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Norwalk Boys Basketball Faces Physical Johnston Team at Valley's Crossover Classic
Norwalk looks to avenge past losses against Johnston in key non-conference matchup.
Feb. 7, 2026 at 12:23pm
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The Norwalk boys basketball team, currently battling Pella for first place in the Little Hawkeye Conference, will take on the physical Johnston Dragons in their last regular-season non-conference game at the Crossover Classic hosted by Valley. Norwalk is 12-4 overall and led by scoring leader Tillman Papcun, while Johnston is 7-8 on the season and led by junior Nicare Cavil. Norwalk head coach Aaron Pelzer emphasized the importance of matching Johnston's physicality to avoid getting "run out of the gym."
Why it matters
This non-conference matchup against a physical Johnston team provides a good test for Norwalk as they look to maintain their position atop the Little Hawkeye Conference standings with just one week left in the regular season. A win could give Norwalk momentum heading into their final two conference games.
The details
Norwalk is 12-4 overall and battling Pella for first place in the Little Hawkeye Conference, while Johnston is 7-8 on the season and currently sixth in the CIML. Norwalk is led by scoring leader Tillman Papcun, who averages 21.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. Johnston is led by junior Nicare Cavil, who scores 17.6 points per game. Since 2022, Johnston is 2-0 against Norwalk. Norwalk head coach Aaron Pelzer emphasized the need for his team to match Johnston's physicality, stating "If we are not a physical basketball team on Saturday, we will get run out of the gym."
- The Norwalk boys basketball team will take on Johnston at 12 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Waukee High School Fieldhouse.
- Following the Johnston game, Norwalk will have two road conference matchups in Newton and Oskaloosa next week to finish out the regular season.
The players
Tillman Papcun
The leading scorer for Norwalk, averaging 21.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game.
Nicare Cavil
The leading scorer for Johnston, averaging 17.6 points per game.
Aaron Pelzer
The head coach of the Norwalk boys basketball team.
What they’re saying
“If we are not a physical basketball team on Saturday, we will get run out of the gym. They are extremely physical, very strong, athletic, aggressive, and if we don't match their physicality, we are going to have a rough day.”
— Aaron Pelzer, Norwalk Head Coach
What’s next
Following the matchup against Johnston, Norwalk will have two road conference games against Newton and Oskaloosa next week to finish out the regular season.
The takeaway
This non-conference game against a physical Johnston team will be a good test for Norwalk as they look to maintain their position atop the Little Hawkeye Conference standings. Norwalk's ability to match Johnston's physicality will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game and potentially providing momentum heading into their final conference games.
