STATE TOURNAMENT: Thursday Game Recaps

4A Semifinal: #1 Cedar Falls 59, #4 Dowling Catholic 46

The top-ranked team in Class 4A kept the undefeated dream alive, with Cedar Falls rolling past #4 Dowling Catholic, 59-46, to advance to the Class 4A championship game tomorrow afternoon.

Early on, it looked like the size of Dowling Catholic could be a major factor. With the 6-10 Charles Crane Charles Crane 6'10" | PF/C Dowling Catholic | 2026 State IA and 6-8 Alfred Kolee Alfred Kolee 6'8" | PF Dowling Catholic | 2027 State IA , the Maroons may be the one team in the state that has the size to limit William Gerdes William Gerdes 6'8" | PF Cedar Falls | 2026 State IA . Easier said than done. The Tigers were able to get Crane into foul trouble, limiting his effectiveness as a rim protector, and with the paint opened up, Gerdes feasted again.

With 5:26 left in the second quarter, Crane picked up his third foul. At that point the game was tied at 16. Dowling coach Justin Einerson left him in for the next three minutes, and he didn't pick up another foul, but he also couldn't really contest shots and by the time he checked out Cedar Falls had gone on an 8-2 run, taking a 24-18 lead. The Maroons never got any closer the rest of the way.

Cedar Falls improves to 24-0 with the win, and will play for the Class 4A championship against either Waukee or Johnston tomorrow at 3:00. The Tigers were led by William Gerdes William Gerdes 6'8" | PF Cedar Falls | 2026 State IA , who continued his stellar week with 28 points (11-16 FG), 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Jaydon Kimbrough Jaydon Kimbrough 6'4" | PG Cedar Falls | 2026 State IA added 10 points, and all five Tigers starters scored at least five points.

Dowling Catholic's season ends with a 21-4 record and the school's 18th state tournament appearance. It was their first state semifinal appearance since 1992. The Maroons were led by Noah Martens Noah Martens 6'0" | CG/PG Dowling Catholic | 2026 State IA , who had 15 points in the loss. They will graduate four starters and their top scorer off the bench, but Dowling is a school that always has size, athleticism, and talent. They won't fall off the map.

Team stats
Dowling Catholic: 17-43 FG (39.5%), 6-19 3P (31.6%), 6-9 FT (66.7%); 26 rebounds (6 offensive); 8 assists, 14 turnovers
Cedar Falls: 24-50 FG (48%), 4-12 3P (33.3%), 7-11 FT (63.6%); 30 rebounds (8 offensive); 7 assists, 6 turnovers

4A Semifinal: #6 Johnston 57, #2 Waukee 49

The Johnston Dragons are the new Kings of Waukee. They've now taken out both Waukee Northwest and Waukee, the latter coming on Thursday afternoon, beating the Warriors 57-49 to advance to the Class 4A championship game.

The smaller Dragons weren't deterred by a bigger Waukee lineup, getting big contributions across the board from their stable of talented guards. Johnston isn't normally a team that relies on the 3-ball, averaging around seven made 3-pointers a game, but the shots were falling early and often for them in this semifinal game. They used a scorching hot 7-10 from deep in the first half to build a 31-26 halftime lead, and then got some big, timely 3s late in the game to help hold off a Waukee rally. The Dragons finished 10-20 from distance in the win.

Johnston built a lead as large as 13 points late in the third quarter after a layup from Joshua Jenkins Joshua Jenkins 6'5" | SF Johnston | 2027 State IA , 47-34. The Dragons then went scoreless over the next 6:25 before Jenkins hit a huge 3-pointer to stop the drought. During that time, Waukee had gone on an 11-0 run of their own, trimming the Johnston advantage down to just two points. The Jenkins 3 pushed it back up to five with 2:45 left, and Waukee couldn't get any closer than a full possession after that.

Johnston improves to 17-8 on the season and will play for the 4A state title tomorrow at 3:00 against Cedar Falls. It will be the Dragons' sixth state championship game appearance. They were led by Tino Daye Jr Tino Daye Jr 6'0" | PG Johnston | 2026 State IA , who had 17 points. Joshua Jenkins Joshua Jenkins 6'5" | SF Johnston | 2027 State IA was outstanding throughout, finishing with 16 points and making some massive shots, and Nicare Cavil chipped in 13 in the win.

Waukee's season ends with a 22-3 record and their 13th state tournament appearance. The Warriors were led by Evan Jacobson Evan Jacobson 6'7" | C Waukee | 2026 State IA , who had 14 points in his final high school game. Landon Hanson had 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Jaishon White Jaishon White 6'1" | PG Waukee | 2026 State IA added 11 in the loss. The Warriors will lose four starters, but will bring back Pete Craig Pete Craig 6'4" | SF Waukee | 2028 State IA , one of the top 2028s in the state, and is a school that always has young talent waiting in the wings.

Team stats
Johnston: 18-39 FG (46.2%), 10-20 3P (50%), 11-12 FT (91.7%); 17 rebounds (3 offensive); 11 assists, 11 turnovers
Waukee: 16-43 FG (37.2%), 4-14 3P (28.6%), 13-18 FT (72.2%); 31 rebounds (13 offensive); 7 assists, 15 turnovers

1A Semifinal: #1 St. Edmond 74, #4 Notre Dame 55

After falling in this round last year, St. Edmond made sure not to let that happen again on Thursday afternoon, dominating the second half en route to a 74-55 win over Burlington, Notre Dame, sending the Gaels into the Class 1A championship game tomorrow evening. And in a potential storybook ending, legendary St. Edmond coach Adolph Kochendorfer will coach for a state title in his final game on the sidelines.

The first half was tight, back-and-forth throughout. There were eight lead changes and seven ties within the first 16 minutes of action, seeing St. Edmond take a narrow 31-28 lead into the locker rooms.

The second half opened with a 14-2 St. Edmond run, and that was pretty much all she wrote. They did a great job defensively on Notre Dame star guard Shay Stephens Shay Stephens 6'5" | PG/SG Notre Dame | 2026 State IA all afternoon, holding him to 18 points on just 5-19 shooting, well below his season averages. Jakob Koopman Jakob Koopman 6'1" | PF St. Edmond | 2026 State IA was the primary defender on him for most of the game, but several different Gaels got cracks at him, and the Nikes role players couldn't do enough to get past the top-ranked team in Class 1A.

St. Edmond improves to 25-2 with the win, and advances to the 1A state championship game for the first time since 2012. The Gaels were led by Hunter Horn Hunter Horn 6'5" | SF St. Edmond | 2026 State IA , who had 27 points and 11 rebounds, leading four players in double figures. Carson Bargfrede Carson Bargfrede 6'2" | SG/CG St. Edmond Fort Dodge | 2026 State IA had 17 points, Grant Galles Grant Galles IA 13, and Jakob Koopman Jakob Koopman 6'1" | PF St. Edmond | 2026 State IA chipped in 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Notre Dame finishes with a 25-3 record and the school's first semifinal appearance since 1981. The Nikes were led by Shay Stephens Shay Stephens 6'5" | PG/SG Notre Dame | 2026 State IA , who concluded his stellar career with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. Griffin Kies Griffin Kies 6'0" | CG IA added 12 points in the loss. They will graduate three starters, but bring back Griffin Kies Griffin Kies 6'0" | CG IA , LJ Harris LJ Harris 6'0" | SG Notre Dame | 2027 State IA , and Kellan Porter Kellan Porter 6'1" | CG IA , giving them a good young core to build around next season. The Nikes should once again be one of the best teams in the SEISC, and could be in the mix to get back to the state tournament next season.

Team stats
Notre Dame: 19-62 FG (30.6%), 6-26 3P (23.1%), 11-13 FT (84.6%); 34 rebounds (15 offensive); 11 assists, 10 turnovers
St. Edmond: 24-50 FG (48%), 0-9 3P (0%), 26-38 FT (68.4%); 40 rebounds (12 offensive); 7 assists, 8 turnovers

1A Semifinal: #6 Marquette Catholic 65, #2 MMCRU 56

Will the third time end up being the charm for Marquette Catholic? The Defenders earned the right to find out with a 65-56 win over second-seeded MMCRU, advancing to the Class 1A state championship game for third year in a row. The Defenders have finished runner-up each of the last two years, but will have a chance to claim that elusive state title tomorrow evening.

Marquette Catholic did to MMCRU what MMCRU did to their opponents all year long, making the Royals uncomfortable with their ball pressure and forcing turnovers. The Royals gave it away 15 times and could just never really get into a flow on the offensive end. And to their credit, Marquette did a great job handling the steady amount of ball pressure that MMCRU likes to throw at teams. It's a style that has routinely overwhelmed opponents this season, but Marquette Catholic isn't easily overwhelmed.

Marquette Catholic grabbed control of the game in the last few minutes of the first quarter, taking an 11-10 lead with 2:27 left in the frame, a lead they wouldn't relinquish the rest of the way.

A majority of the faces on the floor are new, but Isaac Sturm has built a program that expects to win, knows how to win, and doesn't get rattled under pressure. In fact, they seem to thrive under it.

Marquette Catholic improves to 25-2 with the win, and advances to take on top-ranked St. Edmond in the Class 1A championship game, Friday night at 5:00. The Defenders were balanced as always, with all seven players who saw action scoring, led by Louis Gonner Louis Gonner 5'8" | PG Marquette Catholic | 2027 State IA , who had 17 points. Koen Roeder Koen Roeder 6'3" | CG Marquette Catholic | 2026 IA and Justin Severson each added 13 points in the win.

MMCRU's season ends with a 26-2 record and a semifinal appearance in the school's first ever state tournament. Kamden Bork Kamden Bork 6'3" | SF/SG MMCRU | 2026 State IA led the Royals with a game-high 20 points in his final game. Michael Schmillen, also playing his final game in a Royals uniform, finished with 14. The Royals will graduate four starters and their top two players off the bench from what was a special group of seniors that took this program to heights it hadn't seen before. Camden Kuchel will have a lot of new faces on the roster next season, but this could be a program trending in the right direction up in northwest Iowa.

Team stats
Marquette Catholic: 21-40 FG (52.5%), 6-14 3P (42.9%), 17-26 FT (65.4%); 22 rebounds (3 offensive); 9 assists, 12 turnovers
MMCRU: 23-54 FG (42.6%), 2-13 3P (15.4%), 8-14 FT (57.1%); 32 rebounds (13 offensive); 7 assists, 15 turnovers

2A Semifinal: #1 Kuemper Catholic 58, #4 Treynor 57

For the first time since 1993, Kuemper Catholic will play for a boys state basketball championship. The Knights jumped out to a big lead, fell behind by multiple positions, stormed back, and then held on for dear life against fourth-seeded Treynor, winning 58-57 to advance to tomorrow's Class 2A championship game.

Just like their did in their quarterfinal win over Union, Kuemper jumped out of the gates quick, starting the game on a 15-1 run. Ryan Clair Ryan Clair 6'6" | PF/SF Kuemper Catholic | 2026 State IA was dominant early (and throughout), scoring 10 of their first 15 points, and it looked like Treynor may not have an answer for him or the ball movement that makes Kuemper so dangerous.

The Cardinals took that initial blow and bounced back up off the mat in a hurry. Over a 6:47 stretch between the first and second quarters, Treynor went on a 21-2 run to take a 29-24 lead, and the Cardinals went into the half with a 32-29 lead. The third quarter belonged to Kuemper junior wing Dylan Schon Dylan Schon 6'3" | SG/PG Kuemper Catholic | 2027 State IA . The 6-3 junior found his footing in the third, looking to attack constantly, and he helped turn the tides back into Kuemper's favor. He had eight points in the quarter, and Kuemper took a 46-42 lead into the fourth.

The fourth quarter featured some high-level offense from both teams. From the 4:42 to 2:53 mark of the quarter, the teams scored on six straight possessions. A Riley Lauver Riley Lauver 6'0" | SG Treynor | 2027 State IA 3-pointer brought Treynor within 58-56 with 1:36 left, and an Ethan Hill Ethan Hill 6'3" | PF Treynor | 2026 State IA free throw a minute later brought them within one. After Treynor gave their fouls, Theodore Perkins went to the line with 12.5 seconds left, up by one. He missed both, but Treynor couldn't get a shot off on their final possession. Ball game, Knights.

Kuemper Catholic improves to 24-2 with the win, and will play for the Class 2A state title against either Unity Christian or Regina Catholic tomorrow night at 7:00. The Knights were led by Ryan Clair Ryan Clair 6'6" | PF/SF Kuemper Catholic | 2026 State IA , who had 27 points on 11-15 shooting. Dylan Schon Dylan Schon 6'3" | SG/PG Kuemper Catholic | 2027 State IA added 15 in the win on 7-9. The top-ranked Knights haven't won a state title since 1985, but will have the chance to do the football-basketball double-dip tomorrow.

Treynor's season ends with a 23-4 record and the school's 19th state tournament appearance. The Cardinals were led by Alec Lovely Alec Lovely 6'0" | PG Treynor | 2026 State IA , who had 26 points in his final high school game. Ethan Hill Ethan Hill 6'3" | PF Treynor | 2026 State IA added 12 in the loss. The Cardinals will lose Lovely to graduation, but bring back four starters, and Scott Rucker has built them into one of the best programs in 2A basketball.

Team stats
Treynor: 21-45 FG (46.7%), 9-16 3P (56.3%), 6-13 FT (46.2%); 30 rebounds (9 offensive); 7 assists, 13 turnovers
Kuemper Catholic: 23-42 FG (54.8%), 5-13 3P (38.5%), 7-16 FT (43.8%); 21 rebounds (4 offensive); 8 assists, 10 turnovers

2A Semifinal: #2 Unity Christian 72, #3 Regina Catholic 46

After back-to-back years of losing in the semifinals, Unity Christian got the monkey off their proverbial backs in a resounding way on Thursday night, rolling past Regina Catholic, 72-46, to advance to the Class 2A championship game tomorrow night.

Unity Christian grabbed control of a tight game with an 11-3 run over the final 3:07 of the first half to take a 34-22 lead into the locker rooms. Regina got to within eight early in the third quarter, but a quick 9-2 spurt that saw Dylan Bosma Dylan Bosma 6'1" | PG Unity Christian | 2026 State IA make 3-pointers on three of four possessions blew it wide open. The Knights led by 24 points after three, and led by as many as 31 in the final period.

When the Knights are rolling, their speed, athleticism, and bevy of shot creators make it an awfully fun brand of basketball to watch. They have so many different players who can shoot it and space the floor, so many different players who can create. They shot 10-17 from 3 in the win, with Dylan Bosma Dylan Bosma 6'1" | PG Unity Christian | 2026 State IA alone making nine of them. They share the ball exceptionally well, are extremely disciplined on the defensive end, and pound the glass on both ends of the floor despite being traditionally undersized.

Knowing that Regina struggles to shoot it from distance, they played a very tightly packed 2-3 zone for a good chunk of the game, and the Regals simply couldn't make them pay.

Unity Christian improves to 24-2 with the win, and will play for the Class 2A championship tomorrow night at 7:00 against top-ranked Kuemper Catholic. It seems as though those two schools have been destined to meet for the title all year, and it has come to fruition. The Knights last played for a state title in 2005. They were led by Dylan Bosma Dylan Bosma 6'1" | PG Unity Christian | 2026 State IA , who had 27 points on 9-12 from 3 (9-14 overall). Austin Wieringa Austin Wieringa 6'0" | SG Unity Christian | 2026 State IA had 14 points, Tyce Van Donge Tyce Van Donge 6'2" | PF Unity Christian | 2027 State IA 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, and Keagen Winterfeld Keagen Winterfeld 5'11" | PG Unity Christian | 2027 State IA chipped in 12.

Regina Catholic's season ends with a 23-2 record and the school's first semifinal appearance since 2015. The Regals were led by Ben Wade Ben Wade 6'9" | C/PF Regina | 2028 State IA , who had 19 points. Will Litton Will Litton 6'4" | PF Regina | 2027 State IA added 14 in the loss. They'll lose just one starter ( Drew Greve Drew Greve 5'10" | PG Regina | 2026 State IA ) and two reserves from this roster, and with their massive front court, they'll once again be one of the best teams in Class 2A heading into next season.

Team stats
Regina Catholic: 20-56 FG (35.7%), 3-23 3P (13%), 4-7 FT (57.1%); 28 rebounds (14 offensive); 7 assists, 10 turnovers
Unity Christian: 23-38 FG (60.5%), 10-18 3P (55.6%), 16-21 FT (76.2%); 28 rebounds (4 offensive); 13 assists, 14 turnovers

STATE TOURNAMENT: Thursday Game Recaps

In this article:

STATE TOURNAMENT: Championship Friday Preview

STATE TOURNAMENT: Class 2A + 4A Semifinal Standouts

STATE TOURNAMENT: Thursday 1A Standouts

STATE TOURNAMENT: Wednesday 2A Stockrisers

STATE TOURNAMENT: Wednesday 2A Standouts

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Dowling Catholic	12	9	13	12	46
Cedar Falls	10	18	18	13	59

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Johnston	12	19	16	10	57
Waukee	16	10	12	11	49

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Notre Dame	18	10	11	16	55
St. Edmond	18	13	22	21	74

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Marquette Catholic	16	15	14	20	65
MMCRU	12	8	19	17	56

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Treynor	13	19	10	15	57
Kuemper Catholic	22	7	17	12	58

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Regina Catholic	9	13	10	14	46
Unity Christian	12	22	21	17	72