The Pella boys basketball team has embraced a new identity this winter. After several years as one of the most explosive offensive teams in Class 3A basketball, this year’s group has had to embrace what they can do defensively — and to good results so far.

Pella’s 47.7 points per game allowed is the 6th best among 3A teams, and no opponent has scored more than 57 — and that was undefeated North Polk in the opener.

But if the Dutch are going to contend with some of the better teams remaining on their schedule and build toward a long playoff run, Boys Head Coach Derek Schulte believes they need their strong stopping ability to translate into even more efficient opportunities on offense.

“I think the most optimistic part is despite some offensive woes and low field goal percentages, is that this group has found a way to win,” Schulte says. “I think we’re top ten in scoring defensive and have been able to turn some defense into offense, which is going to be important for a team when you have inconsistency shooting the basketball.”

Pella, who stands at 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the Little Hawkeye Conference, opens from the winter break at Oskaloosa on Tuesday, January 3rd, which can be heard on 92.1 KRLS as part of a girls-boys doubleheader.