Over half of the high school boys' basketball regular season has gone by in Iowa, and area Davenport schools are hanging on or making the push for post-season play.
According to Radio Iowa Boys High School Basketball Poll, in 4A, Bettendorf is #2 with a 13-0 record. North Scott started the season at #5, but still remains in the top 10 at #10 with an 11-2 record. North Scott's two losses came at the hands of Bettendorf and Davenport Assumption. Davenport Assumption keeps in the mix with a #2 showing in Class 3A with a record of 11-3. Assumption's losses came to Iowa City West (53-56), Bettendorf 47-49, and Rock Island 60-61.
Two other nearby teams to keep a close eye on in Class 2A are West Branch and North Cedar. Both teams are tied for the Cedar Valley Conference lead with 9-1 records, while West Branch holds a slight lead in overall record of 14-1 to North Cedar's 13-3. Currently in the polls, West Branch sits at #6, while North Cedar enters the polls at #10. North Cedar scores 64.5 points per game, while allowing only 49.1. West Branch pours in 57.8, while giving up 44.3 points per game.
An outstanding player and statistical leader for West Branch is senior Rylan Murry with scoring 25.4 point per game, field goal percentage at 54.8%, free throw percentage at 82.9%, steals at 56, blocks total at 20, and assist total at 56. Cole Cook, senior, battles Murry in rebounds with 8.7 per game, while Murry has 8.5.
North Cedar relies on multiple players for their success. Senior Marshall Shedeck leads the scoring and rebounding with 17.0 and 7.7 per game, respectively. Shedeck also has the best field goal percentage with 49.3%. Free throw percentage team leader belongs to Josh Kintzel with 79.1%. Jacob Hay comes in a tie with Shedeck in steals with 33. Shedeck's block total is 16. Kintzel has the most assists on the team with 71.
These two teams are schedule to meet for a conference match-up on Tuesday night, February 5. West Branch won the first meeting at home, but the Knights of North Cedar look to avenge their only conference loss by defeating the Bears at home. Should be a great match-up.
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