Get Ready for the 2026 IHSAA Boys State Basketball Championships

Insights From Noah Wolf

What to watch for:

• Six of the eight schools participating have never won a state title, including MMCRU, which, as a two seed, is making its first appearance at the state tournament as a combined school. Will we see a first-time champion?
• One seed St. Edmond is coached by Adolph Kochendorfer, in his 40th and final year as a head coach. Can he lead St. Edmond back to a state title as one last hurrah?
• The teams in class 1A all bring something a little different. Some teams like to play with speed and power, others play very methodically. Who will win in these clashes of style?

Why I love being an announcer for boys basketball:

I grew up in Cedar Falls and take pride in being from this great state. The state boys basketball tournament brings towns and communities together to rally around their elite athletes, and I'm so excited to be a part of it.

Insights From Mitch Osborn

What to watch for:

• The 1A state tournament field is loaded with six state-ranked teams. Woodbine, while unranked, has qualified for their third consecutive year by defeating two ranked teams along the way. Boyden Hull, also unranked, beat the fifth-ranked team and has a steep state tournament tradition.
• Can St. Edmond send Coach Adolph Kochendorfer (who is retiring after this season) home with a state title? They finished the year ranked #1. They also have a first round rematch from last year’s state tournament with Woodbine.
• Which teams are going to adjust to playing in this incredible environment and settle in right away? Which teams will struggle?

Why I love being an announcer for boys basketball:

I am very excited to be providing commentary at the boys state tournament as this will be a different seat and perspective for me after retiring from 41 years as high school head boys basketball coach. I was very fortunate to have been a part of 19 state tournaments as a head coach with three different schools- Elk Horn-Kimballton, Pomeroy/Palmer and Harlan Community. It takes so much work and preparation in getting a team to the state tournament. It is an incredible reward for all the hard work throughout the year and I look forward to spotlighting this journey of the players and coaches. I am also honored and excited to work with Noah Wolf!

Insights From Corey Westra

What to watch for:

• Class 2A has some great matchups this year. This field includes rivalries and tradition-rich programs.
• It's a wide open bracket of teams with great coaches and players.
• Look at the road to state in this class, that should give you a very good glimpse into the week ahead at the Casey's Center.

Why I love being an announcer for boys basketball:

It's an honor to be asked to join the television broadcast team for the Iowa Boys State Championships. As a lifelong Iowan, the state tournament is one of the proudest traditions for our high school student-athletes. When I was a kid I watched Frosty Mitchell and Mark Zelich on the air and now I am part of that proud tradition. It's very humbling. I am so happy for our state that Iowa PBS is now televising the championship games so everyone can see the amazing talent this state has to offer. I'm also excited to have former Sioux City East Coach Ras Vanderloo on the air with me as part of the coverage of class 2A.

Insights From Ras Vanderloo

What to watch for:

• Teams that make it to the state tournament all have one thing in common. They play as a team, the ball moves, they make the extra pass, and they’re happy for one another when a basket is made.
• The shot clock was introduced just a few years ago, and it keeps the game moving and lets teams play fast.
• Successful teams will demonstrate power, speed and offensive explosiveness.

Why I love being an announcer for boys basketball:

I’m excited about being an analyst this year for the IHSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament.
Being a part of twelve state tournaments as a coach (eight as an assistant coach and four as a head coach.) gives me a unique perspective on the game, and I understand the excitement in being part of the state tournament.

Insights From Eric Braley

What to watch for:

• These teams vary widely in defensive style. Some bring full-court pressure or half-court traps to force turnovers, while others stick to disciplined man-to-man. Defense wins championships!
  Many of the top teams this season have excelled in pushing the ball in transition and getting easy rim-attacking opportunities. Look for the hustle on both ends of the court. 
  Expect close games that go down to the wire, free throw shooting (and getting to the line) separates the contenders.

Why I love being an announcer for boys basketball:

There’s something truly special about being behind the mic for these championships. Entire communities rally around their teams, and the student-athletes compete with everything they have on the line. The emotion is real, and the state tournament consistently delivers elite-level basketball that’s must-see TV.
 

Watch All the Action Live This Friday

The 2026 IHSAA Boys State Basketball Championships will take place Friday, March 13, starting at 1 p.m. Each game will be broadcast on statewide Iowa PBS and livestreamed on iowapbs.org and YouTube.

Consider making a donation to the Friends of Iowa PBS Foundation to help ensure Iowa PBS can continue to cover Iowa high school sports and broadcast it all across the state.