Interesting Matchups Of The Week (Dec.11th – Dec. 17th)
This season is finally here and it couldn’t have came at a better time. Depending on what Class you are paying attention to and what rosters you are looking at, there seems to be a good amount of change this…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThis season is finally here and it couldn’t have came at a better time. Depending on what Class you are paying attention to and what rosters you are looking at, there seems to be a good amount of change this year. A lot of teams across the state will need to find some new producers, try new offensive and defensive schemes, and think outside of the box if they want to put together a winter to remember.
It’s always important to get a confident and fast start to your season. In the article below I am going to highlight a handful of the most interesting games of the week throughout the state.
Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!
#1 Solon (6-0) vs #2 CCA (5-0)
Where: Solon High School
When: December 12th – 7:15 PM
This week is an important one for a lot of teams throughout the state. There are several top matchups across all Classes, that already have some playoff implications on the line. One of the most interesting matchups will start our week in the form of Solon, hosting nearby opponent CCA. Last season when these two teams met, CCA took care of business on their home floor. This season, the Spartans are coming back for revenge. With two programs that have the collegiate level talent like these two possess, whoever executes and wants it more, is going to come out on top. Home court does give the Spartans a little advantage but I don’t think it’s too much in this case. I think this game could swing either way, deepening on how the first quarter plays out. The Clippers, as a team, have more skilled overall pieces but the best player on the floor will be lacing up with the Spartans so I’m not going to ever count them out in this instance. I’m not sure what will happen but I’ll be in attendance and I can’t wait to see these two powerhouse programs do their thing.
#2 Newell-Fonda (5-0) vs #6 ELC (6-1)
Where: Newell-Fonda High School
When: December 12th – 6 PM
The Newell-Fonda Mustangs have started off this winter, the same way they left off last season and that is winning. The Mustangs have begun this year with a perfect 5-0 record in their first five contests. On the other side, ELC has played two more games than the Mustangs and is repping a 6-1 record thus far. While only being five games into the year, sometimes it can be hard to get a feel about what is going to happen in these highly-rated matchups. In this case, these two teams have already played a common opponent in a ranked Sioux Central High School team. In the Mustangs contest, they ended up winning by a margin of 10, while the Midgets fell by a margin of 9. I’m not saying that is accurate foreshadowing in all instances but I do think that it matters in this one. ELC is going to ride the hot hand of Haylee Stokes Haylee Stokes 5'6" | PG Estherville Lincoln Central | 2025 State IA and Newell-Fonda is going to follow their dominant upperclassmen. On paper, everything leads me to believe that the Mustangs are going to pull this one out in the end but the contest isn’t played on paper so it’s still anyones game.
#3 Martensdale – St. Marys (4-2) vs #5 Nodaway Valley (4-0)
Where: Martensdale-St. Marys High School
When: December 14th – 6 PM
Martensdale – St. Marys and Nodaway Valley have combined to start this season at 8-2 with some convincing wins in both of their teams contests up until this point, which makes this game one to know about. These two programs are both ranked in the Top 5 in the state in their perspective Class and they are hoping to keep it that way. Martensdale is another group that is strung together by the efforts of their upperclassmen. They have some nice pieces at all grade levels but their seniors are really what help lead them. As for Nodaway Valley, this group is one that is built off of fast but efficient play. From what I’ve noticed, they go into each contest with a strategy and do a good job of adapting if things happen to fall apart. These two programs have a history of some intense battles on the hardwood. If everyone plays up to their full potential on Thursday, this is going to be another one of those battles.
#1 Johnston (5-0) vs #2 Des Moines – Valley (6-0)
Where: Valley High School
When: December 14th – 6:15 PM
This could very well be the game of the season so far between two opponents. The #1 ranked Johnston Dragons will take their talents on the road in attempts to preserve their perfect record this season, while the Valley Tigers are going to do everything they can to protect home court and come out with an eye-opening victory. These two programs have been the best this season in the 5A Class and it’s not close in my opinion. Both teams have multiple victories over top ranking opponents in the state and have handled their own as you would expect. This game is one I can describe in a few ways but the best way, is to say that this is a meeting between a freight train and a brick wall. The Johnson Dragons have been contest and relevant at the State Tournament the past few years throughout Iowa, while the Tigers are picking up momentum with each game they compete in right now. Both groups will have to bring their best into this one because if not, things could get out of hand really quick.