One step closer to returning to the state tournament, the No. 9 in Class 3A Pella boys basketball team will have to overcome a conference rival to advance in the substate playoffs tonight.

The Dutch (17-6 overall, 2nd in the Little Hawkeye Conference) welcome Newton (12-10 overall, 5th in the LHC) back for a third game between the two schools after tonight’s home team swept the season series, 62-57 on December 20th and 72-51 on January 31st.

The Cardinals exploded to their best offensive performance of the season on Monday against Boone — Newton hadn’t scored more than 68 points all season before dropping 97 on the Torredors in a school-record performance with 16 made three pointers.

Coverage of the Pella version of tonight’s substate semifinals showdown begins at 6:30 this evening on 92.1 KRLS and Pella Dutch Live.