It all comes down to this for Mid-Prairie

Tuesday’s first round state tournament bout against Monticello marks the beginning of Mid-Prairies hunt for a state title.

Since the start of the season, Nov. 30 of 2021 the Golden Hawks haven’t lost, amassing a total of 24 wins and zero losses.

While Mid-Prairie hasn’t lost in over two months, it will have to continue that streak if it’s to be crowned state champion.

The first of the No. 3 seeded Golden Hawks opposition is River Valley foe No. 6 seeded Monticello.

Since losing to Mid-Prairie in the final regular season game, 65-50, the Panthers have been on a roll in the postseason.

Monticello has defeated Waukon, MFL-Mar-Mac, and Williamsburg in its journey to the state tournament.

In the Feb. 11 meeting between the two teams Mid-Prairie had no problem with Monticello. The Golden Hawks and Panthers were tied after one, 13-13, but Mid-Prairie outscored the Panthers 52-37 the rest of the way to pick up the 15 point victory.

There’s more at stake this time around, as it’s win or go home.

The Golden Hawks come into the contest playing some of their best basketball. In each of their three postseason victories they’ve won by over 25 points, with the most recent being a 74-43 thrashing over Northeast, a team they defeated by five in overtime earlier in the season.

Mid-Prairie is led by a dominant senior class, with Carter Harmsen leading the way averaging 20 points per game. Senior Ethan Kos follows, averaging 10.3 points per game and Jackson Pennington averages nine points per game.

On the Panthers side of the ball junior Tate Petersen paces Monticello averaging 19.2 points per game. Sophomore Preston Ries is second averaging 18.5 points and senior Trey Kuper averages 8.4.

The Golden Hawks and Panthers with square off on Tuesday March 8 at 10:30 inside Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. The winner will play either No. 2 seeded Rock Valley or No. 7 seed Jesup in the semifinals.