Pella’s boys are confident and hopeful they can make a special run in the program’s 17th ever trip to state, which begins Tuesday in the Class 3A quarterfinals from Des Moines.

The Little Dutch are the No. 3 seed, carrying a 19-5 overall record into the tournament. Pella has been competitive even in those five losses, as the team has lost by a combined 14 points.

Head Coach Derek Schulte grew up with this current group of seniors so to speak, as he has coached all of them since their sophomore season, and he believes this team has the perspective on and off the court to compete with anyone in Class 3A.

“That’s what it’s about–coaching: the development, the relationships, the journey, and you develop special bonds with guys over years when you’re putting in work in the summer and all the time in the season,” he says. “It’s been fun to see their growth both on the floor and off.”

Pella will open its state tournament against the tall and methodical Warriors of Sergeant Bluff-Luton–a rematch from the 2017 tournament, on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Coverage will begin from Wells Fargo Arena on Tuesday at 4:00 on 92.1 KRLS.