State Tournament: Championship Friday Game Recaps

Class 4A Championship: #3 Valley 60, #4 Waukee Northwest 48

History was made at Wells Fargo Arena on Friday afternoon, as Valley became just the second Class 4A school to ever win three state basketball championships in a row. The Tigers raced past Waukee Northwest for the third time this season, beating the Wolves 60-48 to claim their third title in a row.

The story played out very similarly to how the first two meetings between the teams met. In those two games, Northwest shot a combined 11-48 from the 3-point line. In this one, they were 7-27. If you aren’t able to shoot it from 3 against the Tigers consistently, you aren’t going to be able to beat them. Trevin Jirak Trevin Jirak 6'9" | C Valley | 2025 State #349 Nation IA is too big inside, and their guards are too quick and athletic on the perimeter.

Valley led 15-7 after the first quarter and controlled the first half throughout, taking a 29-18 lead into the break. Northwest came out hot in the third quarter using a 19-12 frame to trim the deficit down to four points, 41-37, heading into the fourth.

Valley started the final period with a 5-0 personal run from Xzavion Robinson Xzavion Robinson 6'1" | PG Valley | 2025 State #342 Nation IA , and the Tigers held Northwest scoreless for the first 3:05 of the quarter to take control.

Things got chippy at the end of the game following a Jayden McGregory Jayden McGregory 6'1" | PG Valley | 2026 State IA breakaway dunk and some taunting from the Valley players towards the Northwest student section, but the referees got things back under control before anything truly damaging could happen.

Valley’s season ends with a 23-3 record, their third straight state title, and the school’s fifth state title overall. The Tigers were led by Jayden McGregory Jayden McGregory 6'1" | PG Valley | 2026 State IA , who had a game-high 26 points and was named captain of the all-tournament team. Xzavion Robinson Xzavion Robinson 6'1" | PG Valley | 2025 State #342 Nation IA added 15 points, and Trevin Jirak Trevin Jirak 6'9" | C Valley | 2025 State #349 Nation IA had 13 points and 10 rebounds. The Tigers will graduate four starters, with only McGregory set to return, but as the largest school in the state, they’ll still have ample talent to pick from and will continue to be a factor.

Waukee Northwest’s season ends with a 23-4 record and the school’s second runner-up finish in their four-year history. The Wolves were led by Colin Rice Colin Rice 6'8" | SG Waukee Northwest | 2026 State IA , who wrapped up a stellar week of play with 18 points and 15 rebounds, and was named to the all-tournament team. Bode Goodman Bode Goodman 6'2" | PG/SG Waukee Northwest | 2025 State IA had 17 points in the loss. The Wolves will return three starters, most of their bench, and will be considered one of the top teams in the state heading into next season.

Team stats
Waukee Northwest: 18-56 FG (32.1%), 7-27 3P (25.9%), 4-4 FT (100.0%); 23 rebounds (9 offensive); 7 assists, 5 turnovers
Valley: 21-38 FG (55.3%), 3-11 3P (27.3%), 16-21 FT (76.2%); 34 rebounds (5 offensive); 11 assists, 11 turnovers

MVP: 2026 Jayden McGregory Jayden McGregory 6'1" | PG Valley | 2026 State IA (Valley) — 26 points (8-12 FG, 1-2 3P, 9-11 FT), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block

The 6-2 guard completed a dominant week at the state tournament with a tremendous showing in the championship, scoring 26 points on efficient shooting, controlling the glass, and creating quality looks for his teammates. He delivered probably the play of the game when he split a double team and showcased his vision, finding Trevin Jirak Trevin Jirak 6'9" | C Valley | 2025 State #349 Nation IA for an exclamation point dunk to cap the 3-peat.

Class 3A Championship: #6 MOC-Floyd Valley 58, #1 Clear Lake 57

No Mr. Basketball? No problem for MOC-Floyd Valley, who a year after losing in the semifinals with the 2024 Mr. Basketball on the roster, completed the mission, winning the Class 3A state championship with a thrilling 58-57 win over top-ranked and unbeaten Clear Lake.

MOC-Floyd Valley played a nearly perfect first half, racing out to a 37-22 lead behind a 14-19 shooting performance. The Dutchmen came out with a perfect gameplan and executed it to perfection, working it inside and playing inside out. This is the one team in the class that had the bodies and athleticism to match up with Clear Lake big man Thomas Meyer, and they did just that. The Dutchmen controlled the first half, taking a 37-22 lead into the break after a deep Blake Aalbers 3 before the horn.

This one wasn’t without some thrills, however. The Dutchmen took a 23-point lead, 47-24, with 3:28 left in the third quarter and it looked like they were going to cruise to a state title. But then Clear Lake did what Clear Lake has done all year, go on a run. The Lions started finally hitting some shots, which allowed them to set up their pressure, and MOC-Floyd Valley may have started to get a little tight.

With 1:04 left to play, a Jaxson McIntire steal and layup brought Clear Lake back to within three points, 55-52. Carter Van Gelder Carter Van Gelder 6'3" | SG MOC-Floyd Valley | 2026 State IA made a pair of free throws with 24.2 seconds left to push the lead back to five and seal the win. A late 3 from Trevor Theobald cut the deficit to one, and instead of letting the clock run out (Clear Lake had no timeouts left), MOC-Floyd Valley inbounded the ball, but the Lions couldn’t commit a foul in time. Ball game, MOC-Floyd Valley. State title, headed to Orange City for the first time since 2005.

MOC-Floyd Valley finishes with a 23-4 record and the school’s second state title. The Dutchmen were led by Blake Aalbers, who had 15 points. He was named captain of the all-tournament team for his efforts throughout the week. Owen Vander Pol, also named to the all-tournament team, had 13 points, and Ahman Langton and Draeden Punt each had 11 in the win.

Clear Lake’s season ends with heartbreak and a 26-1 record. The Lions played for a state title for the first time in their school’s history, but couldn’t quite get over the hump of the 23-point deficit. They were led by Thomas Meyer, an all-tournament team selection, who had 19 points. Carson Riser added 14. The Lions will lose a lot of talent and experience, but bring back three starters and have a good amount of young talent in the program ready to step in. They should continue to be the team to beat in the North Central.

MOC-Floyd Valley: Blake Aalbers 15, Owen Vander Pol 13, Ahman Langton 11, Draeden Punt 11, Carter Van Gelder Carter Van Gelder 6'3" | SG MOC-Floyd Valley | 2026 State IA 6, Henry Heller 2
Clear Lake: Thomas Meyer 19, Carson Riser 14, Jaxson McIntire 8, Titan Schmitt 6, Trevor Theobald 6, Max Larson 4

Team stats
MOC-Floyd Valley: 20-32 FG (62.5%), 4-10 3P (40.0%), 14-17 FT (82.4%); 24 rebounds (4 offensive); 6 assists, 16 turnovers
Clear Lake: 18-46 FG (39.1%), 8-25 3P (32.0%), 13-16 FT (81.3%); 19 rebounds (9 offensive); 10 assists, 7 turnovers

MVP: 2025 Owen Vander Pol (MOC-Floyd Valley) — 13 points (6-7 FG, 1-1 FT), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1 steal

Vander Pol was awesome in this one, setting the tone early with a pair of buckets and really taking it to a Lions team that has been dominant this year because of their athleticism, strength, and physicality.

Class 3A All-Tournament Team: Zander Murray (Xavier); Owen Vander Pol (MOC-Floyd Valley); Hudson Lorensen (ADM); Thomas Meyer (Clear Lake); Blake Aalbers (MOC-Floyd Valley, Captain)

Class 2A State Championship: #1 Western Christian 46, #2 West Lyon 42

They better start reinforcing the trophy case in Hull, because for a (new) state record 12th time in school history, Western Christian is bringing home a boys state basketball trophy. The Wolfpack closed the game on an 11-2 run to race past West Lyon, 46-42, on Friday night.

Northwest Iowa is known for beautiful basketball. For large chunks of the game, this wasn’t that. Exceptionally athletic, physical, and well-coached teams, they are basically mirrors of each other, and that turned into some ugly offensive basketball, and outstanding defensive basketball. West Lyon’s first made field goal didn’t come until the closing seconds of the first quarter, but Western Christian struggled just as much offensively, holding only a 7-4 lead after one. Things opened up a bit in the second quarter, each team scoring 16 points to give the Wolfpack a 23-20 edge at the break.

Western Christian controlled most of the third quarter, but a late flurry from West Lyon gave the Wildcats a narrow 36-35 edge after three, and they extended that lead out to 40-35 early in the fourth quarter. Then the defending champion Wolfpack hunkered down on defense, got to the rim for a few shots on the other end, and held West Lyon to just two points in the final 6:28.

Trailing 44-42 with 33 seconds left, and 28 seconds left on the shot clock, West Lyon whittled the time down until about 6 seconds were left on the shot clock. Carson Hoogeveen got into the paint, got to the spot he wanted for a tying floater, but pushed it a little too far left, hitting the rim and falling away harmlessly. Landon De Stigter made a pair of free throws, and the game was over. Add another state title to Western Christian’s every growing stockpile.

Western Christian’s second ends with a 25-3 record, a second consecutive state championship, and a 12th overall. The Wolfpack were led by Landon De Stigter, who had a game-high 15 points. Kaden Van Regenmorter battled foul trouble throughout and finished with 11 in the win. He was named captain of the all-tournament team for his efforts throughout the week. The Wolfpack will lose four starters, but will bring back De Stigter and freshman guard Tayden Moret, and it’s Western Christian. They’re always going to be good.

West Lyon’s season closes with a 23-4 record and the school’s first ever loss in a state tournament game (5-1 record now). The Wildcats were led by Carson Hoogeveen, who had 13 points. Jared Ciesielski had 10 points in the loss. Jorden Meyer was named to the all-tournament team. They will lose three starters, but return Meyer, Ciesielski, and Ben Meyer Ben Meyer 6'3" | PF West Lyon | 2026 State IA off the bench, and like Western Christian, they’ll always have good athletes and be competitive in Class 2A.

West Lyon: Carson Hoogeveen 13, Jared Ciesielski 10, Easton Jacobson 7, Jorden Meyer 7, Bryson Childress 3, Easton De Jong 2
Western Christian: Landon De Stigter 15, Kaden Van Regenmorter 11, Karsten Moret 7, Tayden Moret 7, Kaden DeJager 2, Lane Maassen 2, Noah Hilbrands 2

Team stats
West Lyon: 16-39 FG (41.0%), 4-15 3P (26.7%), 6-13 FT (46.2%); 22 rebounds (5 offensive); 8 assists, 10 turnovers
Western Christian: 19-40 FG (47.5%), 2-10 3P (20.0%), 6-8 FT (75.0%); 27 rebounds (4 offensive); 6 assists, 10 turnovers

MVP: 2028 Tayden Moret (Western Christian) — 7 points (3-5 FG, 1-2 FT), 1 rebound, 1 assist

The freshman guard played 26 minutes off the bench while Van Regenmorter battled foul trouble, and I thought he was excellent on both ends of the floor. He took good care of the ball, made a few nice, tough drives for finishes, and played really good defense against Hoogeveen, one of the best guards in the state.

Class 2A All-Tournament Team: Karsten Moret (Western Christian); Dylan Bosma (Unity Christian); Emiliano Barrantes (Grand View Christian); Jorden Meyer (West Lyon); Kaden Van Regenmorter (Western Christian, Captain)

Class 1A State Championship: #2 Madrid 59, #1 Marquette Catholic 57

For the first time in school history, the Madrid Tigers will be taking home a boys state basketball title. The Tigers outlasted top-ranked Marquette Catholic, 59-57, on Friday night to conclude the 2024-25 boys high school basketball season.

While their offense has been the story all year, it was their defensive effort that helped them build a first half lead. The Tigers held Marquette scoreless for the first 5:08, at which point they had already built a 9-0 advantage. They led 15-7 after the first quarter, and 31-21 at the half, following some elite shotmaking from senior guard Fabian Ortiz-Alaniz. The shifty 5-9 guard was shaking his defender and knocking down tough shot after tough shot to help the Tigers soar to a big lead.

But after finishing runner-up last season and bringing a good chunk of that roster back, you knew Marquette wasn’t going to go down quietly. An explosive fourth quarter featuring stellar play from senior leaders Jacob Litterer and Spencer Roeder saw the Defenders take their first lead of the game on a Roeder 3 with 3:06 left in the third quarter. Madrid was able to get the lead back before the end of the third, taking a 44-42 advantage into the final period.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Madrid went on a 10-0 run to take control, turning a 46-all game into a 56-46 edge with 1:31 left to play. Marquette took advantage of some shaky free throw shooting to edge back within three, 57-54, with 26 seconds left, but Jevyn Severson split a pair of free throws, then the Tigers forced a miss, and for all intents and purposes, it was over. A Roeder 3 with 6 seconds left cut it to a two-point deficit, but with the ball bouncing around for a second, and the Defenders having no more timeouts, Madrid didn’t need to inbound it, and the season was over.

Madrid’s season ends with a sterling, unblemished 28-0 record. The Tigers were led by Toryn Severson, who had 21 points and was named captain of the all-tournament team. Fabian Ortiz-Alaniz had 18 in the win. They will lose Severson, Ortiz-Alaniz, and Brody Buck, a trio that played in hundreds of combined games, but bring back star freshman Jevyn Severson and sophomore forward Emerson Bridgewater.

Marquette Catholic’s season ends with a 27-2 record and heartbreak for a second straight season. They have now lost back-to-back state title games by a combined three points. The Defenders were led by Jacob Litterer with 19 points, and Spencer Roeder had 13. They will lose four starters, but Isaac Sturm has built a strong program and they should be competitive again next season.

Madrid: Toryn Severson 21, Fabian Ortiz-Alaniz 18, Emerson Bridgewater 8, Jevyn Severson 7, Brody Buck 5
Marquette Catholic: Jacob Litterer 19, Spencer Roeder 13, Louis Gonner Louis Gonner 5'8" | PG Marquette Catholic | 2027 State IA 9, Koen Roeder 6, Eli Scott 6, Eli Lemke Eli Lemke 6'3" | CG Marquette Catholic | 2025 State IA 4

Team stats
Madrid: 22-43 FG (51.2%), 4-11 3P (36.4%), 11-18 FT (61.1%); 31 rebounds (5 offensive); 2 assists, 11 turnovers
Marquette Catholic: 22-58 FG (37.9%), 10-25 3P (40.0%), 3-9 FT (33.3%); 32 rebounds (13 offensive); 12 assists, 8 turnovers

MVP: 2025 Toryn Severson (Madrid) — 21 points (7-11 FG, 0-1 3P, 7-8 FT), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks

Three games down here, three MVP honors for Severson. Whenever Madrid needed a bucket, he went and got it. Fantastic week, fantastic career.

Class 1A All-Tournament Team: Brody Buck (Madrid); Hunter Horn (St. Edmond); Michael Boyd (Gladbrook-Reinbeck); Spencer Roeder (Marquette Catholic); Toryn Severson (Madrid, Captain)