The wait is nearly over, as over a week removed from qualifying for the school’s 16th state boys basketball tournament appearance in 32 years, the #4 Pella Christian Eagles will open the Class 2A quarterfinals vs. #5 Roland-Story Monday evening.

The Eagles have been playing exceptional basketball in the substate lead-up to this week, winning by an average of 29 points per game against three opponents with 20 wins this year, and the P.C. defense only allowing 34 points per game to the No. 6 (EBF), No. 15 (Des Moines Christian), and No. 21 (Central Decatur) scoring offenses in Class 2A.

Pella Christian takes on a Roland-Story team that has won 10 games in a row — including an undefeated run through the Heart of Iowa conference, and has the 12th highest scoring average (65 points per game) in the class.

Eagles Head Coach JD Boer says the focus will be on two key guards for the Norseman: Junior Isaiah Naylor and his 17.3 points per contest, and Sophomore Jonovan Wilkinson and his 14.3 points per game.

The tournament bracket is as follows in Class 2A:

Class 2A Quarterfinals

Monday, March 7th
5:30—#1 Central Lyon, Rock Rapids vs. #8 Red Oak
7:15—#4 Pella Christian vs. #5 Roland-Story

Tuesday, March 8
Class 2A Quarterfinals
10:30—#3 Mid-Prairie, Wellman vs. #6 Monticello
12:15—#2 Rock Valley vs. #7 Jesup

The Norseman are making their 1st appearance in 10 years, 3rd appearance since a 1969 merger, and 10th all time–including their history as Roland, with two state championships in their history, and the second coming in 1977.

Coverage of Pella Christian state tournament basketball vs. Roland-Story begins at 6:45 p.m. Monday on 92.1 KRLS.