A run to the State Tournament Semifinals at Wells Fargo Arena for the Pella Christian boys basketball is #3 on the countdown of top moments from Eagle Lane during the 2022-23 school year.

Pella Christian Boys Advance to Substate Final with Overtime Win Over Wilton

It was far from easy, but the Pella Christian boys basketball team began the run with a 68-65 overtime victory over Wilton in the Class 2A Substate 6 semifinals on Tuesday, February 21st.

The Eagles opened the game with a three-point barrage, jumping out to a 16-4 lead with 2:46 remaining in the first quarter. Wilton responded with a 9-0 run to end the quarter and extended the run to 13-0 as they grabbed their first lead 17-16 at the 6:30 mark of the second quarter. A game of runs continued, as Pella Christian ended the half on a 17-10 spurt to grab a 33-26 advantage at the break. The two teams went back and forth after the intermission, but the Beavers narrowly outscored the Eagles 32-25 in the second half to force overtime. 

Pella Christian got off to another quick start in the extra period as three-pointers from Aiden Stoltz and Tysen DeVries, and a DeVries layup gave them a 66-60 advantage with a 1:13 left in overtime. Wilton battled back to pull within 68-65 on the final possession, but their two three-pointers in the final 12 seconds were off the mark. 

DeVries (22) and Stoltz (21) combined for 43 of Pella Christian’s 68 points, as the team knocked down 13 three-pointers in the win. 

Eagles Stun West Burlington for 17th State Tournament Appearance

In the Class 2A Substate 6 Final on Saturday, February 25th, Pella Christian held on in the final seconds to upset #6 ranked West Burlington 54-53.

It was a back and forth affair between Pella Christian and West Burlington, as neither team ever led by more than eight points. An Aiden Stoltz layup just before the first quarter buzzer gave the Eagles a 12-10 lead. West Burlington narrowly won the second quarter 16-14 to tie the game at 26-26 at halftime. Pella Christian opened the second half with a 6-2 run in the first 1:45, but the Falcons responded by finishing the third quarter with a 12-2 run to take a 40-34 lead. The Eagles saved their best for last however, using a 16-9 surge to hold a 50-49 lead with a 1:00 remaining in the game. After made free throws by West Burlington, Stoltz connected with Dane Geetings for a layup to reclaim a 52-51 lead for Pella Christian, then Geetings drew a charge on defense and the Eagles held on for the upset win.

Qualifying for the State Tournament for the second time in his three years as Eagles head coach, J.D. Boer said he’s excited that his team gets to end their season on the big stage in Des Moines.

“Anytime you get a chance to end your career or end your season at Wells Fargo Arena, it’s a special time. And man, I’m happy for these guys that they get that opportunity.”

Stoltz, the lone returning starter from last season’s State Tournament Semifinalist squad, added that he was proud of the team’s grit and is excited to return to Wells Fargo Arena.

“It feels even better just because it’s my senior year. But no, I’m just really proud of us and the way we played and we had a lot of turnovers tonight but we kept we flushed it, moved on and made some plays after.”

Stoltz led the way offensively for Pella Christian, who improved to 15-9 on the season, with 18 points, while Geetings added 13. 

Pella Christian Holds On For Quarterfinal Victory over MFL MarMac

On Monday, March 6th, fourth seeded Pella Christian overcame a 10 point first quarter deficit to pull out a 61-54 victory over fifth seeded MFL MarMac in the first round of the Class 2A Boys State Basketball Tournament.

The Bulldogs scored 11 of the game’s first 14 points and jumped out to a 19-9 lead late in the first quarter, but the Eagles never panicked. Pella Christian scored the last five points of the period and then the first nine points of the second quarter for a 14-0 run to take the lead. MFL MarMac answered with an 8-0 stretch before the Eagles finished the half with a 15-4 blitz to build a 38-31 lead. The advantage grew as big as nine in the third quarter, but was shrunk to two early in the fourth at 49-47. Pella Christian responded with one last run, ripping off seven points in a row to regain control, and the margin was never less than five down the stretch.

The Eagles limited the Bulldogs to just 36.7% from the floor, including only 4-of-18 from the three-point line. Meanwhile, Pella Christian shot 45.8% and made 6-of-17 from behind the arc. Aiden Stoltz made three long balls and led P.C. with 15 points while DeVries added a dozen.

Pella Christian challenged eventual State Champion Central Lyon in the semifinals, but fell 56-55 after a buzzer-beating three pointer was off the mark. The Eagles finished the season with a 16-10 overall record. 

Highlights from Pella Christian’s win over Wilton:

Highlights from Pella Christian’s win over West Burlington:

Highlights from Pella Christian’s win over MFL MarMac: