Iowa high school boys basketball state tournament: Western Christian zooms past Hudson for 2A crown
DES MOINES, IOWA – Hull Western Christian dominated the last 18 minutes to win the Class 2A state champion 78-51 over Hudson Friday at Wells Fargo Arena.
It was the 11th state title for the Wolfpack, who were runners up last season to Central Lyon, in their 24th appearance at the boys state tournament. It also marked their fifth championship in the past 10 years, winning in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2021.
Western Christian's Tyler Mantel
The Wolfpack blew open a close game in the latter stage of the second quarter, ending the half with a 10-2 flurry to erase a 31-30 deficit with 2:13 left in the half and take a 40-33 advantage into the locker room.
The onslaught continued in the third quarter when they ripped off 12 straight points and outscored the Pirates 22-7, putting the game on ice with a 62-38 cushion heading into the fourth quarter.
Overall, Western Christian (23-3) outscored the Pirates 32-7 in a 10-minute span.
The Wolfpack got huge games from senior Caleb Douma and junior Karsten Moret with 23 points apiece. Douma came into the game averaging just 5.9 points per game, and Moret scored at a 13.1 clip. Douma sank seven 3-pointers and Moret connected on five and also pulled down nine rebounds, just missing a double-double.
Western Christian coach Derek Keizer was thrilled for his two role players, especially for Douma in the final game of his high school career.
“Caleb really stepped up,” said Keizer, who just completed his sixth season at Western Christian. “They left Caleb and Karsten open, and they can both shoot. I’m so happy for Caleb. He’s just an outstanding kid, and this team is so unselfish.”
Kaden Van Regenmorter wasn’t called upon to lead the Wolfpack in scoring as the Pirates were attempting to deny him the ball. He finished well below his nearly 20-point average with 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a shot block. He didn’t seem to care though as the 6-foot-3 junior was thrilled for his teammate Douma.
Hudson's Davis scored 19 points in a loss to Western Christian on Friday afternoon. (Photo by Ryan Timmerman)
“To end his career in his final game like that is unbelievable,” he said. “What an awesome way to go out. They were trying to take me away, so I was just trying to get it to whoever was open. He’s a great shooter. Nobody cares who scores. That’s what’s great about this team.”
Van Regenmorter was named captain of the all-tournament team.
“When the best player doesn’t score, he doesn’t care,” Keizer said about Van Ragenmorter. “Kaden knows he’s the best player on the team. He just wants to win.
Camden Davis was the only player to reach double digit for the Pirates (25-3) with 19 points.
The Wolfpack shot 23.7 percent (29 of 54) from the field and 53.6 percent (15 of 28) from beyond the 3-point line. They also outrebounded the Pirates 35-24
Class 2A all-tournament team
Alec Lovely, Treynor
Karsten Moret, Western Christian
Tanner Michael, Hudson
Camden Davis, Hudson
Captain: Kaden Van Regenmorter
--Chris Short | @SBLiveIA
