Iowa Playoffs: Class 2A, Substate 5 Preview
The favorite: Since the return of Tyler Zumbach, Anamosa has been one of the best teams in 2A, losing just once since the break. The Blue Raiders play a fun, pressing style that can cause lots of problems for teams that…
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Continue ReadingThe favorite: Since the return of Tyler Zumbach, Anamosa has been one of the best teams in 2A, losing just once since the break. The Blue Raiders play a fun, pressing style that can cause lots of problems for teams that don’t take care of the ball. This is a deep group that can put points on the board in a hurry, led by Kolin Schulte (22.2 points, 45.5 3P%). Kyle Schepanski (13.6) and Tyler Zumbach (12.2) join him in double figures. According to BC Moore’s computer rankings, Anamosa has played the most difficult schedule in 2A, something that should help them in this tough district.
The biggest threat: Seven players average at least five points for Northeast, Goose Lake, paced by Will Hasken (13.5). The Rebels always play great defense and have a deliberate pace on the offensive end, working every possession to get good looks. They could struggle against the more up-tempo game that Anamosa or Camanche could force them into in the district final.
The dark horse: Camanche has enjoyed the most successful season in the program’s history, winning 17 games during the regular season. This is a team that doesn’t go very deep into their bench, but with Will Seeser back, that may change. Four players – Seeser (10.5), Dakota Soenksen (14.2), Dylan Hundley (13.4) and Dylan Dodson (12.8) average double figures, with point guard Blake Bialas (9.6 points, 134 assists) not far behind. They like to play inside-out, feeding the ball to Dodson in the paint and going from there. The district semi-final against Anamosa should be lots of fun.
Players to watch
Kolin Schulte, Anamosa, 2016
Kyle Schepanski, Anamosa, 2016
Tyler Zumbach, Anamosa, 2016
Dakota Soenksen, Camanche, 2017
Dylan Dodson, Camanche, 2016
Dylan Hundley, Camanche, 2017
Blake Bialas, Camanche, 2016
Will Seeser, Camanche, 2016
Will Hasken, Northeast, Goose Lake, 2016
Luke Empen, Northeast, Goose Lake, 2018
The favorite: Iowa City Regina needs to go on the road in the district semi-final to take on a Durant team that they split with during the regular season. However, Durant has lost 9 of 11 games since starting 10-0, while Regina has gone in the other direction. Nathan Stenger (16.4) played a crucial role on last year’s 2A runner up team and is now recovered from the football season and playing well. Andrew Adamec (10.7, 56.9 FG%) has played well on the interior and the Regals have gotten some great production of late from Jocoa Kerschen, shooting 46% from behind the arc. This is the team to beat in the district.
The biggest threat: Javin Drake (19.2) and Zach Randolph (14.2) give Wilton a solid duo that should give Louisa-Muscatine plenty of problems in the semi-final. The Beavers were swept in the season by Regina, but played them tough both times.
The dark horse: Durant has not played well down the stretch, but this team didn’t start out 10-0 for no reason. Playing at home in the semi-final gives them a shot.
Players to watch
Nathan Stenger, Iowa City Regina, 2016
Andrew Adamec, Iowa City Regina, 2016
Javin Drake, Wilton, 2016
Zach Randolph, Wilton, 2016
Gavin Meyer, Durant, 2016
SUBSTATE PREDICTION
Anamosa vs. Iowa City Regina
Whoever comes out of District 9 should be a decided favorite here, and we like Anamosa to come out of that group. The up-tempo, pressing style could give Regina lots of problems, and (arguably) the hottest team in 2A makes their way to Wells Fargo with a big win here.