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Pella will have to overcome a fierce Little Hawkeye Conference rival if they are to get to the state tournament for the 17th time in program history. The Dutch will take on Oskaloosa in the class 3A substate final at Knoxville High School. Pella has defeated Oskaloosa twice during conference competition, but the Indians have won four of their last five and are the defending class 3A state champions. Head Coach Derek Schulte says two things have to happen for Pella to get to the round of eight — continuing to improve on perimeter defense and to play to the strengths of their fast-paced offense.

“Defensively, we’ve got to make sure to make Xavier [Foster] earn everything,” Schulte says. “He’s going to get points because he has advantages in different ways, we’ve just got to make sure he earns every point, and we can’t let them get going from the three-point line like they can get going with some of their guards.”

“Offensively, it’s taking advantage of our strengths and making sure we don’t get caught up in that moment and all of the sudden get away from what has gotten us here, and that’s great teamwork, great ball movement, and making the extra pass.”

The boys in green and white are seeking the school’s first state tournament bid since 2017, while the Indians are looking for their 10th trip all-time after finishing in the finals two seasons in a row.

Coverage of Pella postseason basketball against Oskaloosa begins at 6:30 p.m. tonight from Knoxville High School on 92.1 KRLS, with opening tip at 7:00 p.m.

By the numbers:
– Pella averages 78.2 points per game, 1st in Class 3A
– Oskaloosa has won four of their last five, allowing 45 points per game in those wins
– Pella has won 22 of the last 29 matchups against the Indians (since 2006), including four in a row
– Oskaloosa is the defending Class 3A champions, and 5-1 in the last two seasons at the state tournament

Projected Starters:
Pella:
4 Treyton Sturgeon, F – 15.1 PPG, 7.8 Rebounds PG, 26 blocks, 2 steals per game
12 Logan Shetterly, PG – 18.9 PPG, 5 Assists PG (5th in 3A), 2.1 steals per game
20 Josh Warner, G – 4.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG
22 John Oltman, G – 13.1 PPG, 96 three-pointers made (2nd in 3A), 40% 3PT made
34 Grant Nelson, G – 9.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG

Oskaloosa:
20 Keaton Flaherty – 7.9 PPG, 2.7 assists per game, former Pella Christian JV player
22 Iszac Schultz – 9.4 PPG, 4 assists per game
24 Noah Van Veldhuizen – 12.3 PPG, 69/165 3 PT Made (5th in 3A), 41.8% 3PT Made
34 Xavier Foster – 23.5 PPG (6th in 3A), 9.5 RPG (t-5th in 3A), 54 blocks (6th in 3A)
44 Colton Butler – 3 PPG, 4 RPG

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