In what many expected to be a rebuilding season, the Pella Christian boys basketball team bucked that notion by qualifying to play among Iowa’s elite in Des Moines at the State Tournament.

The Eagles, who graduated seven of the 14 players that suited up for varsity action last season, brought back just 23% of their scoring from last year’s semifinalist squad. Despite that and a change in play style, Pella Christian held the belief that they could once again stand among the final eight teams among Class 2A. Eagles head coach J.D. Boer said that while he’s overjoyed to have accomplished that goal, it’s important to not lose sight that the season’s results hold no weight in determining the team’s success.

“Our theme this year has been belief, and part of the reason is we felt like we got some good guys, good pieces coming back. And maybe people don’t think we’re going to be that good, but we always had belief in ourselves, and we wanted to really continue to build that belief. And I felt like our guys did that. And you know what? We could have easily lost this game. And sometimes I get emotional about this because I’m not sure people understand it. Like we could have lost this game and I’d still be just as proud of these guys. It’s not a results-oriented thing. If you get focused on the results, it’s just not the way to do it and I feel like we were lucky enough to win tonight and I’m proud of the guys to be able to experience that.”

Pella Christian will take on MFL MarMac Monday night at Wells Fargo Arena at 7:15 p.m. in the four vs five matchup of the Class 2A State Tournament.