Boys basketball state champions crowned

DES MOINES — Friday night marked the end of the 2023-24 boys basketball season as state champions across all four of Iowa’s high school classes were crowned.

Class 1A and 2A saw the No. 1 seeds reign supreme, while 3A and 4A were won by a four and two seed.

In 1A, top seeded North Linn (26-1) walked away with the title after a down to the wire victory over No. 2 Marquette Catholic (27-2), 57-56. The two squads were tied at 44-44 after three quarters of action and a late free throw from the Lynx notched them yet another crown.

No. 1 Western Christian (23-3) capped off its dominant state tournament run with the 2A title after topping No. 2 Hudson (25-3) 78-51.

The Wolfpack led by seven, 40-33, at the half, but they went on to outscore the Pirates 38-18 in the second half. Western Christian’s closest game of the tournament was 22 points.

Class 4A saw the highest seed of all take the championship. No. 4 seeded Davenport Assumption (19-8) narrowly edged No. 2 seeded Waverly-Shell Rock (22-4) 46-45.

The Knights were down 19-11 after the first, but went on to outscore the Go-Hawks 35-26 through the final three quarters.

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Finally, it Class 4A No. 2 Valley (21-5) notched back-to-back titles after downing previously undefeated No. 1 Cedar Rapids Kennedy (25-1) 63-59.

The Tigers were able to fend off a comeback bid from the Cougars for the four point win. Valley led by 10, 44-34, after the third quarter. Kennedy took the fourth 25-19, but it wasn’t enough.