Substate Preview: 4A-4

<!-- wp:image {"id":2779276,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/4A-4.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/4A-4.png?w=786" alt="" class="wp-image-2779276" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The favorite: Linn-Mar</strong> has been scorching hot since a shocking upset loss at the hands of Ankeny on January 4. Since then, the Lions have won 13 straight games, a stretch that includes wins over Waterloo West, Cedar Falls, Xavier, Iowa City West, Kennedy, Prairie, and Senior. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1381412' first='Davis' last='Kern'] (22.5, 9.6 rebounds, 3.3 blocks) is one of the best players in the state. The future South Dakota State forward scores in bunches inside and out, has really improved as a passer, and has been a dominant rim protector this season. Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2204894' first='Tyler' last='Hilton'] (11.4, 6.4 rebounds) gives them some real length on the wing and defensive versatility, and seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1484413' first='Payson' last='Nietert'] (11.1, 41.0 3P%) and [player_tooltip player_id='1514455' first='Mason' last='Matson'] (11.1, 52.7 3P%) have been excellent. The addition of senior guard Eric Wright (7.8, 3.9 assists), a City High transfer, has not only given them another experienced playmaker in the backcourt, but has also given them a defensive identity on the perimeter. He's a really, really good on-ball defender with great lateral movement and quick hands, and he has provided a bit of attitude on that end of the floor that the Lions have lacked in the last few years. A red-hot team with arguably the best player in the state leading the way, this is the team to beat in the substate, and is one of the favorites to win it all.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The biggest threat:</strong> A team that was very inexperienced heading into the year, <strong>Dowling Catholic</strong> has been one of the most pleasant surprises of any team, in any class, this season. The Maroons have wins over Valley, Xavier, Kuemper Catholic, and Johnston on their resume despite having very little varsity experience on the roster. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2731790' first='Noah' last='Martens'] (12.2, 4.2 assists) and Charlie Crane (12.1, 8.0 rebounds, 3.4 blocks) lead the charge, giving them a talented inside-out tandem. Lucas Paoli (8.4), [player_tooltip player_id='1978098' first='Nathan' last='Jenkins'] (8.3, 58.1 FG%), [player_tooltip player_id='2204869' first='Giovanny' last='Quiles'] (8.2), and [player_tooltip player_id='1383390' first='Maddox' last='Coppola'] (7.0) give them additional scoring, and this is a balanced group that has some rim protection, playmaking in the backcourt, and athleticism. Playing in the CIML, they won't be intimidated by Linn-Mar in the substate final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The dark horse: Waterloo West</strong> is one of the best #3 seeds in any 4A substate. The Wahawks have quality wins over Waverly-Shell Rock, Xavier, Iowa City West, and Wahlert, and have played tight, competitive games against Prairie (8 and 9), Senior (7), Linn-Mar (8), and Kennedy (7). Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1765505' first='Parker' last='Berns'] (16.2, 36.6 3P%) is the team's leading scorer, a dynamic three-level scorer who can play with or without the ball in his hands. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1381413' first='Jahlil' last='Manago'] (14.9, 6.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists) is a big, athletic guard who creates high-quality looks, and [player_tooltip player_id='1440839' first='Joseph' last='Hudson'] (11.9, 8.3 rebounds) is an undersized but effective forward who rebounds really well on both ends of the floor. They protect the ball well (9.8 turnovers) and have a number of players who can create their own shots or shots for their teammates. They're going to be a really tough out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Players to Watch<br></span>2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381412' first='Davis' last='Kern'] (Linn-Mar)<br>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2204894' first='Tyler' last='Hilton'] (Linn-Mar)<br>2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1514455' first='Mason' last='Matson'] (Linn-Mar)<br>2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1484413' first='Payson' last='Nietert'] (Linn-Mar)<br>2025 Eric Wright (Linn-Mar)<br>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2731790' first='Noah' last='Martens'] (Dowling Catholic)<br>2026 Charlie Crane (Dowling Catholic)<br>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2204885' first='Marcele' last='Whitner'] (Mason City)<br>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2731853' first='Ty' last='Sanchez-Evans'] (Mason City)<br>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2413554' first='Kyle' last='Smith'] (Marshalltown)<br>2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2523925' first='Trae' last='Fields'] (Cedar Rapids Washington)<br>2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2523901' first='Halbert' last='Jackson'] (Cedar Rapids Washington)<br>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765505' first='Parker' last='Berns'] (Waterloo West)<br>2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381413' first='Jahlil' last='Manago'] (Waterloo West)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>SUBSTATE FINAL PREDICTION</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dowling Catholic at Linn-Mar</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dowling Catholic has been impressive, but the Maroons may be a year ahead of schedule here. Linn-Mar has been truly impressive since the Ankeny loss, and while this will be a competitive game, the Lions have more talent, more experience, and are at home. For the first time in 13 years, <strong>Linn-Mar</strong> punches their ticket to the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->