The Pella Christian boys basketball team will begin the road to what they hope is their 14th-ever state tournament appearance as they defend their home court against a familiar foe this evening.

Albia travels to Eagle Lane for round two of the Class 2A district playoffs.

This will mark the fourth straight year these two schools have spoiled each other’s seasons.Over the past two years, the eventual 3rd place-in-the-state Pella Christian squads knocked off their main rivals to the south to end their season — Albia did so in 2014.

The 2017 Pella Christian Eagles are likely the most talented team the boys in blue have played all season long, as Larry Hessing’s 17-4 team has won five straight to finish the regular season against some of the best schools in the Little Hawkeye Conference and an undefeated Van Meter squad during that stretch.

Coverage from Pella Christian High School for boys’ district action begins at 6:30 p.m. on 92.1 KRLS, with Andrew Schneider and Brad Engbers on the call.