You don’t always see a match-up of 18-4 teams in the second round of Class 1A boys district play.
But that’s what we’ll have when Montezuma visits WACO on Thursday, Feb. 17, for a 7 p.m. tip.
Both teams lead with their defense. Given that they’re playing on WACO’s home floor in Wayland, the Braves would be well-advised to be ready from the center jump. Montezuma has been slow to start in some recent games.
If you’re going, note that you must purchase tickets online before you arrive. Details are on the Montezuma schools website.
LATEST – The booster club at WACO has decided to live-stream the game. Here is the link: https://Youtube.com/WACOWarriorsLive
You also can listen on KBOE or KTRI radio
WACO has been flirting with a top 10 ranking in Class 1A during the latter stages of the season. The Braves haven’t, but closing the regular season against Class 2A Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont and Grundy Center – plus some needed practice time – should have them prepared.
Both WACO and Montezuma should be a tough out for any team in Class 1A.
The Warriors are giving up 40 points a game, ninth-best in the class. The Braves’ defensive yield is 46.4 and they can be stingier than that.
Both sides are averaging close to 60 points on offense.
WACO has an edge in most statistical categories. But, with a few exceptions, they play different schedules.
The Warriors are young, and one stat area they don’t have an edge in is turnovers. They’ve made 15 a game, so that could be an area the Braves can exploit.
The tallest Warriors are 6-5 Cody Graber, a junior who averages 5.4 rebounds, and 6-2 sophomore Colton Leichty, 5.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
WACO’s lone double figures scorer is 6-1 sophomore Hunter Hughes, 12.0 ppg., who also dishes 3.5 assists.
Simeon Reichenbach, a 6-0 junior, scores 9.3 points, takes down 5.5 rebounds, and dishes 2.8 assists.
Reece Oswald, a 6-1 sophomore, scores 8.8 points and shoots 48 percent from the field, including 48 percent from three-point range.
THURSDAY’S WINNER – Advances to the District 10 championship game vs. either New London (19-2) or Iowa Valley (18-4) on Tuesday, Feb. 22, in Mediapolis.