2024 Playoff Preview – Class 1A: Region 5-8

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we get closer to Spring and into the month of February, it means one thing and one thing only for Iowa Women's High School Basketball. Post-Season Play. We begin a journey to see who is the best of the best throughout the state in each perspective Class. Below we will start our coverage by highlighting Regions 5-8 of the 1A Class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Region 5</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 5 is headlined by St. Albert and Woodbine High School. St. Albert is sitting with a 19-1 record thus far, while Woodbine comes in at 14-6. When taking a look at both of these teams schedules up until this point, St. Albert has the advantage. They have played tougher competition than most other teams in this Region and that is going to help them during this Playoff run. Some other programs to watch out for are Collins-Maxwell, Lenox, and Stanton. All of these groups understand their identities and have put together memorable seasons. If they aren't taken seriously, it could end up badly for anyone who may cross them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Teams &amp; Their Impact Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>St. Albert (19-1): Ella Klusman (12 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='901710' first='Avah' last='Underwood'] (11.6 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.6 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='640805' first='Missy' last='Evezic'] (10 PPG, 8 RPG), Lily Krohn (3.5 RPG, 5 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lenox (12-9): [player_tooltip player_id='592193' first='Sadie' last='Cox'] (18 PPG, 15 RPG, 4 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='592194' first='Zoey' last='Reed'] (14 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3 APG), Izzy Curtis (6 PPG, 5 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>East Mills (12-9): Jenna Thornburg (9.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.2 APG), Mia Goodman (8.4 PPG, 7 RPG, 2.5 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Stanton (15-5): [player_tooltip player_id='842552' first='Hannah' last='Olson'] (15.2 PPG, 7 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='1055354' first='Lauren' last='Johnson'] (10.9 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 2 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='314147' first='Leah' last='Sandin'] (14.7 PPG, 2.7 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>West Harrison (7-14): [player_tooltip player_id='582839' first='Maclayn' last='Houston'] (20.7 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.4 APG), Tylar Stirtz (6.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.1 APG), Rylee Evans (3.8 RPG, 1 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Riverside (10-10): [player_tooltip player_id='1198465' first='Sydney' last='Somers'] (7.1 PPG, 3.6 RPG), Elly Henderson (6 PPG, 3 APG), Adaline Martens (5.1 PPG, 1.6 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Boyer Valley (7-14): Sylvia Sulllivan (9.1 PPG, 7.7 RPG), Mariah Falkena (8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.1 APG), Jessica O'Day (10.4 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Woodbine (14-6): [player_tooltip player_id='582832' first='Charlie' last='Pryor'] (18.2 PPG, 6.1 APG), Danyelle Steinkuehler (7.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG), Nicole Hoefer (12.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.5 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Earlham (9-10): Darby Moore (8.3 PPG), Lily Conry (8 PPG, 2.2 APG), Rowen Fisk (4.9 RPG, 1.9 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Griswold (6-15): [player_tooltip player_id='1055363' first='Addison' last='Adams'] (7.8 PPG, 1 APG), Karly Millikan (9 RPG), Amanda Houser (6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.7 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Collins-Maxwell (16-5): [player_tooltip player_id='246108' first='Erica' last='Houge'] (20.3 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 4.3 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='314109' first='Chloe' last='Wierson'] (15.5 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 2 APG), Vivian Kahler, (3.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>IKM-Manning (4-17): Taylor Beckendorf (6.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.5 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='996536' first='Anna' last='Stangl'] (13.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.5 APG), </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ankeny Christian (14-6): Chloe Roe (11.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG), Riese Gjerde (9.4 PPG, 2.6 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='842622' first='Katie' last='Quick'] (8.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.3 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Diagonal (2-17): Lauren Burton (10.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG), Halle White (4.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG), Ashlynn Allee (5.9 PPG, 3.8 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Statistics That Matter</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When you dive deep into the numbers of each team on Region 5, the pattern you start to see is that the "team play" of each program is what has helped them to this point in their season. There are six teams that have multiple 10+ Point scorers and four teams with prospects that average 10+ Rebounds per contest. If anyone wants to replicate the success of their regular season, they are going to have try and hit these numbers per usual.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When we get to the Championship game of this Region, I think there are two teams that have steady paths and that is St. Albert up top and Collins-Maxwell down low. CW may have to play an extra game but I think that they are going to be able to weather the storm that is Woodbine. I'm sure whenever that matchup happens, it's going to be a fist fight with the winning team having to then take on St. Albert for the Region 5 Ship. This is where I would have St. Albert a slight advantage. The rest of their players could mean everything in a winner-takes-all type contest. If everyone shows up and plays to their best ability, the Saints will be the team that end up walking away as the Region 5 winners.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Region 6</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 6 features the returning 1A State Championship from last season and they have picked up right where they left off. Bishop Garrigan might of lost their powerhouse players in Audi Crooks and Molly Joyce but they have reloaded and have had everyone else step up when it matters the most. The other featured team in this area is Riceville at 20-1. A group that has also showed their dominance in almost every contest they have played this winter. If you look at all of these team's rosters on a single list, there are quite a few of players that can change the outcome of a contest with their efforts. Players like [player_tooltip player_id='246162' first='Mallory' last='Leerar'] of West Hancock, [player_tooltip player_id='595160' first='Katie' last='Costello'] or Waterloo Christian, and many, many more. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Teams &amp; Their Impact Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bishop Garrigan (20-2): [player_tooltip player_id='832196' first='Graclyn' last='Eastman'] (16.3 PPG, 9.5 RPG, [player_tooltip player_id='314105' first='Abbie' last='Capesius'] (11.6 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.3 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='609457' first='Sacha' last='Alesch'] (11.3 PPG, 3.3 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>West Hancock (9-12): [player_tooltip player_id='246162' first='Mallory' last='Leerar'] (19.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.6 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='1222448' first='Meara' last='Kudej'] (11.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.7 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>North Iowa (7-14): Miriam Beenken (9.1 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.8 APG), Ashlyn Bechler (10.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG), Aisha Jobe (6.8 PPG, 1.8 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Newman Catholic (14-7): [player_tooltip player_id='782494' first='Sami' last='Kruckenberg'] (16 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.1 APG), Liz Kruckenberg (9.4 PPG), Tess Weiner (7.1 PPG), Audrey Jaspersen (5.8 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>North Butler (7-14): Kaycee Wiebke (11 PPG, 12.4 RPG), Reagan Mulder (4.2 PPG, 2.1 APG), Jady Thorne (4.6 PPG, 2 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Saint Ansgar (12-9): [player_tooltip player_id='766447' first='Amelia' last='Porisch'] (10.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG), Aspen Falk (9.2 PPG, 5 RPG, 2.1 APG), Lindsay Kruse (6.2 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Northwood-Kensett (7-14): [player_tooltip player_id='314155' first='Chloe' last='Costello'] (19.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG), Morgan Wallin (7.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.8 APG), <br>Ella Leonard (5.1 PPG, 1.5 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Riceville (20-1): [player_tooltip player_id='595159' first='Tillotti' last='Fair'] (13.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.8 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='842638' first='Samantha' last='Wilberding'] (9.5 PPG, 6.3 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='788573' first='Jaylyn' last='Beran'] (13.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.8 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Clarksville (9-12): [player_tooltip player_id='839330' first='Paige' last='Kampman'] (20.4 PPG, 3.6 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='839343' first='Hannah' last='Wangsness'] (8 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 3 APG), Katie Kampman (7.2 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Janesville (8-12): Liz Hovenga (7.7 PPG, 2.6 APG), Honor Hovenga (8.4 PPG, 1.5 APG), Zoey Barnes (6.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Waterloo Christian (15-6): [player_tooltip player_id='595160' first='Katie' last='Costello'] (20.9 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 3.2 APG), Reagan Wheeler (13.3 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 3 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='863286' first='Natalie' last='Witt'] (10.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.3 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Don Bosco (2-18): Kennedi McGarvey (9.5 PPG, 7.7 RPG), Hannah Thome (7.1 PPG, 2 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Gladbrook-Reinbeck (13-9): [player_tooltip player_id='782509' first='Kennedy' last='Brant'] (13.3 PPG, 12.4R RPG, 3.5 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='796969' first='Elly' last='Sieh'] (12.9 PPG, 4 RPG, 2 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='1207384' first='Lily' last='Dripps'] (6 PPG, 6 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Nashua-Plainfield (6-15): [player_tooltip player_id='842547' first='Kadence' last='Huck'] (15 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.4 APG), Paige Franzen (4.8 PPG, 2.3 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Statistics That Matter</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like I mentioned above, all Regions at this point have skilled players but across the board, this Region has several that could stand out and that is going to be the thing that matters the most in the end. Whoever's most skilled players come to compete, that is going to be the group that really takes things to the next level before the Well. There are 5 different prospects out of Region 7 that are averaging over 15+ PPG with 5+ RPG. At this point, scouting reports are player oriented and can really shock some individuals at this age. If everyone intends to keep up their production at the pace they are on, they will have to lock it in and understand multiple counter moves for given any situation. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For all intents and purposes, this is Bishop Garrigan's Region to lose. They have shown off this season that they have every position covered with multiple players who can step up and step in at any moment. As long as they continue to stick to the same game plan they have had all winter long, they should get through everyone, making it all the way to the Well once again. Simple as that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Region 7</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we dive into Region 7, we see that there are a lot of teams with winning records in this Region. There are seven teams with a + .500 record or better at this point and they aren't looking to slow down any time soon. The most dominant team has been Calamus-Wheatland with a 21-1 record, while teams like Highland, Springville, Lynnville-Sully, and Danville all have put together some really nice seasons. Whoever wants to come out of this Region is going to have to show that they are a complete team. The stars will have to shine, role plays will have to contribute consistently, and unlikely hero's will need to be made. Whoever can check most of those boxes will come out on top. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Teams &amp; Their Impact Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Calamus-Wheatland (21-1): [player_tooltip player_id='314139' first='Emily' last='Boeckmann'] (13.5 PPG, 4.5 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='314135' first='Kahlie' last='Hill'] (12.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='839374' first='Katie' last='Hein'] (11.3 PPG, 3.7 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Easton Valley (9-12): Hadley Farrell (10.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2 APG), Emmah Johnson (9.4 PPG, 10 RPG), Josie Wood (7.2 PPG, 2 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Wapello (7-15): Tatum Wolford (14.6 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.9 APG), Jacie Hoeg (6.6 PPG, 3.5 APG), Mya Wagner (5.4 PPG, 2 APG) </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Highland (14-6): [player_tooltip player_id='675307' first='Sarah' last='Burton'] (16.2 PPG, 14.3 RPG, 2.6 APG), Stella Slaymaker (5.2 PPG, 6 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>North Cedar (4-18): [player_tooltip player_id='896432' first='Addyson' last='Lehrman'] (8.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG), Addison Shields (7 PPG, 2 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='908849' first='Mollie' last='Ries'] (5 PPG, 2 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Springville (16-6): [player_tooltip player_id='595151' first='Rowan' last='Jacobi'] (23 PPG, 12 RPG), Hannah March (10.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='896422' first='Addison' last='Merritt'] (7 PPG, 6 RPG, 3 APG) </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Prince Of Peace (2-19): Lilly Smith (8 PPG, 1 APG), Madison Schnier (4 PPG, 4.3 RPG), Kiersten Lubs (3 PPG, 5 RPG, .5 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lynnville-Sully (18-3): Kate Harthoorn (12.4 PPG, 2.2 APG), Majesta Vos (14 PPG, 11 RPG), Aubree Arthur (6 PPG, 5 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Iowa Valley (10-11): Lola Frimml (15.9 PPG, 3 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='595161' first='Lydia' last='Kriegel'] (13.9 PPG, 8 RPG) Grace Ryan (5.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 2.3 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Cedar Valley Christian (0-15): Jorja Lillis (4.8 PPG), Libbie Spicka (5.6 RPG), Brianna Jessen (3.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lone Tree (18-3): [player_tooltip player_id='839380' first='Finley' last='Jacque'] (15.9 PPG, 3.1 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='839347' first='Alyson' last='Ford'] (7.9 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='1160550' first='Vivian' last='Zaruba'] (7.5 PPG, 3.3 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Winfield-Mt. Union (4-14):[player_tooltip player_id='839328' first='Madisen' last='Kellogg'] (16.7 PPG, 9.1 RPG), Pacey Schlee (5.6 PPG, 3 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Danville (16-4): Jaeda Molle (14.5 PPG, 4.5 APG), Rylee Morris (12 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.7 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Burlington-ND (10-10): Lauren Krieger (18.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.3 APG), Taryn Stephens (8.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 5 APG), Anna Engberg (10.4 PPG, 3.5 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Statistics That Matter</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Size, size, and more size. The dominating players that you are primarily going to find in Region 7 are all Posts. Each Post prospect listed above has been EATING around the rim at an alarming rate this winter and if they want to continue with that success, everyone is going to have to trust in their hard work. When you have several skilled Posts, everyone seems a little more subpar because they are defending each other a majority of the time. If someone wants to standout, they are really going to have to dive into their "bag". As you can see, several players have averaged around a double-double over the past few months for their perspective high school teams. Each team's goal - personal wise, will be to have their Post reach near a double-double in their efforts. If they can get close to this mark, it means they are dominating the glass on both sides of the floor and most likely, winning the contest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The matchup to watch for is going to be Lynnville Sully vs Calamus-Wheatland. I expect both teams to win their first few games, if Lynvvile-Sully can get through Iowa Valley, lining up a matchup between the two giants. Lynnville Sully has beaten all of their opponents this winter because of their even distribution and willingness to adapt. Calamus-Wheatland has won by dominating the paint and showing their aggressive presence early on in each contest. When these two meet, there could be a lot of fire works. Both programs have a Post presence with Guard play to back them up so it's going to come down to execution. When everything is on the line, who is going to be "that" girl and make it happen. It could be a plethora of players from these groups but I think that the power of Calamus-Wheatland in the paint will be too much in the very end. Giving them a shot at a 1A State Title later this month. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Region 8</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Capping off Class 1A is a Region that is really anyone's to win. There are a few teams that standout because of their record but once you dive deep into their games this winter, you see how they could slip up in a situation or two, prior to the State Tournament. Several of these programs are familiar with each other from recent past or have even met earlier this season, making this all the most interesting. Prior matchups will come into play at some point and whoever adapts the best is going to come out with the title of Region 8 - Class 1A Champions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Teams &amp; Their Impact Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Montezuma (17-4): [player_tooltip player_id='842589' first='Ellen' last='Cook'] (13.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.8 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='1207377' first='Shiressa' last='Wetering'] (13.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='833961' first='Vivian' last='Cook'] (9.4 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Waco (12-9): Emma Wagler (12.8 PPG, 12.1 RPG), Brenna Graber (9.4 PPG, 2 APG), Ella Huisenga (7.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG), <br>Halle Shelman (2.7 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hillcrest Academy (6-14): [player_tooltip player_id='896465' first='Claire' last='Withrow'] (14.3 PPG), Malia Yoder (12.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.6 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='839344' first='Niva' last='Helmuth'] (4.6 PPG, 8.3 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Holy Trinity Catholic (18-2): [player_tooltip player_id='792536' first='Mary' last='Kate Bendlage'] (22 PPG, 9 RPG), Natalie Randolph (13.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.9 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='842580' first='Teagan' last='Snaadt'] (8.2 PPG, 4.6 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>New London (1-19): [player_tooltip player_id='1182020' first='Mylee' last='Miller'] (10.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG), Sophie Malott (6 PPG, 2 RPG, 1 APG), Morgan Jones (4 PPG, 4 RPG, 2 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>English Valleys (13-8): [player_tooltip player_id='595148' first='Kennedy' last='Axmear'] (15.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.9 APG), Delaney Hall (11 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2 APG), <br>Imigyn Stratton (7 PPG, 4 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Keota (6-13): Kimberly Clarahan (7.7 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.4 APG), Kennedy Jackson (8.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>CAM (19-2): [player_tooltip player_id='314136' first='Eva' last='Steffensen'] (22 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 4.2 APG), Kiera Nichols (11.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.7 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='314140' first='Meredith' last='Rich'] (11 PPG, 3 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Orient-Macksburg (10-11): [player_tooltip player_id='582809' first='Emma' last='Boswell'] (20 PPG, 20 RPG, 4 APG), Kinsey Eslinger (8 PPG, 7 RPG, 5 APG), Marissa Cass (4 PPG, 3 RPG, 2 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Murray (5-14): Morgan Keller (13 PPG, 2.4 APG), Keirsten Klein (9.3 PPG, 9.6 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Mormon Trail (12-6): [player_tooltip player_id='246124' first='Mia' last='Shanks'] (11 PPG, 3 RPG), Annika Shanks (9 PPG, 6 RPG, 4.2 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>East Union (2-17): [player_tooltip player_id='609544' first='Kayli' last='Shade'] (10.7 PPG, 1 APG), Audrey Young (4 PPG, 5.6 RPG), Hayden Waigand (3.8 PPG, 1 APG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Wayne (11-10): Clara O'Brien (12.2 PPG, 2.6 APG), Cortney Knutson (8.2 PPG, 1.7 APG), Ava Whitney (7.5 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Southeast Warren (8-13): Jessica Lillig (9 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.2 APG), Lexi Clendenen (8 PPG, 5 RPG, 4 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='988407' first='Madison' last='Olsasky'] (7 PPG, 7 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Statistics That Matter</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The reason that most of the teams above have won the contests in which they are participating in is because of how well they start games. Most of the programs have big win margins on their season in most of their contests because of how well they have started things off. It's always important for groups to figuring things out early in a game but once they do, where do they go from there? Do they press? Do they sit back and relax? What should they do next? All of these teams LOVE to bring the pressure when they smell blood. If you go into the statistics of each program, you'll see that for the most part, they all have decent point differentials. That's obviously the key to winning a basketball game but more important, it demonstrates how the group can get out to an early lead and hold it. If any group gets out to a fast start early on, in any contest here, it's going to crucial because of how hard it will be to make a comeback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Right away the team that stands out to me as having the best chance in this Region is CAM. I'm not exactly sure what it is but as a group, they seem to be more together as a unit. As well as, I haven't seen as many problems with their group this year and their leadership compared to others. It's not a slight to anyone else but I'm sure it's going to be the #1 vs #2 seed to move on here once again. Montezuma is going to have to get rid of a Holy Trinity team with only 2 losses. If they can do that, they will have a shot to come out of this one. In the end, I would have to say CAM is going to be the more rounded team but anything can happen at this point, so I'm not going to count anyone out in a Region that is open for the taking. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->