STATE TOURNAMENT: Wednesday Game Recaps

2A Quarterfinal: #1 Kuemper Catholic 70, #8 Union Community 54

History did not repeat itself on Wednesday morning. Kuemper Catholic made sure of that in a hurry, scoring the first 12 points of the game and cruising into the 2A semifinals with a 70-54 win over Union Community.

A year and ten days after losing to Union in a stunning substate final result, Kuemper jumped all over Union early, using great ball movement against the Union zone to get fantastic shots possession-after-possession. They left no doubt from the jump, building a lead as large as 19 in the first quarter, and pushed it to as many as 24 in the second half. Union was able to crawl back to within 10 points late in the second quarter, but the hole that they dug was just too much.

With so many skilled offensive weapons, Kuemper is able to beat you in a multitude of ways. They have size in the paint with Ryan Clair Ryan Clair 6'6" | PF/SF Kuemper Catholic | 2026 State IA , who is also excellent on the offensive glass. They have shooting that needs to be respected, even if they didn't shoot it well from 3 in this one (4-21, 19%). And they have two super talented junior guards who love to put pressure on opposing teams with their ability to create off the dribble and finish through contact. Imagine how potent they'd be if Brock Badding Brock Badding 6'4" | SG Kuemper Catholic | 2026 State IA , their best shooter and playmaker, was healthy. Scary.

Kuemper Catholic improves to 23-3 with the win, and will await either Grundy Center or Treynor in tomorrow's 2A semifinals. The Knights were led by Griffin Glynn Griffin Glynn 5'10" | SG Kuemper Catholic | 2027 State IA , who had 24 points. Ryan Clair Ryan Clair 6'6" | PF/SF Kuemper Catholic | 2026 State IA had 15 points and 12 rebounds, and Dylan Schon Dylan Schon 6'3" | SG/PG Kuemper Catholic | 2027 State IA added 12 points and 9 rebounds in the win. Kuemper pulled down 49 rebounds, including 16 on the offensive end, leading to 19 second chance points.

Union's season ends with a 22-4 record and the school's third state tournament appearance, second in a row. The Knights were led by Tate Van Dyke Tate Van Dyke 6'4" | SF Union | 2026 State IA , who had 23 points and 14 rebounds in his final high school game. He was fantastic. Maddux DeWinter Maddux DeWinter 6'1" | PG Union | 2026 State IA added 11 points in the loss, and Sawyer Spence Sawyer Spence 6'0" | SG Union Community (La Porte City) | 2026 IA had 8 points and 8 rebounds. They will graduate all five starters as well as leading scorer Caden Sorensen Caden Sorensen 5'9" | PG Union | 2026 State IA , who broke his leg a few weeks ago. They have a nice guard returning in sophomore Bryson DeWinter Bryson DeWinter 6'2" | SG/PG Union LaPorte City | 2028 IA , who will be the focal point next year.

Team stats
Union: 21-53 FG (39.6%), 5-25 3P (20%), 7-18 FT (38.9%); 32 rebounds (5 offensive); 11 assists, 6 turnovers
Kuemper Catholic: 29-70 FG (41.4%), 4-21 3P (19%), 8-12 FT (66.7%); 49 rebounds (16 offensive); 10 assists, 4 turnovers

MVP: 2026 PF Ryan Clair Ryan Clair 6'6" | PF/SF Kuemper Catholic | 2026 State IA (Kuemper Catholic) -- 15 points (7-12 FG, 1-3 3P, 0-2 FT), 12 rebounds, 2 assists

The 6-5 big man was fantastic throughout the game for the Knights, controlling the painted area on both ends of the floor. His deft touch, footwork, patience, and vision operating out of the post and high post really changes how teams are able to defend Kuemper.

2A Quarterfinal: #4 Treynor 57, #5 Grundy Center 48

Fourth-seeded Treynor used a big first half run, and then held on, to survive and advance to the Class 2A semifinals, beating fifth-seeded Grundy Center, 57-48, on Wednesday afternoon.

The Cardinals took advantage of a lengthy scoring drought from the Spartans to build a lead, and then made a few more plays down the stretch. In part due to their defense, and in part due to just plain cold shooting, Treynor held Grundy Center scoreless from the 7:07 mark of the first quarter to the 5:52 mark of the second quarter, a 9:15 stretch in which they went on a 17-0 run to take control of the game.

Grundy Center was able to climb back and get the game tied twice in the fourth quarter, at 37 and at 40 with 5:20 left to play. Treynor responded with a 10-4 run to take control back, and never led by fewer than two possessions the rest of the way.

Give plenty of credit to Grundy Center and first-year head coach Owen Thomas. His group could've packed it in after going more than a quarter without scoring, but they kept fighting, scratching, and clawing, and got it back to a point where they had a shot in the fourth quarter.

Treynor improves to 23-3 with the win, and will advance to take on top-ranked Kuemper Catholic tomorrow at 5:30 in the Class 2A semifinals. The Cardinals were led by Alec Lovely Alec Lovely 6'0" | PG Treynor | 2026 State IA , who had a game-high 21 points. Jude Mieska had 14, and Corbin Thien Corbin Thien 6'6" | PF Treynor | 2026 State IA added 12 before fouling out. They forced 22 turnovers in the win and held Grundy Center to just 36% shooting.

Grundy Center's season ends with a 23-2 record and the school's 11th state tournament appearance, third straight consecutive. The Spartans were led by Judd Jirovsky Judd Jirovsky 5'11" | SG Grundy Center | 2026 State IA and Brayden Davie Brayden Davie 5'10" | PG Grundy Center | 2026 State IA , who each had 16 points in the loss. Ryder Slifer had 5 points but was a force on the glass, pulling down 14 rebounds. They will graduate four starters, but bring back 13-point scorer Ethan Meester, everyone off the bench, and it is a program and a school that is always filled with talented athletes. It sure seems as though Coach Thomas has this program continued on an upward trajectory and they should remain a factor in Class 2A.

Team stats
Grundy Center: 15-42 FG (35.7%), 7-27 3P (25.9%), 11-16 FT (68.8%); 36 rebounds (14 offensive); 7 assists, 22 turnovers
Treynor: 18-41 FG (43.9%), 3-12 3P (25%), 18-30 FT (60%); 22 rebounds (7 offensive); 9 assists, 8 turnovers

MVP: 2026 PG Alec Lovely Alec Lovely 6'0" | PG Treynor | 2026 State IA (Treynor) -- 21 points (7-16 FG, 3-7 3P, 4-8 FT), 1 rebound, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 block

The steadying force in the Cardinals backcourt, Lovely made big play after big play on both ends of the floor. He showed throughout this one why he's considered one of the best guards in Class 2A.

2A Quarterfinal: #2 Unity Christian 70, #7 Western Christian 64

There will be a new state champion in Class 2A this season. After falling behind by as many as 15 points in the second quarter, second-seeded Unity Christian came back and knocked off two-time defending state champion Western Christian, 70-64, to advance to the Class 2A semifinals.

Western Christian was red-hot to start this one. The Wolfpack made each of their first seven 3-point attempts and were 9-11 from behind the arc in the first half, helping build a 37-27 lead at the half. The Pack were getting production from everyone, with four different players making at least two 3-pointers in the first 16 minutes. But Unity Christian never wavered, never backed down, and just kept fighting. The Knights made a significant adjustment to their defensive scheme in the second half, chasing the Wolfpack shooters off the 3-point line. Western Christian only attempted three 3-pointers in the second half, and didn't make any of them.

Tyce Van Donge Tyce Van Donge 6'2" | PF Unity Christian | 2027 State IA was sensational throughout for Unity Christian, consistently using his 6-4 frame, plus-athleticism, and improved ball-handling to attack, attack, and then attack some more. His constant pressure on the Wolfpack opened things up for his teammates in the second half, and the Knights took advantage.

Unity Christian didn't lead until a Keagan Winterfeld 3-pointer with 2:42 left in the game gave them a 63-62 lead. The Knights won the fourth quarter 18-8, and closed the game on a 10-2 run to seal the win.

We've become accustomed to seeing it at the state tournament from northwest Iowa teams, particularly at the 2A level, but this was basketball as it was meant to be played. Efficient, constant movement, great ball movement, with some individual shot creation mixed in. The two teams combined to turn it over just nine times, a number that we've seen from some teams this week in a single quarter. There was a great flow to the game throughout, and both of these teams are state-title worthy. Unfortunately, that's not how it works. Someone has to win, someone has to lose. And the Knights made just enough plays to make sure they won.

Unity Christian improves to 23-2 with the win, and will await either Regina Catholic or Aplington-Parkersburg in the Class 2A semifinals. The Knights were led by Tyce Van Donge Tyce Van Donge 6'2" | PF Unity Christian | 2027 State IA , who had 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Austin Wieringa Austin Wieringa 6'0" | SG Unity Christian | 2026 State IA had 15 points, and Dylan Bosma Dylan Bosma 6'1" | PG Unity Christian | 2026 State IA added 10 in the win.

Western Christian's season ends with an 18-7 record and the school's 26th state tournament appearance, fourth consecutive. The Wolfpack were led by Tayden Moret Tayden Moret 6'0" | SG/CG Western Christian | 2028 State IA , who had 25 points in the loss. Landon De Stigter Landon De Stigter 6'3" | SG Western Christian | 2026 State IA had 14 points, and Grady De Stigter chipped in 12 in the loss. The Wolfpack will lose two starters - Landon De Stigter Landon De Stigter 6'3" | SG Western Christian | 2026 State IA and Kolby Heemskerk - but bring back Moret, Preston Louters Preston Louters 6'3" | SF Western Christian | 2027 State IA , Toby Van Regenmorter, Grady De Stigter, and the rest of the bench. The Wolfpack may very well open up the year as the #1 team in Class 2A next season.

Team stats
Western Christian: 24-50 FG (48%), 9-14 3P (64.3%), 7-8 FT (87.5%); 25 rebounds (7 offensive); 8 assists, 5 turnovers
Unity Christian: 27-54 FG (50%), 3-15 3P (20%), 13-24 FT (54.2%); 33 rebounds (13 offensive); 13 assists, 4 turnovers

MVP: 2027 SF Tyce Van Donge Tyce Van Donge 6'2" | PF Unity Christian | 2027 State IA (Unity Christian) -- 28 points (12-20 FG, 2-5 3P, 2-7 FT), 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal

The improvements that Van Donge has made to his game were on full display in this one. He was confident and comfortable with the ball in his hands as both a scorer and facilitator. He put constant pressure on the Wolfpack defenders, routinely able to get downhill and to the rim for finishes.

2A Quarterfinal: #3 Regina Catholic 76, #6 Aplington-Parkersburg 54

Too much athleticism. Too much talent. And way, way too much size. Regina Catholic used all three in a blowout 76-54 win over Aplington-Parkersburg.

Regina outscored the Falcons 27-12 in the first quarter, extended their lead to 21 by halftime, and cruised to the win. They led by as many as 25 points.

With a front court that goes 6-3, 6-5, 6-9 (as well as a 6-4 wing), and each extremely athletic, Regina dominated A-P in every facet of the game. They shot 60% from the floor, blocked six shots, held a +6 edge on the glass, and even made six 3-pointers. They average just 4.4 made 3s on the season. They shot 24-34 (70.6%) from 2-point range in the win. Size. Athleticism. Domination.

Regina Catholic improves to 23-1 on the season with the win. The Regals will face Unity Christian in the Class 2A semifinals, tomorrow night at 7:15. They were led by Will Litton Will Litton 6'4" | PF Regina | 2027 State IA , who had 21 points and 9 rebounds. Tate Wallace Tate Wallace 6'3" | PF Regina | 2027 State IA had 18 points, and Ben Wade Ben Wade 6'10" | C/PF Regina | 2028 State IA added 14 in the win.

Aplington-Parkersburg's season ends with a 22-4 record and the school's eighth state tournament appearance. The Falcons were led by Benny Waller Benny Waller 6'1" | PG Aplington-Parkersburg | 2026 State IA , who had 27 points in his final high school game. Tyler Wedeking Tyler Wedeking 5'11" | PG/SG Aplington-Parkersburg | 2028 State IA added 13 in the loss. They'll graduate three starters, but will bring back a really talented tandem of youngsters - sophomore guard Tyler Wedeking Tyler Wedeking 5'11" | PG/SG Aplington-Parkersburg | 2028 State IA and freshman forward Charlie Wessels - as well as their top player off the bench, Wes Shirk. Aaron Thomas always has the Falcons playing at a high level, and they should once again be a factor in the NICL, and in 2A.

Team stats
Aplington-Parkersburg: 15-40 FG (37.5%), 4-11 3P (36.4%), 20-27 FT (74.1%); 22 rebounds (7 offensive); 3 assists, 11 turnovers
Regina Catholic: 30-50 FG (60%), 6-16 3P (37.5%), 7-12 FT (58.3%); 28 rebounds (8 offensive); 16 assists, 11 turnovers

MVP: 2027 PF Will Litton Will Litton 6'4" | PF Regina | 2027 State IA (Regina Catholic) -- 21 points (9-15 FG, 2-4 3P, 1-2 FT), 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks

Take your pick from any of Regina's three bigs, but Litton finished just shy of a double-double, tied for the team lead in assists, and came away with five stocks in the dominant win. His strength and athleticism set the tone early and helped Regina cruise.

3A Semifinal: #1 Ballard 57, #5 Carroll 55

It got tight. Much tighter than Ballard coach Jeff Schertz would've liked. But the Bombers found a way, holding off a furious late rally from Raccoon River rival Carroll to survive and advance to the Class 3A state championship game with a 57-55 win.

It started out looking like it was going to be another Bomber laugher. The Bombers jumped out of the gates red-hot, jumping out to a 14-0 lead and holding Carroll scoreless for the first 5:28 of action. They led by as many as 20 points in the first half, and led by at least double digits from the 1:08 mark of the first quarter until a pair of Trey Tassell free throws got Carroll within eight, 56-48, with 2:44 to play.

But in order to win at the highest level, you need to execute in every facet of the game. One facet in particular - the free-throw line - turned out to be Ballard's nemesis on Wednesday night. The Bombers, a 74% free-throw shooting team on the season, were just 9-21 (42.9%) from the charity stripe, and it nearly cost them.

Trailing by four, Carroll standout wing Jared Mohr Jared Mohr 6'4" | PF Carroll | 2026 State IA tossed up a prayer, made it, and was fouled with 4.7 seconds left. He had a chance to cut the deficit down to just one point, but missed the free throw. The rebound came down to Ballard's Easton Ersland Easton Ersland 6'4" | PF Ballard | 2026 State IA , who wisely threw it into the backcourt to run the clock out. Survive, make a heads up play, and advance. Ballard to the state title game. Coach Schertz may need to take some blood pressure medication afterwards.

Ballard improves to 25-1 with the win, and will play for the Class 3A championship for the second time in school history (2021). The Bombers were led by Evan Abbott Evan Abbott 6'5" | SF/SG Ballard | 2027 State IA , who had 19 points in the win. Parker Miller Parker Miller 6'4" | PF Ballard | 2027 State IA had 12 points and 8 rebounds, and Jude Gibson Jude Gibson 6'0" | PG Ballard | 2026 State IA had 11 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. The Bombers will take on either Storm Lake or ADM at 1:00 on Friday afternoon for the championship.

Carroll's season ends with a 21-6 record and the school's first state semifinal appearance since 2009. The Tigers were led by Jared Mohr Jared Mohr 6'4" | PF Carroll | 2026 State IA , who finished his stellar senior year with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Lual Tharjiath Lual Tharjiath 6'6" | PF Carroll | 2026 State IA had 12 points in the loss. The Tigers will graduate their top eight scorers from this special group, and next year may be a bit of a rebuilding year for Randy Bissen.

Team stats
Carroll: 20-48 FG (41.7%), 4-17 3P (23.5%), 11-17 FT (64.7%); 31 rebounds (11 offensive); 8 assists, 14 turnovers
Ballard: 21-48 FG (43.8%), 6-23 3P (26.1%), 9-21 FT (42.9%); 32 rebounds (13 offensive); 10 assists, 12 turnovers

3A Semifinal: #2 ADM 72, #3 Storm Lake 70 (2 OT)

Wednesday night concluded with ADM and Storm Lake delivering a state tournament all-time classic. In a game that featured 21 lead changes and 18 ties, ADM snuck past Storm Lake, 72-70, to advance to the 3A championship game.

With Storm Lake leading 58-56 with 5.6 seconds left in regulation, ADM senior guard Trey Bryte Trey Bryte 6'6" | PG Adel DeSoto Minburn | 2026 State IA got to his dominant left hand, drove the lane, and made a tough, contested layup over the outstretched arm of Jaidyn Coon Jaidyn Coon 6'7" | SF Storm Lake | 2026 State #154 Nation IA to send the game into overtime.

That was only the start of the madness. Near the end of the first overtime, Storm Lake was again leading by 2, 62-60. ADM had the ball with 34.7 seconds left and ran a play that freed up sophomore guard Tate Troster Tate Troster 6'3" | SG/SF ADM | 2028 State IA , who calmly buried a 3-pointer to give ADM a 63-62 lead. Those were Troster's first points of the night, and they came at the most opportune time. On the ensuing Storm Lake possession, Coon was fouled on a scramble for a loose ball. He went to the line with 7.2 seconds left and missed the first, made the second. Tied at 63. Trey Bryte Trey Bryte 6'6" | PG Adel DeSoto Minburn | 2026 State IA got to the rim again at the end of the first overtime, but his shot was blocked by Timothy Yanga Timothy Yanga 6'3" | SG Storm Lake | 2027 State IA , and to a second overtime we went.

Storm Lake star Jaidyn Coon Jaidyn Coon 6'7" | SF Storm Lake | 2026 State #154 Nation IA fouled out with 3:02 remaining in the second overtime, but that didn't deter the Tornadoes. On the next possession, Trey Boettcher Trey Boettcher 6'1" | PG Storm Lake | 2027 State IA hit a 3 to give them the lead, 68-66. The teams traded buckets, and with Storm Lake leading by 2 with 54 seconds left, Hudson Lorensen Hudson Lorensen 5'11" | SG ADM | 2026 State IA was able to get to the rim for a bucket, 70-all. Storm Lake missed a 3 on the next possession, rebound down to Bryte, who was fouled in the process. The steady senior guard calmly stepped to the line and buried both of his free throws, and on Storm Lake's final possession the ball got knocked loose and the Tornadoes weren't able to get a shot off. Ball game, ADM. Tigers will play for the title, Tornadoes magical season ends in heartache.

ADM improves to 24-2 with the win, and will take on top-ranked Ballard for the third time this season in the Class 3A championship game. It will be ADM's first ever appearance in the title game. The Tigers were led by Hudson Lorensen Hudson Lorensen 5'11" | SG ADM | 2026 State IA , who was sensational, finishing with 38 points. Trey Bryte Trey Bryte 6'6" | PG Adel DeSoto Minburn | 2026 State IA had 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, and he was fantastic in the fourth quarter and both overtimes to help lift ADM to the win. The Tigers were out-rebouded by a 44-24 margin, but outscored Storm Lake by 15 points from the 3-point line.

Storm Lake's season ends with a 24-3 record and the school's first semifinal appearance since 1980. The Tornadoes were led by Jaidyn Coon Jaidyn Coon 6'7" | SF Storm Lake | 2026 State #154 Nation IA , who played arguably the best game of his Storm Lake career, scoring 36 points and grabbing 18 rebounds before fouling out. Cameron Boyd Cameron Boyd 6'2" | PG Storm Lake | 2026 State IA added 18 points in the loss. The Tornadoes will lose both Coon and Boyd, as well as third leading scorer Garbieno Weno Garbieno Weno 6'6" | C Storm Lake | 2026 State IA , to graduation, but will return two starters and their top player off the bench. With the foundation that Coon and company have helped to rebuild, Storm Lake doesn't look like they're going anywhere anytime soon.

Team stats
Storm Lake: 24-54 FG (44.4%), 5-19 3P (26.3%), 17-25 FT (68%); 44 rebounds (14 offensive); 4 assists, 14 turnovers
ADM: 27-58 FG (46.6%), 10-28 3P (35.7%), 8-12 FT (66.7%); 24 rebounds (4 offensive); 10 assists, 6 turnovers

STATE TOURNAMENT: Wednesday Game Recaps

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14U Front-Court Players BATL Powered by Dr. Dish

Battle at the Lakes 2026 All-Tournament Teams

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Union	9	14	15	16	54
Kuemper Catholic	23	12	18	17	70

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Grundy Center	6	13	15	14	48
Treynor	13	11	13	20	57

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Western Christian	19	18	19	8	64
Unity Christian	7	20	25	18	70

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Aplington-Parkersburg	12	9	21	12	54
Regina Catholic	27	15	17	17	76

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Carroll	5	14	15	21	55
Ballard	18	17	13	9	57

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	OT	2OT	Final
Storm Lake	12	13	15	18	5	7	70
ADM	6	21	16	15	5	9	72