Whoever comes out of the Pella Christian vs. Des Moines Christian substate showdown Saturday may find themselves in prime position to make a run at a championship after a pair of upsets this week in other parts of the state.

Defending Champions and #1 in 2A Western Christian — loaded with the vast majority of their 2021 roster, were stunned by Cherokee 64-63 Wednesday — a team the Wolfpack had between twice by a combined 85 points in the regular season. The town of Hull will have no representatives at state, as #3 in 2A Boyden-Hull was also upset in the district finals round by long-time basketball rival and current football teammates Rock Valley 61-59; and a similar story to Western Christian played out, as the Comets had swept the Rockets by 34 combined points in two conference matchups.

Pella Christian moved up to 5th in Class 2A with their dominating win over Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, and are the 3rd best remaining team according to the BCMoore Power Rankings. The Eagles will clash with #9 Des Moines Christian at Pleasantville High School Saturday for the chance to go to state for the 16th time in school history, which can be heard live on 92.1 KRLS starting at 6:30 p.m.