Pella Falls in Boys Basketball Quarterfinals

Fourth-ranked Dutch drop opening round matchup to number six Carroll

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Pella High boys basketball team's season came to an end in the opening round of the class 3A state tournament, as the fourth-ranked Dutch fell to number six Carroll 50-49 in a close contest.

Why it matters

Pella had high hopes of making a deep run in the state tournament, but came up just short against a tough Carroll squad. The loss marks the end of a successful season for the Dutch, who finished 21-5 overall.

The details

Pella didn't take the lead until the final minute of the game, as Carroll led 15-12 after the first quarter and 31-24 at halftime. The Tigers extended their advantage to 10 points late in the third quarter, but a late rally by the Dutch tied the game heading into the fourth. Pella took a one-point lead with under a minute to play, but Carroll responded with a three-point play and two free throws in the final seconds to seal the victory.

  • The game was played on March 9, 2026.
  • Pella trailed 15-12 after the first quarter and 31-24 at halftime.
  • Carroll extended their lead to 40-30 late in the third quarter.
  • Pella tied the game at 46-46 with a late rally in the fourth quarter.
  • Carroll scored the final four points in the final 10 seconds to win 50-49.

The players

Jack McGuire

A senior at Pella High School who scored a game-high 24 points in his final game for the Dutch.

Jared Mohr

A player for the Carroll Tigers who made a key three-point play in the final minute to help his team secure the victory.

Trey Tassell

A Carroll Tigers player who made two free throws in the final 10 seconds to extend his team's lead.

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What they’re saying

“It's a bittersweet feeling. I wouldn't want to end it with any other team, but I didn't want it to end this way. We made it a long way, but came up just short in the first round. It would have been nice to go a little farther, but I'm glad I got to end it with this team.”

— Jack McGuire (kniakrls.com)

The takeaway

Pella's boys basketball team had a strong season, but fell just short of their goal of advancing deep into the state tournament. The loss marks the end of an era for senior Jack McGuire, who had a standout four-year varsity career for the Dutch.