The #5 (2A) Grundy Center boys basketball team will begin the playoffs by hosting Pleasantville in a 2A District 5 semifinal Thursday.
The Spartans (20-1) have had a week off since their regular season finale, and will look to bounce back from a 74-65 loss to #8 (2A) Union. Having taken care of business throughout the season, Head Coach Owen Thomas says the team will look to continue its winning strategy by getting all players involved in the production.
“It starts with those four guys who are top in our charts,” Thomas says. “Those four staying consistent where they’re averaging 12, 15 points a game, we need to continue to be a balanced team. We can’t turn into a one-man show, because that’s what’s got us at this point. You see sometimes teams get in the postseason and one guy tries to take over, but I truly believe with the group we got and the leadership that we have in our locker room, I truly believe that won’t be an issue. Judd being the player that he is leading the conference and steals an assists, top three in steals and assists in the state. He’s gonna have to continue to play well if we’re gonna wanna get where we’re at, just distributing the basketball. Because like I said, we got a ton of guys that can shoot it. Fryslie, Meester, Davie, incredible shooters. So he’s got to keep distributing, and that’s gonna be our keys to success coming down the stretch here.”
Pleasantville started the playoffs with Monday’s 65-38 win over West Marshall. They’re led by Braylon Bingham with 22 points per game. They’ve recorded the third-fewest turnovers per game in Class 2A with 8.6.
The tipoff will be at 7:00 p.m. The winner will advance to a district final against either Van Meter or PCM.
