Johnston’s Winter Tip-Off 2023 Preview
To cap off the 2023 Calendar year, the Johnston Dragons are set to host a Winter Tip-Off event. This event would best be described as a tournament but it’s not bracket style. It’s just a day where 9 of the…
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Continue ReadingTo cap off the 2023 Calendar year, the Johnston Dragons are set to host a Winter Tip-Off event. This event would best be described as a tournament but it’s not bracket style. It’s just a day where 9 of the top teams from across the state of Iowa, come together to compete under one roof, including a team coming down from Minnesota. Giving us 10 total schools in the building on Saturday, December 16th.
In the article below I will preview each matchup of the day. Each game will take place at Johnston High School and will start at the corresponding time that is listed next to the matchup.
Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!
#1 DCG (6-0) vs #15 Xavier (3-3) – 11:00 AM
To begin the season this matchup would have been one that I would have guessed would be close but from what I’ve seen so far, DCG has started off red hot coming off of their state title, while Xavier is still trying to find their footing. Which makes sense when you account for all of the new personal on this Saints roster, compared to a season ago. The Mustangs returned this winter ready to go and hungry for more. If you didn’t know they just won a state championship, you wouldn’t be able to tell with the urgency they are competing with. They are running at full-speed right now and it’s going to take everything for a team to slow them down. As for Xavier, like I said they are in a tough spot. All of their players are currently looking at Libby Fandel Libby Fandel 5'11" | SF Cedar Rapids Xavier | 2025 State IA to produce every single play and it’s not realistic. As the year goes on and more players return to this roster back from injury, it’ll get better for everyone. I’m sure it’s a frustrating situation for all but if they can wether the storm from here on out, they will be looking alright in the long run.
#2 Valley (6-1) vs #10 SC East (5-2) – 12:30 PM
Des Moines – Valley and Sioux City East come into this game with a combined record of 11-3, which is impressive accounting for the competition level these two programs have been playing against. I’m expecting an exciting game in this one. Each program has 3-4 collegiate level basketball players and I can’t wait to see how they all play on the same court. Valley will be coming off of its first loss of the season to Johnston and they will want to make a statement. Sioux City East has fallen twice this season so far throughout their first seven games and they are looking to demonstrate that they can compete with one of the best teams in the state. If everyone plays to their full potential and the coaching/reffing doesn’t get in the way, this could be a GREAT matchup.
Hopkins (MN) vs #1 Johnston (6-0) – 2:00 PM
The only team from out of state coming to compete in this tournament is Hopkins High School out of Minnesota. This high school is known for its prestigious basketball program and how they have competed throughout history. They are going to come into Iowa and play the best team in the state, regardless of class, in the Johnston Dragons. The same team that happens to be hosting this tournament. This game is going to be the one on everyone’s radar. A contest that will contain 5+ future Division-1 basketball players, should be exciting. Most of these players have actually seen each other before on some national level, if it wasn’t in their own perspective state. I’m not sure exactly how this one will end but as long as it’s a close contest, who care. It will be must-see tv.
#7 Pleasant Valley (4-3) vs #4 Dowling Catholic (5-2) – 3:30 PM
The fourth matchup of the day is a potential state playoff preview for everyone in Iowa. The retuning 5A state champions from last season, the Pleasant Valley Spartans, will face the Dowling Catholic Maroons. These are two teams that we have highlighted prior to the season a few times and that is going to continue on for the rest of the year at this point. Expect this game to be slow paced. Both programs will play a zone for most of their positions in attempts to slow down the other group. Each side will have skilled personal, both big and small, going at each other throughout this one so it’ll come down to who can get more stops and who can execute when it matters the most.
#5 Ankeny Centennial (3-3) vs #3 Davenport North (5-2) – 5:00 PM
To cap off this awesome day of basketball, we have two more programs that will be in the State conversation at the end of this 2023-2024 season. Centennial will enter this contest with a 3-3 record against some tough competition, while Davenport North is going to try and show everyone that they are as dominant as ever this year. Again, like every matchup in this tournament, there are a number of collegiate level players on both teams. To start off each of their seasons, they have already been tested. They have each had positive moments and negative moments so far but in this game, it’s all about learning from those mistakes and moving on. If both of these teams can do that, we will be in for one hell of a game.