:30 am