Class 4A features upset in opening round of tourney

In the class 4A quarterfinals at the Boys’ State Basketball Tournament, Marshalltown entered the state tournament with a record of 12-12 but the Bobcats are now just two wins away from a state title. Marshalltown controlled the tempo and the second half in a stunning 48-41 win over top-ranked Indianola. Bobcat coach Jerry Nikkel felt his team had a chance to win after having some “unbelievable” practices. Nikkel says the team is prepared and he said before the game he didn’t expect any problems with nervousness. North Scott iced its victory over Cedar Rapids Washington from the free throw line. The Lancers made 12 of 15 from the line in the second half in a 59-50 win. Center Shaun Logan led the way for North Scott with 20-points and nine rebounds. Washington forward David Kummer closed his standout career with 14-points and said despite the loss it was a great experience. He says he dreamed about the tourney for 18 years and the experience was great. Third-ranked Des Moines Hoover jumped out to a 14-3 lead at the end of one in a 58-45 victory over Davenport North. Hoover’s defense bottled up North as the Wildcats shot only 29-percent for the game. North coach J.D. Rios says they never got into an offense and Hoover contributed by defending very well. Jonathan Crane led Hoover with 16-points and says the Huskies were hoping for a quick start.Hoover had a balanced scoring attack and Crane says that has been a trait of this team. He says they don’t have superstars, but all play well together as a team.Defending champion Sioux City East went down but not without a fight. The Black Raiders cut a 16-point Waterloo East lead to four in the second half but the Trojans hung on for a 57-47 win. Standout guard Mike Henderson struggled with one for eight shooting but the Trojans used a huge 50-29 advantage on the boards. Coach Steve McGraw says he thought his team felt the pressure a little bit, as Henderson didn’t play well. Landon Scott led Sioux City East with 27-points and says the Black Raiders fought until the bitter end.Tournament officials stopped the game between Waterloo East and Sioux City East in the second half to announce hostilities in Iraq had begun. A prayer was read and the national anthem was played. Waterloo East coach Steve McGraw said he told his team at halftime the game might be stopped and it was difficult to judge their emotions. He says he doesn’t think kids this age understand the magnitude of it all as they’re focused on winning a basketball game.