2024 Playoffs: Regional Championship Preview (4A/5A)

There are 16 games taking place across Iowa tonight with a trip to the State Tournament in Des Moines on the line. In the article below, we cover some of the most intriguing matchups that you will be able to see, along with talking a little bit about each programs strategy in said matchup.   Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!   Ankeny Centennial (13-8) vs Sioux City East (18-5) - Class 5A: Region 5   There are some really good matchups tonight across the state and I think that this one could turn out to be one of the best. If not, THEE best. This contest is really interesting for a number of reasons. First off, you are going to have a court filled with 5-6 high level players. The Jaguars have the experience and Senior leadership, while the Pirates have really talented prospects that just make things happen. The strategy for the Jaguars should be to play man and to help on drives. If they move to a zone, they need to extend it because SCE can shoot the leather off of the basketball from all around the three point line. This game is going to come down to whoever has the better strategy. This could truly be a chess match all the way to the fourth quarter if no one takes over. The thing to remember is, at any moment, any one of the star prospects on the floor could heat up and completely change the game. Players like [player_tooltip player_id='311360' first='Jaeden' last='Pratt'] (12 PPG/6 RPG/2 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='311377' first='Mya' last='Crawford'] (15 PPG/7 RPG/3 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='246136' first='Alexandra' last='Flattery'] (17 PPG/9 RPG/4 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='582806' first='Trishelle' last='Miller'] (15 PPG/4 RPG/5 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='582807' first='Haevyn' last='Ranschau'] (11 PPG), and [player_tooltip player_id='592200' first='Hudsyn' last='Ranschau'] (17 PPG/3 APG), are elite in some of the skills they possess and that could shine through.   Ankeny (13-9) vs Valley (12-10) - Class 5A: Region 8   Another matchup this evening that possesses a lot of potential is the contest between Ankeny High School and Valley High School, taking place at Ankeny at 7 PM. To start off this season, Valley was on fire. They hit a losing skid mid-season but as of late, they have been able to string together some convincing wins. As for Ankeny, this is a group that has 2-3 dominant stars. What I love about this team is that they do a good job of playing through each other and they play selflessly. They have multiple prospects that will compete on the D1 floor one day but that doesn't mean that they hoard all of the shots or make it about themselves. Instead, they lead by example and that's why they have been able to put together such a successful season up until this point. This one will come down to internal cohesiveness. Whoever plays more for one goal or purpose is going to come out on top. If Valley can demonstrate early on that they are locked in, they will have dominating size in the post but if they come out sloppy, Ankeny might take over right away. There are a lot of factors that will play into this game but in the end, whoever makes it out alive will be one of the most battle tested programs going into the Well next week.   Pleasant Valley (18-4) vs Waukee NW (11-11) - Class 5: Region 6   The returning 5A Champs, The Pleasant Valley Spartans, have a tough battle tonight at home against a solid Waukee NW team. If you look at the two records of these two programs, you would think the Spartans are going to roll the Wolves here but I think this could turn out differently then most people would imagine. Everything is going to come down to the zone of Pleasant Valley. If the Wolves can break that zone early and find success at the basket, everything becomes a lot tougher. On the flip side, the Spartans are also very talented in their own right offensively. The Wolves are going to have to defend and limit their opponent to one shot on the offense end before they secure a rebound. Both of these programs have a lot of raw talent in the Post position. Players that are going to make an impact over the next few years at the high school level or even the college level. In the end, whoever causes more chaos and turmoil throughout this game, is going to have the best shot of moving on.   North Polk (21-2) vs Maquoketa (20-3) - Class 4: Region 5   If you were to combine the numbers of the North Polk Comets and the Maquoketa Cardinals this season, you would have an overall record of 41-5 as a group. Which is pretty impressive when you are considering that both of these teams play in the 4A Class and against some solid competition all season long. This matchup is one that is going to be decided with the play of Maquoketa's stars, [player_tooltip player_id='534428' first='Aubrey' last='Kroymann'] (13 PPG/8 RPG) and [player_tooltip player_id='435773' first='Cora' last='Widel'] (17 PPG/6 RPG/2 APG). We know that North Polk is going to bring it in every facet of the game. They are a team that has several skilled guards that the Cardinals shouldn't be able to keep up with but in hindsight, Korymann and Widel are going to have a fundamental size advantage in most matchups they come across. If they can make the most of those opportunities and defend for their lives, while they have one or two other players step up in major moments, they could steal this thing and punch their ticket to the State Tournament. If not, the Comets may take control early on and never look back. Either way, tonight we are going to find out who the real players are. It doesn't matter if you are home or away. Who shows up when it matters the most. That's what we are going to find out tonight.   Lewis Central (18-4) vs Norwalk (18-4) - Class 4: Region 8   When you break down the numbers of Norwalk and Lewis Central, a lot of things pop out right away on both sides. You'll first notice that Lewis Central only allows around 30 PPG, while Norwalk usually lets in around 45 PPG. Next you see that both of these programs basically share a shooting percentage on the season at around 36% from the field, including 28% from behind the arc. The big difference here between both programs that stands out the most though is the free throw differential. The Norwalk Warriors get to the free-throw line almost twice as much per game compared to Lewis Central. I think that this is going to come down to physicality. If the Warriors play their game and pound the ball into the post/paint area, then they are most likely going to punch their ticket to the Well when the final buzzer sounds. If they get away from that, it's going to be anyone's contest in the end. Not to mention, that the Warriors have one of the top scorers throughout the entire state, regardless of age in [player_tooltip player_id='311370' first='Bailey' last='Birmingham'] (28 PPG/6 RPG/3 APG). If she can show up and they can execute, they will be just fine.

There are 16 games taking place across Iowa tonight with a trip to the State Tournament in Des Moines on the line. In the article below, we cover some of the most intriguing matchups that you will be able to see, along with talking a little bit about each programs strategy in said matchup.