It's March and that means it's time for the madness to begin. This week, teams and fans from all over the state of Iowa will travel to Des Moines to play for a chance at winning a state championship. All eyes will be on Wells Fargo arena to see what players step up on the big stage... and who might wilt under the pressure of the big lights. What teams will rise to the challenge, and who cracks under the pressure? One thing is for certain, it will be a lot of fun watching things unfold.
Here's a look at the Class 2A match-ups and our predictions:
Opening Round:
#1 Des Moines Christian (26-0) vs. #8 Carroll Kuemper (15-11)
Des Moines Christian has had an unforgettable run this year, and they are fueled by senior star Branden Stubbs. The coach's son has been a statistical monster this season, averaging 25.8 (best in the state in Class 2A) and dishing out 172 assists (which leads the state in all classes). Stubbs was able to do this while shooting over 60% from the field! Senior transfer Nana Yaw is another player to watch for DMC... he averaged 9.1 ppg and 7.6 rpg since he began playing in January. Carroll Kuemper counters with a balanced attack, led by juniors Bryce Berg (12 ppg, but only 39% shooting) and Cody Williams (11 ppg on 43% shooting).
Our pick: Carroll Kuemper will have their hands full with Des Moines Christian all night long, and it could get ugly. In fact, it probably will be ugly. DMC wins this one big.
#4 Western Christian (22-3) vs. #5 Wapsie Valley (20-5)
Over the last 10 or so years, Western Christian has put together one of the most memorable runs in recent history. They're led this year by junior Tyler Wolterstorff, who averages 19.3 ppg on the year. Western Christian is an efficient offensive machine (their top 6 players all shoot 50% or better from the field), and they know how to win. Wapsie Valley comes in led by senior Zach Schmidt, who averages 14.9 ppg and 9.6 rebounds per game.
Our pick: Once again, we feel like State Tournament experience will play a huge factor in this game. While Wapsie Valley might be a little taken with the bright lights and sights at Wells Fargo, Western Christian will get down to business. We like them to win, but Wapsie Valley will put up a good fight, especially in the second half after they settle down.
#2 IKM-Manning (24-0) vs. #7 Turkey Valley (19-6)
IKM-Manning has had an outstanding season, and is the only undefeated #2 Seed at the State Tournament this year. This senior-laden team is led by Jerad Croghan (12.8 ppg), Rick Blake (10.3 ppg), Jarad Gaskill (9.4 ppg and 7 rebounds), and Bryce Irlbeck (9.3 ppg and 6.1 assists). Their veteran leadership has taken this club a long way this season. Turkey Valley is led by a lower-scoring, balanced attack that relies on defense. Senior Brad Winters is the only player who averages in double figures (10.0), but they boast three players who have more than 50 steals on the year.
Our pick: IKM-Manning's veteran leadership has taken them a long way this season, and it will get them to the next round. Turkey Valley's defense keeps the game close, but IKM-Manning will pull away at the end.
#3 Solon (23-2) vs. #6 Mid-Prairie (19-5)
Solon, last year's 2A State Champions, lost nearly ALL of their statistical production to graduation last spring... and yet still found a way to reload and have a remarkable season. Gone are Matt Morrison and Tucker Wentzien... now Solon is led by senior Tanner Wentzien (13 ppg) and junior transfer Zach Velez-Westphal (9.4 ppg). Mid-Prairie comes into the tournament led by senior Tanner Miller (18.7 ppg), a great athlete who will play football next year at the University of Iowa.
Our pick: These two schools are no strangers, and seem to play each other 2-3 times every season. The schools last played on December 22, when Mid-Prairie won 55-52. Solon avenges that loss this time, winning a close one.
Semi-Finals:
Des Moines Christian vs. Western Christian: This battle of the private schools is anxiously anticipated, and will be a fun one to watch. Tyler Wolterstorff and Branden Stubbs will get the publicity leading into this one, but look for Stubb's supporting cast to step up in the clutch to help deliver a win for Des Moines Christian.
IKM-Manning vs. Solon: Although we wanted to pick Solon in this one because of their State Tournament experience (which we feel is very important), this IKM-Manning group has been seemingly playing together forever, and it will show. We think IKM-Manning will advance to the finals with a close win.
Finals:
Des Moines Christian vs. IKM-Manning: Branden Stubbs has had an amazing season, and he will really impress coaches and fans with a spectacular array of scoring and passing in the finals. It will be Des Moines Christian's night on Friday night, but IKM-Manning won't go away without a fight.
Class 2A All-Tournament Team:
Branden Stubbs (Captain, Des Moines Christian), Austin Stubbs (Des Moines Christian), Bryce Irlbeck (IKM-Manning) Tyler Wolterstorff (Western Christian), and Zach Velez-Westphal (Solon)
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