Class 3A — ADM Tigers vs. Ballard Bombers

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Welcome to downtown Des Moines, Iowa. It is Championship Friday from the Casey's Center on Iowa. PBS sports. The lights are brightest. The pressure is highest. A season of hard work comes down to one game. Two teams, one caught the ADM Tigers number two in the state. The Ballard Bombers number one overall. Greetings my friends. Eric Braley Jess Settles. This one should be a doozy as they split during the regular season. What do you expect in this one?

Jess well, the third time is going to be a charm for one of these two teams. Somebody is going to cut down the nets for ADM. They're coming off a historic win at the state tournament, a double overtime thriller. Lorensen is 37 points away from tying Fred Hoiberg's 3A record. So that's on the line. If you're Ballard, they're going to pick up full court. They're going to try to wear ADM down over four quarters. It's going to be a sensational game. Both teams split. As you mentioned.

You're also not going to want to miss our halftime show. Paul Yeager will join us. He'll have game highlights, coach interviews, cheerleaders will perform, and we'll talk with Iowa High School Athletic Association Executive Director Tom Keating. It's all coming up at the half. Let's introduce you to ADM fourth trip to state. And they might have the best player in the state of Iowa.

No question. He is in a zone right now. Lorensen 34 points in the quarter. But the big story might be Trey Bryte. They put the ball in his hands late in that game time and time again, and he delivered. He's a triple double threat. They're going to have to if you're Ballard, keep him out of the paint.

And for the Ballard Bombers number one in the state for a good reason. They've been here six of the last eight years.

They are going to trap, they're going to reach, they're going to grab. They're going to try to turn ADM over and get up and down the court. Abbott, Evan Abbott 19 points per game, four rebounds, 38% from beyond the arc. He's one of the best players in the state.

It's time for the starting lineup and to meet the players. Here's P.A Rick Stegmann.

Is it's time for basketball. This is the championship game in class 3A. The visitors on the scoreboard are the Tigers of ADM. They have a record of 24 wins and two losses. They defeated Xavier and Storm Lake in double overtime to reach this championship game.

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The home team on the scoreboard are the bombers of Ballard. They have a record of 25 wins and one loss. They defeated Gilbert and Carrol to reach this championship game. And now let's meet the Nonstarters and assistant coaches from both teams for the Tigers. Number one Walker Holmberg. Number four will Schweiger. Number ten Tate Troster. Number 11 Tyler Kneip. Number 12 Ben Plaisance. Number 14 Carter Banwart. Number 15 Reid Kluesner. Number 21 Jackson Siefken. Number 22 Carson Oberhoffer. Number 23. Reece Strittmatter. Number 24 Maddox McCullough. Number 32 Latimer Timmerman. And number 35 Joshua Randall, the assistant coaches are Joshua Barnes, Lucas Denherder, Riley Francis, and Trenton Hilbrands for the Bombers number one. Evan Kinzenbaw. Number three Mojoe Nybong. Number five Grayden Herrmann. Number ten Blake Krogman. Number 12. Alex Weeks. Number 13 Max Wilson. Number 14 Caleb Allen. Number 15 Parker domino. Number 21 Dylan Chauhan. Number 24 gauge Krohg. Number 25. Kanon. DeYoung and number 30. Kameron Allen. And also Caden Agena. The assistant coaches are Sam Weeks, Jared Kuberski, Brant Miller, and Wyatt Weeks.

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And now here are your starting lineups for the Tigers. A61 senior. Number two Hudson Shull. A66 senior. Number three Trey Burke. A 511 junior. Number five. E who Wiebers. A61 senior number 13 Hudson Lorensen and A65 senior. Number 20 Hayden Dohlman.

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For your Bombers A65 junior. Number four Parker. A61 junior. Number 11. Bryce. A65 junior. Number 20 Evan Abbott. A65 senior. Number 22 Easton. Ursuline and a six foot senior. Number 23 J Gibson.

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Run. To head coach of the Tigers is Trevor Michaelson, the head coach of the Bombers is Jeff Shurtz.

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Come on, turn.

Turn this thing around. Hey.

Your officials for this game are Mark Gasman, Jeff Horst, Bill mock, and Dante Terry.

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Right.

Fighting today at Casey's Center is presented by Musco Lighting. The official.

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All right, we're ready to go. Opening tip off. Jess Settles. What are the keys to the game for ADM?

Well, the legend of the Lorensen. He has been on fire. He's got to have a big game. They're going to have to protect the ball and not turn it over. Ballard likes to get out and run, and that press really does matter.

Keys to the game. Our introductions. Now we're ready for the most important thing. Some hoops. Great defense out of the gates again. These two teams extremely familiar with each other. They split during the regular season. The rubber match for the 3A title here on the final day of high school basketball here in the state of Iowa. Good spin. Nice finish.

He is so versatile. Right. You see the opening possession at the defensive end. He smashes the block into the backboard. He can bring the ball up. He can post up. He's a triple double threat every time he's on the court.

Trey Bryte. And now here we go. Bryte again. Good job hustling back and we're heading the other way. And the finish three 2 to 2 to start this game.

Gibson 16 points a game. He's got 45 threes. He averages four steals. That's what makes him so lethal. This is his third straight appearance. He wants to cut down the nets. He's one of the best guards in the state.

He had 20 points in the quarterfinal. And four steals in the semis. Nice little scoop move underneath to break the tie. You can feel the intensity here in this opening quarter.

So they ran a stagger set for him right there. They're going to screen his defender all afternoon. You have to get over those screens. If you're Ballard.

Offensive rebound two good looks at it and another offensive rebound for the Ballard. Bombers in white. What a nifty play in finish. That's Jude Gibson the six foot senior who averages nearly 17 points per game.

That's what Bryce Miller does, right? He is a role player. He's going to contribute in so many different ways, but you get in there, you the offensive rebound. It leads to an easy bucket.

You can't give Ballard three cracks at it.

They'll kill you with three cracks.

4 to 4. Admiral. They looked real sharp at the offensive end so far to start this game. Ten on the shot clock though. Now the drive lost it. We have not called number 13. Hudson Lorensen name. He had 34 points in the quarterfinal, 38 in the semifinals. What a play.

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Let's take another look at this one. Jess.

He is so strong. Look he's just going to ISO split. The defense obviously gets hit knocked to the ground. And this guy's been doing this his entire career.

On the ground 4 to 4. A lot of defense in this one. These two teams know each other like the back of their hands. Highly scouted. Nothing's going to surprise either of these head coaches. Trevor Michaelson of ADM and Jeff Shirts in his seventh season. Second title game for Jeff Shirts as well for Ballard. Abbott, with the ball in his hands, averages 19.2 points. Picks it up though. We're under five to play here in the first quarter. If you like. Defense. This has been a fun one so far. Stolen away.

Both teams just a little nervous right. The Musco Lighting show to tip it off was like a rock concert. You got to wait a little longer than you think. You've got nerves. Everybody knows what's on the line. They're so familiar. Both teams had good battles against each other. Lorensen in the first game under ten points in the second game went for 32. So he's really a big factor in this rivalry.

Not your typical stage like your high school gym on a Friday night. Ball tipped out it'll stay here eight seconds to go on the shot clock. 420 there is a look at head coach Jeff Shirts seventh season at Ballard 19th season.

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As a head coach. He's compiled 208 victories. We have a wireless mic on both head coaches, so we'll be able to listen in to their huddles during some of these time-outs.

You work for coach at Iowa State. He's got a lot of weapons. He's got a ton of plays and they've had a magical season.

Five seconds on the shot clock. Trey Bryte has it just an open lane. Where did that come from?

Well look he just beat his defender one on one. And everybody else is helping. If you're Ballard the rule with these guys is they are going to go over the top of every screen. Because ADM runs so many sets. If they can't get over the top, then they're going to switch.

Trey Bryte has four points open. Look, rimming out, there's another offensive rebound for Parker Miller in the Ballard Bombers.

Okay, so the Bombers are going to send all five players to the offensive glass. So if you're ADM, you have to block out as well as you have all season, or you're going to get lit up on second chance opportunities.

Five of the seven Bombers points have been from second chance opportunities in this opening quarter, and the Bombers back on top 7 to 6 with three and a half to play.

Keep your eye on the Tigers offense. A lot of screens, a lot of empty sets. They got two man ball screen going on to the left. It leads to pretty good looks from the perimeter.

Trey Bryte feeling it can't connect on that open look. He's a 44% three point shooter.

Two quick two quick of a shot. If you're the Bombers move it side to side. Try to break this defense down for each team. If you shoot on the first dribble or pass, it's the best thing that can happen to their defense.

Ballard one of the best offenses in the state of Iowa. Usually they're stifling defense leads to points at the other end. Good ball movement. Open three short and it's one and done as the ball is tipped out. Inbounding on the near sideline will be the Bombers. We have a sub into the game as checking in will be Dillon Shoen. He's the six foot senior, real physical role player. He had six points in the semifinal victory, coming off the bench for Ballard. He's a first team all district football player checking in for Bryce Miller. Jess Settles Eric Braley welcoming you in to game one of what will be for today on Championship Friday. Don't let Friday the 13th scare you away. This is going to be a fun day here on Iowa PBS. Both teams real low shooting percentages here to start.

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Ball in the hands of Tate Troster. He had a huge game in overtime. Double overtime victory over Storm Lake to get to this spot in trouble. Tough shot. That's not the look they want.

Just a really good stout defensive effort there for Ballard. It's interesting with Lorensen when he gets in the paint. A lot of his two point shots come from his right hand off the wrong foot. Makes it really difficult to guard.

Two shots. And here is a look at Adm's head coach. This is Trevor Michaelson fifth season. He has 85 victories and leading ADM to a 24 and two score record. Oh good defense again. Ballard shooting 33% as a team 80. ADM right at about 40%. Open look. Corner pocket no. The numbers, the look ahead and the finish. They want a run and gun.

Just a mistake by the Tigers right. That's the one thing they cannot allow to happen. Transition buckets over the top. You have to get somebody back. Sprint back. At least make them earn it in the half court. How about the Tigers though? Look, they're running this high pick and roll tray is so good at that. What a wide open look. What a pass. You know those are the difference in winning a state title or not. Right. The open shots have to be knocked down even under this duress.

Coach Mickelson has them in the right spots. The passes are there. Just the shots have not been falling for the ADM Tigers. It's a one possession ball game here as the final minute of the first quarter. It's flying by Tigers look ahead. Pump fake. Oh, too strong. Ball batted around. Who's going to come up with it? It's a scrum out of bounds. Tigers retain possession with exactly 30s. Here's another look at that run out finish.

When Trey gets deep into the paint and doesn't score right no one is back. So you have to find a way to close out. But this is how the Bombers play right there. A point per possession, they blow teams out by an average of 30 points a game. That's how.

They do it. They have not had many close games this year, have not really been battle tested, except for when they faced off against each other. And then here at the state tournament, holding for the last shot. Seven seconds to go. Dangerous pass. They'll inbound it far sideline with 4.5 seconds to go. What do you draw up here, Jess?

Well, he's got the deepest playbook in the state. So he's going to get somebody an open look right. You're obviously trying to find number 13. But it seems like in these situations number three always ends up with it.

Nice lob. How about that play. I like that one. That's a high percentage shot. And that will do it one quarter in the books 9 to 8. The end of the first quarter. Now here's a word from Iowa Bankers.

Hello. I'm Travis Graven with Iowa PBS. And joining me is Abram Tubbs. He's the president and CEO of Onward Bancshares incorporated in Maquoketa and chairman of the Iowa Bankers Association. And Abram, tell me why supporting Iowa PBS is important as well as supporting high school athletes across the state of Iowa.

Sure, the Student Athlete Achievement Awards recognize not just athletic success, but also, and maybe more importantly, accomplishments in academics, leadership, and character. For over 30 years, the IBA has awarded scholarships to student athletes, helping invest in our young people who we hope will choose to build their futures right here in Iowa.

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Thank you for your support of Iowa PBS and for the Iowa Bankers Association. Support of the Student Athlete Achievement Awards.

I was alone.

It's now time to present the Iowa Bankers Association Student Athlete Achievement Award. The Iowa Bankers Association has been awarding student scholarships for three decades. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded each year to a senior who demonstrates leadership on the mat, in the classroom and in their community. The 2026 Student Athlete Achievement Award winner for class 3A basketball, is Austin Schulte from Pella. Presenting the award is Amy Thorsen from U.S. Bank in Pella. Congratulations, Austin on receiving this scholarship and thank you, Amy and the Iowa Bankers Association for their sponsorship of this award.

All right.

Here is the last play of the game. You said a deep playbook. And that's a pretty good play.

Yeah. That's just all drawn up right. You're overplaying it. You get back door. You only have four seconds. So coaching matters doesn't it. Right. You've got to get your guys prepared in every situation. You can't just draw something up in a state title game and hope it works out. They've drilled that over and over and over again. You rarely get that sideline out of bounds play, but they all knew it. They executed it perfectly. What if this ends up being a one possession game right. You're going to go back and look at plays just like that.

The little things matter. Every possession is magnified. Talk about the defense that Ballard has done so far in number 13. Hudson Lorensen. He had 34 in the quarterfinals, 38 in the semifinals. I look up right now and he has two points.

Well, that was the story from the first time these guys played. So they somewhat have his number now. He laughed that off and dropped 32 on him. The second time they played. He is 42 points away from tying the state record at the state tournament. He's got a lot of work to do, but he's 37 points away from catching the mayor, Fred Hoiberg, so he's had a spectacular start to this tournament. He doesn't really care about that. It's just all about winning a title. But right now pretty good job. By Ballard of keeping him in check.

Head coach Jeff Schertz. His full time job being a dad loves coaching at Ballard. Offensive rebound. Great defense and then running away with it. It's number 22. Easton Ursuline.

Well that's two missed layups by the Tigers and a missed open three right. So as well as they're playing they're not finishing around the rim.

Leaving some points out there. Ursuline very physical defender first team all district football player. That certainly helps. Here's the travel. Just kind of moved that pivot foot. Evan Abbott did transfer from Ankeny Centennial. And now it's going to be ADM basketball. The Tigers trying to get some momentum going here. Really hasn't had a lot of flow in this game so far.

Ballers got their smaller lineup in. So let's just see if the Tigers can find a way to at least get two feet in the paint. Maybe post Trey up a lot of him battle.

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Great defense. Really extending on the perimeter. Lorensen no room to go. Eight on the shot clock. Falls to his feet for three. Has to let it go. Great defense. Just nothing there.

Just stifling defense. Don't let one guy beat you. That's been their philosophy early in this game. Make somebody else. Besides Hudson beat you.

And at the other end that's Mojoe Nybong, the six five senior who averages four seven points per game. He's a 40% three point shooter. He brings energy off the bench, a huge shot.

What a shot. I mean he comes in they go with their smaller lineup. It makes them tougher to guard. And Mojoe just drills one from the top.

Largest lead of the game for Ballard up for the most impressive part though, is their half court defense.

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And there's going to be a time out, I believe called before the drive happened.

I'll tell you Trey Bryte though, doesn't he put a ton of pressure on the defense? I mean, he's a legit point forward. Brings the ball up, passes it, gets everybody else involved.

Yeah, he. leads the state in 15 points, nine and a half rebounds. He shoots 55% from the floor 45% from deep. What can't he do.

He's just the ultimate competitor. I mean look at this inside. Look for them to post him up more. They tried on that last sequence. He tried to get him across screen on the baseline, but Ballard fought through it, which is going to be one of the keys to this game because when you play against the Tigers, you're going to get screened. And I said it off the top. You're going to fight over the screen. That's the rule. And if you get caught, you're going to switch. So Trey hey, what a performance down the stretch he had the other night. I mean that was legendary.

And Trey really the hot start leading ADM to start this game as he has six of the eight points for ADM in this game. Really. He needs someone else besides him to put the ball in the bucket out of a time out. Ballard oh what a play as Parker Miller with another run out and finish. Six minutes to go before halftime, continuing to extend their lead over their rival ADM here.

Jeff shirts. I mean his team's get up and down don't they. That's the way they practice. Everybody in fifth gear at all times. And there's Trey right on cue an offensive rebound. Now you got to get back and get your D set. Oh my goodness. Another breakdown. Just happened to miss it. It's a nice drive.

Would have been a back breaker as Bryce Miller had a nice look at it. Five point advantage for Ballard. The bombers just have their hands on everything. Menacing defense. Checking in is Easton Ersland also Eli Wiebers and Hudson Shull.

Nice job by both coaches subbing early, getting everybody in. There's a lot of pressure. You get tired a little sooner in a game like this. Let's keep our eye on the Tigers the next time they shoot how many they send back on defense to slow down this transition, they cannot afford to continue to get beat down the floor like this.

Ballard feels to me like they are in control of this game. And as those words come out of my mouth, Jess, it's a one possession ball game. What a ball game. It's just two points.

Really intense.

Bombers. Defender falls down. So going right back up with it as Dohlman the six five senior tripped and fell down. That's an easy lay in.

Ballard the Bombers with their bigger lineup and the officiating at the tournament this week has been outstanding. If you flop and fall down and try to draw a call, you're not going to get it. You got to stay on your feet and compete this entire game.

Ball heading right toward us, partner. And it's another turnover forced by Ballard half court defense. Dante. Terry, Mark Gassman, Jeff Horst and Bill mock the officials in this 3A final. There's a look at that basket for ADM and then Ballard responded at the other end, four point lead for Ballard in the basketball. Ballard defeated Gilbert 70 to 40 in the quarters. Three pointer short and 5755 point win over Karel in the semifinals. Ballard forced 23 points off turnovers in that win against Karel. It's going to be Ballard basketball as Jude Gibson reached in. Tied him up.

There's nothing Jude hasn't seen in his career. I mean, he's taken on all the greats. He has no problem staying in a stance, sliding his feet and stripping the basketball. He's done that 2 or 3 times in this game.

Under four minutes to go here in the second quarter.

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Pump fake. Tough shot. Offensive rebound and going to the free-throw line is Easton Ersland.

This is what he does for a living right. He is a force to be reckoned with. Five rebounds a game. He can even hit the three. But again, it's almost like the Tigers have forgotten that all five Bombers are coming to the offensive glass. You cannot jump and try to tip the ball from them. They're going to be soaring over the top. You've got to put your backside on their thigh right when that shot goes up. So they can't launch. And more subs coming in. Just great chess match between these two programs. What a what a battle we have here.

Jess Settles, our analyst for the 3A championship match. He knows a thing or two about rebounding. Free throw is good.

1712 I'll tell you, back in the 90s, if you won the boards in the Big Ten, you won the game. You did. Now with the three point line of games, right? It's not as important. Sure.

1712 both teams with five turnovers here in this first half. Both teams not shooting the ball extremely well probably because of that good defense. Nice find and finish and a foul chance at a three point play through. Contact Hayden Dohlman. He only averages five points per game. Let's see this one again.

Well the Tigers have the best sets in the state. There's no question about it. They know how to get guys open now they've blown a couple layups but not that time. You just. It's poetry in motion right? Lorensen puts a lot of pressure on the defense. They're running him off the screens. You've got to show him some help. You always have to know where he is. And then somebody slips behind for that second, third and fourth option. These guys live in the film room and they work on these plays daily.

He started every game for Admiral Hayden Dohlman makes the free throw two point game.

High post action for Ballard. They're going to double stagger away, try to get Albert involved.

Corner three short hustling after it and it's going to stay here. Chalk it up. Hustle pays off again for Easton Ersland. They are just.

Does ADM have an opportunity to grab this? Yeah. See Trey has to go after that ball. You cannot put the hands the ball in the hands of the official or someone else. He's got to grab that. This is a big story early, right? Ballard crashing the boards, getting second chance opportunities. Oh, that's a foul.

Stops the clock at 259. Both these teams want to get a little momentum, a little separation heading into the locker room at halftime here. Another sub into the lineup for ADM. This is Walker Holmberg averages for points. He's a 48% field goal shooter. He checks in for Eli Wiebers the 511 junior.

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So driving and throwing it away. Sixth turnover.

Head coach Michaelson say he said our defense is much improved and you can tell it in this game. The bombers have to move the ball side to side. You can't just drive it into the teeth of the defense like that, or you're going to turn the ball over.

What do they say? Defense wins championships.

It's going to tonight.

12 on the shot clock. They haven't really started anything in their half court offense yet. Now a drive baseline. And it's thrown away.

Defense by Gibson world Class.

A three on two. And it's stolen away again.

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Two point game as we approach the two minute mark here in the second quarter. Good communication on the court open three. There's our man shot. Won't go but an offensive rebound by Hudson Shull taken away.

Ersland gets his fingernail on that and gets the block. Let's see if Ballard can move this ball side to side. Let all five guys touch it. Try to get this defense over rotating and a spin cycle just driving it down the middle hasn't worked really well.

Minute 30 to go open three on the way. Offensive rebound again and free throws coming for the Ballard. Bombers Parker Miller. Well we could go into the locker room with Admiral. I guarantee you.

That'll be number one on.

The board. Board. Box out.

Out.

Two free throws first one long. One more coming and checking in is Bryce Miller. He'll replace Evan Dillon Shoen. Good minutes off the bench for Ballard. All right. Second is good. Minute 26. You see full court pressure applied. Reminder we have an outstanding halftime show coming your way with Paul Yeager. An entertaining performance by the cheerleaders. Exclusive interviews. They want to stick around for that here in just a couple minutes.

Oh, I don't want Paul to break down the game. I want him to figure out how to get grain prices up.

He does it all little out of control. Ballard lucks out and the ball will stay at this end of the court.

Again. Tremendous officiating right. Not falling for the bait. Look, this is literally coming into our living room here. Look at that. Ouch. I mean, how good is he? He's really tough. But. If we lose the camera guy. Paul might have to take over. And that could be a disaster.

Bring him down from the studio. Nice set. Wow. Real strong with the basketball. It's like a receiver. He had to rip it out of the hands. Parker Miller third team, all state basketball player. Oh. Strong with the basketball.

The plays that are being run in this game are just fantastic.

And a foul is called yeah good call. Let's take a look. We did check in. Eric is okay. We we had a a medical specialist check in. He's doing okay. And free throws coming here for Trey Bryte Bryte in this game. Jesse has eight points. Eight of the 15 points. He had six of the team's first eight points.

Well I talked to Marty Gallagher the assistant coach for Storm Lake the other night. And right away he said Wright's the guy you have to slow down. I mean, Lawrence is going to do his damage, but you have to keep this guy out of the paint. It's the exact same thing Coach Schultz talked about. This kid is a real problem for your defense.

An 81% free-throw shooter. He misses them both somehow keeps his footing, pivots and finishes nine points. Now for Parker Miller 23 seconds to go. Shot clock turned off. Can hold for the final shot of the first half.

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A seven point lead for Ballard under ten Trey Bryte working against Gibson throws it away. And your halftime score Ballard over. ADM 2215. Quick comment Jess.

Well, you can't set the screen with Lorensen on 2A or Gibson's going to switch onto Trey and lock him down. So you have to set that high ball screen with a big guy. Give the Bombers credit. Both defenses playing well.

We're at the halfway point, folks. We're going to send it to Paul Yeager. He's been perched above the action all game. Paul Yeager to tip off our halftime show. This has been a good one. 2215 Ballard over ADM.

Thank you very much. Eric and Jess. And yes, it is quite the fast moving first half. And you know what they say about defense. I heard Jess say it earlier about, you know, defense winning championships. And that's exactly what Ballard is doing. Holding ADM to about 35% shooting right now. We'll take a look at stats, have some highlights here coming up in just a couple of moments as we get through and show you everything that's going on at halftime. And one of the features that we are carrying over is talking to our coaches. Jeff Schertz, head coach of Ballard. Let's talk about your defense first. Coach is what why is everything working for you right now?

We're in good position. We're using our chest. This is appropriately physical, I think on both ends. And we're kind of keeping some of their better guys from doing what they want to do. They're not able to operate freely. You said defense wins championships. You also got to put the ball in the hole too. Well. But I like I like what we've done on both ends so far. I'd like to see a few more paint touches for us and a few fewer for them.

Let's talk about the guys putting into the hole. That's Parker Miller. I mean, he's been great. What's he doing right?

He's the reason we're really, really good. We've got some All-State players that score a lot of points. He's he's third in our, you know, leading scorer category. But man he's he does everything else. He makes it happen on both ends of the floor. And we're going to look for him to have a great second half along with our other guys.

All right coach thank you so very much. Appreciate your time.

Thank you.

All right. That's Jeff Shurtz, head coach for Ballard. And again as our coverage continues here for basketball we're going to go back down to the floor for a special performance with some of the best cheerleaders in the state of Iowa.

Good.

The Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa cheerleading Coaches Association are proud to welcome the 2026 all state cheerleading squad. Over 170 cheerleaders from across the state tried out for this squad. The 28 members of the team were selected based on their superior skills in motion technique, jumps, dance, tumbling and personality. The All-State choreographer is Michelle Balis and of jump and jam cheer, dance. The I c All-State directors are Dana Logan and Kenneth Johnson. Please welcome the 2026 Iowa All-State Cheerleading Squad.

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To.

Was that everybody came out here to see. Austin.

You know what that team dance.

Now I make 1A moves. Dance, I make money moves. If I see you and I don't speak, that means I don't mess with you. I'm a. Now she say she go to order now. You know where I'm at. You know where I be. You. I bet you dip, dip, dip.

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Back in action. You're rocking with the best. If you don't believe. Put us to the test.

Get me down. I'll keep getting up. When I hit the ground. I'll never give up. Never give up, oh no. Oh no. I won't let you get me down. I'll keep getting up when I hit the ground. Never give up, never give up, no no no. I find my way. Find a way.

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I found my way. Found my way. 0000. I found my way. Find my way home. 000. I found my way, find my way. Home. 000. I found my way, find my way home. 000. I found my way. I'm away. 0000.

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Latimer.

I all state.

Give it up for your 2026 Iowa All State cheerleading squad.

Has started the stage is set. Our squad. So five. We can touch the sky. You ain't seen nothing yet. We're trippin when for our talent reigns supreme. We are the two, seven, 26. All day. Yeah. That's where it the zone. We'll take it to the next level. Go big or go home. Yeah.

[MUSIC] [MUSIC] [MUSIC]

Oh.

[MUSIC] [MUSIC]

Every day I'm shuffling.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE]

And now the individuals that make up this year's squad. Ella Ahmeta. Kyla. Banky. Sadie Bombers. Eden Coles. Briella Cox. Addison. Dauphine. Cami. Everett. Delaney. Ghareeb. Isabelle. Gibbs. Lindsay. Hartley. Malia. Higgins. Evie. Hitrec. Alexandra. Lighting. Kaylie. Mane. Kaylie. Radke. Camryn. Rogers. Brynn. Sage. Hope. Skaro, Aubrey. Simmons, Isabelle. Stagg, Gabriella. Strope, Addie. Taylor, Kylie. Tizzano, Sophia. Tognetti, Fiona. Treiber, Briana. Vandewater, and London. Right.

[APPLAUSE]

One more big round of applause for the 2026 Iowa All State cheerleading squad. Nicely done.

[APPLAUSE]

Tom Keating is the executive director of the Iowa High School Athletic Association. And they're throwing a little bit of a party this week here. Let's talk some basketball in the crowds. I specifically, let's think 3A the semifinals on Wednesday night. Huge crowds. They've been pretty good this week, right.

We've had great crowds all week. We're going to push 50,000 for the week. And you know that's a that's that's pretty solid number. And as you can see we're opening up the top level right now. So we're going to have a great day today. And we're just really excited.

And they're in person. But they can also watch it online and watch everything. And we're not taking any breaks or anything. How's that.

For you? Oh I love that. Yeah. It's good to have you guys back in the fold. And you know, for people to find it so easy. And you've been a great partner with us through football and wrestling. And we're excited about basketball.

Well let's talk basketball. Then. We talk about the crowds with the play. We've got some guys that are going to play at the next level in the state, out of the state. What's it mean to have such talent coming to the court? Long history here, getting to play.

It really is. I mean we've seen some amazing and phenomenal players come through here. And then let's not forget those teammates that work so hard all week long, all year long that really make everything go and, and give those those elite athletes the opportunity to showcase here. An elite athlete is an elite athlete, but if you don't have a team to go with you, you may not even be here.

And of course, you're not going to pick a favorite team, but there are some teams and their experience here this week, some are still here. I know I talked to the Storm Lake coach they had lost a couple of days ago, but they're still here. That happens over and over again. That clearly means they want to be a part of it as well.

I think so, you know, it's a great culture and it's a great environment to be in. This year is the first year we really get to control the In-venue experience. And, and as you can see, our staff has done a wonderful job. Chris and Colby and Caden have just been off the charts as far as preparation.

And we appreciate all your prep and your time as well. You got a busy day. We'll see you down on the court later on today.

That sounds great.

All right. That's Tom Keating, the executive director of the Iowa High School Athletic Association. When we come back, the second half plus, we'll also talk to the ADM head coach right after this. Remember?

Next time on studio three live, it's socks in the frying pan.

[MUSIC]

Will you close your eyes and you go to a place that. It doesn't matter if you were playing in the pub or playing in front of 10,000 people. You go to the same place. That translates out to the crowd, and they seem to be kind of brought to this place as well.

[MUSIC] [MUSIC]

Tuesday evening at eight on Iowa PBS.

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Iowa PBS celebrates Festival with special programs, concerts, and thank you gifts. Be sure to check out these exciting options such as the new Iowa PBS T-shirt created locally by Bose prints. The new PBS news mug, or the I heart PBS tote bag. Call 800 779 7000. Visit iowapbs.org or scan the QR code and support Iowa PBS. Today.

Halftime. Ballard leads ADM 2215. It's the rubber match of this one from the regular season. We'll be back with Eric and Jess in just a moment, but first, let's show you some of the first half highlights. It was all about defense in that first quarter. Second quarter the offense got going a little bit more. Here we are. We're going to show you ADM first. This is Trey Bryte. He's going to have a couple of big plays here and a nice step through in the middle. Pulls up and gets the rebound. Goes right back up. Good athletic effort there. And then another good cut backdoor look and a bucket for Bryte. He has eight first half points. And then for Ballard it's Parker Miller Miller with the good fake clears his defender. And then Miller on the cut high off the Windex. And then this one out front. Great basketball play coming into your living room. And the reverse score Parker Miller nine first half points. And joining us now is head coach Trevor Michaelson of ADM. All right coach defense was big in that first half. How did you feel about yours.

It was it was good. We liked where we were at defensively. As long as we forced them to play in the half court, we thought we were really good. We had a couple turnovers that allowed them to get out in transition, which is when they're at their best. But if we can get back and get all five guys set up, I thought we did a nice job being in gaps and being physical with them and making it tough for them in that halfcourt.

And that's what I was going to say. Trey Bryte how do you get to be contagious for the rest of your guys?

Well, the balls just got to move. You know, we trust Trey. We trust Hudson. We trust all of our guys to make plays. And so we know it's going to happen. And so Trey is kind of the catalyst for us. And he had a good first half. But the ball's got to move a little bit more. They're being physical with us, which we knew they would be going into it. So if we can keep getting a piece of the paint and find shooters, we're eventually going to make 1 or 2. I you hope you.

Hope anyway. Thanks, coach. Appreciate your time.

You bet. Thanks, guys.

All right. That's head coach Trevor Michaelson of ADM. We're going to go back down to the floor now for the second half call with Eric and Jess. Hello guys.

Thank you Paul. Great halftime show. I knew it would be good. And that was a lot of fun. We are just getting close to the start of the second half. And Jess really loved hearing both the coach's perspectives. ADM really wants to move the ball a little bit more, and really the main difference is get the ball to go in the hoop, improve shooting percentage.

Well, they're getting some open looks that they're missing. Even a couple layups. But Lorensen only has two points in this game. They're zero for eight from three. So they are not going to panic. I like what Coach Michelson said about we have to get back and make Ballard a half court team. If you're Ballard right, the points off turnovers seven have been big, 16 boards, seven second chance points. They've been the more physical and aggressive team there.

You see the stats and three-point shooting. Not kind to ADM. You can see points off of turnovers as well. And Ballard really winning the rebounding battle. We'll see how the second half plays out. Ballard trying to protect the lead. Admiral has a little bit of a deficit to climb out of, but it's anybody's ball game here as Ballard in the white uniforms and in the black and red is ADM all right. 3A Championship on the line. Ballard the number one seed. ADM the number two seed. They split during the regular season. It was actually Ballard's only loss of the year. And ADM just two losses on the season. They defeated Storm Lake in double overtime in the semis to get here. Great hustle, but a dangerous pass. Probably should have kept it. And now Ballard has it again.

How good was Parker Miller in that first half?

Coach loved it.

He was just sensational. Here he is. Is he going to drill another one?

And coach said he's the reason we're really really good is Parker Miller the officials talking and they're going to point Ballard's way again. Our officials in this game, Dante Terry, Mark Gasman, Bill mock and Jeff Horst, they don't just pull random names out of a hat of who gets to officiate the championship game. You get a voted on and and and coaches talk all season long. You have to work to get to this spot. Driving, kicking. And again, ball is loose. But we'll stay with the Ballard Bombers.

Haven't put so much pressure on the defense. Not only is he quick, but he's got tremendous upper body strength. He can shoot the three ADM doing a pretty good job of containing him. But man, it is not easy to keep him out of the paint here. He's going to post up.

Three pointer short. What do you think about that shot selection?

Well, I didn't like it because Abbott is posting up against a smaller guard and they waved him off right. You got to pound it into him. Now let's see if the Tigers right. They can't switch with Lorensen and 2A right now, because Gibson is going to take everything away.

Three Bombers just suffocating. Hudson Shull who cut baseline there. And you can see head coach Trevor Michaelson pleading his case.

He's just begging for a foul against Gibson. He's just bodying people up and it's good defense. He's not going to get that call. But number 23 with the basketball at both ends so tough. Such a force. There's a little rip screen there. Going to try to post him up against a smaller guard. What a steal.

Eli Wiebers. ADM good pass pump fake. Easy lay in and it's 2217.

The Bombers got two extended on their gamble right there. Great job by the Tigers to make him pay for that extended pressure.

Easton Ersland going to the line, but I want to show you the last basket. The look ahead. The pass pump fake. You had a couple pump fakes back in your day as well. It works real well.

I played for doctor Tom, right? That's all we did was pump fake and power. It's like detasseling corn. You'd wake up in the middle night dreaming about it. But look, the Bombers take risks, okay? This is how they play. And so they try to trap there at half court on the loose ball. Great job. By the Tigers to break that first wave. Eli gets it forward. Make the extra pass. Pump fake and power. Good start here for Adam.

Free throws are going to be important in a game that might be decided by a possession. In the land of the trees. Offensive rebound three pointer is going to be long. Here's Jude Gibson up the far sideline. He's a playmaker. Kicks three short again.

Well that's a good shot by Bryce. I mean Gibson gets inside kicks it back out. You got to take what the defense gives you. Here they come.

Look out. Strong defense tipped up. Bryce Miller tried to tip it up. Look it leaving it all out there on the line.

I love this. Let him play. He stayed vertical. It's a miss. This is a good volley we've got going here. They've got to find a way to get it. Trade down on the post right. If they run Lorensen here let's watch. If they run to screen then Gibson's just going to switch on the tray and body him up. So they've got to find a way to screen with someone else. There's a switch.

[APPLAUSE]

Seven on the shot clock. Little floater. Get that out of here. Great defense by Ersland.

[APPLAUSE]

Defense defense defense. Three blocks. Now the drive and able to finish through. Contact.

He is so good at creating that contact.

Momentum in favor of Ballard.

[APPLAUSE]

And a foul is called against the Bombers. Let's take a look at some of these highlights here.

The Bombers are so good defensively in this game right. They're switching everything when they have to. That is a clean block. No one's been able to slow Lorensen down like this. And look how he leans his right shoulder into the sternum. That is an aggressive veteran move by number 23. Attacking the rim.

[APPLAUSE]

A couple subs into the game for ADM. That's Hudson Lorensen. He also at the line.

[LAUGHTER]

He also have Reece Strittmatter in. He'll play football at Toledo as a long snapper.

Reece has got to make an impact here in the next couple minutes right. He's got to set good screens. He's got to defend. Come up with some buckets. This is a critical stretch in this game. And he's got to put his fingerprints all over it.

[APPLAUSE]

Great defense. It feels like Jude Gibson just loves contact. Such a physical player. Four minutes to go. Third quarter. Nice finish around the rim.

Yeah. Reece lays the wood on the screen right there and opens it up for his teammate.

One possession game six points. Now for Lorensen. Here come the Tigers pump. Fake again. Stuck with it. Open three and three free throws to the line. Hudson Lorensen first team all state and a 94% free-throw shooter.

Offensive rebounds matter right. A great kick out by Trey Hudson. Gets hit on the shoulder. He's going to go to the free-throw line. He's heating up a little bit. Knows what's at stake. He's been on a tear in this tournament. You let him get good looks from the free-throw line. He'll just gain more and more confidence.

He can tie this game up with these three free throws. Lorensen in the first half. Had just two points. Finding a way to help his head coach. You see there Trevor Michaelsen in his fifth season and his school tied this up 330 to go seven zero run for ADM. It's a game of runs, isn't it? And right now the momentum in favor of Admiral.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE]

Bombers looking for an answer. Tough shot. Won't go. Offensive board? Nope. Clearing out ADM. And that's Reece. Strittmatter. You said he needed to make an impact. He's setting screens. He's getting the boards.

Yeah, he brings energy. He sets screens. He rebounds. This is a big one.

Offensive board right back up and ADM nine zero run and the lead.

[APPLAUSE]

Time-out on the court. Wow.

I'll tell you what it is heating up. The Tigers came out to fight in this one. They're getting on the glass muscling their way to the rim. Their star players playing better. Everyone's on their feet. What a finish. Stick around. Wow. It is really intense in here right now.

Well, I'd like to tell you about an upcoming program. Take an adventure with Iowa PBS on road Trip, Iowa. Join host Brooke Kohlsdorf as we travel the state's highways and scenic byways. Exploring the history, culture and natural beauty along the way. Road trip Iowa Mondays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. or stream online anytime. Jess Settles, Eric Braley, Paul Yeager and the outstanding Iowa PBS crew bringing you the sights and sounds of the Boys State championships from downtown Des Moines and the Casey's Center. Last week, it was the Girls Championships. This week it's the boys turn. This is the 3A finals. After this, Jess and I will be bringing you the 4A Championships where Cedar Falls undefeated on the year. Trying to stay perfect against a Cinderella story of the Johnston Dragons. But first, how in the world is this thing going to play out between ADM and Ballard?

Both of these defenses have been really good, right? It's just coming up with a few transition buckets, offensive rebounds, all the little hustle plays that you've been dreaming about your entire lives after your camps, in those late practices, early morning practices, getting on the floor for loose balls. It's really going to come down to that. Both coaches elite, the plays are outstanding. It's going to be those little plays. Hey, it might even be free throws at the end. We've seen that a few times in this tournament. Here's a double drag screen. Those are two pick and rolls. At the top. You roll to the bottom. They blow it up. Help off. Just nothing easy for either offense.

Nothing easy there. The momentum in the basketball and the lead. How about three shot won't go ball tipped around. Another crack at it. There's your man.

[LAUGHTER]

The football player going to Toledo.

He is totally flipped the script in this game without taking a shot. Those are the type of guys you love as a coach.

Role player sparks off the bench the physical big guys. Too long on that shot. Ballard trying to tie or take the lead on this possession inside out. And here comes Ballard. Taking a deep breath. And now. They got four shots up that position. Jess.

I'll tell you what. The Bombers are so skilled at offensive rebounding, aren't they? I mean, they come flying in there, they it with two hands. They go straight back up. I mean, some point blank misses, but the Tigers playing with fire right now by not checking out. There it is.

Ballard has not scored in over three minutes. Well, you know what Adam's been doing that time putting a lot of points on the board. A deficit has turned into a five point lead with 65 seconds to go here in the third quarter.

Coach Michaelson knew a three would eventually fall one out of 13, but that one felt like five points.

The ball's just not dropping. That's a beautiful move. About 15 second difference between the shot clock and game clock. ADM kind of taking the air out of the ball a bit here, leading by five.

[APPLAUSE]

Trey Bryte the six six senior leading the state in triple doubles averages 15 points, nine and a half rebounds. 20s looking to finish and a nice job by Ballard Bryce Miller 12 seconds, three point game. Five seconds. Two seconds. And we're going to the fourth quarter with three points separating ADM and Ballard in the 3A championship game.

I'll tell you what three point shots changed the momentum of the game. They were zero for 12 before they finally drilled one. What a shot.

Well you can. Come from all over the state of Iowa for a chance to play. Do you remember this, Jess?

Oh, I sure do.

Up in the barn. Classic lighting up different counties, showing where schools would come to play for a championship. Well, we have two central Iowa teams playing for the 3A title as Ballard Huxley and ADM. Id-l 27 miles, 24 miles. They did not have to travel far. Huxley Slater, Cambridge and Kelly makes up the Ballard Community School District. ADM as just. They'll have schools from all over the state here today on Championship Friday. Scan the QR code or call the number on your screen to support friends of Iowa PBS. Congress recently cut 3.5 million in federal funding, the largest one time cut in our 55 year history, impacting 18% of our overall budget. Despite this challenge, we remain committed to our mission. Thank you for considering supporting public media so we can bring you events like this. The sights and sounds from the Casey's Center and the Iowa boys Championships.

I enjoy watching Road Trip Iowa a good one as a kid, you know, involved in the pork producers. We were hog farmers. I think I was in darn near every town in the state hauling Yorkshire and Hampshire hogs with my dad, Steve Suttles. And so you you dream about playing at the state tournament and you remember those little towns from when you were a kid. And to be able to see your town up on that board, to see your people here at the game, huge deal. Big, big deal. So hats off to both of these teams. This is going to be a classic finish to a classic state tournament in 3A. A lot of great players, a lot of good teams. Ballard is going to have to find a way to score only four points in that third quarter. That has to be a decade low for them. has to be both. Defense has just been so aggressive. Do the Tigers wear down from the pressure that the bombers are putting on them? I think that adrenaline will get them through. This baby's coming down to the wire.

ADM will have the basketball to start this fourth quarter. Will put eight minutes on the clock. That doesn't mean it's eight minutes left in the game. It means eight minutes left in regulation. Well.

Said, my friend.

We had a double overtime and this one has the makings of going extra as well. Double team trap and a time-out called Trey Bryte was in a world of hurt and his coach, Trevor Michaelson, helped him out. And let's listen in to the Ballard Bomber huddle. We appreciate Jeff Shurtz, who let us put a microphone on so we can listen to what he has to say to his team as he's coaching in his second title game.

[APPLAUSE]

Take Mojoe.

[APPLAUSE]

Out right about right here, and he's trying to slip back. If they go in, diamonds go back in. But you're out right now.

We're on.

Defense. Play our play. Our switch rules. We don't know what it's going to be because they're probably drawing something up on it too.

[APPLAUSE] [LAUGHTER]

Hey, Bombers on three horns clear down here. Horns clear. Evans, Horn's clear.

All right. You see the assistant coaches and the head coach all helping out.

So he said, play our switch rules. They've been really good at switching. Right. The rule is you go over the top on the sets. If you can get over the top, you switch. If not, when you have number 23, it seems like he can guard 2 or 3 players at the same time. He is the ultimate weapon defensively. There he is right there on Lorensen. He's just so good. He just stripped him. I mean that that's what you do.

Coach told him to do it. He stepped out and did it. But now a steal reverse layup no offensive put back no. Wow.

Oh what a turn of events. I've got what 4 or 5 close layups for ADM.

This is the one. Whoever loses this game is going to watch this broadcast back and realize some golden opportunities where shots just did not drop. Low scoring class 3A championship game between ADM and Ballard. Here, it's the team that makes the plays down the home stretch here.

I think you've got to use Reece to screen Gibson.

This should be an easy one. ADM hustling back and a good foul to stop the dunk. Great pursuit is Eli Wiebers I said it's going to be an easy and this was anything but easy.

Hey, Ballard is so good at breaking down on the basketball without fouling. I mean, they're just fantastic at it. They're going to slide their feet. They're going to chest you up. And then if you get lazy with the ball they're going to take it from you and sprint to the other end. Great hustle by Eli. No easy buckets in this quarter for either team. You've got to foul. If somebody has a layup.

Third foul on Wiebers. But that was a good foul is instead of an easy two points. Ballard only gets one point. That possession.

Strittmatter just laid somebody out. We play on but they've got to screen the ball with him because he's got a big man on him. Tough shot.

Fadeaway could have gone up strong with it. Two points. ADM leads by two. They have that big run to close out the third quarter.

Where's Abbott number 20 for white. Needs to have a look here.

The near sideline left wing. See if he touches the ball possession the.

Ball stuck on that side. They've got to get it side to side.

Lot of dribbling. And now a time-out. He didn't like it did he. Coach Jeff Shirt said this is not what I want to see. So a good time-out is called. It's a 30-second time-out. Well from artists and dreamers to everyday Iowans with inspiring stories, explore what makes our state shine on Iowa life. Join host charity Nebbe Mondays at 9:30 p.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. or stream online anytime. It's Iowa Life. Great coaching again. Gotta have awesome assistant coaches, head coaches, administrators, youth programs to get to this spot. And the communities have turned out to cheer on these schools in this 3A title game.

So if you're Ballard inside that huddle, you're drawing up your best play. Hey guys, we got nine seconds on the shot clock. We need number 20 to catch it. Both coaches reminding their guys if you get in trouble, use the time-outs. Defense wins championships. Both coaches reminding every kid. Everyone has to block out. It's going to be the key to the victory. There he is in the corner. What a play.

Two seconds had to let it go. Who's going to come up with it? And it's Hudson Shull. Outstanding multi-sport athlete, All-State football player with a strong rebound. Driving. Spinning ball movement. Open look. No. That's the shot they want.

I'll tell you what Evan Abbott if you're going to gamble for a steal you better get it because you just put your guys on a five and four and gave up an open look.

Scoring has been at a premium here in this fourth quarter. There's two beautiful footwork and finish Parker Miller.

It is not easy to score over Trey Bryte and he has been really the X factor in this game. Parker Miller with all the moves he is stepping up on the biggest stage.

He has 11 points under five to go. Fourth quarter were deadlocked, tied at 29. All. He fell down. But a foul is going to be called on Easton Ersland.

You see the difference when he gets a big on him right. You have to screen him with bigs so that the switches end up having a big on him. He can take any big guy off the bounce. It's just when Gibson is on him or Bryce Miller guys like that who can slide with him, they just make his life miserable.

Physical, physical basketball game, everything on the line and three more free throws coming as flashing out was Jude Gibson trying to get a hand in the face of Hudson Shull.

So Trey Bryte is on the post and he's going to get doubled. He does not try to conquer the double team. He throws it over the top to one of the best shooters in the state. He obviously gets hit and knocked down. That's how you handle that double team. You can't fake and you can't conquer. You move it to the open teammate.

, 90% free-throw shooter. He gets two more. Four and a half to play. Checking out for Ballard. Good minutes out of Dylan. Showing the six foot senior. Making two of three and the lead back to two for Admiral Ballard, the number one ranked team all year long. Two quick.

That's just two quick, right. No one else touched the ball. The half court defense was already set.

Foul before the shot. It'll be on the ground. That is the third foul against Ballard.

If you're Jude Gibson in that situation, you got to think like a point guard. Move it side to side, let it open up. Then when you get it back, you can attack. Otherwise it just goes to the other end. And for 17 to go partner, this is going to be another classic.

As good as advertised. Well stay connected with us. Stay connected with Iowa PBS sports. No matter where you're watching from, join the conversation. We'd love to hear from you. Follow us on Facebook and X and use hashtag Iowa PBS sports to enjoy high school sports with other fans that are tuning in. Jess Settles Eric Braley. In the outstanding Iowa PBS sports crew. After this, we will have awards ceremony. The presentation of the championship and runner up honors. All state presentation, and then we'll catch our breath at 3:00. We'll tip off Cedar Falls and Johnston for the class 4A championship. 3129 the score. So this was us yesterday. Feels like a lifetime ago. As we have been here for. This is what day three for us. Yeah, we've seen some good ones. Hey, that'd.

Be fun.

Let's let's rank our favorite games so far. I mean, it's a it's a tie. You're. Well, you mentioned Chris.

Yeah. Chris. Give him some love here. And he's done such a wonderful job.

The IHSAA, they roll out the red carpet for us and for the student athletes, making it so hard to get here and making it just an awesome experience for.

Everyone involved. Sukup Manufacturing Musco lighting up the world pork producers, Iowa corn growers. Here we go now Michelson with an interesting time out there. I think it was a fatigue time-out. Rest his guys. Get ready for the stretch and oh.

And he got tipped in. I don't know who gets that one in the scoring book.

[APPLAUSE]

Both teams shooting about 10% from deep. So you got to work it in the paint here under four. Here's another three and same result.

[APPLAUSE]

Four point lead and the basketball Trey Bryte. Open three. Same result.

I'll tell you what. That one would have been huge. Trey plays the right way though doesn't he.

He does. So fun to watch.

[APPLAUSE]

Ballard doesn't need threes at this point, but it's so hard to get points in the paint. As I say that you get a flashy move and an easy lay in to make it a one possession ball game.

Parker gets a little bit overshadowed in this program, but you heard coach shirts at halftime saying, look, he's the reason we're here. Yes. I mean he plays his role. But when you need him to star, he will step up. And here's Trey at the top. They like to have the ball in his hands with the clock running down.

[APPLAUSE]

245. Left in regulation. Beats the shot clock but the ball won't go in. Great defense.

[APPLAUSE]

Where is Abbott? They need to get him down on the post. He's got to take several shots down the stretch here.

Keep an eye on number 20. Evan Abbott.

Eichhorn set double stagger away for number 20.

And now they go. Abbott kicks six five for foul on the ground. 206 to play. ADM has committed just two fouls here in the fourth quarter. Ballard has committed three.

[LAUGHTER]

A fresh 35 shot clock.

[APPLAUSE]

Almost a five second call and a smart time-out as Ballard had three time-outs left. Using one of them right there. Well, for 50 years, Market to Market has been the news and commodity market information source really for anyone who lives and works in rural America. Join hosts Paul Yeager. Yeah, he's the guy who can do it all. Every Friday night at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 12:30 p.m. for Market to Market, the weekly Journal of Rural America, or stream Market to Market online anytime. 206 to play. These two teams split in the regular season and no surprise, it's 3331 with 206 to go. Ballard defeated Gilbert 70 to 40 in the quarterfinals. They defeated Carroll by two to get here, while ADM defeated Xavier 6859 in the quarters and Storm Lake in an instant classic in double overtime to get to this championship.

So both coaches have been running outstanding plays on these blobs and these sidelines out of bounds plays. If you're ADM, you're switching everything. You've got to find a way to get 20 a look. They took it away from him going to the basket last time. Great job by Eli to fight through it.

[APPLAUSE]

ADM with only two fouls. You said so. No easy baskets. You got to use one if you have to.

Nothing easy about that. Nothing easy about that either. A lot of contact, no call and ADM with the lead in the ball with a buck 44 to go.

I thought he got hit on the second one, but no call. You play on two point game.

[APPLAUSE]

Trey Bryte what a luxury to have a six foot six inch senior who can have a handle and just dribble the ball.

I'm surprised they're not screening with Strittmatter, so you go guard to guard. No call. Big shot in the corner.

Off the sneaker of ADM. The ball was loose. Yeah, we've seen two calls that if maybe this is called you're heading the other way, it really doesn't matter because ADM doesn't score and it's Ballard's ball anyway.

[APPLAUSE]

Minute 15 Ballard needs points.

Got away with a little push off right there.

Yeah.

Double drag up high. Strittmatter blows up the screen. Here comes 20 around the corner. Yep.

Got tied up. It's going to be a foul. Third one. Still a ways away from the bonus. 62 seconds to go. Jeff shirts looking on from the Ballard sideline. Second time he's been in the title game with the Bombers. They bend a five. State tournament's the last seven seasons. Let's listen in to the 8 a.m. huddle and Trevor Michaelson.

On a on a defensive rebound. Can you please have your crew looking for me? I might want one. Especially if 23 rebounds it for me.

Make him throw it out offensively again.

Hey down here. Yeah they're.

They have.

One foul to give. All right. So they're going to be aggressive on the rebounds. You just got to secure it. You have two time-outs.

Okay.

[LAUGHTER]

Hey offensively offensively okay come set this screen or Reece reject okay so set it a little bit wider wider. Okay. Reject it. Lorensen is going to be here actually. Let's go. Lorensen here. Shull here. Eli right here looking possibly for a late 45 cut. All right. But set it nice and wide like on the midline. Look to reject. Sorry to the stop.

[LAUGHTER]

Listen, listen.

[LAUGHTER]

You got time, okay? No back cuts. Nothing. Easy, easy. We have fouls to give. We have one foul. So if you get out of position, foul them before a shot. Let's go. Hey, family on three. One two. Three.

[LAUGHTER]

Family one two. Three. Family. Coach Jess Settles.

A masterclass in coaching. Okay, think of the pressure with one minute to go with the state title on the line. He first of all tells the official look to me, I might use a time-out. If we get the defensive rebound. He's telling his guys you have a foul to give. He's also setting up the offense. They're going to run a high pick and roll. When they get it. They're going to reject the screen attack and look for the other side for a skip out.

[APPLAUSE]

His demeanor so calm and his team so calm because of it. We're under one minute to go. Ballard needs points. Ballard has points. We have a tight ball game. All threes, 3333 here in 3A.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE]

Whistle time out 13 seconds on the shot clock 26 seconds on the game clock. Parker Miller has been outstanding for Ballard. Look at the footwork. Look at the spin and finish.

I'll tell you what, he is so smooth. What a great player. I just did not realize he had this kind of bag attacking the rim. Fantastic look. Mistake by Trey down here. They had a foul to give right. He lets himself get bullied. Then they're at the other end. They refuse to screen. But Gibson's in on it so it doesn't matter what play you run with number 23 guard. It's like there's 2 or 3 of him on the court. Good time-out by coach right there in that situation.

Let's listen in to the Ballard huddle.

When we get the rebound we are gone. Okay. If it's not there immediately get the out of the ball. Handlers way.

Fans are loving it. You can feel the intensity, the pressure. 3333 possession arrow points in favor of Ballard. So that's something to keep in mind. Ballard has one time-out left. ADM has one time-out left as well.

So coach is telling his guys rebound the basketball and whoever gets it, you sprint with it and get out of the way of whoever has the ball. Got to get a stop first. Obviously.

[APPLAUSE]

10 seconds on the shot clock. Ball won't go in. Throws it away. ADM. Tough shot and it goes in five seconds. Time out. And the lead.

[APPLAUSE]

3533 Ballard had an opportunity. They're going to put 6.1 seconds on the clock. ADM with a huge play. Scoring has not.

Okay, here's the legend. Lorensen right. He's been quiet in this game, but it doesn't matter if he's going to close it out like that. They're going wild. You sprint to the other end. They get the defensive stop. Abbott gets stuck up in the air, turns around and throws it to him. Holy smokes. Lorensen what a performance in this one.

Lorensen had 34 in the quarterfinals, 38 in the semis, but no shot bigger than that one in the state tournament. He has 11 points. Both these teams averaging close to 70. And right now we have a 3533 game six seconds. A lot of time to do a lot of things. Do you go for the tie? Do you go for the win? You just need at least two points. If you're Ballard.

Okay. So the rule is as as coach is telling us guys, you get a second per dribble, right? So six seconds is an eternity in this situation. I would imagine there would be some sort of dribble handoff action. There's no need. You don't have to just take it coast to coast. Coast to coast and launch. So one pass will typically get you a much better look than just keeping it yourself.

[APPLAUSE]

And a foul. 4.3 seconds. Just the fourth foul. Charged against Admiral.

I'll tell you the one thing though. Gibson is so quick. I would do everything I could to keep it out of his hands.

[LAUGHTER]

It's more of a like a half a second for him.

DeLay as head coach Trevor Michaelson is trying to decide if he's going to sub a player in. And he is Hayden Dohlman the six five senior is coming in to go on the ball. To make it even more challenging to inbound, Bryce Miller. Looking to inbound right in front of the ADM bench for seconds folks for the 3A title. A foul is called a foul is called hold your horses. We have free throws. Maybe if they say he's in the act of shooting, we have free throws. If they don't say he's in the act of shooting, we don't have free throws.

He's definitely in the act of shooting. And he took a hard hit. He's grabbing his shooting elbow. This will be very interesting to see if he can even shoot the free throws. How quick is he. I mean he went from in front of us to that rim in about a second and a half.

Jude Gibson, a six foot senior who averages 16.5 points, a 72% free throw shooter. How many times do you practice this in your driveway?

Oh, yeah. It's all about your breathing technique. You know, the repetitions. This is a high pressure situation because you really can't prepare for it. You got to get your legs into the shot. He's built for these moments, but no time on the clock.

36 of 50 from the charity stripe this year. You cannot have a more pressure packed situation than what Jude Gibson is entering into right now. He needs to make both to send this game to overtime.

[APPLAUSE]

He makes the first. ADM uses their last time. Aren't sports the best?

Look, this is why all these sponsors hire these kids, right? What area of your life as a teenager do you get in front of 10,000 people? A million on TV and have to deliver it like this? The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat. This game is just coming down to a free throw. There's nothing to analyze here, partner. It's been a joy to work with. this down home.

Lee.

Oh my goodness. 20 years from now, when these kids come back with their own families, they're going to talk about these games. What could have been? Look at that banner with our names on it hanging in the gym for the next hundred years.

How evenly matched are these teams? They split during the regular season and it's either overtime or a one point difference in the state title game.

Well, selfishly speaking, I'm hoping for overtime. Well.

I'm not ready for this thing to end.

Another instant classic. I can't tell you how good of a job these coaches and players have done. I mean, you get to this level. One thing we've seen in this tournament, the coaches who have good sets, good out of bounds plays, good screens are the ones who win these games. I mean, they're not just rolling the ball out there. A strategy in every possession.

All on the line.

Tried to ice him.

No time-outs left for either team. One more free throw. We are going to overtime. What a performance by Jude Gibson. Most players would have airballed those free throws. He steps up and drills them both to send Ballard to overtime. Relive the excitement. Share these moments with your family, friends and neighbors. Visit iowapbs.org for archives of high school sports championships. Any time we have seen six ties, we have seen six lead changes. We are exactly where we started a tie ball game put four minutes on the clock for OT. That was incredible. Gut check time. Heart of a champion.

PBS delivers right. Jude Gibson delivers. How proud is everybody in the state of that kid outside of ADM folks, that is a life changing experience right there. Let's be real, you miss the shots, you lose the state title. You make the shots.

Your legend.

Man live to see. Here we go.

So Ballard and ADM. Yeah.

How much juice can ADM have left?

And that's the thing. I feel like Ballard has the momentum because of those free throws. ADM felt like they had clinched it. That foul was called and now each team will get one time-out left. And it's going to come down to the wire here. Again neither team shooting the three point ball well oh. So try and pound it into the paint. But any strategy different for overtime.

What's interesting is we thought we had the all time great game with Storm Lake and ADM. Yes, a night ago now. So you take that 00T into account. Now they're going into another one. Right. Do they have the energy, the free throws put a lot of pressure on them. You're right. You've got to attack the paint. The shots are not falling. There's still a lot of time right. This resets the the quarter at four minutes. They've been their most effective when they've moved it side to side. I'm talking both teams let everyone touch it. Don't try to play hero ball right here. And you just have a feeling that Trey Bryte is going to make an impact in this game. They've been running everything through him. Offensive rebounds have been really good for both teams at critical points. Here we go.

It's a team sport and right now these teams. They're standing inside the Casey's Center downtown Des Moines. Good defense again. Ball loose. And Ballard has got the first defensive stop. The hero kicks it out. Another three. Another miss. The hero gets the rebound.

You know with all that time to discuss coming out of time-outs. I mean Trey tries to conquer the defense on his first possession. Gibson tries to conquer. I mean that's just not that has not been effective right. So now you bail him out with a foul.

[LAUGHTER]

But you got to move the ball side to side. These defenses are playing at an extremely high level right now. To attack them on the first dribble just plays right into what they want to do.

Back to the free-throw line. And it really doesn't matter now. You're kidding me. A Hummer. He made it when it mattered most. These. Don't get me wrong, these definitely matter. Yeah. Unbelievable.

The drama of sport. Here we go.

Wow. She's 35, 35, ADM and Ballard open three two.

Quick! Just too quick. Here we go. No shirt. Settling his guys down. Let's run something, fellas.

Jess Settles Eric Braley the outstanding Iowa PBS group into the paint. That's a good move. That's a good play. Executed. And a two point lead for Ballard. Our first points here. Geoff.

Shirt strikes first posting up Gibson with a set play.

Ball's kicked around and it is Ballard basketball taking that momentum from the end of regulation. Those two free throws some good defense. We're going to take a second to wipe up some sweat on the court on the Iowa Farm Bureau logo, leaving it all on the court in the semifinals. And two of them, we had blood on the court.

Yeah, that's 3A is just stacked. There's Coach Mikkelson. Look, he's telling his guys, settle down, right? Two possessions in a row. Not good decisions. I know he's tempted to burn that time out. He doesn't want to burn it. But it's almost like those two free throws just took the energy out of him. And in the huddle they lost focus right. They've got to get a stop here and come down and run. Good offense.

First over time, Ballard with the lead in the basketball. Dangerous pass read perfectly by the defender. Reece Strittmatter.

Trey hedged it. Reece filled in the gap.

[APPLAUSE]

Two minute warning.

They're running 77 down. Whatever that is. I imagine it's trying to get Gibson down in the paint.

Three pointer. No. Ersland has five blocks in this game. He's been a human fly swatter. just not there. Now. Gibson strips it.

I can't believe Coach Michael.gnz got to use a time-out. You can't attack on the first dribble.

But Ballard is not taking advantage of it. And now a foul called against Strittmatter for him.

[APPLAUSE]

That's his second.

[APPLAUSE]

Back to the free-throw line. This is a look at it.

This is how Ballard plays right. They're just going to attack. They're not interested in using clock. It's an obvious whistle. When you break down on somebody like that. Monster free throws for the guy who's really probably been the most valuable player in this game for Ballard.

It's nothing but the bottom of the net.

No need to panic if you're ADM, you have to block out, obviously, and I think you burn a time-out. You've got to run your best play in this situation. If you're the Tigers.

Chooses not to 90s ADM feels like an eternity since they have scored. Remember the end of the third quarter? They had that huge run to come back and take the lead. Pretty much since then it's been Ballard with the momentum.

No need to panic. Get a good shot.

That qualifies as a good shot. Trey Bryte averaging 15. He has 13.

He is special.

[APPLAUSE]

Under one minute to play in the first overtime. Ballard leads by two. They have the basketball. Can work some time off the clock here.

Or not.

ADM can tie it on this possession.

Cannot believe they didn't work some time right there.

Both teams have a time-out left. Do you let the players play or do you draw something up.

You know I'm using a time-out if I'm coaching. Yeah that's exactly what they're going to do. You've got to run your best play. Everybody's got to know what's going on here.

Trey Bryte a double double 12 points 17 rebounds. Clearly the MVP for ADM 24 seconds. Let's listen in to the huddle.

They're going to have that scouted like Mustang or 4343 okay. So Hudson throw it in. Yeah hey Trey. Eli Eli you're going to loop to come catch it. Okay then Trey's right in here. Reece you start here. Tate here. Hudson, get your corner. Dribble in. Throw there. Chase it. Okay. Fake dribble handoff. Reese, as soon as you got to get to this block, you got to get to this block really low. Okay. We have no time-outs left on a miss. You got to foul immediately. Let's go. Believe that three. What's your three. Go right away.

All right Jess.

Okay. Fascinating. Okay. He tasks his guys. Do you want to run Mustang or 43? I believe they said Mustang. It sounds like they're going to try to get to the ball. The high post and then chase the pass and get it back on a dribble handoff and attack. Let's see how it plays out.

Trailing by two ADM has the basketball.

Trey's at the high post. Fake dribble handoff isolation volleyball.

ADM wanted a foul called as bodying him up was Jude Gibson. Gibson stands at six feet tall. Trey Bryte six six.

I like the idea. I like Trey's decision. Their fake handoff. They drew it up the exact way. But number 23 Gibson is so tough. And if you get him switched on to you, he can body up Bigman. Now he's back at the free-throw line again. This is really interesting. Hit the two. That really mattered. It's brick. The other two now he can really put this game in jeopardy.

One more would be huge. Jude Gibson the dynamic playmaker, had 20 points, six rebounds, eight assists in the quarterfinal, 11.7 rebounds, six assists, four steals in the semis. Makes him both. A four point lead. And now a time-out called with 12.4 seconds. Clutch free throws again.

Does Ballard have fouls to give. Yeah they've got fouls to give right. There's 12 seconds left. Look for them to use those. If you're ADM they're going to push the rock. But just go ahead and enjoy these crowd scenes here. Everybody.

[MUSIC]

Okay. You're trying to push the ball as fast as you can. You take the first good shot you can get. If Ballard tries to reach in and foul, do some sort of flop, try to shoot it at the same time, try to get three free throws. This thing is not over.

First overtime of the first of our four championships today. To the rim and finish seven seconds. He's trying to get a time-out. The coach is as close as he possibly can be to get a time-out. It's so loud in here. He was trying to get it with about six seconds. I'm not sure if a technical was issued. The officials are meeting potentially one of the officials. He's clearly trying to call. The time-out. They are still. Meeting to talk. The officials in the center of the court talking.

[APPLAUSE]

A two point game.

[APPLAUSE]

The question is, does he have any time-outs left to call which.

That is a pretty important piece of the puzzle.

[APPLAUSE]

Has to be more than that.

I can think of a game or two. All right, Jess, the officials coming over. Why don't you get an explanation.

[LAUGHTER]

Right away?

Time-out. A technical foul, then come back and.

Yeah, they had no time-outs. So tremendous confusion. It's going to be a technical foul. It's the Chris Webber situation.

Chris Webber.

Situation which is your worst nightmare. And your as a player and a coach you get the bucket free throws. Holy smokes.

Two point game. Each team gets one time-out in overtime. And to the line I'm having a little deja vu here. Get to the free-throw line again. Is Jude Gibson. He has 12 points. 2.8 seconds. Trevor Michaelsen and Jeff Shurtz. The coaches here tonight.

Two phenomenal coaches outstanding. I mean you obviously there is Coach Michaelsen coach some of these getting their heart ripped out. I mean Adam had some trouble. But these guys live for the game. There's no question.

Inbounding right in front of us here will be Parker Miller. A reminder whenever this 3A championship ends, we'll have awards and analysis. Fouled immediately. Hardly any time comes off. Into the line. We go again.

Great job by the Tigers here. And this is where. Look, gamesmanship here. I'd go up and have a little conversation with Gibson. If I were a tiger. Okay. Now you. He's. You got he's got to miss one if you're a Tiger fan. Right. 32. three seconds is enough to get a shot off to get it down the court with a bullet pass and shocked the world. But he's got to miss one.

[APPLAUSE]

He'll get two attempts today. He's four of eight. So if you miss ADM has to quickly outlet and get a three-point shot up. If he makes this, it probably will do it.

[APPLAUSE]

Huge free throws again. The Ballard Bombers are your 3A champions.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE]

Outstanding individual play. Tremendous team performance. 4339 the final score. The Bombers hop into the student section to celebrate. Jess, what did we just witness the last couple of hours here?

We just saw greatness by both teams. We saw two elite defensive performances. It is almost impossible to hold either one of these teams in the 40s in the upper 30s. It just does not happen. Two great coaching staffs, the stars struggled at times. Gibson. I thought defensively was world class. There he is on your screen hugging coach shirts and they trusted him down the stretch. They put the ball in his hands and he stepped up and hit. Obviously two of the biggest free throws in state history. No time on the clock. And he delivered.

Some presentations to hand out.

All tournament team, which is selected by a vote of the tournament's media. The captain earns a $500 grant from Farm Bureau to be used in their school student government, presenting today's certificates is the governor of the great state of Iowa, the Honorable Kim Reynolds, and the President of Farm Bureau. Mr. Brant Johnson. Now let's meet the 2026 class 3A all tournament team from ADM Trey Bryte.

[APPLAUSE]

From Ballard Evan Abbott. From Storm Lake. Jaden.

[APPLAUSE]

From Ballard Jude Gibson.

[APPLAUSE]

And the captain of your all tournament team from ADM. Hudson Lorensen.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE]

And it's now time to present the Iowa High School Athletic Association's tournament Awards and congratulate these teams on their great seasons. The Iowa High School Athletic Association Trophies, Awards and championship caps are possible because of the support of title sponsor the Iowa Farm Bureau, presenting our championship game honors our members of the Iowa High School Athletic Association staff and Board of Control. Your runner up team finishes the 2026 season with a 24 three record and their first finals appearance at the state basketball tournament. Please help us congratulate the student athletes, coaches and supporters from ADM.

[APPLAUSE]

And your 2026 Champions in class 3A finished with a record of 26 and one, and they have won their first state basketball title. Please help us in congratulating Coach Jeff Shirts and the Bombers of Ballard.

[APPLAUSE]

All right. Jess Settles final thoughts on the 3A championship game.

Well, the Ballard Bombers are the real deal, right? And they have been all season long. They defend, they get out in transition. They get their stars. The basketball. This was a hard fought, legendary state title. They earned it. They'll never forget it. It was just a real honor to be a part of it.

ADM 24 and three a historic season. Their first finals appearance Ballard their first ever first state basketball title, will return shortly for class 4A on your statewide network right here on Iowa PBS.

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