Pella Boys Basketball Dominates Washington, Advances to Substate Final

The #4 ranked Dutch cruise to a 76-38 victory, setting up a showdown with Keokuk on Monday.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Pella boys basketball team, ranked #4 in Class 3A, cruised to a 76-38 victory over Washington in the substate semifinals on Thursday. After falling behind early, Pella built a multiple possession lead by the end of the first quarter and never looked back, exploding for a 9-0 run to close out the first half. The Dutch continued their dominance in the second half, earning the continuous clock mercy rule early in the fourth quarter.

Why it matters

Pella’s decisive win over Washington sets up a highly anticipated substate final matchup against Keokuk, another top team in Class 3A. The winner will advance to the state tournament, making this a crucial game for both teams’ postseason aspirations.

The details

Jack McGuire led the way for Pella with 22 points, while Austin Schulte added 19. The Dutch improved their overall record to 20-4 with the victory. Pella previously defeated Keokuk 70-46 earlier this season, but the Chiefs will be looking to avenge that loss and punch their own ticket to state.

  • The game took place on Thursday, February 27, 2026.
  • Pella will host Keokuk in the substate final on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Jack McGuire

A key player for the Pella boys basketball team, scoring 22 points in the win over Washington.

Austin Schulte

Contributed 19 points to Pella’s dominant performance against Washington.

Pella Boys Basketball Team

The #4 ranked team in Class 3A, who cruised to a 76-38 victory over Washington to advance to the substate final.

Washington

The opponent that Pella defeated in the substate semifinals, unable to keep pace with the Dutch’s offensive onslaught.

Keokuk

Pella’s opponent in the upcoming substate final, a game that will determine which team advances to the state tournament.

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What they’re saying

“We came out a little slow, but once we got going, we really took control of the game. The guys played hard and executed our game plan well.”

— Pella Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of the Pella vs. Keokuk substate final on Monday, March 2nd will advance to the state tournament.

The takeaway

Pella’s dominant performance against Washington showcases their status as one of the top teams in Class 3A, setting up an exciting substate final matchup against fellow powerhouse Keokuk with a state tournament berth on the line.