The high school basketball season came to a close in the KNIA/KRLS listening area last night as Ballard beat Pella 73-57 in the boys class 3A substate six championship game at Southeast Polk High School as heard live on 92.1 KRLS.

The Bombers’ Chase Winterboer nailed five three-point baskets in the first quarter as Ballard built a lead it would never relinquish. Despite several spirited Little Dutch railies, they never got closer than three, and the Bombers led by as many as 20 in the second half.

Pella Coach Derek Schulte says that it’s hard to put into words how much the loss stings.

“We’re disappointed that we didn’t play better on a big stage. It wasn’t for a lack of effort. Our guys gave great effort, but we were beat in every phase tonight. Give Ballard credit. On one night, in one gym, they were the better team tonight. And that’s the way it is, and that’s the way tournament basketball is.”

Logan Shetterly led all scorers with 19 points and Ryan Gustafson added 17 for the Little Dutch, who finish the season with a record of 17-6.

Ballard advances to the state tournament next week at Wells Fargo Arena.