They’ll each look a little different than they did a season ago, but a pair of state tournament teams square off tonight in Pella when the Little Dutch boys host defending state champion Norwalk as part of a Little Hawkeye Conference doubleheader.

Pella is off to a 3-0 start despite having to replace three all-conference selections from a season ago.  The Warriors have also had to re-tool, and are 2-1 without reigning Mr. Basketball Bowen Born.  They were drubbed in their season opener by 2nd-ranked Ballard, then responded with wins over Pella Christian and Winterset, which impressed Little Dutch Coach Derek Schulte.

“I think you’ll see a more balanced team this year.  They’re not going to have someone like Bowen that’s out there, but there are multiple guys that play at a high level.  So we’re expecting a really good basketball game tonight.”

In the girls game, Pella comes in at 2-2, but dropped its only conference contest a week ago against Indianola.  Norwalk is 1-3, but the lone victory was a conference win over Pella Christian.

The doubleheader starts tonight at 6:15 at Pella High School.  Trevor Castle and Denny Hanson will call the action live on 92.1 KRLS.  A video webcast of the game, featuring the radio commentary, can be accessed on the “Pella Dutch Live” channel on YouTube.