Pella and Carroll Seniors Clash in State Quarterfinals

Experience takes center stage as two senior-heavy teams meet in the Class 3A state quarterfinals.

Mar. 5, 2026 at 6:01pm

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The Pella boys basketball team will face off against Carroll in the Class 3A state quarterfinals on Monday. Both teams are led by experienced senior classes, with the top scorers for each team set to graduate this May. Pella head coach Derek Schulte expects the game to feature high-level play from both squads, noting Carroll's strong guard play and interior size.

Why it matters

This matchup between two senior-laden teams promises an exciting and evenly-matched contest in the state quarterfinals. The winner will advance to the semifinals, putting them one step closer to a state championship.

The details

Pella and Carroll are both led by their senior classes, with the top eight scorers for each team being seniors. Pella's seniors account for 57.4 of the team's 67.1 points per game, while Carroll's seniors score 56 of their 64 points per contest. Pella head coach Derek Schulte highlighted Carroll's strong guard play and interior size as key factors in the matchup.

  • The game will be played on Monday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Derek Schulte

The head coach of the Pella boys basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“They have good guard play, they provide length inside; they have 6-6 and 6-5 and so they've got a shot blocker at the rim, and they play quality offense and defense.”

— Derek Schulte, Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of the Pella-Carroll matchup will advance to the Class 3A state semifinals, which will be played on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.

The takeaway

This highly anticipated quarterfinal clash between two senior-laden teams promises an exciting and evenly-matched contest, with the winner moving one step closer to a state championship.