Now that both Tulip City boys basketball teams have qualified for the final 16 and have a chance to play at state, it marks the continuation of hoops tradition in the Pella Community.

The Eagles will play for their 15th ever trip to the final eight, while the Dutch will do so Monday night for their 17th turn in program history.

Pella Christian Head Coach Larry Hessing has led 11 teams to the state tournament in his 26 seasons at the school, and tells KRLS Sports it’s always exciting to be in the mix and contending for a spot at Wells Fargo Arena.

“It’s exciting, and the guys have to recognize that even though there’s a lot of excitement, they have to maintain themselves and control the way they play,” he says.

The Eagles will travel to Knoxville to play in the Class 2A Substate 5 finals against Van Meter Saturday. Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. on 92.1 KRLS.