State Tournament: Thursday Preview

3A Semifinal: #1 Clear Lake (25-0) vs. #5 ADM (22-4), 10:30 am   Analysis: These teams played a regular season game at Wells Fargo Arena earlier this year, a 78-62 Clear Lake win. In that game, Clear Lake forward [player_tooltip player_id='1381416' first='Thomas' last='Meyer'] pulled down 13 rebounds (compared to just 18 total for ADM), and guard [player_tooltip player_id='2377642' first='Carson' last='Riser'] went 7-8 from the 3-point line. So rebounding and guarding the 3-point line figure to be big parts of ADM's adjustments heading into the rematch. It took Clear Lake a while to get going in their quarterfinal matchup with Central DeWitt, but the Lions athleticism and defensive intensity eventually took over and they cruised to a win. Meyer was a force in the game against the Sabers, and he'll need to be dominant again if the Lions are going to continue their undefeated season.   ADM made a subtle adjustment against Storm Lake in the quarterfinals, pulling their big man [player_tooltip player_id='2811916' first='Cade' last='Fisher'] out to the perimeter to be the primary initiator, drawing the Tornadoes shot blockers out of the paint, and it worked wonders. The Tigers run great sets and have some real shotmaking on the perimeter, but it will be the play of Fisher in the paint, battling against Meyer on the glass, that could ultimately decide this game. If the Tigers guards handle the ball pressure that Clear Lake likes to put on teams, they'll have a real chance to win this one. I took Clear Lake pre-tournament, and I'll stick with it, but I don't feel as confident about it after watching both teams in the quarterfinals.   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) 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: Clear Lake 61, ADM 58   3A Semifinal: #7 Xavier (16-9) vs. #6 MOC-Floyd Valley (21-4), 12:15 pm   Analysis: Xavier looked impressive in their quarterfinal win over previously undefeated Knoxville, with big performances from juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1765554' first='AJ' last='Evans'] (21 points, 13 rebounds), [player_tooltip player_id='1361499' first='Lorenzo' last='Pino'] (12 points), and [player_tooltip player_id='1978144' first='Zander' last='Murray'] (11 points). The Saints were smothering on the defensive end against the Panthers, arguably the best they've looked on that end all year, and they'll need to be really good on that end of the floor again against an MOC-Floyd Valley team that can spread you out, beat you off the dribble, and pound the glass. Evans will need to be big again in this game, and stay out of foul trouble, which has been an issue at times this season, to keep the Dutchmen off the glass.   MOC-Floyd Valley looked really good in their quarterfinal win over Ballard as well, getting big efforts from [player_tooltip player_id='2398061' first='Blake' last='Aalbers'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1523401' first='Ahman' last='Langton']. The Dutchmen took advantage of some sloppy ball-handling from the Bombers in that game, coming away with 10 steals and forcing a ton of dead-ball turnovers. The tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='1951793' first='Owen' last='Vander Pol'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1978131' first='Draeden' last='Punt'] will be big in this particular matchup. Both are big, physical, and athletic forwards who will look to use their strength to control the game against Evans in the paint. If Evans is able to stay on the floor, Xavier has the better, more talented team. If he gets played off the floor, MOC-Floyd Valley will be able to feast around the rim and on the offensive glass.   Players to watch Xavier: 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1978144' first='Zander' last='Murray'] (14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 37.2 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2204878' first='Kaleb' last='Wilgenbusch'] (13.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 55.6 FG%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1765554' first='AJ' last='Evans'] (11.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 56.5 FG%) MOC-Floyd Valley: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2398061' first='Blake' last='Aalbers'] (20.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 steals, 45.9 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1523401' first='Ahman' last='Langton'] (11.5 points, 3.8 assists, 2.2 steals); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1951793' first='Owen' last='Vander Pol'] (10.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 55.8 FG%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1978131' first='Draeden' last='Punt'] (10.3 points, 51.5 FG%)   Our pick: Xavier 53, MOC-Floyd Valley 47   2A Semifinal: #1 Western Christian (23-3) vs. #4 Grand View Christian (24-1), 2:00 pm   Analysis: These two programs have combined to win seven state titles since 2017, so this one should be a ton of fun. Western Christian cruised past Jesup in the quarterfinals despite not really playing nearly to the level they're capable of. The Wolfpack had a number of unforced turnovers, turning it over 19 times. But they were still dominant, with [player_tooltip player_id='1484412' first='Karsten' last='Moret'] scoring 23 points and [player_tooltip player_id='1436462' first='Kaden' last='Van Regenmorter'] going 15-8-6 in just 14 minutes of action. This is a team filled with shooting threats, and they can space the floor and all attack off the dribble as well. The ball and players are constantly moving in their offense, and their depth and penchant for running, running, and running some more could be a major asset in this game.   Grand View Christian counters with some overwhelming size with 6-9 [player_tooltip player_id='1381402' first='Emiliano' last='Barrantes'] and 6-5 [player_tooltip player_id='2287857' first='Brayden' last='Hoben']. They are both fantastic rim protectors, but with the Wolfpack's five-out offensive look, they'll be able to drag Barrantes out of the paint, unless the Thunder want to go zone against them, in which case Western can just shoot over it. Hoben was fantastic in the quarterfinal win over Treynor, scoring 26 points on 10-16 shooting, but they'll need more production out of Barrantes and guard [player_tooltip player_id='2413533' first='Jameson' last='Scharnberg'] if they want to keep pace with Western in this one. And if one of their "Big Three" gets into foul trouble, it could be lights out for the Thunder.   Players to watch Western Christian: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1436462' first='Kaden' last='Van Regenmorter'] (19.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 42.4 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1484412' first='Karsten' last='Moret'] (14.9 points, 54.6 FG%, 51.8 3P%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2413626' first='Landon' last='De Stigter'] (11.6 points, 37.9 3P%); 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2772345' first='Tayden' last='Moret'] (7.4 points, 51.5 FG%, 39.0 3P%) Grand View Christian: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1381402' first='Emiliano' last='Barrantes'] (21.5 points, 14.3 rebounds, 4.1 blocks, 63.4 FG%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2287857' first='Brayden' last='Hoben'] (16.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 2.3 blocks); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2413533' first='Jameson' last='Scharnberg'] (16.7 points, 5.4 assists, 2.0 steals, 39.6 3P%)   Our pick: Western Christian 68, Grand View Christian 60   2A Semifinal: #2 West Lyon (22-3) vs. #3 Unity Christian (21-4), 3:45 pm   Analysis: These Siouxland Conference rivals played twice during the regular season, a sweep for West Lyon by scores of 71-69 and 71-70. So yeah, not a whole lot separating these two teams. West Lyon looked like the best team in the state in their dismantling of Union in the quarterfinals, getting out in transition constantly, shooting 54.7% from the floor and getting huge production out of Jorden Meyer, [player_tooltip player_id='2731896' first='Jared' last='Ciesielski'], [player_tooltip player_id='2887823' first='Ben' last='Meyer'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1759936' first='Carson' last='Hoogeveen']. The Wildcats are incredibly athletic, fast, and physical, but they'll need to focus on the glass in this game. In the first meeting between these teams, they tied with 28 rebounds each, but in the latter meeting, Unity won the rebounding battle 29-18.   Unity Christian took a long time to get things going against Grundy Center in their quarterfinal win, using a flurry in the last few minutes to get past a strong Spartans team. Ball security was a major problem for the Knights in that game, turning it over 19 times, and if they turn it over that often against West Lyon, allowing the 'Cats to get out in transition, watch out. Unity is smaller than West Lyon, but they're really, really fast and athletic, and the Bosma boys - junior [player_tooltip player_id='2413578' first='Dylan' last='Bosma'] and senior [player_tooltip player_id='1951824' first='Braeden' last='Bosma'] - are really good scorers on the perimeter. These teams have a ton of familiarity with each other, so it'll come down to who limits mistakes, who makes free throws, and who makes the best adjustments from not only the first two meetings, but at the half as well.   Players to watch West Lyon: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759936' first='Carson' last='Hoogeveen'] (17.5 points, 3.5 assists, 2.2 steals, 47.3 3P%); 2026 Jorden Meyer (15.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.7 steals, 54.4 FG%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2731896' first='Jared' last='Ciesielski'] (8.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 steals) Unity Christian: 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2413578' first='Dylan' last='Bosma'] (16.3 points, 3.1 assists, 2.3 steals, 43.0 3P%); 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2419800' first='Tyce' last='Van Donge'] (12.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 55.8 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1951824' first='Braeden' last='Bosma'] (11.0 points, 50.5 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1874781' first='Jackson' last='Vogel'] (10.0 points, 63.8 FG%); 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2407223' first='Keagen' last='Winterfeld'] (9.5 points, 52.3 3P%)   Our pick: West Lyon 61, Unity Christian 60   1A Semifinal: #1 Marquette Catholic (26-1) vs. #4 Gladbrook-Reinbeck (23-3), 5:30 pm   Analysis: Marquette Catholic looked every bit the part of the top-ranked team in the state against St. Mary's in the quarterfinals, with [player_tooltip player_id='1759939' first='Spencer' last='Roeder'] having a huge game, a strong defensive effort, and great ball movement. The Defenders have been great all year on both ends of the floor, and their explosiveness, ability to put 10-0 runs on you in the blink of an eye, is something that Gladbrook-Reinbeck is going to need to be wary of. You can't turn the ball over against Marquette or things can snowball in a hurry.   If there is one edge that Gladbrook-Reinbeck has in this game, it's with their big men. [player_tooltip player_id='2397981' first='Michael' last='Boyd'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2397276' first='Drew' last='Eilers'] were both really, really good against North Linn in the quarterfinals, and the 6-5 Boyd's ability to stretch the floor as well as protect the paint can be a difference maker. The Rebels did look a little vulnerable at times against pressure, so expect to see Marquette throw some different pressure looks at them to try and get them sped up and make them uncomfortable. If the Rebels are able to make this a halfcourt game, we could be in for a really good one. If it turns into more of a track meet, major advantage Marquette.   Players to watch Marquette Catholic: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1759939' first='Spencer' last='Roeder'] (20.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.0 steals, 52.0 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2721446' first='Jacob' last='Litterer'] (19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 57.2 FG%, 43.0 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2511527' first='Eli' last='Scott'] (12.3 points, 5.5 assists, 3.2 steals, 57.0 FG%) Gladbrook-Reinbeck: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2397276' first='Drew' last='Eilers'] (15.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 59.7 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2397981' first='Michael' last='Boyd'] (15.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 43.3 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2204862' first='Brandon' last='Mathern'] (12.8 points, 4.2 assists, 40.9 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2820164' first='Austen' last='Mathern'] (12.7 points, 41.5 3P%)   Our pick: Marquette Catholic 62, Gladbrook-Reinbeck 56   1A Semifinal: #2 Madrid (26-0) vs. #3 St. Edmond (23-3), 7:15 pm   Analysis: Madrid looked really good, especially in the second half, in their quarterfinal win over Boyden-Hull. The Tigers have a number of really skilled offensive weapons and are able to really spread you out and beat you off the dribble with a number of different options. [player_tooltip player_id='1174816' first='Toryn' last='Severson'] had 30 in the quarterfinals, and [player_tooltip player_id='2439640' first='Jevyn' last='Severson'] cleaned up around the rim. With [player_tooltip player_id='1174816' first='Toryn' last='Severson'], [player_tooltip player_id='2398087' first='Fabian' last='Ortiz-Alaniz'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2397210' first='Brody' last='Buck'], they have a number of skilled ball-handlers and playmakers who can get to the bucket, and if St. Edmond doesn't help and rotate quickly enough, they could get in trouble.   St. Edmond got big games from [player_tooltip player_id='2887801' first='Jakob' last='Koopman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2517050' first='Carson' last='Bargfrede'] in the quarterfinals, a game that really took them a while to get going in. They'll need to find a way to get leading scorer [player_tooltip player_id='1907683' first='Hunter' last='Horn'], who averages over 24 a game but had just 9 in the quarterfinals, more involved. He's a skilled player around the rim, but he may struggle with the physicality of [player_tooltip player_id='2439640' first='Jevyn' last='Severson'] and the length and athleticism of [player_tooltip player_id='2420789' first='Emerson' last='Bridgewater'] around the rim. Look for the Gaels to try and use Horn on the perimeter a bit more to draw his defender out, as he's capable of beating his defender off the dribble. St. Edmond has had a really nice year and is a tough team, but will they be able to slow down the potent Tigers attack that can beat you in so many different ways?   Players to watch Madrid: 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1174816' first='Toryn' last='Severson'] (23.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.2 steals, 54.5 FG%); 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2439640' first='Jevyn' last='Severson'] (16.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 66.1 FG%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2397210' first='Brody' last='Buck'] (14.0 points, 4.4 assists, 3.3 steals, 40.2 3P%); 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2398087' first='Fabian' last='Ortiz-Alaniz'] (13.4 points, 4.4 assists, 2.3 steals, 47.9 3P%); 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2420789' first='Emerson' last='Bridgewater'] (8.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 54.3 FG%) St. Edmond: 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1907683' first='Hunter' last='Horn'] (24.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 59.6 FG%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2887801' first='Jakob' last='Koopman'] (11.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 59.5 FG%); 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2517050' first='Carson' last='Bargfrede'] (9.6 points); 2026 Jack McElroy (5.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists)   Our pick: Madrid 66, St. Edmond 56

3A Semifinal: #1 Clear Lake (25-0) vs. #5 ADM (22-4), 10:30 am