The Class 1A championship at the boys’ state tournament will feature last year’s champ against the top ranked team. Fifth ranked Cedar Falls NU High bids for a second straight title even though their are a number of new faces on this team.

Junior forward Tanner Cook says they always felt they could get back, but noone expected them to get back after graduating so many seniors. Panther coach Paul Elser says this was their preseason goal and he credits the younger guys for pushing the older guys. He says he experience of last year really helped them get back and defend the title.

Number one Rock Valley advanced to the title game after a semifinal round win over third rated Iowa Mennonite. Junior forward Marcus Heemstra had 25 points in the win and looks forward to playing in the title game. Heemstra says it’s everything he dreamed up and he can’t wait to go out and play one more time.

The Rockets will be in search of their third state title and the first since 1998.