Prep Girls’ Basketball: IGHSAU Releases Regional Brackets for Classes 4A and 5A and Final Rankings for Classes 1A, 2A, and 3A

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 at 2:50 pm CDT

Prep Girls’ Basketball- The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) released the Regional Brackets for Classes 4A and 5A today and the Southeast Conference (SEC) will have to battle it out in the first round for our local matchups.

Class 4A

All eyes will be on Region 4 with four of the six SEC teams pitted against one another to start off the tournament on Wednesday, February 19th, at 7 pm.

In the top half of the bracket, Burlington, who nabbed the SEC championship with a win over Washington last night, will get a home game against Fort Madison to tip-off their postseason journey.

The Grayhounds and Bloodhounds split their series this year with Fort Madison limiting the usually potent Burlington offense in December to win 49-39 but the Grayhound offense found their groove in the rematch with a narrow 51-47 victory.

In the recent pass of this matchup, Fort Madison has taken down Burlington in the postseason twice since 2018 both by close margins. In the 2018-19 season, the Bloodhounds snuck out with a 46-44 victory and last year they stumped Burlington 51-44.

If Fort Madison wants to come up with the upset win, they have to be the aggressor. In their win, the Bloodhounds made 11 more free throws and forced 11 more turnovers. In their loss, Burlington kept everything even and controlled the boards with 17 offensive rebounds.

The winner of this game will travel to #4 Central DeWitt on Saturday, February 22nd.

Burlington Player to Watch: Mylee Stiefel (18.7 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.7 steals per game and has scored 39 combined points in last two games against Fort Madison)

Fort Madison Player to Watch: Dayonna Davis (13 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.4 steals per game and scored 26 points in their win)

On the bottom half of the bracket, Mt. Pleasant will get a quick rematch with the Chiefs down in Keokuk. The Chiefs have won their past five matchups against the Panthers after Mt. Pleasant pulled off the upset back in 2022 51-46.

Since that win, Keokuk has made it their mission to decimate the Panthers, limiting Mt. Pleasant to just 22 points per game in their last matchups, while averaging nearly 70 points per contest against the Maroon and Gold.

In their most recent matchup, Keokuk’s pressure defense forced 30 turnovers as Mt. Pleasant struggled to get any of their shots to fall. Something else to note, the Panthers were without their star guard Abby Carthey for the matchup, and they have been missing Alexa Fuller down in the post for their last eight contests.

The upset will not be an easy one, but it starts with taking care of the basketball for Mt. Pleasant with 76 combined turnovers in their two matchups. They will also have to limit last year’s SEC Player of the Year in Kendra Boatman, who is averaging 28.5 points and 9.5 steals against the Panthers.

The winner will venture north to play #12 Clear Creek-Amana in the semifinals on Saturday, February 22nd.

Mt. Pleasant Player to Watch: Kynlee White (6.2 points and 1.6 steals per game. She is typically assigned the opposing team’s best offensive player on defense)

Keokuk Player to Watch: Kendra Boatman (21.4 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.2 steals per game)

IGHSAU Rankings

The IGHSAU also released their latest rankings, which includes their final rankings for Classes 1A, 2A, and 3A and Mediapolis held strong in the top 15.

Class 3A

Mt. Vernon, Dubuque Wahlert, and Williamsburg kept strong as the top three teams for the rankings and the top eight teams received the same memo and did not change positions. Mediapolis went against the current and leapfrogged one team to be ranked #13 for the final rankings of the season.

After finally appearing in the rankings for the first time this year last week, the Bulldogs handled business with a resounding 66-12 win over Columbus as this suffocating defense of Mediapolis tabbed their 17th game this season of at least 20 steals as they lead the state in steals per game.

Their offense is almost as impressive, averaging 67.1 points per game, which ranks 4th in the state and first in Class 3A. It is consistency and a knack for sharing the ball for the Bulldogs with three players averaging double figure points per night and the most assists per night in the state.

Mediapolis will begin their postseason journey on Saturday, February 15th, at 7 pm against Washington at home.

For a full list of the rankings, follow the provided link: IGHSAU Rankings

Gloria Jean Droz

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 at 1:24 pm CDT

Gloria Jean Droz, 78, a resident of Portland, Oregon, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025 at her home.

Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 20, 2025 with the family greeting friends from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Burial will be held at Memorial Lawn Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family and sent to 50 N. 11th St. Fairfield, Iowa 52556.

Gloria was born October 19, 1946 in Fairfield, the daughter of Willard “Jack” and Aletha (Waggoner) Droz. She was a 1964 graduate of Fairfield High School. Gloria worked at Fred Meyer grocery for over 30 years. She enjoyed walking and watching speed boat races.

Those left to honor her memory include her sisters, Marie (Mike) Griffin, Kathy (Howard) Garrison, and Patty Ingle, all of Fairfield; sister-in-law, Becky Droz of Fairfield; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert Droz; and sisters, Sue Ann Peebler and Linda English.

Online condolences may be made to Gloria’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Jordan Ashton’s William Woods Owls Claw Their Way into the Top 10 in Latest NAIA Men’s Basketball Rankings

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 at 10:57 am CDT

NAIA- The sixth edition of the NAIA men’s basketball coaches Top 25 poll and Mt. Pleasant’s brand of winning certainly knows how to travel as a trio of former Panthers and a duo of Tigers find themselves climbing the poll for another week.

William Woods University patrolled by former Iowa Wesleyan head coach Jordan Ashton has led his team into the top 10 rankings for the first time this season, jumping up five spots from last week’s rankings to #9.

After losing back-to-back games in mid-November to a now-ranked #6 Dordt and a then-ranked #11 Central Baptist College by a combined eight points, the Owls have rattled off 17 consecutive victories.

To illustrate the domination during this 17-game winning streak, the Owls have collected 12 wins by double digits and scored over 90 points in seven of the wins, including three instances of scoring 100 points on their opponent.

Their biggest contest during this streak was a rematch against then-ranked #17 Central Baptist College—now ranked 18th—in front of the Owl faithful. Down at the half, the Owls dropped 47 second-half points to exit with a top 25 victory, 79-74, as D’Mari Wiltz put up 21 points for William Woods.

Recently getting heralded was a pair of former Iowa Wesleyan Tigers, Francis Okwuosah and Henry Shannon III. Okwuosah was named AMC Offensive Player of the Week 18.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game last week, which included an 87-80 win over Columbia College, William Woods’ first at Columbia in seven years.

Shannon earned AMC Defensive Player of the Week as he tabbed three blocks, three steals, and ripped down 17 boards in their three wins last week. His best performance included a 14 point and two block performance to officially sweep Columbia for the first time in seven years.

Also seeing time on the court is former Panther Aaiden Ashton as he is averaging 5 points per game in his 19 game appearances as a sophomore. Payton Hagans, also a Mt. Pleasant native, is a freshman on the team.

The Owls have three more games before jumping into the AMC Tournament on February 27th.

28th Annual African American History Program Saturday, February 15th

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 at 9:27 am CDT

Second Baptist Ministries in Mount Pleasant is hosting their 28th Annual African American History Program this Saturday, February 15th to celebrate Black History Month. This event will feature a meal, music and special Keynote speaker, Debra Campbell and her group Charism, will lead the program.

Most know Mrs. Campbell as The First Lady, as she is the Wife to Pastor Tony Campbell, of Second Baptist. Debra leads the worship during service and talks about her love for expressing music to the community.

The entire evening will highlight African American heritage, cultures, and traditions. Debra mentions she enjoys meeting new members of the community each year.

The event is open to the public with a free will donation encouraged. Second Baptist, 801 East Winfield Avenue Mount Pleasant. The program hosted by Second Baptist is February 15th.  The meal will begin at noon and the program with Mrs. Campell and her group Charism, will begin at 1pm. Listen to the Full conversation with Mrs. Debra Campbell during Friday’s Breakfast Club.

Vehicle Headed Southbound on HWY 218 Rolls Through Median Across Northbound Lanes

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 at 8:08 am CDT

On February 11th, 2025, at approximately 8:50 p.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a single vehicle collision near the intersection of 287th Street and Highway 218, south of Mount Pleasant.  An investigation into the collision determined a 2008 Toyota Scion was traveling south bound in the 2700-grid of Highway 218 when the vehicle entered the median.  The vehicle then rolled across the north bound lanes coming to rest in the east ditch of north bound Highway 218.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Lucas Lindsey, 18, of Washington, Iowa.  The investigation also determined Lucas was impaired, which was the primary contributing factor to the collision.  Lucas was arrested and charged with Operating While Under the Influence, 1st Offense, serious misdemeanor; Failure to Maintain Control of Motor Vehicle, simple misdemeanor; Failure to Prove Security Against Liability, simple misdemeanor; Possession Under the Legal Age, simple misdemeanor.

No injuries were reported and the damage to the vehicle was estimated at $6500, a total loss.

***A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendants are

presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.***

Blake Van Ness of New London, arrested for Domestic Disturbance

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 at 8:04 am CDT

On February 8th, 2025, at approximately 1:05 a.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a domestic disturbance occurring in the 300-block South Ash Street in New London, Iowa.  The victim reported the assault had occurred at multiple points in the evening and the offender had left after breaking several things inside the residence.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report and began an investigation. It was determined Blake Van Ness, 36, of New London, had assaulted the victim by impeding the normal breathing or circulation of blood by applying pressure to the throat or neck during an altercation.  It was also determined, during the altercation, Blake damaged items inside the residence.  The dollar amount to fix or replace the items was estimated to be between $750 and $1500.

Blake was arrested/charged with Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree and Domestic Assault Impeding Flow of Air/Blood, both aggravated misdemeanors.

***A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendants are

presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.***

Winfield Man Drives into Oasis Avenue Ditch

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 at 8:00 am CDT

On February 11th, 2025, at approximately 5:05 p.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vehicle collision resulting in property damage.  The single vehicle collision was reported to have occurred near the Oasis Avenue / US Highway 78 intersection outside of Winfield, Iowa.

An investigation into the collision determined that a 2008 Chevrolet HHR was traveling north of Oasis Avenue when it left the roadway and entered the ditch.  Upon arrival, a driver was not present.

The investigation, along with the assistance of witnesses, determined the driver to be Patrick Keck, 45, of Winfield.  Observations of impairment/intoxication were made.

A state accident report was completed due to the value of property damage and no injuries were reported to have been sustained.

Patrick was arrested/charged with Driving While License Revoked and Operating While Intoxicated 1st Offense, both serious misdemeanors.  Citations were also issued for Failure to Maintain Control of Motor Vehicle, Operation without Registration, and Failure to Prove Security Against Liability.

***A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendants are

presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.***

Sports, February 12th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

West Burlington celebrated senior night in style last night, picking up a pair of wins over Mt. Pleasant. In the girls’ game, Mt. Pleasant shook off a slow first half to score 18 points in the third quarter to take their first lead of the night; unfortunately, the Falcons were able to get to the free throw line, converting 15 of their 29 attempts to exit with the 42-34 victory. Abby Carthey scored 12 points for the Panthers, while Lyndsey Kelley put up a game high 17 points. 

The #10 West Burlington boys’ team was involved in a shootout with Mt. Pleasant as the Panthers drained 10 triples by the night’s end but Quincy Collins (27 points) and Mason Watkins’ (24 points) combined 51 points as the Falcons claimed their 7th consecutive victory 76-65. Noah Lange collected 19 points for the Panthers in the losing effort. 

Despite exiting with the win, West Burlington’s boys’ head coach Cody VanFleet knows his team has a target on their back with postseason play around the corner,

“…We talked all the last couple days about not having a let down and then we had a let down. So obviously I’m not happy with much about tonight… You know, I mean again, yeah, we made shots, but we allowed them to score in the paint. Allowed them to make threes. Our defense wasn’t nearly as good as it was against a really good Hillcrest team on Saturday night.”

“So the good thing is, we got now until a week from Thursday to figure it out and watch a lot of film. And they’re going to be really tired of watching this game because we’re going to watch a lot of it. We’re going to break it down before we even, because we don’t even know who we’re gonna play until Monday night. So, for the next 4 days, we’re gonna be watching this and I just want them to understand how hard it’s going to be to win from here on out.”

Fairfield was swept last night with the girls’ team losing their final home game of the season against Knoxville 60-29 and the boys’ team failing to keep up with the Mid-Prairie offense in a 68-59 final. 

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will host Fairfield on Friday, February 14th, at 7:30 pm.

The Wapello boys’ team initially hung in with WACO last night but the Warriors ran away with the contest, winning 64-49. The win for WACO secured the Warriors a share of the Southeast Iowa Super Conference North division crown with Hillcrest Academy. 

The Columbus boys’ team dropped their contest to Louisa-Muscatine last night 66-54. 

In an early preview of postseason basketball, the Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team took on Pekin last night but dropped the contest to the Panthers 49-45. Cooper Buffington led the scoring with 17 points for the Wolves. 

The New London boys’ team lost to Davis County last night 77-44 

The Central Lee boys’ team will compete against Davis County tomorrow, February 13th, at 7:30 pm at home.

The Mediapolis boys’ team will travel to Tipton tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

High School Girls’ Postseason Basketball

Girls’ regional basketball tips-off tomorrow, February 13th, for Class 1A and on Saturday, February 15th, for Classes 2A and 3A with all games starting at 7 pm. Here’s a look at our local matchups. 

In Class 1A Region 7 on the top half of the bracket, Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to Keota, Wapello will make the trip to Highland, and New London will take on Hillcrest Academy on the road.

In the bottom half of the bracket, WACO will face off against Burlington Notre Dame in a cross-divisional conference matchup at home. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. Holy Trinity Catholic will host Moulton-Udell.

In Class 2A Region 1, Van Buren County will compete against Pleasantville on February 18th on the road. In Region 2, West Burlington will play West Branch on Saturday at home with the winner advancing to tangle with Columbus; Danville will take on Louisa-Muscatine on February 18th at home.

In Class 3A Region 1, #14 Mediapolis will face off against Washington at home. In Region 4, Fairfield will travel to Williamsburg and Central Lee will make the trip to Mid-Prairie. 

High School Wrestling

The boys’ district meet is scheduled for Saturday, February 15th, with Van Buren County, WACO, and Wapello traveling to Pleasantville and New London will head to Wilton in Class 1A. For Class 2A, Burlington Notre Dame, Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, and Fairfield will compete in Centerville and Mt. Pleasant and Mediapolis will venture to Williamsburg. 

High School Bowling

The girls’ state qualifying meets are scheduled for Monday, February 17th, and Fairfield and West Burlington will compete at Davis County, while Mt. Pleasant will travel to Keokuk. 

The boys’ state qualifying meets will take place on Tuesday, February 18th, and Mt. Pleasant will make the trip to Keokuk to compete. 

College Signing

The rich history of track and field at Mt. Pleasant adds another notch to its belt after Nolan Frueh signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Mount Mercy University track and field program for the next season.

As a junior, Frueh ranked as the third-best shot putter on the team with a throw of 42 feet and 7 inches and had the second-best mark in the discus with a heave of 124 feet and 7 inches. Besides the usual throwing events, Frueh expects to do the weight throw and the hammer toss.

With the season less than a month away from starting with the Dickinson Relays at UNI on March 10th, Frueh is not looking to contain himself to one specific goal,

“I wouldn’t have any personal goals, but the sky is the limit.”

He will be studying Criminal Justice at Mount Mercy University.

Southeastern Community College                                                     

The men’s basketball team will host Illinois Central College tonight at 7 pm. 

College Basketball

The #10 Iowa State men’s team was able to hold off UCF last night to win 77-65. Keshon Gilbert cashed in for 15 points in the winning effort. The Cyclones will compete against Cincinnati at home on Saturday, February 15th, at 3 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will look to snap their three game losing streak tonight on the road against Rutgers at 5:30 pm. 

The Iowa women’s team will host Rutgers tomorrow, February 13th, at 6:30 pm.

The Iowa State women’s team will face off against Kansas on the road on Saturday at 4 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1937 – Cleveland (now Los Angeles) Rams granted an NFL franchise. 

1982 – Wayne Gretzky scores 153rd point of season, breaking a then-NHL record. Gretzky holds the record with 215 points. 

2007 – Marty Schottenheimer is abruptly fired as head coach of the San Diego Chargers after a 14-2 regular season record due to lack of playoff success and a strained relationship with ownership.