The #5 (2A) Grundy Center boys basketball team will face Beckman Catholic for a 2A Substate Final Saturday inside the McLeod Center, which’ll air on 99 The Wave.
Appearing in their third consecutive substate game, the Spartans will look to build on the momentum of playoff wins over Pleasantville and Van Meter. They’ve been efficient on offense while taking care of the ball, committing just nine and five turnovers in those games.
Beckman is coming off a 65-57 win at Denver in Tuesday’s district final. Four players score in double figures, led by Tayveon Barnhart with 12.9 points per game.
“They’ve got a lot of momentum, they’re definitely better than what their record shows,” Grundy Center Coach Owen Thomas says. “They’ve had guys hurt this year, so I’m not shocked that they’re here. But we just got to be ready to go. We’ve got to play our brand of basketball. And again, I think it’s going to really come down to whose four guys can be better, because we got eight guys averaging 10 plus on the court. It’s going to be awesome to watch. And I think it’s going really come down to that. And then also, you look at our bench and how hard our bench guys play. Every substate game has that one play where everyone remembers the turning point. Hopefully we’re on the right end of that. I think the kids understand what it takes to be winners. And I’m excited to see how they adapt. Obviously playing in a super cool environment at the McLeod Center.”
Pregame coverage will start at 6:15 p.m., followed by the tipoff at 6:30.
