Pella Christian Outlasts Grand View Christian to Reach Substate Final

Eagles advance to face Union Community Knights for spot in Class 2A State Tournament

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Pella Christian boys basketball team defeated Grand View Christian 65-59 in the District Title game to reach the Substate Championship. The Eagles overcame a slow start with a 16-4 run to close out the second quarter, and held off several late rallies by the Thunder to secure the victory. The game featured a battle between two of the top scorers in Class 2A, with Pella Christian's Gilbert Flagel and Grand View Christian's Brayden Hoben each scoring 27 points.

Why it matters

This win keeps Pella Christian's season alive as they advance to the Substate Championship game, one step away from reaching the Class 2A State Tournament. The Eagles will now face a tough opponent in Union Community, making this a high-stakes matchup with a state tournament berth on the line.

The details

Pella Christian overcame an early 20-16 deficit by closing the second quarter on a 16-4 run to take a 32-24 lead at halftime. The game remained close in the second half, with Grand View Christian pulling within 3 points on 5 different occasions, but the Eagles were able to hold them off each time to secure the 65-59 victory. In addition to Flagel's 27 points, Pella Christian got 13 points from Devan Runner and 11 points on 3 three-pointers from Ben Van Wyngarden.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • Pella Christian will face Union Community in the Substate Championship on Saturday.

The players

Gilbert Flagel

A top scorer for Pella Christian, tying for the game-high with 27 points.

Brayden Hoben

Grand View Christian's leading scorer, also with 27 points to tie for the game-high.

Devan Runner

Pella Christian player who scored 13 points in the win.

Ben Van Wyngarden

Pella Christian player who hit 3 three-pointers and scored 11 points.

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What they’re saying

“It just feels amazing. I know it feels amazing for our whole squad. We've been working for this for the whole season and building up to it, and it just feels amazing.”

— Ben Van Wyngarden (kniakrls.com)

What’s next

The Pella Christian Eagles will face the Union Community Knights in the Substate Championship game on Saturday, with a spot in the Class 2A State Tournament on the line.

The takeaway

Pella Christian's hard-fought victory over a tough Grand View Christian team keeps their season alive and sets up an exciting Substate Championship matchup against Union Community. The Eagles will need to bring the same intensity and execution that allowed them to overcome an early deficit and hold off the Thunder's late rallies if they hope to punch their ticket to the state tournament.