Valley, W.D.M. 52, North Scott 44

Class 4A Quarterfinals

Valley, West Des Moines 52, North Scott, Eldridge 44

DES MOINES – In a clash between two of Class 4A’s grittiest teams, Valley, West Des Moines outworked North Scott down the stretch to win Wednesday’s opener at Wells Fargo Arena, 52-44.

The Tigers (17-7) advanced to their third straight semifinal and fourth in the last five years by dominating defensively and using a deep offense to hold off second-seeded North Scott. Valley held the Lancers to just three points in the second quarter and forced 11 turnovers in a game featuring extended possessions and limited scoring opportunities.

North Scott jumped out to a 12-5 lead in their first state appearance since winning 4A in 2015, and were paced by Corvon Seales, the younger brother of the title team’s star Cortez Seales. The senior wing led the Lancers (20-4) with 17 points, five steals, and four assists, frequently cutting through an athletic Valley defense that used a 3-2 zone and various pressure looks to keep the MAC contenders guessing.

Three Valley scorers finished in double figures, including Michael Bryan (13 points), Blake Brinkmeyer (13), and Carter Frey (10). Trayvon Williams supplied eight points and three assists off the bench. Coach B.J. Windhorst’s squad clinched its 11 ^th straight win with a 7-0 run in the final two minutes, capped by Brinkmeyer’s alley-oop with a foul with 22 seconds remaining.

The Tigers have won their last five semifinal appearances, dating back to their 1995 runner-up squad. They will meet the winner of Wednesday afternoon’s 4A quarterfinal between Cedar Falls and Sioux City, East.

Quarterfinal Round – March 6-7

Iowa City, West 62,  Muscatine 50 – Final | BOX SCORE | GAME STORY

Waukee 60, Johnston 58 – Final | BOX SCORE | GAME STORY

Valley, W.D.M. 52, North Scott, Eldridge 44 | BOX SCORE

12:15 p.m.—Cedar Falls vs. Sioux City, East

Semifinal Round – March 8

6:30—Iowa City, West vs. Waukee