In order to get to the school’s 15th ever state tournament appearance, Pella Christian will have to overcome a team that has made Wells Fargo Arena a frequent stay since the Eagles last competed among Iowa’s best in Class 2A.

South Hamilton has been to the state tournament nine times in program history, with two runner up finishes and a 6-9 all time record. The Hawks from Jewell have made three consecutive appearances at Wells Fargo Arena. Three of the team’s top scorers from 2019 graduated, but the 2020 team has been led by 6-5 forward Cade Balvanz, a do-it-all player who averages 13.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game on a team will multiple scoring threats.

Pella Christian has one of the richest basketball traditions in Iowa — the Eagles have made 14 state tournament appearances, including their first in 1990, and have won 25 games in the final rounds — 8th most among all teams in Iowa. Pella Christian has won three titles and has been a runner up five times, including most recently in 2017.