Sixteen substate regionals get going tomorrow in what is the beginning of the road in a quest for a team championship. This is the second year now of this team format where all teams have a shot at making the state tournament. Some regionals will be exciting, some will be a lot of chalk. Below, I dive into each substate for a few tidbits.
Fans can follow along with the bracket version of the substates and see results as soon as I hear them updated.
2A Team Substates
State Quarterfinal Qualifier Predictions
#1 Waukee NW
#2 Linn-Mar
#3 Pleasant Valley
#4 Iowa City West
#5 Valley
#6 Mason City
#7 CR Washington
Cedar Falls
Substate 1:
The heavy favorite Wolves of Waukee NW will take care of business in their quest for a triple crown.
Substate 2:
Waukee and Roosevelt in round two could be a lot closer than many might think. These two did not play in the regular season, that I could find at least, and both have kind of been on the outside looking in of the top 10 rankings. Whoever comes out of this one will have their hands full with Mason City next Wednesday. Riverhawks get it done.
Substate 3:
CR Wash and Johnston are on track to meet in this substate final. The #7 ranked Warriors are looking to head back to state for the second year in a row. Johnston narrowly fell to #5 Valley during the regular season 5-4, so this meet could be tight. Wash's depth will prove to be too tough and the Warriors advance to the quarters.
Substate 4:
#2 Linn-Mar doesn't have any issues heading back to state in this region.
Substate 5:
The Spartans of Pleasant Valley take care of business and return to state as a top 4 team once again.
Substate 6:
Two-time defending champions Iowa City West advances through this substate with little issues.
Substate 7:
The most competitive region of any substate this year, hands down. #8 Dowling enters at the top seed, followed by Marshalltown and Cedar Falls as the other top seeds. The big storyline here is Cedar Falls not getting the two seed. The boys coaches poll had the Tigers in the top ten all season, until this past Monday, deemed a top ten team, even top eight, CF is seeded behind the Bobcats, who are in a down year compared to the past few years. Dowling and Cedar Falls has been the matchup many have been waiting for, and the one I expect to happen. The Tigers have had lineup issues all season long, but I have a feeling the stars are going to align and they make it through.
Substate 8:
Valley advances to the state tournament in this substate for the 25th time.
1A Team Substates
State Quarterfinals Predictions:
#1 Whalert
#2 Pella
#3 Xavier
#4 North Polk
#5 WSR
#6 Boone
#7 Decorah
#8 SBL
Substate 1:
#8 SBL makes it through to what I believe would be their first state tournament berth in program history. Should not be too much trouble here.
Substate 2:
Expecting a WSR and Ballard substate final in this region. The Go-Hawks should prevail, but Ballard has been flirting with a top ten ranking some this season. They will need their A+ game to get past WSR.
Substate 3:
Decorah led by top ranked and defending singles champ Caden Branum should come out of this section and into the quarterfinals. AP and Columbus in the substate semi-final could be a very close meet, both of those squads led by veteran Tate Neymeyer and freshman Parker Stroh. Vikings push past for another state berth.
Substate 4:
#1 Wahlert and #9 Central Dewitt to clash in this substate final. State title favorite Golden Eagles will be too strong for the Sabers this time around.
Substate 5:
4-time defending state champs Xavier cruises to another state berth in their title defense out of this section.
Substate 6:
#2 Pella also cruises in their substate, in their hopes to finally get over the hump at the end of the season and capture a state title that has eluded them for the last few years.
Substate 7:
Most interesting substate in 1A this season. North Polk, ranked a top four team all season, is not the top seed. Newly top ten team Shenandoah comes in as the top seed with the Comets as the two seed. NP is led by 2 of the top 5 players in 1A and have something to prove after missing out on making the state tournament in 2023. I expect these two teams to make this substate final and it may be a bit closer than many would think. NP has the advantage in the upper half of the lineup, and the lower part is going to be a grind. North Polk should get this done, but they will need doubles.
Substate 8:
Boone and Glenwood on a collision course to meet for a chance at the state tournament. Give me the Toreadors reaching the quarterfinals.
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