State Tournament: Monday Preview

4A Quarterfinal: #4 Waukee Northwest (21-3) vs. #5 Kennedy (20-4), 10:30 am   Analysis: The 2025 state tournament starts with a rematch of a game played just over a month ago, a 90-61 Waukee Northwest win. The Wolves outscored Kennedy 54-29 in the second half of that game, shot 56% from the floor and were 14-29 (51.9%) from the 3-point line in an absolute demolition. Expect the rematch to be closer. Northwest has been one of the hottest teams in 4A since the holiday break, when they had extra time to get their move-ins and transfers acclimated. They're led by senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='1288891' first='Bode' last='Goodman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2119115' first='Peyton' last='McCollum'], a pair of dynamic three-level scorers and playmakers who combined to average 30.8 points and 10.5 assists per game. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1978099' first='Colin' last='Rice'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1643192' first='Landon' last='Davis'] are the difference makers on the defensive end, combining for 5.6 blocks per game, and their length and athleticism is a really difficult matchup for Kennedy here. The Wolves can comfortably go about eight deep in their rotation, and they have been remarkably efficient on the offensive end, posting 54-40-70 shooting splits as a team and dishing out 21 assists against just 8.8 turnovers per game.   Kennedy finished runner-up in 4A last season but almost all of the faces on this year's team are new, or at least new to major varsity minutes. The one constant is senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1381415' first='Trey' last='McKowen'], a dynamic three-level scorer, facilitator, and defender who has been one of the best guards in the state this season. He'll be asked to carry a heavy playmaking and scoring load against the high-powered Wolves if Kennedy wants to keep pace. Alongside him in the backcourt and on the wing are Rebuen Schlaak and [player_tooltip player_id='2399474' first='Sharief' last='Thomas'], a pair of quality perimeter shooters, and [player_tooltip player_id='1381406' first='Landon' last='Deiters'], a physical, strong forward, anchors the middle on both ends of the floor. A smaller, faster team that likes to get things sped up, look for Kennedy to try and throw a punch of different defensive looks at the potent Northwest attack to get them out of rhythm.   Players to watch Waukee Northwest: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1288891' first='Bode' last='Goodman'] (17.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 3.2 steals); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2119115' first='Peyton' last='McCollum'] (13.5 points, 5.5 assists, 54.7 FG%, 41.1 3P%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1978099' first='Colin' last='Rice'] (11.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 52.9 FG%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1643192' first='Landon' last='Davis'] (10.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, 72.8 FG%); 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2419793' first='Mack' last='Heitland'] (7.0 points, 50.0 3P%) Kennedy: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381415' first='Trey' last='McKowen'] (22.3 points, 4.9 assists, 3.8 steals); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1951791' first='Reuben' last='Schlaak'] (12.4 points, 46.4 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381406' first='Landon' last='Deiters'] (9.0 points, 60.0 FG%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2399474' first='Sharief' last='Thomas'] (6.8 points, 39.8 3P%)   Our pick: Waukee Northwest 72, Kennedy 60   4A Quarterfinal: #1 Cedar Falls (21-2) vs. #8 Senior (17-6), 12:15 pm   Analysis: These teams played in the last week of the regular season, a 62-48 Cedar Falls home win. In that game, Cedar Falls got 17 points from [player_tooltip player_id='1759953' first='Keegan' last='Steege'], forced 21 Rams turnovers, and won comfortably despite being out-rebounded 30-16. The aforementioned Steege is just one of many sharpshooting threats that Cedar Falls can put on the floor, with him, [player_tooltip player_id='1777914' first='Jaydon' last='Kimbrough'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1199979' first='Anthony' last='Galvin'] all shooting over 40% from the 3-point line, as does star forward [player_tooltip player_id='1765553' first='William' last='Gerdes']. Gerdes, who is garnering plenty of Power 5 interest, is an inside-out threat at 6-9 who can also protect the paint at a high level. The fifth member of the Tigers' starting five, [player_tooltip player_id='1765549' first='Leyton' last='Wolf'], may be the team's X-factor. He has great size on the wing at 6-7, can shoot it, defend multiple positions, and is a strong playmaker. If he has a good week, the Tigers will reach Championship Friday. When this group is playing their best basketball, they may be the best team in the state.   Senior counters with the one-two punch of forward [player_tooltip player_id='1172887' first='Tevin' last='Schultz'] and guard [player_tooltip player_id='1765555' first='Drake' last='Medinger'], both juniors. They combined to average just under 32 points per game, and both are dynamic three-level scorers and really good athletes. [player_tooltip player_id='1765536' first='Cooper' last='Porter'] is a skilled playmaker at the lead guard spot, and senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1381411' first='Jalen' last='Johnson'] is a fantastic athlete who pounds the glass on both ends of the floor. The Rams dominated the glass on both ends of the floor in the regular-season meeting, and they'll need to do so again if they want to keep pace with the Tigers in this one.   Players to watch Cedar Falls: 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765553' first='William' last='Gerdes'] (16.9 points, 2.0 blocks, 68.1 FG%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1777914' first='Jaydon' last='Kimbrough'] (12.5 points, 40.4 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1199979' first='Anthony' last='Galvin'] (12.5 points, 3.2 assists, 2.2 steals, 41.5 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759953' first='Keegan' last='Steege'] (9.0 points, 3.4 assists, 2.4 steals, 40.3 3P%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765549' first='Leyton' last='Wolf'] (8.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 blocks) Senior: 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1172887' first='Tevin' last='Schultz'] (18.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 58.8 FG%, 42.4 3P%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765555' first='Drake' last='Medinger'] (13.4 points, 53.1 FG%, 51.1 3P%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765536' first='Cooper' last='Porter'] (8.1 points, 3.1 assists); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381411' first='Jalen' last='Johnson'] (7.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 64.9 FG%)   Our pick: Cedar Falls 59, Senior 50   4A Quarterfinal: #2 Linn-Mar (21-2) vs. #7 Waukee (18-6), 2:00 pm   Analysis: These teams met early in the regular season, a 68-60 Linn-Mar win. [player_tooltip player_id='1381412' first='Davis' last='Kern'] was fantastic in that game, scoring 27 points and helping hold Waukee star to 5-15 shooting. Linn-Mar hasn't lost since January 4, in large part because of how dominant Kern has been as a two-way player. The future South Dakota State forward is a versatile three-level scorer and playmaker, and he has been tremendous as a rim protector. They have some real length on the perimeter in [player_tooltip player_id='2204894' first='Tyler' last='Hilton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1484413' first='Payson' last='Nietert'], and Nietert and [player_tooltip player_id='1514455' first='Mason' last='Matson'] give them a ton of shooting alongside Kern.   Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1765524' first='Evan' last='Jacobson'] has been really good all year for the Warriors, but he'll need to be outstanding if they're going to pull off the upset. An athletic 6-7/6-8 forward who can score inside and out, control the glass, and protect the paint. [player_tooltip player_id='1978110' first='Jaishon' last='White'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1765539' first='Max' last='Roach'] are a pair of quick guards who can create quality looks off the dribble, and [player_tooltip player_id='1951798' first='Maverick' last='Inman'] is an elite shooter on the perimeter. This is a team that can really spread you out and attack off the dribble, and they know that they can play with the Lions from that early season meeting.   Players to watch Linn-Mar: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381412' first='Davis' last='Kern'] (22.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 3.2 blocks, 55.2 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1484413' first='Payson' last='Nietert'] (11.0 points, 41.9 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1514455' first='Mason' last='Matson'] (10.7 points, 4.3 assists, 50.8 3P%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2204894' first='Tyler' last='Hilton'] (11.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 62.7 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381427' first='Trey' last='Wright'] (7.8 points, 3.7 assists, 57.1 FG%) Waukee: 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765524' first='Evan' last='Jacobson'] (17.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.2 blocks); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1978110' first='Jaishon' last='White'] (14.8 points, 2.8 assists, 38.5 3P%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765539' first='Max' last='Roach'] (8.3 points, 3.4 assists); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1951798' first='Maverick' last='Inman'] (9.3 points, 2.5 assists, 50.0 3P%); 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2594655' first='Pete' last='Craig'] (7.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.4 blocks)   Our pick: Linn-Mar 64, Waukee 60   4A Quarterfinal: #3 Valley (20-3) vs. #6 Ames (21-2), 3:45 pm   Analysis: The only first round matchup that isn't a regular season rematch in 4A pits the two-time defending champion Tigers against the top defensive team in the class. Valley has battled through some adversity, but has once again punched their ticket to the state tournament and appear primed to try and become just the second large school to three-peat. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1288899' first='Xzavion' last='Robinson'] has had some truly explosive games at the state tournament over the last few years, and his overwhelming athleticism and talent are difficult for teams to contend with. The size of [player_tooltip player_id='1759895' first='Trevin' last='Jirak'] in the paint is also a really difficult matchup for opposing teams, as he can not only score on the block, he can also step out and shoot the 3, and he's one of the best passers in the state. Valley is able to invert their offense by playing through Jirak, and it makes them just that much more dangerous. On the wing, junior [player_tooltip player_id='1765532' first='Jayden' last='McGregory'] and senior [player_tooltip player_id='1381407' first='Kiki' last='Deng'] give the Tigers a ton of length, athleticism, and defensive intensity, and as we've seen over the last few years, when they break out their halfcourt trapping defense on you, good luck.   Ames allows just 38.7 points per game, and the Little Cyclones are no stranger to Wells Fargo Arena themselves. Senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='1381424' first='Abe' last='Vos'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1381418' first='Jamison' last='Poe'] are the headliners of the group on the offensive end, but this is an extremely balanced team that sees six players averaging between 6.4 and 10.4 points per game, so any of those six can lead the team in scoring on any given night. Poe is a fantastic on-ball defender on the perimeter, a small but quick guard with great hands. On the wing, [player_tooltip player_id='1951821' first='Manny' last='Lueth'], [player_tooltip player_id='2820092' first='Isaiah' last='Knight'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1978102' first='Will' last='Thomas'] provide length and athleticism on the defensive end, and they have a big 6-7 shotblocker patrolling the paint behind them in [player_tooltip player_id='1765516' first='Marach' last='Dau'], who is averaging 2 blocks per game. This is a well-coached, athletic defensive team, but will they have the offensive prowess to keep pace with Valley, who is bound to go on a run at some point, even against this stout of a defensive team.   Players to watch Valley: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1288899' first='Xzavion' last='Robinson'] (16.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.8 steals, 50.3 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759895' first='Trevin' last='Jirak'] (16.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.0 blocks, 60.0 FG%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765532' first='Jayden' last='McGregory'] (15.5 points, 50.4 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381407' first='Kiki' last='Deng'] (12.0 points) Ames: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381424' first='Abe' last='Vos'] (10.4 points, 52.2 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381418' first='Jamison' last='Poe'] (9.6 points, 3.3 assists); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1951821' first='Manny' last='Lueth'] (9.4 points, 42.0 3P%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765516' first='Marach' last='Dau'] (8.7 points, 2.0 blocks)   Our pick: Valley 57, Ames 42   3A Quarterfinal: #1 Clear Lake (24-0) vs. #8 Central DeWitt (13-11), 5:30 pm   Analysis: Clear Lake has been the top-ranked team in 3A all season, a team that has been dominant on both ends of the floor. The Lions rank 3rd in the class in scoring offense (73.9) and 1st in defense (42.5), and they haven't had a single game decided by less than 11 points. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1381416' first='Thomas' last='Meyer'] leads a deep, balanced, and extremely athletic attack that can beat you in a multitude of ways. Meyer is a future Iowa tight end with great size, length, and physicality who can score inside and out, and they're able to surround him with a lot of playmaking and shooting. Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2419796' first='Jaxson' last='McIntire'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2377642' first='Carson' last='Riser'] have both been fantastic, averaging in double-figures, while seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1759906' first='Titan' last='Schmitt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2394706' first='Samuel' last='Howland'], and juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2389820' first='Trevor' last='Theobald'], [player_tooltip player_id='2413530' first='Max' last='Larson'], and Gage Larson are all experienced and each of them play their roles well They put a ton of pressure on teams with their length and athleticism on both ends of the floor.   Central DeWitt upset both Waverly-Shell Rock and Assumption to get to the state tournament and is playing with house money. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1484410' first='Ryan' last='Watters'] was a key player off the bench as a freshman in the Sabers' last state tournament run, and he can be a matchup problem with his size, athleticism, and ability to score inside and out. The Sabers are able to surround him with more shooting in the forms of [player_tooltip player_id='2811905' first='Max' last='Burgmeier'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2731756' first='Hudson' last='Krukow'], and they're a battle-tested team, having gone through the 4A MAC all year long. They'll need big games from that trio if they're going to spring this upset, but it's certainly a team that is capable of doing so.   Players to watch Clear Lake: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381416' first='Thomas' last='Meyer'] (16.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 65.9 FG%); 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2419796' first='Jaxson' last='McIntire'] (10.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 50.5 FG%); 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2377642' first='Carson' last='Riser'] (10.6 points, 41.3 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759906' first='Titan' last='Schmitt'] (9.8 points, 5.3 assists) Central DeWitt: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1484410' first='Ryan' last='Watters'] (15.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.3 blocks, 55.4 FG%, 45.3 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2811905' first='Max' last='Burgmeier'] (15.8 points, 3.3 assists, 44.3 3P%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2731756' first='Hudson' last='Krukow'] (7.3 points, 6.3 rebounds); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765533' first='Brady' last='Meadows'] (6.9 points, 4.4 assists)   Our pick: Clear Lake 68, Central DeWitt 58   3A Quarterfinal: #4 Storm Lake (22-1) vs. #5 ADM (21-4), 7:15 pm   Analysis: This may be the most entertaining game of the day, a pair of teams that can light up the scoreboard, and a pair of players who the opposing team may struggle to match up with. We'll start with Storm Lake, who is making their first appearance since 1994. The Tornadoes are the highest scoring team in 3A, averaging 77 points per game. They're led by junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1765515' first='Jaidyn' last='Coon'] (24.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 56.8 FG%), who holds a number of high-major offers. A fantastic athlete with great size and length at 6-6/6-7 on the wing, he's a nightmare matchup for most teams in the state with his ability to score from all three levels and cause chaos on the defensive end. Classmate guard [player_tooltip player_id='1765508' first='Cameron' last='Boyd'] (14.8, 4.4 assists, 46.5 3P%) gives them a dynamic shooter and skilled playmaker on the perimeter, and this is a group that has five other players averaging between 6.4 and 7.7 points per game. They love to get up-and-down, using their athleticism and speed to cause chaos on the defensive end and spark the offense.   ADM is another team capable of having explosive scoring games, having 12 games of 70+ points this season. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1978130' first='Hudson' last='Lorensen'] is one of the best three-level scorers in the state, posting 54-42-89 shooting splits and he makes everything look effortless on that end of the floor. Classmates [player_tooltip player_id='1978115' first='Trey' last='Bryte'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1978146' first='Hudson' last='Shull'] join him on the perimeter to give the Tigers a dynamic trio of scoring and playmaking threats, and seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2811916' first='Cade' last='Fisher'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2811924' first='Wyatt' last='Schweiger'] are quality role players who understand what is asked of them and do it well. The Tigers may not have a one-for-one answer for Coon, but I'm not sure the Tornadoes have one for Lorensen either.   Players to watch Storm Lake: 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765515' first='Jaidyn' last='Coon'] (24.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.6 blocks, 56.8 FG%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765508' first='Cameron' last='Boyd'] (14.8 points, 4.4 assists, 46.5 3P%); 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2420801' first='Trey' last='Boettcher'] (7.7 points); 2026 Garbieno Weno (7.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 62.0 FG%) ADM: 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1978130' first='Hudson' last='Lorensen'] (24.9 points, 54.1 FG%, 41.9 3P%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1978115' first='Trey' last='Bryte'] (12.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 2.1 steals); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1978146' first='Hudson' last='Shull'] (10.0 points, 51.1 FG%, 42.1 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2811916' first='Cade' last='Fisher'] (7.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.2 blocks)   Our pick: ADM 78, Storm Lake 75

4A Quarterfinal: #4 Waukee Northwest (21-3) vs. #5 Kennedy (20-4), 10:30 am