Defending 3A champs survive first round

The defending champs in class 3A have advanced at the Boys’ State Basketball tournament. Waverly-Shell Rock controlled much of the first half against second-ranked Pella but the Dutch used a late surge to grab the lead at halftime then put the game away in the third quarter in a 68-47 win. Klayton Korver led Pella with 20 points. He says a quick start to the third quarter was a key in their win. Korver says game experience at the tournament is more of a plus than being the defending champs. He says he’s played in six games at Vet’s so he knows what to expect. Waverly-Shell Rock coach Bill Eckenrod says he credits Pella with playing under control despite his team’s push. Eckenrod says Pella played like a defending champ.He says they played well offensively, defensively and in transition. Joe Greene led Waverly-Shell Rock with 16.