Class 4A — Johnston Dragons vs. Cedar Falls Tigers

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Downtown Des Moines. Real nice day here on championship Friday. One championship in the books. And it was a great one. As the Ballard Bombers defeat Adam in overtime, we move to the largest class Johnston Dragons against the Cedar Falls Tigers Tigers, the number one ranked team. Jess Settles and Eric Braley welcoming you inside the arena. Jess, this is going to be a great matchup. Johnston red hot Tigers the number one ranked team.

Throw out the records for Johnston right there. A completely different team. They are healthy now. They play ferocious defense. They'll rip and claw at the basketball. If you're Cedar Falls, you got to be really tough with the handles. Not turn the ball over. But Cedar Falls trying to make history and sweep this entire year.

We want to introduce you to another member of our team as we have a halftime show you won't want to miss. Paul Yeager will join us. He'll have game highlights, coach interviews and cheerleaders will perform on the court. It's all coming up at the half. Let's introduce you to these two teams as Johnston. Really not the start that you want to get here, as it's their 13th trip to state, but one win, five losses. Put that in the rear view mirror and forget about it because they're 16 and three since.

Well, you look at the three stars that they have on their team, right? Anybody can beat you. They will take that defense and turn it into offense. They can play fast. They can control the tempo. And oh by the way they're heating up. They're starting to drill open three point shots.

They made 70% from deep in the first half in the semifinal. Here's the Tigers as they have just balance. And one of the best players in the state of Iowa as well.

Gerdes has been a superstar at this tournament. Ben Jacobson from Northern Iowa is here to watch him play today. He's got to be really strong with the ball, especially handle those double teams that are going to be thrown at him. He's got to get the ball up, make quick decisions and Jaydon Kimbrough look, star players never have two poor games in a row. He struggled yesterday. I expect him to come out and play lights out in this one.

Let's go to the PA to meet the teams. In.

Time for basketball.

This is the championship game in class 4A. The visitors on the scoreboard are the Dragons of Johnston. They have a record of 17 wins and 8 losses. And they defeated Waukee Northwest and Waukee to reach the championship game. The home team on the scoreboard, the Tigers of Cedar Falls. They have a record of 24 wins and no losses on the season. They defeated Urbandale and Dowling Catholic to reach the championship game. 

Let's meet the non-starters and assistant coaches of both schools. For the Johnston Dragons. 

• Number 2, Caleb Gbarjolo.
• Number 10, Miles Lahori.
• Number 12, Jaden Houser.
• Number 20, Jack Halverson.
• Number 21, Julian Lu.
• Number 23, Caden Eisentrager.
• Number 24, Shaydra Johnson.
• Number 30, Jacob Pedersen.
• Number 31, Brooklyn Manatt.
• Number 33, Matthew Gipple.
• Number 42, Maxwell George. 

The assistant coaches of the Dragons, Mr. Chris Krueger, Mr. Ryan Miller and Mr. Justin Ruddy. 

Here are the non-starters and assistant coaches for the Tigers. 

• Number 2, Ayden Moersfelder.
• Number 3, TaySean Ratleff.
• Number 5, Stratton Range.
• Number 10, Elijah Stewart.
• Number 11, Lukas Haller.
• Number 12, Chase Terwilliger.
• Number 14, Mason Woltz.
• Number 15, Hughe Steege.
• Number 20, Brody Hanna.
• Number 20, Kinnick Gallagher.
• Number 24, Ceth Barry.
• Number 44, Jude Hazell.
• And number 50, Lincoln Walsworth. 

The assistant coaches of the Tigers, Mr. Chris Dyvig. Mr. John Joachim. Mr. J. T. Tegrotenhuis, Mr. Dan Scannell, Mr. Liam O'Neil and Mr. Ben Wohlgemuth.

And now here are your starting lineups for the Dragons of Johnston. 

• A 5' 11" junior, number 1, Nicare Cavil.
• A 6' 1" senior, number 3, Tino Daye Jr.
• A 5' 11" junior, number 4, Emri Jones.
• A 6' 5" junior, number 5, Joshua Jenkins.
• A 6' 4" junior, number 15, Darren Grandon.

For the Tigers. 

• A 6' 2" senior, number 1, Parker Berns.
• A 6' 2" sophomore, number 23, Carsen Gary.
• A 6' 2" senior, number 30, Jaydon Kimbrough.
• A 6' 9" senior, number 32, Will Gerdes.
• A  6' 10" senior, number 33, Leyton Wolf.

The head coaches for the Johnston Dragons, Mr. Courtney Henderson. And for the Cedar Falls Tigers, Mr. Ryan Schultz.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce to you the officials assigned to this championship game by the Iowa High School Athletic Association. Mr. Chad Schlegel. Mr. Travis Berkey, Mr. Garrett Wirtz and the auxiliary bench official, Mr. Dante Terry. Via the lighting today is at the Casey's Center is presented by Musco Lighting.

To the game.

And what we expect. But first a quick little hike video to get you excited.

All right. Jess Settles, what are the keys to the game? With everything on the line on this final day of basketball here in the state of Iowa? Johnston.

Well, look, you have to finish the book, right? You've written a couple great chapters, but you have to close it out to cut down the nets. It's a fairy tale ending right here. Impose their will on Gerdes. If your Cedar Falls, you can't turn the ball over against this ferocious defense, and they need contributions from all five guys.

It's going to be a good one. Buckle up, sit back and enjoy this broadcast here on Iowa PBS sports.

We got our breath after that overtime thriller in 3A. There's two more championships after this one as well. Johnston in the dark uniforms with purple and gold. Cedar Falls in the white, unis with red and black. It's a good half court defensive stop by the Tigers right out of the gates.

That's exactly what they want to do. Stay in a stance. Stay in the gaps. Johnston extremely quick. You have to be in a defensive position. Keep your hands down and try to come up with loose balls.

Ball thrown away so no points on the first offensive possession for each team here. And we might be witnessing two of the best coaches in the state of Iowa. Coach Courtney Henderson in his 17th season and coach Ryan Schultz in his 13th season for Cedar Falls. We'll tell you about their story and impact on their respective schools. Fun fact they played against each other in high school way back in the day, Henderson starred at Waterloo East and Schultz at Cedar Falls High School. Well, that was what happened in the semifinals. They were seven of ten in the first half from deep, and that's how they were able to take down Waukee, 5749. Johnston draws first blood.

Well, you will rarely see a 4A team this small in regards to Johnston, right? No true power forward or center. A lot of forwards and guards. They are so quick, but if they're going to hit the three in this game, they're not going to lose this game.

The answer to Nicare Cavil gets the first one and a nice answer by Jaydon Kimbrough, the big time scorer for the Tigers.

He's only four for 11 against Dowling. Got beat up a little bit, was on the floor a lot. Star players always rise to the occasion and they never play poorly two games in a row. And did he just break some ankles and tear down the nets with that strip shot? Wow. He's been brilliant at both ends. I mean, what a star. Number one, keep your eye on him. He'll even trap the post.

Like he does. Just there. A lead guard, offensive catalyst. He controls the tempo. He creates offense for his teammates. And boy oh boy is he a disruptive defender.

Yeah. It's like how do they defend big guys. Well he comes over and traps and uses the strength of his lower body. There's the flex cut. The old doctor Tom Davis flex on the OB. And get the ball to the right guy there. That's for sure.

Number 32 is Will Gerdes. We will be saying his name a lot. He's A69 senior forward committed to the University of Northern Iowa. He scored over a thousand points. Really stretches the floor and can pour in the points.

He's got really soft hands and you can just tell that he lives in the gym because the moves that he has, it's all from the training. I mean, step through Euro steps, really soft around the rim. He was the big difference with 28 monster points the last time out to put his team in position to win a title.

A one point game here early on is number one. Nicare Cavil. The 511 junior guard with the ball in his hands. Another three deep three bottom of the net. Joshua Jenkins. He was the star in the semifinal. And when it rains it pours.

Wow what a crafty play. A double stagger on the wing. They use him as a screener. And then he steps back.

Maybe rushed that a bit was Jaydon Kimbrough. And then scoring in transition is Cavil. He already has six points. Eight points. Excuse me.

Johnson. They can play fast. They can play slow. It just doesn't matter. They usually control the tempo. What a tremendous start. And the fairy tale continues. The defense. The offense. I said it off the top. They're going to come out and hit ten threes in this game. They're going to win a state championship.

So far so good for their game plan.

You saw Leyton Wolf. He's a tremendous six eight senior forward multi-sport athlete for the Tigers but strong half court defense. A six point lead and the ball for the Dragons bodies flying everywhere. And the foul is going to be charged against Cedar Falls Leyton Wolf.

Yeah, look, that's obviously a call on Wolf. I mean, he shoves him onto the ground. Easy decision. That's a box set that Johnson's going to be running. They will run a set play on every single possession. So you've got to stick to your defensive principles. You know you're going to be screened. You got to get it over the top on the shooters. I mean that's just two open right there.

Cannot leave him open or he will make you pay. We've seen more scoring in this first quarter than we saw in almost that second half of that 3A game. That was all defense. Johnson red hot out of the gates. And we still have four minutes to go here in the first quarter. Another great stop defensively. Ryan Schultz want to use a time-out soon here.

Well whatever you do here if you're Cedar Falls you have to make Johnston put the ball on the floor. You cannot give them an open three. But you see a perfect example of that swarming defense by the Dragons, right? When you think you have a layup, somebody comes in and wrecks your party. What a block.

Ball tipped out. It'll be Tiger basketball 328 to go. They only have five points. As you see the replay here. Kimbrough with three and Grace with two.

Great job of running him off the three point line. You can live with them in the paint. Now at this end keep your eye on big number 32 Curtis. He's got Grandin on him. They have to let him touch the ball on the post. He's got to play with sharp elbows and know that fouls are coming and double teams are coming.

Gary he's a sophomore sensation in the starting lineup for the Tigers ball on that near sideline, and the Tigers just all out of sorts due to that full half court pressure.

Well look if Curtis is not going to get that call on the drive, then it's going to be a long night for him and he puts the ball on the floor, gains the advantage, gets shoved, leads to a turnover. So you got you know you got to play really tough against Johnston. Just a little bit of a danger zone here in the first quarter. Believe it or not this is a big possession for both teams.

Each possession here in this championship game big and magnified. That ball was a nice shot. Rimmed out and then a foul underneath. It goes against Johnston. That's the second team foul.

So Cavil can get into the paint anytime he wants. I mean that's another wide open three for the Dragons. So if you're a Tigers fan I mean do you throw a little two 3 or 1 three one just to try to disrupt the rhythm of Johnston right now? I mean, you've got to go deep into the bag here in the state title game, but the guards for Johnston, which is basically their whole team, are so lightning quick.

Cedar Falls, one of the best offenses in the state of Iowa, averaging 70.2 points. They only have five with 220 to go fourth turnover by the Tigers. And they're going to call a foul as that is the third team foul.

Just a high ball screen on the wing and the officials let him set it initially. But then when he tried to move out of it while they were connected. That's just an easy whistle going the other way. Again, big number 32. Gerdes has the size advantage. They have to get him the ball on the block and another turnover. Look at the speed. This is not going to end well for Cedar Falls right here.

Jump the passing lanes. Got the steal. That's Joshua Jenkins. They reset and now attack again. Hauser drove.

Tino Daye Jr. he's going to play football at Iowa Western. But he can play hoops as well. Look out. The Dragons are on a mission up 16 to 5. Taking control of this first quarter.

Well look it's just one on one battles right now. They're just quicker. They're more athletic. They're breaking this defense down. There's the side ball screen. You get the switch that you want two on the ball. He just takes what the defense gives him. He pulls up. Do you in this time out mix up your defenses. Because these isolation dribble penetration plays are just working so well for the Dragons.

Well stay connected with Iowa PBS sports. No matter where you're watching from. Join the conversation. Follow us on Facebook and X and use hashtag Iowa PBS sports to enjoy high school sports with other fans. Jess Settles, Eric Braley and the outstanding crew of Iowa PBS. We're here all of last week for the Iowa Girls State Championship tournament, and now a full day of championships here today for the boys. We started with 3A, the Ballard Bombers, defeating ADM in OT, and now we move to class 4A. Cedar falls defeated Urbandale in the quarterfinals, 7353. They took down Dowling Catholic in the semifinals and Johnston had to beat a pair of Waukee schools to get here in the quarterfinals. Hockey northwest 4842. And then just yesterday defeated Waukee to punch their ticket for this one field goal percentage. You see there 75% to just 33% for Cedar Falls, and that shot won't drop through the official points. The way of Johnston.

Well, I like the idea of the play coming out of the time-out. Right? They're going with a pick and roll with the bigs. That's Wolf and Gerdes, but Gerdes just got displaced right. They're not letting him get to the post. He's going to really have to toughen up play with his lower body. Because look at the lineup Johnston has in. Was there one guy over six foot on the floor right now.

I don't believe so.

Jenkins he's the only one.

Drive trying to use the size. And now a trip to the free-throw line. 70s to play. And again Cedar Falls averages 70 points per game. Just everything so challenging against this half court defense.

Well, these guys I'm talking about, Johnson held Waukee northwest to 42 points right then Waukee to 49. That's true. You're looking at one of the master coaching jobs like Coach Henderson in state history. And I that's that may be the understatement of the tournament. Look he is shutting down Division One players regularly in this tournament, controlling the tempo, keeping the score low, doubling the post and just grinding offense. Look at these sets. Now here's the zone. I like this. This is great coaching. Here's the counter by Cedar Falls. Let's see what they have to attack a zone. Because the Cedar Falls D could not guard them in man.

I just love this idea. Regardless of what happens.

You got to make something up don't you?

That's a tough shot. Didn't matter.

Rising to the occasion is Cavil red hot from downtown and 19 seven advantage Tigers need points badly. 14 first quarter points for Nicare Cavil.

He is a superstar.

He averages 15.8 and he already has 14.

There it is. What a pass out of the double. Wide open three just doesn't knock it down. Great pass out.

Johnston can extend their lead. Seven seconds to go deep. Three.

Well Caitlin Clark hits him pretty deep. But this 1st May be farther than what she takes him. You talk about a perfect quarter to a state title game, a logo three, nothing but bottoms. Perfection. Johnston the Dragons can't play any better.

Six of eight from deep. That's 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 Abraham Tubbs. He's the president and CEO of Onward Bancshares, incorporated in Maquoketa and chairman of the Iowa Bankers Association. And Abraham, 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. And why is investing in young people so important to the banking industry? By investing in Iowa students education and financial literacy, we strengthen the workforce of the future. This commitment to long term growth is why we proudly support students saving for higher education. Thank you for your support of Iowa PBS and for the Iowa Bankers Association. Support of the Student Athlete Achievement Awards.

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 court, in the classroom and in their community. The 2026 Student Athlete Achievement Award winner for class 4A basketball, is Will. We're from Prairie presenting. The award is Matthew Delman from Bank, Iowa in West Des Moines. Congratulations will on receiving this scholarship and thank you, Matthew and the Iowa Bankers Association for their sponsorship of this award.

We'll take an adventure with Iowa PBS on road Trip. Iowa. Join host Brooke Kohlsdorf as we travel to states, highways and scenic byways, exploring the history, culture and natural beauty along the way. It's a beautiful state. Join us road Trip Iowa Mondays at 9 p.m. Saturdays at 9 a.m. or stream online anytime. Well, Cavil five of six from three Point land, 17 points. He alone outscored Cedar Falls by ten points.

Well, you can't imagine they're going to stay that hot, right? Those are really tough shots. Elite performance in the first quarter if you're Cedar Falls, no need to panic. Keep mixing up your defense. You gave up a three in the zone, but don't give up on it. Go man. Go zone. And at the other end you just got to chip away. Get the ball inside and play inside out. But you're gonna have to start stringing some stops together.

[LAUGHTER]

Now that can't go twice, can it?

You wouldn't think so, but it's been a crazy day here at the Casey Center in Des Moines.

I mean, that's the ultimate heat check. But we probably can't fault him for that, right? He hasn't missed a shot all day. It seems like all week.

Now. The Tigers trailed after the first quarter yesterday in the semis against Dowling. But then defeated Dowling in the second quarter. Third quarter and fourth quarter to advance to this championship game. I just don't know how many times they've trailed in games this year. They've been the number one team, the target on their back.

That's just a tremendous set. Again, they know exactly what they're doing. They're going to get the ball inside. And he's long enough Gerdes to get over the top. Now he's getting really shoved out on those initial catches. So he's got to be really tough with the ball when he initially gets it.

Parker Berns whistled for the foul. The six two senior guard, who averages eight points, three and a half rebounds.

Johnston.

And coming out of the game to catch a breath. I think he deserves that. Gary Cavil and a time out on the court. Interesting time to call a time-out. Well I h a a partnered with the Special Olympics of Iowa to showcase Iowa School's unified sports teams. Take a look at this. Students teamed up with other athletes with intellectual disabilities to hit the hardwood at half time. It was fun watching this, as the concept was inspired by a simple principle training and playing together. It's a quick path to friendship and understanding. They had a blast and the fans here at the Casey's Center enjoyed watching. In the quarterfinals. The semifinals are again every year. The just trying to think of different ways to make this a better experience for everyone.

It's just so fun for the young kids, right? Who are in elementary school to be able to come here and see the older kids, they look up to play and be entertained by the halftime shows. And I remember my dad bringing me here when I was really young and having me put my foot on the court. That's pretty. Just if you touch the court, then maybe you can dream big enough to make it up here.

Oh, open.

Look for the Tigers fortunate that that rims out.

Yeah, look. Now that's two in a row they missed. That was a pretty clean look. But we knew they couldn't stay that hot for that long. Again, Wolf and Gerdes, they're going to work each other at this high post. Get it inside now. Gerdes is getting fouled down there. I mean, he's getting pushed around. There we go. He's got to get that call. Yep.

Gerdes attracting like a magnet. The Dragons. It's going to be a physical game, no doubt about it. And after a quick breather, Cavil checks back in. Just the first foul here of this second quarter.

Dowling Catholic had a huge front line and Gerdes just did a good job of getting them in foul trouble. But this is a completely different defense. Look at three guys are on him. So tough.

You know the game plan against Dowling. He was going up against.

Some.

Talented, talented big centers post players. Now he's going up against some scrappy tenacious guards. Dangerous pass. And it's stolen away. Plucked right out of the air by Leyton Wolf. His brother Logan and Landon both played at state. Logan played in a couple title games. Berns unable to connect and the Tigers again just cannot buy a bucket.

Oh, Parker gets those kind of looks. Those will start falling. I mean, he's got a great shot. Gary they're just going to have to continue to kick it out. But you're right Dowling. They had Charlie Crane. And this is a different type of defense. These guys are so quick.

So quick to get the offensive rebound on that play right there for Emri Jones the junior guard so versatile. Outstanding perimeter shooter in his own right. He has no points. But he's made a lot of impactful plays. Here's a three. I said he's a good perimeter shooter. Didn't I.

Look look great shot. But but poor defense by Cedar Falls. The number one goal has to be you can't let them get a look. You can't go under screens right there. Everybody's got to fight over the top. It's a lot easier said than done.

Under five minutes to go before halftime. Largest lead of the game for the Johnston Dragons out of the Ciml.

It's been a magical season. After starting one and five, Johnston got healthy. They've won ten in a row and they are playing some outstanding basketball.

Gbarjolo is so tough as well. I mean, I don't know what they have him listed. That's number two for Johnston six.

Two senior forward.

Six two. I mean that is generous to say the least. But does he set some physical screens?

Here's another look as some subs check into the game.

Here's Cavil coming inside. That's just great defense. You're not going to get that whistle for Tigers. Surround him. Now we saw this a little bit in the third quarter yesterday for the Dragons. Right. Get away from their offense a little bit. Attack quickly. That's not what they're built to do. They need to move it side to side and let their plays develop.

Moving side to side on this possession. Pull up from the elbow. Almost looks like a pass. It works out like that. And the finish by Leyton Wolf. But Johnston immediately wants to get it to the other end.

That's too quick.

But quickly getting it back. Stoppage of play.

I'll tell you. Leyton Wolf number 33 for the Tigers. He has been so good this year, hasn't he? I mean, you got a big guy out running your offense a lot in these high post sets, and he's really tough. He's going to have to be extremely physical in this game, but he'd like to close this one out with a state title.

His brother's multi-sport athletes as well, uncommitted. Maybe he'll play football in college. Maybe he'll play hoops. 25 to 11 Johnston. I mean, you can take the air out of the ball a little bit. You can, but that's not their style.

This is a college level offense. These are side ball screens, quick slips. You just bite a little bit on it and they drill a three and the Cedar Falls fans are just stunned right now.

They really are. They have not trailed like this in any game this year. Six points for Emri Jones after that basket. And now he picks up a foul. Stops the clock with 313 to go. It is hard to beat a team when they are making every shot from downtown. Yeah, but. But only 11 points have been scored by the Tigers strong. And that's what you got to do if you're down, you got to look to your playmakers. Jaydon Kimbrough he averages 19.2 points. He's uncommitted.

He will announce after this tournament where he's going to go. He's an explosive scorer. And now he's going to the free-throw line.

Well that was a weight room move by Jaden okay. He's been roughed up a little bit the last couple of games. He's been limping around, but he knows he's going to take the initial hit. He's not going to get that call. So you have to really toughen up, play with physicality. He kept his head up and kissed it off the glass and maybe that'll get him going. That was that was really impressive. Look at this matchup. Cavil Kimbrough.

Kimbrough averages two and a half. Steals a game under three. Here's a three. Yes unbelievable. A technical foul for too much celebration I believe.

Okay here's the Iverson cut across the top like into the elevator. That is a ridiculous play call at this level it's not defensible. They drill another three and look you make a mistake there. Every official in the country is going to tee up when you exert energy toward the defensive player like that. But we're looking at Coach Henderson's entire playbook who I don't know, too many kids who can guard that action.

Well, here is the fun thing at the boys tournament this year. We'll tell you about that in a bit. Technical fouls, shots.

He makes them both. Yeah. It's so hard. I mean you're just pouring it on the number one ranked team. You hit a shot. Yeah his emotion.

You know you're switching roles for Cedar Falls again I would switch up the defense. I know you gave up a three. It was a long three. I'd go back to my zone because the zone it used to be that you're just trying to pack it in against bigs. Now a lot of coaches run the zone so you don't have to guard all these sets and all these actions right?

3116 Tigers in the white uniforms. Johnston trying to get a stop.

Nice.

More free throws coming and writhing in pain on his back. Slow to get up is Leyton Wolf.

So shot fakes ball fakes. They're going to swarm and they're going to jump. Watch this pump fake in power right here. Right there. He goes up. That's really effective especially with the way the Dragons try to block shots. You just give them a little pump fake and there's no way they'll be able to resist.

One more free throw coming for Wolf. He averages close to double digits 9.7 rebounds.

These coaches Courtney Henderson also coached at Des Moines, Hoover and Waterloo West High School. Tremendous player. A Waterloo native from Waterloo East High School. Early season injuries led to A15 start 16 and three since Christmas break. Only lost one game when starters are completely healthy and available. I mean, I don't even know what to.

Say. Well, so Wolf and Gerdes in the game together cannot guard this offense. They're too big and you're asking them to chase guards around and fight off screens. So you're going to have to go with the smaller lineup, or you're going to have to go to a zone defense. And even that might not matter.

I mean, these sets are just absolutely lethal. And you are getting picked and the shots are falling for the Dragons. And obviously with Daye back, they are a completely different team. We set off the top, you throw the record out, they were injured. This is not the same team. If you're Cedar Falls you got 153. You're trying to chip away at it, but when you have the two bigs in the game, you just know these guys are too quick for them.

Will Gerdes. Fourth all time leading scorer in school history. That says a lot. because the Tigers have been to state 16 state tournaments. State champions.

What a program.

What just.

A blue blood in the state of Iowa. I mean just so many stars, elite coaching staff, great fans right now in a world of hurt in the state title game against a really explosive Johnston team that seems like they can beat everybody off the bounce. What a block.

Timed it perfectly. And with 90s to go before halftime, Kimbrough going to work. He gets blocked.

Lost it out of bounds. That half court defense again. Johnston so so good at just packing it in.

So keep your eyes off the ball here for Johnston. Let's see where the screens are coming from. And if they can get shooters open in the wing, they're going to start in a high horn set. Probably a high post entry. Now they're going to go screen. So you got Gerdes guarding a guard here right. This is just it's really a tall task that's too deep.

It is too deep. It is short showing off the dribbling on the break. Asking to count it for goaltending.

4A Iowa basketball. So fun to watch. I mean you talk about there are so many college level football and basketball players out there. Probably a few baseball guys to call the goaltender there.

They are going.

To okay, that's his skill set. Look at Will in the open court, right. Playing like a guard. That's a huge play in this game. You get the forced bad shot at one end and a three point opportunity at the other end with 45 seconds to go.

Almost an offensive rebound trying to save it. Johnston will have it. They can hold as this clock is ticking down six seconds between shot clock game clock. It's not really in their DNA though.

Like you think they're going to hold. That's a mistake. That's two bad possessions. By Johnston I mean we knew they were going to fire. But look you got the lead here. Now you're going to give Cedar Falls an opportunity to steal momentum going into half.

Tigers will be down. But again, momentum is a big thing in sports. Five seconds Gary three on the way. Won't go. And your halftime score Johnston with a monster of a first half behind. Hot shooting 34 points outstanding. Stifling defense 21 points as Johnston ten of 17 from deep folks. He's been perched above the action all game. Let's go back to Paul Yeager to tip off our special halftime show here in class 4A. Paulw. Take it over.

Thank you very much, Eric and Jess. Yeah, I'm trying to keep up with all these threes. I'm looking up some of the statistics for three point field goals for Johnson. They are ten of 17 or 59%. It's been Cavil. It's been Jones. It's been an impressive barrage here of three. But that's what Johnson has done in their game against northwest and in their game against Waukee. To get here to this final game, Courtney Henderson is the head coach of Johnston and we will talk with him and hopefully just a moment. And he is with us now. Coach hot shooting. You've started well. You want to probably not take a break and keep going. A.M. I guessing that right.

Yeah. We shot the ball very well in the first half, but at the same time we got to defend and rebound.

All right. Yeah. Let's talk about Cedar Falls there. You're defending them also. Very well. It's not just the hot shooting. How are you doing that.

Yeah we just know we got to be physical and keep the bigs away from the rim and run them off the three point line. We did a pretty decent job but it's two halves.

All right. You're also running some pretty good offensive plays. It was impressing Jess there on a couple of those calls. Has that just been normal flow or are you dial up a little something extra here for this championship game.

It's normal flow but we're just making shots so it makes it look good.

Appreciate it coach.

Thank you. Thank you.

That's head coach Courtney Henderson of the Johnston Dragons who lead here at the break. We're going to go back down to the floor now for the special presentation and performance by some of the best cheerleaders in the state of Iowa.

Sure.

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 choreographer is Michelle Bartels of Jump and Jam, cheer and Dance. The ICC All-State directors are Dana Logan and Kenneth Johnson. Please welcome to the floor, the 2026 Iowa All-State Cheerleading Squad.

Came out here to see.

Iowa. Austin.

You know what that team.

Dance. Now I make money moves. Dance. I make money, move. If I see you and I don't speak, that means I don't mess with you. I'm about.

Now she say she gon do what? Let's find out. I see you know where I'm at. You know where I be. You. I bet you did.

I had to.

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

I won't let you get me down. I'll keep gettin up when I hit the ground. Or I'll never give up, never give up, no, no. Oh, 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. Oh, I found my way. Find my way. Oh, oh. I'll find my way, find my way. 000. Find my way, find my way home. 000. I'll find my way, find my way. 000. I found, find a way. Oh 000. I finally found my way. Oh oh.

Oh la la la la.

I all Steege.

Have fun. The show has started. The stage is set. Our squad so fly. Let's go. Push. UHC. Nothing. Yes! We're trippin with the next. Our reign supreme. We are the 2026. All three. Yeah. We're holding nothing back. We're in the zone. We'll take it to the next level. Go big or go home. Yeah.

So let the beat drop.

A mi gente se.

Put your hands up to the sound.

Everyday I'm shuffling.

A round of applause for the 2026 Iowa All-State cheerleading squad. Each year, the Iowa Cheerleading Coaches Association awards a $250 scholarship to a member of the All-State squad who demonstrates an outstanding dedication, athletic achievement and academic excellence. This year's recipient has been a four year member of the All-State team, and is the only is only the fourth cheerleader in her school's history to earn eight achievement letters by participating in both the fall and the Winter cheer squads. During all four years of high school, she also competed on the Cheer Dance Competition squad. Throughout her high school career, earning three two, three finishes every year. In addition to her success in cheerleading, she's a three time state track participant and a ten time academic all conference honoree, demonstrating her commitment both on the field and in the classroom. The Iowa cheerleading Coaches Association proudly agrees and is honored to present this year's $250 scholarship to this exceptional student athlete. Isabelle Stagg from ING.

Congratulations, Isabelle.

And thanks, everyone. How about another round of applause for the all cheerleader?

We're here at halftime. It's Johnston 34, Cedar Falls 21. When we come back, we'll take a look at the first half hot shooting for Johnston and talk to the Cedar Falls coach when we return.

Yeah.

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Halftime. Halftime here in 4A. Johnston up on Cedar Falls 3421. Joining us now as part of our halftime show, Ryan Schultz, head coach for Cedar Falls. All right, coach, let's play law of averages here. It works both ways both for you and for them. Right.

We hope so.

All right. Let's talk about the hot shooting. Obviously Johnston did that in the first half of their other two games. So how do you flip the script on him here in game three for them?

Yeah. I mean obviously you got to hope that they kind of revert to the mean a little bit. But they have shot it. Well we knew that. So we need to make sure that we're getting out and pressuring the guys that are shooting it well for sure. And then the biggest message right now is we're still in this thing at this point. It's 13. It's early in the second half. We got a string stops together. We got to be one possession at a time. And then we got to continue to try to go inside a little bit, but swing and hit it a little bit on the back side as well. I think, you know, matching their physicality is going to be really important, you know, and making sure that we're we're being able to play through contact and work to to continue to get to the rim.

Pretty good. Great answer coach. Thank you. All right. That's Ryan Schultz head coach for Cedar Falls. It's like a pro. These coaches are worried about these interviews. He nailed it. Let's talk about the highlights here. It was all Johnston shooting. We'll get to that in a moment. But let's show you Cedar Falls here. They are trying to get it going from the outside right now they're one seventh and three. That's the one. And first. That was Kimbrough. Now it's Leyton Wolf. He'll put it back up. That's a couple of his points. And then it's the outside shooting we mentioned. If they're going into the half ten of 17, 59%. It's Emri Jones. He has 12. He he's a Emri Jones junior. The Jr. stands for just right. Pretty big night for him. 4 or 5 from three. Cavil has 17 points five of eight for three. So who knows what's going to happen. That's what Jess and Eric are here to finish this up.

Thank you Paul. Appreciate that. A fun halftime show again as we are sitting courtside, the teams are out of the locker rooms. We have some outstanding coaches. It is a chess match. The story of the game is hot shooting for Johnston. Physicality is important and you could tell Cedar Falls really kind of flustered with how they were being defended in the post.

There, no question about it. I mean, the Dragons are all over him right there. Rooting him off the post right there, getting away with that. And then when they do get it inside, they are swarming. That's why only one three pointer falling for Cedar Falls. They're going to have to have to hit 5 or 6 in this game. On the other side, how about Johnston 20 out of their last 37 from beyond the arc right there. Putting Wolf in ball screen action. He's not able to deal with the quickness of those guards. They're going to have to cool off or they're going to run away with this thing.

27 point difference between these two teams from behind the arc one made three pointer for Cedar Falls, ten made three pointers for Johnston. Here's the side by side comparison. You can see the numbers. The numbers do not lie. But like Coach Schultz said, this is not insurmountable by any stretch of the imagination. Tigers really want to get the ball into the paint. They want to play their game. Any other stats jump out at you? Cavil has 17 Jones12 for Johnston, ten points for Gerdes, eight for Kimbrough.

Well, the seven turnovers really hurt you, especially against this team and especially when you're only hitting one three in the half. So look, they're going to have to play a lot better. Plenty of time you know don't play hero ball. Run your offense. Get your sets in order. Mix up your defenses. This is going to be a fascinating third quarter. They're pretty fortunate. I'm talking Cedar Falls to be in this game.

Johnston outscored Cedar Falls 22 to 7 in the first quarter. Cedar falls outscored Johnston 1412 in the second.

I like the mentality right there. Go inside to your All-stater your D-1 player. That double comes from underneath. How ironic. I mean, Kyle Green is responsible for teaching a lot of these coaches about that underneath double. And now it's being used against his hometown team.

The father of A.J. green, the alum who led Cedar Falls to their last state title, now current assistant coach at Iowa State, who's coaching in the big 12 tournament.

He told me once, he said one of the reasons Iowa State does so well in the nonconference is because of that double team. Big guys are just not used to it. It's really hard to make decisions out of the post when you have two guys on you. There's turnover number eight and it's superb defense again by the Dragons.

Defense. Defense, defense in the 3A championship game that we had at 1:00. We said defense wins championships. Also making a lot of three pointers certainly helps as well.

Johnston trying to protect the lead. Will it change their style at all? Will it change how they play? We shall see an eternity left on the clock here.

Look, Berns is 24% from three on the year, but he's got to let him fly if they're going to sag off of him that much, he's got to pull the trigger.

Offensive board. A lot of contact and a couple of free throws coming for the Tigers. Here's another look at this.

It's a great move by Wolf. He just doesn't finish it. And Parker comes flying in. And this is the best way to get back in it right. If nothing else get to the free-throw line. So that defense obviously is not set up. But when you play in a state title game, all bets are off. You don't think about what your percentages are, how you played the last game. You come out with confidence and you take the open three and you take what the defense gives you.

Berns two nice free throws. He's a solid player six two senior guard averaging eight points 3.5 rebounds two assists, 1.6 steals. Started every game. Tigers. Wow. If you can get this to single digits. Drive lost it. I'm starting to feel something in this building.

Look they know how fortunate they are to have a chance to get back in this game. They were almost blown out a couple four shots late by the dragon. Let Cedar Falls finish strong. But what about Gary? Staying in the gaps. Gets gets his hand in there and forces a turnover. They have a chance to cut this to single digits. How amazing is this?

Defense collapses. Open three. There's your sophomore Carsen Gary and we have ourselves a ball game. Nine zero. Run. Jess.

Under ten on the shot clock in trouble. Swatted away five seconds on the shot clock. Here's a look at that last battle.

It really starts at the defensive end. And that gives you confidence at the offensive end. Wolf two great decisions and two possessions. And somebody's got to step up and make it rain. The confidence coming back into the Tigers the only two on the clock here. Another turnover. Wow. What did Ryan Schultz tell us there at halftime? Hey, this game's not close to being over. Tremendous. Start here for Cedar Falls.

So much time on the clock. I said Cedar falls won that second quarter, and now they're winning. Clearly this third quarter as well. A time-out on the court. A quick 32nd time-out called well for over 50 years market to market has been the news and commodity market information source for anyone who lives and works in rural America. Join host Paul Yeager every Friday night at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1230 for market to Market. The weekly Journal of Rural America, or stream it online anytime. 546 remaining here in the third quarter, class four A championship. It's either Johnston or Cedar Falls. Joining Ballard, who won in overtime against ADM. And if you did not hear anything or did not catch our broadcast, two free throws with 0.2 seconds left in regulation were made to send it to overtime for Ballard in a thriller instant classic here from Des Moines, this one has the makings of being another instant classic good ball movement, high percentage shot 11 zero run.

How does Johnston respond?

Tigers playing with all the confidence in the world. With five minutes to go here in the third.

Back to their game and it's stolen away. Cavil who had that huge first half. And they're not dropping. Soaring in for the offensive rebound. A travel is called. He kind of rolled with it.

Now this has turned into a really competitive great game right now. Cedar Falls got it figured out. Defensively. They're coming up with stops. They're getting the rebounds making the extra pass. If you're Johnston you want to run a set here. They do on every possession. But everybody touch it. Get the ball side to side. But the Tigers this is very exceptional. They were on the ropes and they made it a game. Tough shot. That's a bad shot.

And it does not go for Cavil.

Couple free throws as the main man for Cedar Falls will Gerdes.

I just like his mentality in this entire tournament, right? He he has the ability to to sense when his team needs him the most, right? It's just so much more than the skill set the shot. He shoots a high percentage from three. But there have been times where he can just sense. I've got to make the play. And if you're the Dragons right here, coach Henderson at halftime, he said all the plays look easy when the shots are falling. Right now, they've had a tendency to rush things once in a while. They did it in the third quarter yesterday and they've taken a few bad shots here. They just don't need to do that because especially when they get to their second or third actions, they typically have the advantage. Cedar Falls this is what a legendary program does though, right? These guys believe that it's not over until it's over. And it's a four point game. What a comeback.

Johnston has not scored in six minutes of game time. Feels like an eternity. Been stuck on 34 Little teardrop. No, but an offensive put back, weak side. Oh boy did they need that. There's Joshua Jenkins.

Jaden Hauser set 3 or 4 great screens in that possession. I mean if you just let everybody touch it somebody will get open with those great screens.

An offensive rebound at the other.

End firing again. What a shot. The big fella. Look he missed the last one. It didn't matter.

One possession ball game here from downtown Des Moines in the Casey's Center.

Wide open look. Leaving it all on the floor.

And a time-out called by Johnston.

Leyton Wolf. Everybody remember the name? I mean, he is working so hard he's firing it. Dribbles back two steps back. I mean can't McCausland back in the day just raining in threes.

Let's listen inside the Cedar Falls huddle all the momentum in the Tigers huddle right now. And here's coach Ryan Schultz.

Again they don't want this. Hey hey.

You got it right back. You got it right back. Okay. Now.

Hey.

You gotta win this.

Game.

You only gotta win it by four. But I think you can go ahead and push it forward, man.

All right.

Okay.

Everyone's got a rebound now.

It is though. It's all the little things. Okay. Now again we want to hit Will when we can. But use his gravity for your drives too to get in the paint and get some things to the rim as well. All right. And I really think we can get that run. I think we can get out.

Oh we.

Got time. We got time, we got time we got time.

Okay.

We appreciate the coaches letting us put the microphones on them so we can listen inside the huddle and give you a behind the scenes look of what's going on in this class. 4A Championship. Jess Settles pick that apart.

Well, I love the positive affirmation, right? Hey, fellas, we got it back. He's letting them know, okay, it's a brand new ball game. That's just great coaching. Okay, we got to do the little things, meaning rebound. Don't turn the ball over. He said, use Will's gravity, okay? Don't. Don't. Just zero in on him when he's being overplayed. Drive it into the teeth of the defense. Get in there and get to the free-throw line. We got another classic going on. That's another tough shot. I can't believe they're pulling like this. They got it back. Cavil got to move that on. Those are deep. I mean you hit one of those that's great. But you're not going to hit five of them.

A lot of dribbling here. Zero for five from three point land. That's better. And we said can you sustain that red hot shooting from deep. And so far law of averages right. Paul Yeager now zero for five are the Dragons.

Oh that. Now can he get the grain prices up?

So I think he controls that.

Does he make some calls wouldn't you Paul?

To the line here is Nicare Cavil. What a state tournament he's had. What a incredible season he has had.

I just liked his mindset there. He gets the switch that he wants on Gerdes and there's no use letting him off the hook with some long three. You put it on the floor, you take advantage of your quickness and that was a good call at the rim by the officials only.

Made the first. 14 points for the Tigers William Gerdes. Nice rebounding machine as well. We're approaching the two minute mark here this third quarter where the Tigers have dominated.

Drive and kick. Last touched it will stay with Cedar Falls six seconds though to execute something here into the lineup will be Emri Jones. The 511 junior guard. He's very versatile.

Big time shot again. Back to back three pointers for Carsen Gary.

The multi-sport athlete. Tigers trailed just by one.

Just an incredible chess match for the state title. Johnston Dragons have to be one of the smallest teams to ever compete for a state title. I mean, they're basically running a bunch of guards on the court. Obviously, Cedar Falls with a couple of giants, so it's that game within the game trying to get the switches right. If you're the Dragons and attack and if you're Cedar Falls playing off the gravity of will. Look at this hustle.

Bodies again all over the place and a foul called against the Tigers. Down in pain. I got to see another look at this as Jenkins is holding his head.

Well. Josh attacks right. He uses his quickness. It's a 5050 ball. He's got his arms in there. They go back up.

Dust himself off and he's going to be okay. No shoulder pads or helmets in this sport. You've had a couple injuries playing hoops haven't you.

Look it's it's just you know you can feel it coming through your TV screen at home can't you just this is a state title game. Look how hard both of these teams are playing.

Now. Is that the Missouri Valley Conference tournament in Saint Louis. He had a tooth busted out. You got blood on the court. This means so much. Now, a state championship trying to deliver it to their respective schools. Johnston won it in 94 and 95. Cedar Falls has won it. They've been to the tournament 16 times. And we're almost to the fourth quarter, a one point lead in the basketball for the Dragons of Johnston.

There it is. He got a drop off here. If you're Wolf or he'll get right by you. That's just so easy for him. Blows the layup.

Tigers basketball. Got to be able to finish that.

Yeah look I mean you get the big fella 30ft away from the basket. You get by him. Cavil hasn't missed many of those in his career. But that was pretty good offense.

Johnston extending their defense a little bit past half court here.

Cedar Falls tore this up the last time they put it up. They got a wide open layup.

Pressure was so good in the half court defense in that first quarter for Johnston. Johnston led 22 to 7 after the first quarter.

Johnson's going to hold for the final shot.

Pull up jumper from 15ft away and a foul with 2.7 seconds.

Well keep your eye on number two. Gbarjolo. I mean how does he saw up that high among the trees and still it. And that is a good call. It's a tough break for Will because he's just playing hard. But how many is that on Gerdes. How many fouls does he have? He's only got two. He can live with that.

Another shot under the hoop. That does not go for the Dragons. They still have the lead, Jess, but by the slimmest of margins.

Give a ton of credit to Cedar Falls for coming out and winning that third quarter. Now it's anybody's game into the fourth.

All right. Let's take a look at the classic map of the basketball tournament of the state of Iowa that was hanging in the barn. Vets auditorium. And here is a look. Cedar Falls 108 miles away from where this game is being played. And Johnston pretty short ten mile drive here, as we will show you this on all four of the championships. On this championship Friday here from Des Moines on Iowa, PBS will 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 budget. Despite this challenge, we remain committed to our mission. Thank you for supporting public media. Your support matters. Eric Braley Jess Settles. Final eight minutes on the clock. Fourth quarter and what an exciting basketball game the Tigers went on a 19 to 3 run to make this a ball game.

I think Leyton Wolf is going to play a huge factor in this fourth quarter at both ends right there. They're putting them in ball screen action. He's doing a much better job here in the third quarter. He's got to stay in a stance when he gets matched up on those guards. And at the offensive end. His aggressive nature of getting into the paint as a big man, breaking down and collapsing the defense and then kicking it out for shots was so impressive. And then I thought that three that he hit where he just dribbled it back twice. I mean, you talk about a bold and confident guy. We're going to keep our eye on him. I think both teams are telling their guys, both coaches, we've got to let everybody touch it and move it side to side. It's when they shoot quickly that both teams seem to struggle because these defenses are really good.

They really are, as both these teams can knock down the outside shot, they can get to the lane, but outstanding team help defense in this one. Well, in 2021, Cedar Falls brought a 19 zero record to the state tournament. They were undefeated. They beat Dubuque Senior in the first round, then had a perfect season ended by guess who. Johnston 6451. Trey Campbell played in that game. He was the Missouri Valley Conference MVP. Wow. Just last week for the Uni Panthers. So I'm guessing you know some motivation for Cedar Falls to not let this perfect season be ruined. Trying to slay the dragons here in 2026.

For his hot of shooting as Johnston was in the first half. They are polar opposite here in the second.

Coaching's tough, isn't it? I mean, they look like when they're falling you feel like a genius, and when they're not hitting, you're wondering what's going on.

Well, he called it Courtney Henderson in his 17th year and Ryan Schultz in his 13th year, putting these two athletes in the position. I don't know if that's the shot they wanted, but an offensive rebound, no hesitation. Second time's a charm. First lead Cedar Falls has had in this basketball game, rising from the ashes. The Tigers are on top 3937.

How does Johnston respond? That is the big question.

You don't need three. Another offensive rebound and more free throws.

So Jaydon Kimbrough are you talking about confident? Right. So he forces one from Steph Curry. Range they come up with the offensive rebound and they kick it back out to him for the three. And then he just hits the side of the backboard. And yet they get the offensive rebound again. So sometimes a little better to be lucky than good. But the Tigers are just crashing in there. And this is not the Johnston team that we're used to seeing right. They they need to control tempo. They're in a shootout right now. And that's not typically how they play, even as quick as they are. It's their sets that get them easy buckets. Ryan Schultz I mean, you talk about the highs and lows of coaching. He was he was stressing the first half. Now he knows his guys are right where they need to be. It's anybody's game.

He instilled the belief in his players calm, cool, collected. He coached for 27 years, 26 of them at the Cedar Falls School District before becoming head coach. He was the freshman coach for five years. Sophomore coach for four years, assistant varsity coach for five years. He's been the head coach for 13 years. I know AJ green, current starter for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA, gives him a ton of credit as well for developing his game. Six minutes to play here in regulation, three point game.

Two seconds on the shot clock and a violation. Defense wins championships.

Both coaches have three time-outs left here. I think the biggest thing, Jess, is that Johnston has to believe they can win this game. Sure, all the momentum is in favor of Cedar, but it's a one point game.

Ryan Schultz could not get one of his guys to the center on that press break. So just a little confusion and it cost him a bucket. Oh here.

It is. Do we have A40 run? We do.

Have to use a time-out here. Oh confusion for the Tigers couldn't get anybody to the middle and the Dragons just took advantage of the mistakes. Look at this. Defense jumps the passing lane. Cavil little kiss off the glass. This game has given us everything. I mean, I don't have any idea what's going to happen down the stretch. This is absolutely wild.

That's what makes sports fun. It's reality TV at its finest. A40 run by Johnston. The momentum back on the side of the Dragons with 515 to play as the Tigers and Dragons are going to talk things over here and we're going to go inside the huddle of Johnston and listen in to Courtney Henderson, is what he's saying to his players.

Okay.

Tino in the.

Middle.

Bakari Emri Darren. Caleb, see if we can funnel to this corner. Take the return pass away. You play two, okay? If we don't get the first drop, sprint back in transition and do what we do. Okay. Does that make sense? All right, let's.

Go.

On three. 123.

Well, I believe he was talking about funneling it to the corner offensively. And then if they don't get the get the shot they're going to sprint back in transition defense right there. But it must be going to try to load up a side and get a shot from the corner. Now the problem for Cedar Falls has been this pressure defense. So if you're Johnston you want to crank this up because the Tigers have panicked a little bit on the last two opportunities.

There's three Dragons right there. Full court pressure. Got to get it across the timeline. They do now. It's a three on one. You give up some things. When you full court press and they gave up a layup.

I love it from both teams.

And a foul called. Against Leyton Wolf. Let's take a look at this press breaker. That leads to two.

It was real trouble there at the beginning up front. But Cedar Falls when they're in the right spots they do a nice job of not panicking and that's a big bucket. And we said Wolf was going to have to play well in this fourth quarter, and he sure has.

Fun fact there's been a Wolf on the Cedar Falls High School varsity program the last ten years. Wow.

That's amazing.

I don't know if it's coincidence, but the Tigers have been dominant the last ten years as well. 448 to play in regulation. Foul called free throws.

So Cavil does such a nice job of tucking that ball under his shoulder there. He's almost like a running back when he gets in there. And then he keeps that pivot foot down. He's just spinning around. It's really tough to stay on the floor, but that was really a veteran, crafty move to get to the free-throw line.

Wolf has now committed three fouls. The only player in foul trouble for Johnston is number 15. Darren Grandin. He has three as well.

We're talking about Johnston here. This is exactly the team you want to play. If you want to win a state title, right? They want to play the best. They're healthy now. They're on a Cinderella story. And if you're Cedar Falls, there would be nothing more rewarding to beat a team like Johnson with that ferocious defense. And they're athletes. They're going to make them earn it. This is just where both teams want to be. With the state title on the line.

Dangerous pass somehow kept him from going over some way, somehow kept it from going over to the other side, open three. Long rebound Tigers get another crack at it. Inside, there's a mismatch here, but a foul first and that is four fouls on Tino Daye junior number three again he's going to play football at Iowa Western College. A wide receiver. Johnston. Getting physical knock down drag out ending to this for a final.

I like the play right. You're going to go with Gerdes at the high post and use him as a passer. And yet if that ball stays up too long Cavil is going to come over. It's an obvious foul. But again, that pressure defense from Johnson can make you crazy. I mean it just makes you rush. Do things you're not used to doing.

Nice.

That's a foul.

They're going to count the bucket. Tigers back on top in the seesaw battle.

I'll tell you what I mean. He gets the chicken wing right here. This is an easy call, a little push off. I like the veteran move. You get that arm clamped inside and he goes, this is what he does. This is what he's been doing his entire career. I think one lesson that every coach in the state of Iowa and watching has got to learn from these semis and title games, out of bounds plays, matter sets, matter, press brakes matter. Look, I mean, you can have all the pizza you want at Pizza Ranch for the team get together. But if you're not working on this stuff, you're going to get your tail end beat. These have been elite performances from the benches of both of these teams. And those out of bounds plays right there could win them a state title.

The reason these schools are at the state tournament.

Man, it's incredible. Stagger screens, pick and rolls, pin downs, elevator actions. Iverson's all these coaches going deep into the clinic, into the bag and 355 to go. Just another great game. Here's Cavil. He's going to try to get the switch on Gerdes and attack him. This is why they're screening to draw this switch right here. Let's keep our eye on it. They got the switch. Good defense.

22 points would have been a huge bucket to tie it up.

He didn't get a good screen there.

I mean.

That's a Cedar Falls credit for getting his foot over the top of that screen.

Good cut. Can't finish the job.

Boy he got hit.

On a lot of contact underneath.

Huge possession yeah he's going to use a time-out. Just feels like a massive possession. One of the best in the business. Coach Henderson got the white out draw up his play 311 to go. Instant classic.

So Ryan Schultz talking with the official. And then he's going to go inside the huddle to talk to his team. Cedar Falls leads it 4543. And let's listen in to Coach Schultz in the Tigers.

Will, Will you're on ball side. You got to come up and then we've got our guards here. So I want Jaden second. I want Carsen here. Carsen cuts. Parker your weak Leyton. You'll just step back in, will. It can go back this way. Parker. You can go or come back. All right.

No fouls to give, so paint him into a foul and we have one again. Be smart.

Hey, Jayden's on one. Yes.

Go to Tino here, so be ready. Hey, hey.

Fight through this, man. Hey, I can't, I can't tell you. I can't tell you how proud I am of your composure right now with the way this is going.

Okay.

Let's finish this thing. All right, let's finish this thing. Defense and rebounding.

Here we go.

Finish.

Okay. He's talking about defense and rebounding reminding these guys what it's going to take. He said Jaydon Kimbrough is going to be on Cavil and they're going to try to get the ball Johnston that is two. Cavil the other thing with the whiteboard too, Coach Schultz said he reminded them of the press break, I believe, right. That's what's bothered him. So just look at it on the board. It gets in their minds and now they know what to do. It's just been a pleasure to get inside the huddles with these guys.

He also says he's proud of him and he believes in them instilling that confidence. And he is calm and extension of the coach out on the court now are those student athletes under three to play? The cut was there, but let him just a little too far.

Great play. Wide open.

Just missed it.

Here's the press break.

This press helped Johnston get A40 run, but the Tigers have solved the riddle and scored some easy buckets off it as well. Easily breaking it now they're going to take some time off the clock. Jess Settles Eric Braley the Iowa PBS crew. This is championship number two foul called as aggressively jumping the lane as Darren Grandin. And that's his fourth. So two starters, two Johnston Dragons on the court have four fouls. He's going to get subbed out. And Jaden Hauser, the six three junior forward will check in.

I don't know I don't think Coach Henderson wanted him to pick up that foul and take that kind of risk in this situation. Number one you foul out of the game. Number two look who's at the free-throw line.

Will Gerdes fourth time all time leading scorer in Cedar Falls school history. He had 28 points in the semifinals. Now he has 18. Well, for a 65% free-throw shooter hit nothing but the bottom of the barrel on those.

His college coach is in the building. He wants nothing more to shake the hand of the governor and cut down the nets. And this is what everybody growing up in Iowa dreams of these moments. That's pretty wide open right there. Just flopped on it, right. The official's not going to bail you out, but wow, big, big opportunity here for Cedar Falls to extend this lead.

Ten of 17 from three in the first half. Zero for seven from three in the second half are the Johnston Dragons.

Three pointer good.

Three.

Johnston has two time-outs left. A minute 28 to play a huge shot from the senior forward. Number 33 Leyton Wolf.

I'll tell you what this kid just built differently. I mean that is deep. That is tough. Oh by the way a state title on the line. He's got to knock that one in. And we talked about the importance of his impact in this second half. They really attacked him at the offensive end when he was playing defense in the first half. He has adjusted. They've said we're not going to play zone. I was wrong on that right. They kept their bigs in the game and they trusted their guys. And now they're up seven with 128 to go. What a difference a half makes.

Let's go inside the Johnston huddle here.

Okay. Let him get it in the first pass we trapped the closest two people and then we rotate. All right, cut that side of the floor off. Okay. All right, all right, let's go. Let's get a turnover. All right, let's go.

Okay. They're going to let them get the ball in not pressure. And then right when they catch it at the top they're going to trap them right away and try to come up with the turnover.

A minute 28 Johnston now going against not only Cedar Falls but the time. That shot so big. And the interesting thing, two of 16 heading into this game behind the three point arc was Leyton Wolf. Are you kidding. So confident. Let it fly.

He's not going to have to pay for stake the rest of his life up there in Cedar Falls. I'll tell you that. Two for 16. Are you kidding me?

Largest lead of the game for Cedar Falls.

Throws it away. But there was only five seconds on the shot clock. And Johnston now has a minute and six seconds to try and erase the seven point deficit.

Well, you have to stick to your switching principles right here. If you're Cedar Falls and you're going to do everything you can to guard without fouling.

Too dangerous. Now almost falling over. Under a minute to go. Gary again. Hard to put into words. An underclassmen just a sophomore. What a bright future. He has. A rising star in class 4A.

Johnston is zero for nine from three point land here in the second half. After being ten of 17 in the first. Need to foul trying to extend the game. And the Cedar Falls faithful can feel it.

Marcelo at the line number 33.

For.

Continuing to get the separation. Coach Ryan Schultz. So important when the head coaches are calm.

Yeah no doubt.

Even if you're down big in the first half.

Well, Johnston started the year one win five losses. They were five and five at home, six and three on the road, eight and eight in the conference, 16 and eight overall. And they are playing in the state championship game on the final day of basketball here in the state of Iowa. And there it is.

Is it too little, too late? We'll find out. But that shot had to go. And Cavil did get it to go. He has 25.

Well, it was just a great pass, right. You don't force a tough two. You kick it out for the open three. And Cavil has been really good. And that's a good time out. It gives you an opportunity to talk things over and set up your press. Now with the way things have gone, you don't have to foul right away. I think you try to get a trap there in the coffin corner and then get Cedar Falls to possibly lob a bad pass to get you right back in it. So I don't think they'll foul right away.

Well, relive the excitement. Share these moments with your family, friends and neighbors and visit iowapbs.org for archives of high school sports championships. Any time. Remember. Hey folks, this is the first time ever the Boys State basketball Tournament Championships has aired on Iowa PBS and so far the first game went to OT and right now we're going down to the final 27 seconds here. What a start. That's a press breaker. And time will run out. Wow, a huge second half. The Tigers believed and they are your state champions in class 4A.

Avenging a loss in 2021. Cedar falls was 19 zero. A perfect season ended by Johnston. Not this time. The Tigers down huge at the half. It was 22 seven after one quarter. Tigers outscored him in the second quarter, but it was 3421 at the half. Cedar Falls dominated and came back to win this one 5648.

It's just a glorious state championship. It felt like they were a couple plays away in the first half of being blown out of this gym. I mean, Coach Schultz, for him to keep his composure. I mean he was stressed out over there. You know every button he pushed wasn't working. And yet he came over here at halftime said I told our guys it's not over. And in that third quarter is one for the ages. Leyton Wolf was just he rose to the occasion when he had to. They handled the pressure. They finally saw some threes go down and they deserved it. What a program. What a legacy and what a memorable title.

Let's go to the PA announcer for some awards today.

Certificates are the Honorable Kim Reynolds, governor of the great state of Iowa, and Brant Johnson, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau. Our first recipient, Noah Martins of Dowling Catholic.

Tino Daye junior of Johnston.

Jaydon Kimbrough of Cedar Falls.

Bakari Cavil of Johnston.

And the captain of the All-Tournament team from Cedar Falls will Gerdes.

Who's your daddy?

Can you put into words how special Johnston season was?

I really can't, I mean, they were the Cinderella story. They have no post players, right? They play a bunch of guards. They clicked at the right time. That's what happens in March. A lot of times this time of year, they took down some of the Giants. They did it with tempo. The defensive end. Then they caught fire from beyond the arc with the three point line and played one of the best first half we've ever seen up here in a title game. And yet right coach said at halftime. Everything looks good when the shots are falling. Give credit to Cedar Falls for not panicking and coming out with a sense of urgency in that third period. It making things tight and then it was anybody's game. And I'll never forget this one partner. This was fantastic.

A lot of fun. And here are more awards for Johnston. So well deserved, sir.

The Iowa Farm Bureau presenting our championship game honors our members of the IHSAA Staff and Board of Control. Your runner up team finishes the 2026 season with a 17 and nine record and their sixth finals appearance at the state basketball tournament. Please help us congratulate the student athletes and coaches and supporters for Johnston, the Dragons.

And your 2026 Champions in Class 4A finished with a record of 25 wins and no losses, and they've won their third state basketball title. Please help us congratulate coach Ryan Schultz and the Tigers of Cedar Falls.

An undefeated season capped off with a come from behind championship victory. Jess.

They were really tested in this one. It did not matter. In the end, the cream rose to the top. They all stepped up under pressure. They'll never forget this night for the rest of their lives.

A magical, magical season for Cedar Falls. That's it for class 4A from Des Moines. We will return shortly for another championship here on Championship Friday from the Casey's Center on your statewide network, right here on Iowa PBS.

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