Class 1A, Substate 3 Preview
DISTRICT 5 The favorite: There are a lot of wins in this district, and while Don Bosco has played one of the weakest schedules in 1A, there’s still something to be said about winning 19 straight to close out the…
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Continue ReadingDISTRICT 5
The favorite: There are a lot of wins in this district, and while Don Bosco has played one of the weakest schedules in 1A, there’s still something to be said about winning 19 straight to close out the year. The Dons are led by Sean McFadden (14.5), who leads a trio of double figure scorers. Jack Kelley (12.4 points, 115 assists) has been a great point guard who takes care of the ball, and this is a group that allows just 44.9 points a game, good for 13th in the class. There are a number of ways to go in this district, and while BC Moore’s power rankings say otherwise, we’ll peg Don Bosco as a bit of a favorite.
The biggest threat: Paul Rundquist is the most dangerous single player in this district, giving Wapsie Valley a good chance at coming out of it. Rundquist is averaging 20.4 points a game and has shown his ability to score in bunches with a 50-point game early in the season. If he gets it going, the Warriors can handle anyone in this district.
The dark horse: Big man Nathan Karsjens of AGWSR is a dangerous weapon for the Cougars, a versatile inside-out threat who can also control the game on the glass and on the defensive end. He’s got great size and mobility, and could be a tough matchup for any team in the district. Jay Janssen and Alex Hames combine to be dangerous perimeter threats capable of getting hot from the arc and carrying them to some wins.
Players to watch
Sean McFadden, Don Bosco, 2018
Jack Kelley, Don Bosco, 2019
Nathan Karsjens, AGWSR, 2017
Paul Rundquist, Wapsie Valley, 2019
Kaleb Cox, Dunkerton, 2018
Spencer Hoff, Janesville, 2019
Codey Hicks, Janesville, 2019
DISTRICT 6
The favorite: There might not be a bigger favorite in any 1A district than Gladbrook-Reinbeck is in this one. The Rebels have been to state two straight years and have one of 1A’s top two players in Joe Smoldt, the No. 2 scorer in the state at 30.5 points a game. Caden Kickbush (11.0) and Tyler Pierce (10.5) help take some of the pressure off of him as well. This team hasn’t lost to a 1A team all year, and it would take a monster effort from one of the other teams in this district for it to happen now.
The biggest threat: Colo-NESCO has been a strong program for a while now, and with Matthew Hill (19.1) and Garret Tiarks (15.9) in tow, they’ve got a dangerous group. They’re a strong defensive team, ranking No. 14 in 1A, allowing just 45.6 points a game. Playing in a weak Iowa Star Conference will likely hurt them, however, if and when they run into Gladbrook-Reinbeck in the district final.
The dark horses: Parker Ingamells (16.9) and Dylan Beaumont (14.9) form a powerful scoring duo for Hudson, one that could get hot and cause some issues. If Belle Plaine were on the bottom half of the bracket, they would get a good bet to make it to the district final, headlined by Brant DeMeulenaere, a gifted point guard who can also score at a high clip. Unfortunately for the Plainesmen, they will have to see Smoldt and Gladbrook-Reinbeck in the district semifinal.
Players to watch
Joe Smoldt, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, 2017
Parker Ingamells, Hudson, 2018
Dylan Beaumont, Hudson, 2018
Matthew Hill, Colo-NESCO, 2018
Garret Tiarks, Colo-NESCO, 2017
Brant DeMeulenaere, Belle Plaine, 2017
Jarius Bear, Meskwaki Settlement, 2018
Tate Bear, Meskwaki Settlement, 2019
SUBSTATE FINAL PREDICTION
Don Bosco vs. Gladbrook-Reinbeck
Whoever comes out of District 5 will be a significant underdog against Smoldt and Gladbrook-Reinbeck, who are our pick to make it back to the state tournament for the third year in a row, where they’ll be among the favorites to cut down the nets.