So often in sports, the term “rivalry” is probably overused, as while many teams at all levels of athletics have their favorite (or least favorite) frequent opponents, the result itself often isn’t so competitive or close.
But in the Pella city limits, the annual high school clashes on the hardwood have largely lived up to the hype for several years, and the boys basketball series renews again this Friday at Pella High School. The Tulip City showdown has been one of the better rivalries in terms of competitive games amongst conference foes across the state.
In the previous 15 matchups dating back to the beginning of 2016, the average margin for victory is 7.5 points per contest; and eleven of those final scores in that stretch were closer than that mark. The Dutch won a last second three-point victory in their most recent game in 2023, after the Eagles won the first matchup last winter. Pella has the advantage over Pella Christian since the year 2000, with a 28-18 series record during that time.
Pella Head Coach Derek Schulte acknowledges the rivalry between the two teams has frequently lived up to the billing, and he expects another pair of tough, close games this winter against a deep and talented P.C. squad. The Dutch come into Friday having won four games in a row while showcasing their 5th ranked in Class 3A offense.
“They were rated preseason number one for a reason,” Schulte says. “We know the rivalry of what Pella, Pella Christian is — it will be a fun Friday night. We have a ton of respect for that team and program, and twice a year, we get to play in one of the best atmospheres in the entire state.”
The #8 in Class 2A Eagles are 5-2 overall and still have eyes on chasing a conference title, a deep postseason run, and third consecutive state tournament appearance. A victory over their archrivals may be a spring board to push them toward those goals into the coldest months of the year. P.C. Head Coach J.D. Boer says the game against the Dutch always has extra meaning no matter where they stand, as many of the players grew up in the sport of basketball together.
“It’s just one of those games where, for those guys, it matters to them,” he says. “What an opportunity for high school kids when they get to play with their friends — a bunch of kids they’ve probably been playing against and know and playing with their whole lives, in front of a huge crowd — can we just take a moment to enjoy that, like, can we have some fun in that? That’s something that we’ll be talking to our guys about, is just enjoying that moment. That matters for all games, but this one is just kind of special when you think about what it means to the community and these players.”
Coverage of the Tulip City Showdown begins with pregame at 5:45 Friday evening before the girls-boys twin bill on 92.1 KRLS and Pella Dutch Live.