Photo by Paige Farrell

A bid in their third consecutive State Tournament is on the line tonight for the Pella Christian boys basketball team, as they battle Iowa City Regina in the Class 2A Substate 5 Final.

Tonight’s meeting between the Eagles and the Regals is just the second in the Bound era. The last time the two teams met on the hardwood was in March 2015, with Iowa City Regina claiming a 55-33 victory in that contest. While it’s been nearly nine years since the two teams last played each other, Pella Christian and the Regals share two common opponents this season in Wilton and West Branch. The Eagles were 2-0 against the Beavers and Bears this year, while Iowa City Regina went 3-2 against their foes from the River Valley Conference. Seeking to make the trip back to Wells Fargo Arena, Pella Christian head coach JD Boer says prior experience will be beneficial in tonight’s matchup.  

“I think it helps to have a group of guys who are experienced, yet hungry. You know, we’ve got a group that’s committed to a big goal, and we’re trying to chip away at that little by little. I think a big part of that is just living in the present moment. We’ve talked about that all week, just living in the present and that’s a life skill to just say, be where my feet are, bloom where I’m planted, and be the best version of myself that I can be today and that’s going to be our mindset going into Saturday as well.”

Pella Christian’s bid for their third straight state tournament appearance begins at 7 pm tonight, and coverage of the Substate Final against Iowa City Regina begins at 6:30 pm on 92.1 KRLS.