State Tournament: Wednesday Game Recaps

1A Quarterfinal: #4 Gladbrook-Reinbeck 61, #5 North Linn 55

There will be a new champion in Class 1A, as Gladbrook-Reinbeck held off a late flurry from North Linn, escaping with a 61-55 win to advance to the Class 1A semifinals on Wednesday morning. The Rebels will await either Marquette Catholic or St. Mary's, Remsen tomorrow evening.

Gladbrook-Reinbeck, playing without 6-5 big man Michael Boyd Michael Boyd 6'4" | PF Gladbrook-Reinbeck | 2025 State IA for a majority of the first half due to foul trouble, held a 25-20 lead at the break. North Linn wasn't able to take advantage of having the big man on the bench, and that was a bit of a difference-maker in the game.

The teams were tied at 36 after three quarters, and then North Linn star guard Mason Bechen Mason Bechen 6'1" | PG North Linn | 2025 State IA started to take the game over. He scored the first four points of the quarter to give them their biggest lead, but there was no panic from the Rebels. They responded with an 8-0 run to re-gain a 44-40 lead. North Linn scored 4 straight of their own to tie it for the fourth time at 44, but then a big Drew Eilers Drew Eilers 6'3" | PF Gladbrook-Reinbeck | 2025 State IA putback plus the foul gave the Rebels a 3-point lead. On the next Rebels possession Austen Mathern Austen Mathern 6'1" | SG Gladbrook-Reinbeck | 2025 State IA buried a 3, and that was pretty much all she wrote.

Drew Eilers Drew Eilers 6'3" | PF Gladbrook-Reinbeck | 2025 State IA was huge in the fourth quarter, coming up with a pair of big offensive rebounds and putbacks, plus the foul, and the 58.2% free-throw shooter was nearly automatic at the free-throw line, going 11-12 in the final period. He and Mason Bechen Mason Bechen 6'1" | PG North Linn | 2025 State IA exchanged buckets and free throws for the better part of the last 60 seconds, with Eilers going 7-8 from the stripe in the final 43 seconds to ice the game away.

Gladbrook-Reinbeck improves to 23-3 and will play in the semifinals for the first time since 2017. The Rebels were led by Drew Eilers Drew Eilers 6'3" | PF Gladbrook-Reinbeck | 2025 State IA , who had 21 points, with 15 coming in the fourth quarter. He also had 9 rebounds in the win. Michael Boyd Michael Boyd 6'4" | PF Gladbrook-Reinbeck | 2025 State IA had 17 points and 9 rebounds, and the size of the EIlers-Boyd tandem was just too much for a small North Linn team to overcome.

North Linn's season ends with a 23-3 record and the school's ninth straight trip to the state tournament. This will be the first time since 2017 that the Lynx won't play for a state championship, a truly remarkable run of success. Mason Bechen Mason Bechen 6'1" | PG North Linn | 2025 State IA led the Lynx with 27 points in his final high school game. Drew Ries, also playing his last game, had 11 in the loss. The Lynx will graduate all five starters and will have a lot of new faces taking the floor for Travis Griffith next season.

North Linn: Mason Bechen Mason Bechen 6'1" | PG North Linn | 2025 State IA 27, Drew Ries 11, Hayden Schmidt 7, Cole Griffith Cole Griffith 5'10" | PG North Linn | 2025 State IA 6, Cael Benesh 2, Nolan Woods 2
Gladbrook-Reinbeck: Drew Eilers Drew Eilers 6'3" | PF Gladbrook-Reinbeck | 2025 State IA 21, Michael Boyd Michael Boyd 6'4" | PF Gladbrook-Reinbeck | 2025 State IA 17, Brandon Mathern Brandon Mathern 6'0" | PG Gladbrook-Reinbeck | 2025 State IA 9, Austen Mathern Austen Mathern 6'1" | SG Gladbrook-Reinbeck | 2025 State IA 8, Hudson Clark 4, Trevor Mathern 2

Team stats
North Linn: 16-49 FG (36.7%), 3-20 3P (15.0%), 16-17 FT (94.1%); 23 rebounds (7 offensive); 5 assists, 7 turnovers
Gladbrook-Reinbeck: 21-43 FG (48.8%), 5-21 3P (23.8%), 14-18 FT (77.8%); 31 rebounds (8 offensive); 11 assists, 15 turnovers

MVP: 2025 Drew Eilers Drew Eilers 6'3" | PF Gladbrook-Reinbeck | 2025 State IA (Gladbrook-Reinbeck) -- 21 points (5-5 FG, 11-12 FT), 9 rebounds, 1 assist

The 6-3 big man was nearly automatic in the fourth quarter to ice the game away. He was the man that North Linn wanted to put on the line, and he made them pay. He also came up with some huge offensive rebounds and putbacks in the quarter to help the Rebels grab control.

1A Quarterfinal: #1 Marquette Catholic 64, #8 St. Mary's, Remsen 54

Basketball is a game of runs, and Marquette Catholic put a deciding 10-0 run on a really good #8 seed St. Mary's in the third quarter to help grab control en route to a 64-54 win. The win advances the Defenders to the Class 1A semifinals for the second year in a row, where they'll take on Gladbrook-Reinbeck.

These teams were tied at 13 after the first quarter after the Hawks scored four points in the last three seconds of the quarter. The Defenders, however, won the second quarter 14-5 to seemingly grab control of the game, taking a 27-18 lead into the break.

Marquette extended the lead out to 11, 29-18, early in the third quarter before St. Mary's ripped off a 15-2 run to take a 33-31 lead. Marquette, the highest scoring team in 1A this season, responded with a 10-0 run of their own in 2:31, taking a 41-33 lead. St. Mary's briefly got to within 3 early in the fourth quarter, but another 7-0 spurt provided some breathing room.

Marquette Catholic improves to 26-1 with the win and moves back into the 1A semifinals. The Defenders were led by Spencer Roeder Spencer Roeder 6'5" | PF Marquette Catholic | 2025 State IA , who had a game-high 28 points. Eli Scott Eli Scott 5'8" | PG Marquette Catholic | 2025 State IA and Jacob Litterer Jacob Litterer 6'2" | PF Marquette Catholic | 2025 State IA each added 13 in the win.

St. Mary's season ends with a 21-5 record and an eighth trip to the state tournament in the last nine years. The Hawks were led by Collin Homan Collin Homan 6'5" | PF Remsen St. Mary's | 2025 State IA , who had 23 points in his final game. Sam Schmillen Sam Schmillen 6'7" | SF Remsen St. Mary's | 2025 State IA had 14 points and 10 rebounds. St. Mary's will graduate all five starters, and their top seven scorers, from this year's team.

Team stats
St. Mary's, Remsen: 23-51 FG (45.1%), 6-18 3P (33.3%), 2-10 FT (20.0%); 30 rebounds (8 offensive); 10 assists, 15 turnovers
Marquette Catholic: 22-47 FG (46.8%), 4-16 3P (25.0%), 16-24 FT (66.7%); 31 rebounds (6 offensive); 12 assists, 8 turnovers

MVP: 2025 Spencer Roeder Spencer Roeder 6'5" | PF Marquette Catholic | 2025 State IA (Marquette Catholic) -- 28 points (9-19 FG, 4-11 3P, 6-10 FT), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 5 steals

The Defenders' best player was just that on Wednesday afternoon, leading the team with 28 points and showcasing his ability to score from all three levels. He was in complete control of the game pretty much from the opening tip, and his constant activity on both ends of the floor was too much for St. Mary's to handle.

1A Quarterfinal: #2 Madrid 68, #7 Boyden-Hull 57

For the first time in school history, Madrid will play in the Class 1A semifinals. The Tigers overwhelming array of offensive talent raced past Boyden-Hull in the second half, beating the Comets 68-57. They will take on either St. Edmond or Woodbine tomorrow night at 7:15.

Boyden-Hull, hailing from the always loaded and tough Siouxland Conference, came in well-prepared and was tough, a team that Madrid wasn't able to shake free from until late. The Tigers held a 31-25 halftime lead and led for the final 20:50 of the game. They were able to routinely push their advantage out to double digits, only for the Comets to rattle off 5 straight points. It wasn't until midway through the fourth quarter that Madrid was really able to gain some separation, as their multitude of skilled ball-handlers and playmakers were able to routinely beat Boyden-Hull off the dribble and either get to the rim or kick out to open shooters.

Madrid is an impressive group. The Tigers only played their starting five the entire way, but all five of them are capable of winning in isolation. Toryn Severson Toryn Severson 6'4" | SG Madrid | 2025 State IA 's size gives him an edge over just about any defender they throw at him, and the quickness and first steps of Brody Buck Brody Buck 6'0" | SG Madrid | 2025 State IA and Fabian Ortiz-Alaniz Fabian Ortiz-Alaniz 5'8" | PG Madrid | 2025 State IA are really difficult to contend with. Then you have the size and physicality of Jevyn Severson Jevyn Severson 6'5" | PF Madrid | 2028 State IA in the paint, and the length and mobility of Emerson Bridgewater Emerson Bridgewater 6'5" | PF Madrid | 2027 State IA still to contend with. They're incredibly skilled on the offensive end, and it is going to take a big effort to beat them this week.

Madrid keeps their undefeated season going, improving to 26-0 with the win. They were led by Toryn Severson Toryn Severson 6'4" | SG Madrid | 2025 State IA , who was sensational, finishing with 30 points. Jevyn Severson Jevyn Severson 6'5" | PF Madrid | 2028 State IA had 14, as did Brody Buck Brody Buck 6'0" | SG Madrid | 2025 State IA , in the win. The Tigers shot 54.3% from the floor.

Boyden-Hull's season ends with an 18-9 record and the school's 20th state tournament appearance. They were led by Jakob Pottebaum Jakob Pottebaum 6'1" | PF Boyden-Hull | 2027 State IA , who had 17 points. Brent Zylstra had 15 points and 12 rebounds, and Garret Van Es Garret Van Es 6'2" | PF Boyden-Hull | 2026 State IA chipped in 13 points and 10 rebounds. The Comets will bring back their top three scorers and should be considered a real contender heading into next season in Class 1A.

Team stats
Boyden-Hull: 23-60 FG (38.3%), 1-11 3P (9.1%), 10-13 FT (76.9%); 30 rebounds (16 offensive); 7 assists, 7 turnovers
Madrid: 25-46 FG (54.3%), 4-11 3P (36.4%), 14-18 FT (77.8%); 32 rebounds (10 offensive); 4 assists, 10 turnovers

MVP: 2025 Toryn Severson Toryn Severson 6'4" | SG Madrid | 2025 State IA (Madrid) -- 30 points (11-23 FG, 1-4 3P, 7-8 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block

No doubt about this one. The 6-4 senior wing was in complete control throughout the game on the offensive end, scoring from all three levels, creating quality looks for his teammates, and pounding the glass on both ends of the floor. He's one of the most talented offensive players in 1A basketball, and he showed that today.

1A Quarterfinal: #3 St. Edmond 52, #6 Woodbine 49

The Class 1A quarterfinals closed with a bang on Wednesday evening, with third-seeded St. Edmond surviving a serious scare from sixth-seeded Woodbine, 52-49.

A tight, back-and-forth game through the first half saw the teams head to the locker rooms tied at 22. St. Edmond scored the first four points of the third quarter, but Woodbine answered with a 15-2 run to take a 37-28 lead and it looked like the Tigers might be taking control.

St. Edmond followed that up with a 14-5 run of their own, tying the game at 42 with 4:31 left to play. After exchanging buckets for the next few minutes, St. Edmond took a 48-47 lead with 1:21 left to play following a bucket plus the foul for Jakob Koopman Jakob Koopman 6'1" | PF St. Edmond | 2026 State IA , who was excellent off the bench throughout. Woodbine got several good looks at a go-ahead 3 on the ensuing possession, but none fell. Carson Bargfrede Carson Bargfrede 6'2" | SG/CG St. Edmond Fort Dodge | 2026 State IA made a pair of free throws to push it to a 3-point lead, 50-47. Jax Pryor Jax Pryor 6'3" | PF Woodbine | 2026 State IA scored inside, 50-49, Jack McElroy went 2-2 at the stripe, 52-49. On the Tigers' final possession, Carson Kelley Carson Kelley 6'3" | PF Woodbine | 2025 State IA got a good look at a tying 3, but it hit the rim and fell harmlessly away. Ballgame, Gaels. On to the semis.

St. Edmond improves to 23-3 with the win, and the Gaels will take on Madrid in the 1A semifinals tomorrow night at 7:15. They were led by Jakob Koopman Jakob Koopman 6'1" | PF St. Edmond | 2026 State IA , who had 18 points off the bench. Carson Bargfrede Carson Bargfrede 6'2" | SG/CG St. Edmond Fort Dodge | 2026 State IA had 16 points, and Hunter Horn Hunter Horn 6'5" | SF St. Edmond | 2026 State IA , their leading scorer, was held nearly 15 points below his season average, scoring 9 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.

Woodbine's season ends in the quarterfinals for the second straight year and with a 23-3 record. The Tigers were led by Brody Pryor Brody Pryor 6'2" | SF Woodbine | 2026 State IA , who had 13 points. Carson Kelley Carson Kelley 6'3" | PF Woodbine | 2025 State IA had 12, and Jax Pryor Jax Pryor 6'3" | PF Woodbine | 2026 State IA added 11 in the loss. They will lose two starters to graduation but bring back two of their top three scorers.

Team stats
Woodbine: 18-56 FG (32.1%), 8-35 3P (22.9%), 5-13 FT (38.5%); 33 rebounds (15 offensive); 11 assists, 6 turnovers
St. Edmond: 19-46 FG (41.3%), 6-24 3P (25.0%), 8-9 FT (88.9%); 33 rebounds (7 offensive); 8 assists, 8 turnovers

MVP: 2026 Jakob Koopman Jakob Koopman 6'1" | PF St. Edmond | 2026 State IA (St. Edmond) -- 18 points (8-11 FG, 1-1 3P, 1-1 FT), 6 rebounds, 1 assist

Playing with a bulky brace on his right knee didn't slow Koopman down at all, providing a huge effort off the bench for the Gaels. He's a crafty scorer with good footwork, touch, and patience around the rim.

4A Semifinal: #4 Waukee Northwest 57, #1 Cedar Falls 49

For the second time in the school's four-year history, Waukee Northwest will play for a Class 4A state championship. The Wolves beat top-ranked Cedar Falls, 57-49, on Wednesday night to advance to Friday afternoon's championship game, where they'll face either Valley or Linn-Mar.

The Wolves did what they've done all year, using a big run to take control of a game over a really, really good team.

After a back-and-forth battle for the first 10 minutes of the game, Northwest used a 19-4 run to close out the first half, taking a 31-18 lead into the break. Their balance of scoring, the length they possess on defense, and of late, the physicality that they have embraced, has made this team a dominant force on both ends of the floor.

They extended their lead to as many as 15 points in the third quarter. Cedar Falls was able to close back to within five points on three separate occasions in the fourth quarter, but the hole that they had to dig out of was simply too much against a team the caliber of Northwest.

Northwest improves to 23-3 on the season with the win, and will get an opportunity to play for the school's first state title. The Wolves were extremely balanced, led by sophomore Mack Heitland Mack Heitland 6'1" | SG Waukee Northwest | 2027 State IA , who had 14 points. Colin Rice Colin Rice 6'8" | SG Waukee Northwest | 2026 State IA had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Landon Davis Landon Davis 6'8" | PF Waukee Northwest | 2026 State IA chipped in 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks, Peyton McCollum Peyton McCollum 6'1" | PG Waukee Northwest | 2025 State IA contributed 10 points and 3 assists, and Bode Goodman Bode Goodman 6'2" | PG/SG Waukee Northwest | 2025 State IA had 9 points and 7 rebounds. The Wolves overcame 18 turnovers to win.

Cedar Falls closes with a 22-3 record. The Tigers were led by Keegan Steege Keegan Steege 6'0" | SG Cedar Falls | 2025 State IA and William Gerdes William Gerdes 6'8" | PF Cedar Falls | 2026 State IA , who each had 11 points in the loss. Jaydon Kimbrough Jaydon Kimbrough 6'4" | PG Cedar Falls | 2026 State IA added 10. The Tigers shot just 1-16 from the 3-point line in the loss after entering the game as a 37.9% shooting team on the season. Three starters - Gerdes, Kimbrough, and Leyton Wolf Leyton Wolf 6'7" | SG Cedar Falls | 2026 State IA - will return next season, and the Tigers have a plethora of young talent ready to step up to varsity. This is one of the top programs in the state, and they'll be in contention for a state title again next season.

Team stats
Waukee Northwest: 21-44 FG (47.7%), 8-21 3P (38.1%), 7-13 FT (53.8%); 32 rebounds (9 offensive); 10 assists, 18 turnovers
Cedar Falls: 20-53 FG (37.7%), 1-16 3P (6.3%), 8-13 FT (61.5%); 26 rebounds (9 offensive); 5 assists, 10 turnovers

MVP: 2026 Landon Davis Landon Davis 6'8" | PF Waukee Northwest | 2026 State IA (Waukee Northwest) -- 11 points (5-7 FG, 1-1 3P, 0-2 FT), 9 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals

Honestly, take your pick of any of the five Wolves starters. But the presence and toughness of Davis in the paint, especially on the defensive end, was a difference-maker for the Wolves in this one.

4A Semifinal: #3 Valley 58, #2 Linn-Mar 56 (OT)

Expectations were high heading into this one, and it more than delivered, with two-time defending champion Valley beating Linn-Mar, 58-56 in overtime, on a buzzer-beating shot from junior wing Jayden McGregory Jayden McGregory 6'1" | PG Valley | 2026 State IA . The win sets up an all-CIML Class 4A championship game for the fifth time in the last six years, with the Tigers set to take on Waukee Northwest on Friday afternoon at 1:00.

Early on, it looked like the athleticism of Valley may be too much for Linn-Mar to handle, with the Tigers jumping out to a quick 8-2 start with bucket after bucket in transition. The Lions settled in, however, closing the first quarter on an 8-2 run of their own to tie the game up at 13 after a quarter. Valley closed the first half with a 9-4 burst to take a 31-26 lead into the break.

A game that featured 12 ties and 11 lead changes, these two state title level teams exchanged haymakers throughout the fourth quarter. Tied at 49 with 1:21 left to play, Linn-Mar had a lengthy possession that ended with beautiful penetration from Mason Matson Mason Matson 6'1" | PG Linn Mar | 2025 State IA , finding an open Tyler Hilton Tyler Hilton 6'6" | SF Linn-Mar | 2026 State IA under the rim for a go-ahead dunk with 49 seconds left. McGregory was blocked by Davis Kern Davis Kern 6'8" | PF Linn-Mar | 2025 State #244 Nation IA on the ensuing possession, and Matson split a pair of free throws to give Linn-Mar a 52-49 lead. McGregory got to the bucket on the next possession and missed the shot, but was fouled. He split his free throws, making the first, missing the second, and Xzavion Robinson Xzavion Robinson 6'1" | PG Valley | 2025 State #342 Nation IA got the offensive rebound. Following a Valley timeout with 10 seconds left, a wild sequence ultimately ended with Trevin Jirak Trevin Jirak 6'9" | C Valley | 2025 State #349 Nation IA tipping in a game-tying bucket as time expired to send the game into overtime (video will be posted below).

In the extra period, Valley scored the first four points, taking a 56-52 lead. After Trey Wright Trey Wright 5'11" | PG Linn-Mar | 2025 State IA split a pair of free throws to make it 56-53, Robinson tried to draw a foul late in the shot clock on the next Valley possession to no avail. Payson Nietert Payson Nietert 6'7" | SF Linn-Mar | 2025 State IA then drilled a 3 after a bit of a scramble to tie the game up at 56 with 8.6 seconds left (another video below). After a Valley timeout, McGregory went the length of the floor and made a tough floater with about 2.5 seconds left (again, video below), but Linn-Mar didn't call timeout and the clock expired. Game, Valley. Quest for 3-peat, still alive.

Valley improves to 22-3 on the year with the win and will take on Waukee Northwest, a team they swept in the regular season, for the Class 4A title. If the Tigers prevail, they'll become just the second large-school team to ever win three straight titles. They were led by Jayden McGregory Jayden McGregory 6'1" | PG Valley | 2026 State IA , who had a game-high 23 points. Trevin Jirak Trevin Jirak 6'9" | C Valley | 2025 State #349 Nation IA had 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks, and Kiki Deng Kiki Deng 6'4" | SG Valley | 2025 State IA and Xzavion Robinson Xzavion Robinson 6'1" | PG Valley | 2025 State #342 Nation IA each had 10 points in the win. Robinson also pulled down 11 rebounds.

Linn-Mar's season ends with a 22-3 record and the school's first state tournament appearance since 2012. The Lions were led by Davis Kern Davis Kern 6'8" | PF Linn-Mar | 2025 State #244 Nation IA , who had 16 points and 9 rebounds. Tyler Hilton Tyler Hilton 6'6" | SF Linn-Mar | 2026 State IA closed out a great week with 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Trey Wright Trey Wright 5'11" | PG Linn-Mar | 2025 State IA may have played his best game in a Linn-Mar uniform, finishing with 13. The Lions will graduate four starters, with Hilton the lone returnee.

Team stats
Valley: 23-55 FG (41.8%), 3-15 3P (20.0%), 9-14 FT (64.3%); 33 rebounds (11 offensive); 7 assists, 4 turnovers
Linn-Mar: 21-52 FG (40.4%), 6-15 3P (40.0%), 8-13 FT (61.5%); 34 rebounds (11 offensive); 5 assists, 7 turnovers

MVP: 2026 Jayden McGregory Jayden McGregory 6'1" | PG Valley | 2026 State IA (Valley) -- 23 points (9-17 FG, 2-6 3P, 3-4 T), 2 rebounds

McGregory is one of the best athletes in the state, and the 6-2 wing was outstanding in this one, routinely able to get to the rim for finishes against a tough Linn-Mar defense, including the difficult game-winner in overtime.

https://twitter.com/tonysroe/status/1900009468663926958 (Wild sequence at the end of regulation)

https://twitter.com/tonysroe/status/1900011786071662651 (Nietert tying 3 in overtime)

State Tournament: Wednesday Game Recaps

In this article:

Preseason All-Conference Teams: Upper Iowa

Preseason All-Conference Teams: Twin Lakes

Preseason All-Conference Teams: Tri-Rivers West

Preseason All-Conference Teams: Tri-Rivers East

Introducing Mr. Basketball Candidate 15: AJ Evans

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
North Linn	10	10	16	19	55
Gladbrook-Reinbeck	13	12	11	25	61

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
St. Mary's, Remsen	13	5	18	18	54
Marquette Catholic	13	14	14	23	64

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Boyden-Hull	13	12	14	18	57
Madrid	12	19	17	20	68

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Woodbine	19	3	17	10	49
St. Edmond	15	7	12	18	52

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Waukee Northwest	12	19	12	14	57
Cedar Falls	8	10	17	14	49

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	OT	Final
Valley	13	18	9	12	6	58
Linn-Mar	13	13	12	14	4	56