When the Little Hawkeye Conference slate begins, the Norwalk boys basketball team will compete among a talented league with multiple teams with state title aspirations. The Warriors have some ground to make up with just four players with a full year of varsity experience. Head Coach Aaron Pelzer says despite the inexperience of his team, he expects battles night in and night out.

“There’s not going to be a gimme on the schedule at all this year. That’s one of the battles we’re going to fight. Of all the years for us to be inexperienced, I’m not sure this is the one I would’ve picked. It’s the cards we’re dealt, we’re going to go to battle and try to get better every night.”

The Little Hawkeye Conference has produced three consecutive 3A state champions, with Oskaloosa taking the title in 2019, Norwalk in 2020, and Pella in 2021. Pelzer identifies Pella, Pella Christian, Indianola and Dallas Center-Grimes as teams who could contend for a championship. Norwalk begins its season Tuesday at home against Ballard, and will open conference play next Friday at home against Pella Christian.