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♪♪ ♪♪ >>> It has been a beautiful week of weather, and also some pretty good intense action inside Wells Fargo arena.

We've had a whole lot of basketball in 2021 and we're now getting ready for five state championship games here on Iowa PBS.

It is number 1 versus number 2, Johnston and Waukee.

A rematch of last year's class 5A championship.

The Warriors are number 1, and Laura Leonard, this is a fantastic ball game setting up.

They've already played twice this year.

And of course they've split.

So why not have the championship game be the deciding factor?

>> Yeah, and I think Waukee is playing with a little bit of a chip on their shoulder.

They have been looking to have this rematch in this setting all season long.

>> The Johnston Dragons are the defending champs but they are the 2 seed in the tournaments.

Set school records for three-pointers and free throws but ja da Gyamfi has been leading them in scoring, she's set a record in 5A for boards.

>> Coach feels like she's the "X" factor and see if that plays out in tonight's game.

>> The Waukee Warriors are number one, limited schedule but it is their eighth straight trip to state.

Katie Dinnebier has been everything, she's coming in, in all six tournaments she's played, she's scored more than 20 points.

Waukee is on fair.

>> They are on fire but she needs help in the scoring column.

See who steps up for the Waukee Warriors.

>> And this ball game, as we mentioned, was split in the early part of the season.

Let's continue our program with the Iowa bankers scholarship.

♪♪ >>> Fans, each year at the girls state basketball tournament the Iowa bankers association presents a student athlete achievement award to a student athlete who excels on the court, in the classroom and in her community.

The recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship to the college of her choice.

The 2021 student athlete achievement award winner is Lindsey Kelderman from Waukee high school.

Presenting the 2021 award is Lynn Ricky from vision bank, Waukee.

Congratulations to Lindsey Kelderman.

And thank you to Lynn Ricky with vision bank Waukee and the Iowa bankers association for their sponsorship of this award and continued support of the IGHSAU.

The Iowa girls high school athletic union's distinction award honors the Iowa coach who has demonstrated a successful career while making notable contributions towards school, community and the coaching profession.

Presenting the golden plaque of distinction award is IGHSAU executive director gene burger and Gary Ross.

The 2021 recipient of the basketball golden plaque award is Waukee's Chris Guess.

Coach guess has been coaching for 29 seasons with stints at centerville, glenwood and Ottumwa, he guided the bull dogs to a pair of state tournament appearances.

He has been at Waukee for the last 18 seasons and has led the Warriors to 15 state tournament trips with six semifinal finishes and will be shooting for his second state championship tonight.

Chris has been named conference, regional, district and state coach of the year, and this year was named NFHS Iowa girls' basketball coach of the year.

Chris teaches marketing and sports and entertainment marketing at Waukee high school.

His wife sherri, who is one of his assistant coaches, have two sons Casey and Connor.

Congratulations to the 2021 golden plaque of distinction award winner from Waukee high school, Chris Guess.

>> Fans, it's now time to introduce the players in tonight's championship matchup.

First on starters for the Johnston Dragons, number 2 Isabella Balsley.

Number 10, Ashley Faber.

Number 22, Kayla Frickenstein.

Number 23, Aaliyah Riley.

Number 24, Molly Noelck.

Number 32, Natalie Kahre.

Number 33, Emma Hampton.

Number 34, Allie Hart.

And number 40, Jayce Blanchard.

The assistant coaches for Johnston are Mark Hein, brad Buchan, Jenny cook, Christine Wolford and Dannie Spann.

Now, let's meet the non-starters for the Waukee Warriors.

Number 4, Bailie Kroll.

Number 12, Lily Lampe.

Number 22, Kirsten Hauck.

Number 24, Megan Lanz.

Number 30, Abigail Jones.

Number 40, Camryn Weers.

And number 44, Natalie Gallagher.

The assistant coaches for Waukee are Sheri Guess, Dustin Alvine, Ashton Yossi, and Todd Schneiter.

♪♪ >> And now, ladies and gentlemen, are you ready for tonight's starting lineups?

For Johnston, junior number 4, Zoey Buchan.

And for Waukee, a 5'6" senior, number 2, Lindsey Kelderman.

For Johnston, a 5'10" senior, number 14, Kinsey Jilek.

And for Waukee, a 5'8" senior, number 10, Katie Dinnebier.

For Johnston, a 5'5" junior, number 20, Anna Gossling.

And for Waukee, a 5'8" senior, number 14, Payton Kelderman.

For Johnston, a 5'11" freshman, number 30, Aili Tanke.

And for Waukee, number 32, Reagan Bartholomew.

For Johnston, a 6'2" junior, number 42, Jada Gyamfi.

And for Waukee, a 5'9" senior, number 34, Megan Earney.

The head coach for Johnston is Chad Jilek.

And the head coach for Waukee is Chris Guess.

The four officials this evening are cat FLAGle.

Jared Ray.

And the defense official is bob squires.

Welcome Johnston and Waukee to the 2021 class 5A championship game.

>>> Let's play some basketball but let's find out, Laura Leonard, who and what are the keys for this contest.

Let's start with Johnston.

>> What Johnston needs to do is they need to take what the defense is going to give them.

So if they're one on one in the post, get it into the post.

If they double down they need to kick it back out and then they need to get off to a fast start.

They've had a good first quarter in both of their games here at the tournament.

They've had to hold on in the end so they need to jump off to that really good start.

>> And for the Waukee Warriors.

>> They need to continue to get out and run, increase the pace.

Now they hope that they still have the legs to be able to do that.

They don't want heavy legs in this game.

They need to stay true to the Waukee style.

They need to hit some threes.

They're 22 of 57 so far for the tournament.

Johnston, though, is the team that is holding teams to the worst three-point percentage here in this tournament so far.

>> As they say, something's got to give.

Johnston takes the opening tip.

In the road black uniforms, which are with purple numbers -- or white numbers, trimmed in purple.

And Waukee almost the -- flip the script, white jerseys with purple numbers.

Early on Johnston goes on an air ball from Tanke, the freshman.

She was in the stands last year on the sidelines as an eighth grader.

Now she's a year later on the floor in the starting lineup.

A year of events.

Let's see if it's the same for Johnston.

That's Kelderman, Peyton with the basketball and now Katie Dinnebier.

>> Johnston has come out in that man to man and we know that coach Jilek has told us zone is a four letter word for them.

You are seeing them in man to man.

>> Peyton Kelderman connects from three and 3-0 Waukee early.

>> They've got to contest those perimeter shots of Waukee.

>> Second possession, a little bit longer this time for Johnston.

See what they do with Gyamfi.

Down on that block.

He's already drawing looks like two defenders on her.

She's steps out for the three almost, Laura.

>> It looks like they're sagging in.

They're going to -- they're going to sag in, not necessarily double-team a hard double-team but they're going to sag, they're going to play behind and have somebody playing in between to be able to help out if the ball gets entered in.

>> Well Gyamfi, the first time these two teams played, had 15 and second had 9.

Expect the same game plan on 2 from Gyamfi.

>> If it worked then I think you're going to continue to go to it but you have to figure that everybody's watched film, everybody's going to make adjustments.

>> Katie Dinnebier with the left hander and it's 5-0 Warriors.

>> Just from the side the angle, the dribble drive, no rotation helped defensively.

She's able to get all the way to the rim.

>> Gyamfi boxed down Earney and scores the first two for the Dragons.

>> They play behind her that time and they were a little late.

Dinnebier was a little late coming down to help.

>> Earney with it.

Guarded by Jilek.

Kelderman in the middle of the lane.

Spins it up, the euro step, gets her own rebound.

What do you say, Laura, follow your shot?

>> Follow your shot.

She didn't have the good footwork of the balance when she went up with it.

Second opportunity, couldn't cash in.

>> Ball goes off of Waukee, back to Johnston.

If you watch the tape, some coaches do, some players do from last year, you'll notice it's almost the same set-up Laura, the black jerseys for Johnston, the white jerseys for Waukee.

But it's almost a complete different overhaul for the Johnston lineup.

But almost the same for Waukee.

>> Yeah, they returned four starters, Waukee does, and Johnston graduated some key players off of that state championship team.

But look at, they're right back here, fighting for that title again, just reloading, not necessarily rebuilding.

>> Gyamfi drives, misses and then fouls the other way because Lindsey Kelderman had position.

And changed the possession.

We'll go back to Waukee.

>> Gyamfi has to be smart.

They can't afford to have her in foul trouble.

I know that's just one and still early in the game, and she'll adjust accordingly but if they try to go at her and try to pick up number two fairly quick le she would have to go to the bench.

>> Three minutes gone by, 5-2 Waukee.

Dinnebier, guarded by Gyamfi.

What a matchup.

The dish inside.

Back to Dinnebier on the wing.

Now under the corner.

Thought about the three.

She'll just drive and do the exact same thing, lay it up and coach Jilek up top throwing his arms up.

>> You could also see she got around Gyamfi, let her go because she didn't want to contest that shot and possibly pick up number two.

>> Right on what you're saying, so watch how that defensive matchup goes.

Buchan.

She's alone for a moment.

Tanke.

From the left.

Elbow.

Up high for the board is Kelderman.

And Peyton clears.

Dinnebier kicks.

Earney.

Boom.

She was huge in the semifinal game.

Time-out Johnston.

It was Earney, the other night, Laura, that was big.

Sometimes when everybody overcommits on, say, Dinnebier or Kelderman, Earney just says fine, I'll beat you.

>> That's -- when they're paying attention to the other scorers Earney's left out there on the wing and she can knock those down at a very high rate.

If you even go back to last year she had 13 points in that championship game to go along with Dinnebier's 29.

So she is a player that they sometimes leave alone and she will burn you.

>> Waukee up 10-2 on Johnston.

And this is the famous map we've seen.

This is the theme for a lot of games this week.

The dots are almost on top of each other in a lot of these games.

Waukee, they're 14 miles from the arena.

Johnston, 14 miles from the arena.

It's just a little creative way, which way you want to go.

Going down lower beaver or going down 235, or taking hickman.

>> Or you could take my dad's way, which is a round about way that gets you there in about 35 minutes.

>> Yeah, but it's past -- Gyamfi with the basketball.

Under 4:00 to play.

Gossling into Jilek.

Jada is fouled in the act of shooting.

I thought for a moment they would have called a tie up but Gyamfi will go to the line and we'll get a really good look at those orange finger nails.

>> Oh, she likes those painted finger nails.

This looks really cool when she shoots the basketball to have that contrast.

It does look really good with those black uniforms.

It stands out.

>> The nails are real.

I said are those yours?

She says, oh, yeah, I get them done.

I go, there was no chips, there was nothing short.

She goes, it just happens to work in basketball season.

She hits the first and the second to pull it within six.

She has all of Johnston's points.

Earney.

Step back three.

Got it.

>> You can see she went one on one against Gyamfi, and Gyamfi tried to coax the official into calling a charge foul but she bails out of the play and then Earney backs up to the three-point line.

>> Aaliyah Riley into the basketball game, a freshman.

She has not played like she's 14 or 15 years old.

She's played like a big time baller so far in this tournament and so far this season.

She's with it right now.

Back to Gossling.

Step back three.

Good.

Anna Gossling hits.

Maybe that gets the Dragons going.

>> That's another player that, if you don't pay attention to her and you leave her open she will burn you.

And about 63% of her shots come from beyond the arc and that's what she's in there for.

>> That is.

Peyton Kelderman.

She now has five on the layup from the right side.

Oh, Riley throws it in.

The scoop.

And it scores.

>> I think you asked her earlier this week what's the best part of her game, she said driving the basketball in.

She didn't lie.

That's exactly what she does well.

And she is able to take the contact and finish.

>> Stick with what you know and what got you here.

Kelderman, now to Lindsey.

Dinnebier.

We're going to have a foul called.

I think an illegal screen.

>> I believe that is going to be on Lindsey Kelderman.

>> There's a look at Chris.

Guess.

Is that a picture of himself from his days in centerville?

I never knew he had a moustache back then.

You know, he was one of two, two of the three coaches who've coached six on six were coaching this week, Scott deyoung of centennial, and Chris Guess, two of the three.

Tony papas III.

>> Yeah, still some rules and fundamentals that they have brought with them from the six player game that hold true in the five player game.

They have been successful with it.

>> Bartholomew's shot misses and Johnston has it with 1:39 to play.

15-9 Waukee.

First quarter.

Gyamfi.

>> Certainly done a good job of keeping her out of the block.

>> Go into the block there where she is taller but man those defenders are there.

The three, that's going to be off to the right by Riley.

And rebound Lindsey Kelderman.

>> Good read by Gyamfi.

Triple team.

She was able to kick it out to Riley, and Riley just couldn't connect but I think you're going to see her have to do that a lot more as throw out of the double-team to the perimeter.

>> Dinnebier plays it in from the left side.

Six first quarter points.

She's content to drive.

She doesn't always have to hit the three.

>> Well, if they're going to continue to allow her to drive she's going to continue to take it.

>> Gossling from long distance.

Johnston within five.

Final 40 seconds of the first quarter.

This is class 5A, the first of five classes in championships over the next two days.

We're only going to play one tonight.

We'll do all four, the four remaining ones tomorrow.

All live here.

Statewide Iowa PBS, whether you're watching us on the PBS app, or online, glad to have you here.

Paul Yeager, Laura Leonard.

It might be boring to watch but this game's been good so far.

>> Last few seconds.

There is strategy.

You want to make sure you have that last possession before the end of the first quarter.

Or at the end of the half or third -- whatever it is, you want that last possession and so if you get the ball you want to wind down that time.

They were looking to probably try to get an and-one situation there.

They couldn't get it to fall but they have three seconds left to try to get a shot to go.

>> Gossling whistled on that.

Bartholomew was there.

Turn around, off the glass, good at the buzzer.

Oh, Reagan Bartholomew.

Four of the five, Waukee starters score in the first quarter for a 19-12 lead.

We've had a good one so far.

We' >>> Inside Wells Fargo arena the two teams are in their time-out portion between first and second quarter as we begin quarter number two, 19-12.

Laura, Chris Guess says we like to have quick tempo and we like to get stops.

Check, check.

>> Well, and I think he said the one thing yesterday when we talked to him is stay true to what Waukee has done and those were the two things that they have done all season long and they have done over the last few seasons as well because a lot of these players have come up together and so they are staying true to the game plan.

Doing and as they say dance with the one that run you, that's what they're doing, staying with their fundamentals that have proven to be very good for them.

>> Hampton to Tanke.

That shot's missed and the rebound is Camryn Weers who's also into the game now for Waukee.

Gyamfi not on the floor.

She went out late in the first quarter, just for a breather.

She probably won't be gone too long.

Dinnebier who's played pretty much every minute, every second of this tournament, her and the two Keldermans, really combined they've only sat for like four minutes in two games.

>> Well, they've needed them in there.

They needed that leadership in there and it's tough to take them out because you want them on the floor to make those plays.

>> Man, Dinnebier -- >> I like that.

>> You give her an inch, she takes a mile.

Nine for Dinnebier.

The drive up ahead.

No good for Emma Hampton.

And Waukee, out by ten, looking to extend on this possession.

Underneath, putting it in.

Camryn Weers.

Time-out Johnston.

Oh, my.

Blink and you miss Waukee running right on by.

>> And that was kind of an excuse me pass.

I don't think Weers realized it was coming to her.

Nobody picked her up, though, when she shot down the lane.

She was able to collect it and go right to the rim.

>> Waukee had the first semifinal game yesterday, Laura.

And you got the sense in the post-game interview room they only mentioned one word, over and over again.

It would have been disappointing for them if it wouldn't have been Johnston.

That's what they wanted.

Do you really think they're that motivated?

>> I do.

When you asked them that question and we heard the answer you could hear it in their voice.

And I think you said well what if it's Iowa city west, well, yeah we want to play them too but we really want another crack at Johnston.

>> And they say people don't hold grudges over time.

I don't know if it's a grudge.

Is that the right term?

>> No, I think it's a rivalry.

This rivalry has really built up to where they go back and forth every season and the last two years it's ended up right here.

>> Good place to end.

Gyamfi who did not get a chance to play after one game at the state tournament when she was with Urbandale.

This year the move in.

Riley throws it up and she's going to get two free throws.

Riley trying to create.

Sometimes Laura that's what spark plugs do when they come in, they try to get something going and give the other girls some relaxation.

>> Lost the handle on it but she is really good at being able to get that shot off and just came up a little short but that's the first free throw that she has missed in a state tournament.

She was a perfect 7 for 7 in the quarter final and 6 for 6 in the semifinal.

>> Missed them both.

And, you know, she said -- I go were you nervous?

Yeah, I was.

It's okay they admit that.

Not every girl will admit that they were nervous.

>> She's young and getting the experience but being able to step to the free throw line like she has done in those two games that tells you she's prepared to play in a stage like this.

>> The rare turnover in this game.

Both teams with one turnover.

Three on the way, good, Zoey Buchan.

>> A good kickout by Gyamfi as she was dribbling down the lane, felt the presence of another defender coming and kicks it out to the three-point shooter.

>> We've seen Riley drive and Gyamfi kick, maybe a second quarter strategy change, Waukee still with a nine-point lead.

Earney who was hot in the first quarter.

Dinnebier.

We mentioned it in the open, Laura, she loves playing at the state tournament.

The state tournament loves seeing her play.

>> She feels really comfortable at Wells Fargo arena and has not had a game below 20 points when she has played in the state tournament.

>> And the three-pointer is good from Lindsey Kelderman.

>> Kelderman in the semifinals, nine points, five rebounds and they need that extra scoring out of the other perimeter players.

>> Gyamfi's shot is off.

Waukee, Dinnebier, drives.

This time the right-hand layup.

I don't know which one's more impressive.

>> I don't know but that -- she took some contact fading away, gets it off the glass.

But you could just show how she can handle the basketball.

And here's another player that can handle the basketball really well.

>> Riley is coming to play.

And Dinnebier is whistled for the foul.

There's one way to maybe get Katie Dinnebier cooled, get her in foul trouble.

That's two.

To go with her 11 points.

>> Well, that -- good strategy, go right at her.

Challenge her.

See if you can pick up that second foul on her and they did.

>> Riley's three no good.

And getting it is Bartholomew.

Dinnebier, from way out.

No.

Smallest one on the court.

Riley gets the board.

>> And you would think the smallest one on the court would be bringing the ball up the floor except she gets it to Gyamfi who sets the offense.

>> And a three for the other freshman for Johnston, Aili Tanke connects.

So Laura, Johnston last year, you know we watched Kendall mead, Maya McDermott, maddy ma dominate, this year Jada Gyamfi comes in, Aili Tanke, a freshman.

You had Zoey Buchan and Anna Gossling but you add Aaliyah Riley, Molly Noelck who has had minutes.

So many of these girls are underclassmen.

Johnston is loaded for years to come.

>> Build a winning tradition and younger players that look up to those players and these players that are playing here right now.

They want to be on that same stage, they want to step foot on Wells Fargo arena.

You have that winning tradition, then you can start building things from the ground up.

That's exactly what Johnston has done.

>> 29-18 Waukee still with the lead.

Reagan -- are you kidding me?

Reagan Bartholomew.

That's like about the -- I don't know how many shots Waukee's had like that, five, six where it's been -- we have to get it around Gyamfi.

>> At least four or five and very acrobatic shots but they've been able to get them to fall.

>> Three ball, Aili Tanke, two threes in this quarter freshman.

>> Tanke starting to heat up.

She had a nice game in the quarter finals with 17 points and seven rebounds.

>> Lindsey Kelderman with the left and her knee brace is on her left.

That's how you remember the difference between Lindsey and Peyton.

Now, the two twins when you stand next to them there's a little bit of a height difference but that's about it.

>> Yeah, not much difference between the two of them and you're right you have to look at that knee brace to be able to identify them on the court.

>> Tanke misses that three.

Still Waukee by 12, 2:46 to go, Waukee is five of six from three for 83%.

Johnston not too shabby either, 5 for 9 at 56%.

>> We talked about during the tournament Johnston had done a good job of holding down three-point shooting teams, they were only allowing 26%, but Waukee seems to have the hot hand here tonight.

>> Reagan Bartholomew for three.

Inside Gyamfi and we're going to have a hold on the entry pass.

I bet they get Megan Earney for that.

>> Yeah, anytime you put both hands in the back you're going to -- it's an automatic call from the official down low.

>> The cut in for Gossling and it goes off of Lindsey Kelderman.

Sometimes Lindsey and Peyton Kelderman -- as well as Katie Dinnebier -- will draw the tough defensive assignment on the shooter, the quick player, as Abigail Jones comes in and going out is Natalie Gallagher.

To me, Laura, Katie Dinnebier, one of the most impressive things, sure, points, whatever, it's her defense.

>> Yeah, she really makes you uncomfortable.

If you're the player that she is defending she makes you really work to get the ball down the court as we see Zoey Buchan knock down another shot.

>> Waukee.

Still by 12, but man it just feels like Johnston won't go away.

Bartholomew is fouled in -- or fouled during the shot, and it's the and-one opportunity coming for Reagan Bartholomew.

>> Bartholomew hits the three-pointer, the last possession, now comes down and takes it inside and gets the and-one opportunity.

>> She's a junior.

Gyamfi, a rebound.

To add to her tournament total where she's already the leader in rebounds.

And up ahead that's Anna Gossling now with eight.

Back to 12.

Bartholomew, the curl around and then laying it up and good.

Camryn Weers.

>> Getting a nice balance of inside and outside basketball by both of these teams.

>> Aili Tanke.

That is her third three this quarter.

She's got nine.

>> She had a little bit of a slow start to this ball game but I think the nervousness and the jitters have worn off for her.

>> It's just a matter of you were down 15.

You're just -- if you're Johnston you're trying to get it to single digits before half.

>> You have to get a stop with this possession.

I think that would be a goal, and then get the ball and try to score right before halftime.

>> And Waukee, they're content.

We'll hold it out.

Kelderman.

You can see coach Jilek calling out to the girls to get up close.

He's asking Jada to go out.

We're under 40.

And then Riley fouls Kelderman, way out front.

That's only the fourth team foul -- I'm sorry, yes, fourth team foul on Johnston.

>> I hear Chris Guess say hold it for one.

>> And they're going to come out and really make them work for this.

They aren't going to let them stand out at half court.

They're even bringing Gyamfi out.

>> Bartholomew with it.

15 seconds.

They get it to Dinnebier, who's just going to lay it in.

Oh.

>> Well, everybody out overplaying and she was able to sneak by and get a clear path all the way.

>> Riley didn't -- lost track of time.

She could have gotten a shot off, even a three.

But no good look.

And Johnston is going to go in the locker room, down to Waukee.

The Warriors up 42-29.

Oh, Laura.

I tell you what, we've seen both of these teams play this week in the games that we've done leading up to this final.

You seeing anything different than what we saw earlier this week from either team?

>> You know, I think the one thing, I don't think they're getting the ball in to Gyamfi like they could and they should.

I think they need to work inside out.

They haven't been able to do that.

And that's just a product of the defense that they're seeing.

So I think that's probably one adjustment that will be made at halftime.

But I think as far as Waukee goes, continue at the pace that you're going, continue to run, continue to get inside.

They are getting the nice balance of inside and out.

And they need to continue on with that.

>> From the previous year's state basketball tournament.

Presenting the award, which is named in honor of the late Iowa girls' high school athletic union's director is gene burger.

Escorting our winners tonight is the 2021 recipient of the E. Wayne cool lee scholarship, Elise Bolton of montezuma.

The jack north recipient from the 2020 state basketball tournament is grace bofelli from north Scott High School.

Grace led north Scott to its second consecutive class 4 A championship.

At last year's tournament she averaged 22 points and 13 rebounds a game, best in class 4"A."

For the season he averaged 28 points a contest.

The jack north basketball award winner from north Scott Grace bofelli.

Grace is playing basketball at the University of northern Iowa and is unable to be present tonight.

Accepting the award on her behalf are her parents Gary and jean.

Congratulations.

It have character counts coach of the year award, six pillars of character, crust worthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Rather than spotlight winning records and isolated acts of heroism or generosity the award was conceived to recognize individuals whose coaching lives and achievements demonstrate an enduring commitment.

Presenting tonight is Scott racker and gene burger.

The 2021 recipient of the character counts coach of the year is Sarah Patterson from Newton High School.

In recognition of this honor, a $1,000 cash award will be made in Sarah's name to the Newton athletic department to further enhance character development initiatives.

Sarah's been teaching and coaching at Newton for 30 years.

She's guided the girls and boys swim programs and has been the coach of every school record that Newton's swimming and diving programs have set.

Sarah's also been the recipient of many coaching awards, including the IGHSAU -- of distinction.

Ladies and gentlemen, congratulations to the 2021 character counts coach of the year Sarah Patterson from Newton High School.

>>> The E. Wayne cooley scholarship is a $15,000 scholarship given annually to the individual that best represents Dr. Cooley's ideal of the Iowa girl.

Elise Bolton, a senior from montezuma is the 2021 recipient of the award.

She was selected from 115 applicants from high schools across Iowa.

Elise ranks first in her class and is active in numerous activities in school, including national honor society, student council, Spanish club, and youth group.

Elise is also an accomplished athlete, a four year cross country letter winner, qualifying for state all four seasons while owning school records and a two year state qualifier in track and field.

She's a four year starter in basketball and has started on four state tournament teams.

She owns several school records for basketball and will finish in the top ten in Iowa history in career three-point goals.

Ladies and gentlemen, congratulations to the 2021 recipient of the E. Wayne cooley scholarship from montezuma high school Elise Bolton.

Congratulations.

>> The 2021 Iowa girls high school basketball championships marks one year since the global pandemic changed our daily lives and it's been a year of perseverance for Iowa girls as they found both community and a collective mission in the face of adversity.

>> Here's sievers.

To morenz.

And a lead in the championship for newel Fonda.

>> That is a comeback for the ages.

What a game.

>> As the lights went down on the 2020 Iowa girls basketball season nobody had any idea what lay ahead.

>> Coronavirus infections have passed the half million mark worldwide.

>> 3.3 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits in the last week alone.

>> Open up your trunk, thank you.

>> With much of the country in quarantine Iowans came to terms with a global pandemic.

Decision-makers were faced with difficult choices, including the executive director of the Iowa girls high school athletic union jean burger.

>> Remember, this is all new, we have no playbook, you're just operating sort of in this vacuum.

Schools are shut down.

Our sports are shut down.

Our kids are not working with coaches.

We made the decision not to have any of our spring sports.

>> When coach had to call that meeting and say sorry, ladies, there's no season, what was your emotion?

>> I look back on it now and I just wish that I spent like five more minutes on the field.

Like just taking it all in.

Like taking deep breaths.

Like, wow, this was my last time.

I definitely wish I had just one more moment like on the field with my best friends.

>> The season kept getting pushed back and delayed.

Pitchers and catchers knew we couldn't be taking this time off.

We all found open fields somewhere, wherever we could go to pitch together and catch together.

>> By summer 2020 Covid-19 was a fact of life.

The IGHSAU chose to let each district decide for themselves whether or not to participate in summer sports.

>> The softball coach said just tell us what we need to do and we'll do it.

We'll do anything you want us to do so we can play.

And they did.

>> We are on the way to a beautiful evening in fort dodge.

>> The state championship is number one goal when you're in a sport.

That's everyone's goal.

And so we kind of kept that in the back of our mind.

>> Cheyenne bar ren, a 507 hitter.

>> Take our temperature before each practice and EECHL game.

Sanitize our equipment, had our own bats and our own helmets and during games we had to take the ball into the dugout with us instead of leaving it at the pitchers mound.

>> We weren't able to stay in the dorms.

Beyond regular season we would have stayed in the dorms there.

So we drove back every day.

Like 2 1/2 hours every day, twice.

>> We Learned so much, so we took that into our fall championships and into volleyball, especially.

>> Keep a safe distance away.

Always sanitize the balls, sanitize your hands, not sharing really any equipment at all.

>> With all the crazy going on in the world, like we knew we had volleyball to always just play and rely on that.

We wanted to take advantage of it and that's what we were going to do, just play, compete, have fun.

>> If this is what we have to do, especially for like the seniors, like fiona and I, this is our last chance to play.

And because of these circumstances like we're just going to have to do what we have to do.

>> State championship for Clarksville.

Fifth time's a charm.

>> I think it is really important to note that we got cut short of some games and some practices.

We had to work on our own and do our own thing on our own to keep at it and to still improve every single day.

>> As the seasons changed so did case counts.

With winter approaching Iowans were reminded that nothing in 2020, least of all a schedule, is guaranteed.

>> When you get the news that there's been a stoppage and we're going virtual before we were able to play our first game then you have another stoppage for the holiday break and we get shut down with Covid for ten days.

>> Having to watch other teams play, there's a perspective that you don't get by playing every night.

And so they're glad at the opportunity to play.

And even if it's to practice for one night so they're not taking anything for granted at this point.

>> That research on mental health, that really struck a cord with me about what kids had been giving up.

>> Losing something that you're that passionate about affects a lot.

>> Honestly for me I kind of just didn't think about that we were in a pandemic.

I was just focused in the moment because you're never going to get that back.

So I didn't want to hold back any of the energy or any of that.

>> Giving up some hits -- >> The best part of it was going out there to compete and forget what was going on around us.

We were all just banding together to support each other.

Being able to get out of the house and see sports.

>> That smile says it all.

>> Everyone just seemed so excited.

>>> What a year it's been.

What a first half it's been.

We have some incredible numbers to share with you right after this.

>> Laura, the coverage might look a little bit different this year but guess what we're trying to do now.

Highlights of the first half.

Only one thing to show.

Shooting the ball.

It has been an incredible first half shooting.

>> Both of these teams shooting it very, very well.

You just look at the numbers with Waukee, 81%.

They are knocking down shots.

Jada Gyamfi has been able to get a couple of shots off but for the most part they're bringing her out away from the basket.

She has five assists in this ball game.

And this has been a game where it is up and down, the pace is at the tempo that Waukee wants to play it.

Johnston's going to have to make some adjustments to try to slow them down but both of these teams shooting it very, very well.

>> There's Katie Dinnebier.

You've also seen threes again, Zoey Buchan, hit a couple big threes, her points are at six and then Anna Gossling, maybe not doing it so much from the outside, tried to do it there from the inside.

She's got 13 points in this first half.

Take a look at the team scores early on in this one, Laura, you kind of mentioned them, field goals, 81%.

That's what happens when you go 18 of 22.

Johnston, not too bad, 50%.

I think moat most coaches would be happy with 50%.

>> You're expecting to be wing, 7 of 11 from three-point range and not winning the ball game and you're down by as much as what you are, it's amazing.

Both teams shooting at a high clip.

Now Johnston has to figure out how do you slow down this running machine of the Warriors?

>> Look at the rebounds, Laura, 12-4.

That's not because Johnston's not in the right position, there's no missed shots for Waukee.

>> No shots coming off the rim, everything's going through.

81%.

So, you know, it's interesting.

I think.

And I have mentioned it, that with Jada Gyamfi, that she only has four points in this ball game but she has five assists.

She's doing other things.

She knows she's been taken out of the rhythm of this game first half.

Now they need to get her set up down low in the block and figure out how to get her through that double and triple team.

>> Look at that smile, Peyton Kelderman and Lindsey, they look serious.

Chris Guess.

Coach Jilek, what do you talk about it?

Here's the advantage we have.

We don't have to do a scouting report.

These girls no each other so well.

It's a matter of what you do at an exact moment.

How on earth, Laura, do you defend such good shooters?

I've asked you this time and time again, same answer?

>> Shooting percentages catch up to you.

And so they probably will pull down, is it a product of the defense, maybe yes, maybe no.

But those percentages catch up.

I don't expect that they will shoot at that kind of a rate here second half.

Maybe they will.

Maybe they'll prove me wrong.

>> Waukee gets the basketball to start half number two, 42-29 in this class 5A State championship game from Wells Fargo arena.

Reagan Bartholomew picks up foul number two quickly, picked up a foul early, then kind of backed off.

Now Gyamfi getting two.

It's early in the third quarter but still, a story to watch.

>> Yeah, have to keep an eye on it and see if Waukee tries to go after her to see if they can pick up number three on her right away.

But that first possession very content to put the ball on the deck and try to take it inside to the lane.

>> Reagan Bartholomew she's got a 7.02 slugging percentage, 3.85 average and -- >> We're not in softball.

>> Pretty good at softball and not too bad in basketball.

Hits them both.

Multi-sport athletes, Bartholomew is one of them.

>> She's going to have her choice of where she can go play in college and it's going to be her decision, great high-low that time.

>> Oh, Gyamfi the interior pass.

Who got her hand in it but Lindsey Kelderman.

That's like a foot and a half difference on size.

>> Bring the ball down to your waist though, the guards are going to come in and pull it away.

>> Johnston goes back to work.

>> I want to go back to Bartholomew for a minute and just -- she is very gifted softball wise and basketball wise.

I think she is continuing to improve on the basketball side of things and I think she's going to be able to pick her sport and what school she wants to go to and maybe she may go to a school where she can play both.

>> There's a look at Chad Jilek and next to him is one of his assistant coaches and that's Mark -- or brad Buchan.

His daughter Zoey on the free throw line.

We see father daughter time, daughter daughter time.

Zoey, do you and your dad talk about it.

Only for about an hour after every game.

We go through tape in the living room after the game.

>> She said her dad and mom have taught her everything about basketball.

It doesn't quit when we go home.

>> Her mom played six on six at Williams burg.

Katie Dinnebier keeps putting points up.

She now has 15.

>> They've got to find a way to slow her down.

She is the catalyst of this team.

>> Jilek the rebound after the long shot from Gyamfi.

A rare offensive board.

Buchan, now Gossling.

Gyamfi on the block, off the glass, no good.

Tell you what, Megan Earney is going to earn a gold star for her defense down low on Gyamfi.

>> Gyamfi was just trying to figure out, she saw the double-team coming and came back the other way, Earney straight up and down, did not give any ground to Gyamfi.

>> Waukee 47, Johnston 31.

6:37 to go third quarter.

Back out, Gossling three, corner no.

Gyamfi just flat out got out boxed by Earney.

That's not going to show up in the score book but that was a big time play.

Other end, that will show up in the book with a three.

>> Well, players that hustle do the fundamentally right things and that's what Earney did, boxed out on one end, hustled down and got rewarded with a nice pass to knock down the three.

>> There's Gossling on defense, denying the pass on the entry.

If it's not Gyamfi, Johnston's just trying to find some answer down low on the block.

>> They've got to -- they've got to get the ball through the hoop and then that will help them relax and then they've got to get back into a rhythm.

They're getting to a point where they're kind of forcing some things right now.

And that partly is due to the defense that Waukee is playing.

>> Dinnebier drives through the lane, lays it up.

I don't know how many points she has but as a team they were -- I think it was about 18 at half.

It just seems like it keeps going, Dinnebier now with 17.

And a three the other way for Johnston.

Zoey Buchan now with nine.

All three via the three.

>> Buchan who averages just a little under five points a game stepping up big in this ball game knocking down those distant shots.

>> Okay, so right there you can see, you can read Gossling's words, my something.

How do you defend that?

How do you -- I heard the conversation in the media room this morning asking girls going down the lane, a little bit out of control, but yet the one with the basketball gets the benefit of the call.

Why?

>> Well, you know, it's just a position of where the official is and how you make that call.

The positioning of the defender and how the official interprets it.

And I just think, you know you get the momentum and if the defense doesn't get over and get into position in a timely fashion they're going to get the call all the time.

>> Aaliyah Riley steps on the baseline.

She was trying to drive and dish, trying to create.

Waukee 53.

Johnston 34.

Coming in Molly Noelck.

Aaliyah Riley goes out.

>> Coach Jilek just trying to find a combination that is going to start clicking on the floor and you can see a little extra coaching there by coach Jilek as Riley comes out of the ball game.

Get her back and her mind-set focused.

>> Kelderman with it.

Now Bartholomew.

Back to Dinnebier.

You can't even shake her hand it is on fire, literally, when you shake it.

Dinnebier drives.

Again gets past two defenders and lays it in, and for the seventh straight game at the Iowa girls state basketball tournament she scored 20 points or more.

>> And just uses a little stutter dribble to be able to give herself a little separation and then the good quick first step around the defense.

>> Noelck misses on that three.

She has been known to hit big shots.

She's hit big shots in this tournament.

And this season.

Just not right there.

>> I think that's why she's in the game because she is that kind of clutch player that she has come in to these state tournament games and knocked down big bucket.

>> Laura, that is only the third Waukee turnover, not of the half, the game and we're at the 4:18 mark in the third quarter.

>> But neither team is turning it over.

Johnston has three and Waukee has three.

And that is just -- that tells you that the reason the score is the way it is is because Johnston just has not been able to knock down shots.

>> 55-34 Johnston has a big hill to climb.

Hampton was flashing.

Now Gyamfi.

Riley behind the back goes to her left, dishes it to Gyamfi.

And a block by, who else, Katie Dinnebier.

>> I like the attack of Johnston.

I like what Riley did, drew the defense to her.

Floats a pass over to Gyamfi but Dinnebier hustled down and was able to get the block.

>> Gyamfi flashed for a moment, drop step, goes through, and fouled.

Camryn Weers will be whistled there.

It will be similar to what we'll see in 1A a little bit because Gyamfi is so much taller and stronger than most other players, reminds you of -- what is a defender supposed to do when you're so strong and it just kind of turns and it sends you backwards?

Gyamfi hits the first.

>> That's all you can do.

I mean, they -- you could see three defenders around her and she was trying to find the gap a little bit of daylight to get herself clear to get a good look at the hoop and as a defender you just have to hold your ground and go straight up vertical and do the best you can to try to make it difficult for that post player to score.

>> Gyamfi hits the second.

She now has six as Isabella Balsley comes in for Johnston.

Lindsey Kelderman dribbling it now from the left wing up towards the top, waits for a moment.

Gets Bartholomew.

And we're going to have a whistle on Riley in the arm.

Our officials today Chad slagle, Jared ray and marlon SKOONhoven, veteran crew again getting a 5A game.

And Waukee in control.

Inbounded now to Weers.

Bartholomew.

And she travels.

>> Spread the floor for her that time, a little ball fake and tried to get around the defender.

Just could not get the foot work right.

>> Riley with it.

Still Gyamfi way out from the block.

Just taken away and then Riley fouls.

Natalie Gallagher prevented probably an easy layup.

>> Not a bad foul because you're right it probably would have prevented an easy layup.

As she turns her back as Dinnebier turns her back into the defense here comes Gallagher to pick her pocket.

>> Coach guess told us earlier this week Laura, he says, you know, Katie just -- Katie Dinnebier who was in part of that defense there says does it all, just amazes the staff.

Every time we turn around she does something different, her intensity, her motor, her determination.

He calls her unstoppable.

He's glad he didn't have to guard her.

Earney for three.

I'll tell you what, Megan Earney is going to shoot her way onto the all-tournament team.

Four three-pointers.

Now she's got 12 #.

>> Playing very well.

Just relaxed.

Kind of unassuming, hangs around at the arc.

Dinnebier saw the defense collapse and kicks it out to Earney.

>> Before we went on you reminded me Earney scored 13 points in last year's title game.

She's almost there.

This year.

Gyamfi out.

Riley gets it and is pushed by Lindsey Kelderman.

So Lindsey and Peyton Kelderman are going to go to northwest Missouri state as we get another look at this, just kind of got her with the left arm.

I asked Payton and Lindsey, I said, so that decision, were you looking to pick colleges the same?

No.

It just kind of worked out that way.

Are mom and dad happy you're going to the same spot?

Absolutely.

>> Yeah, they don't have to make the decision on where they're going on what night to watch which daughter.

Go down to watch them play at northwest Missouri State.

>> Missed three.

Johnson, if they're not able to hit the buckets they at least have to stop on this possession.

58-36 as we approach 2:00.

Nice pass into Earney.

Back out.

Kelderman, Peyton.

No, long tip, comes out to Johnston.

>> So they get the stop that they needed.

You've got to start right now.

You've got to have to start getting stops right now to start climbing back.

>> You've got to get it to what, under 15 before the quarter's over and that's a big mountain.

>> That is, but there's a way to do it right there.

>> A three missed but a rebound by Balsley.

Hampton.

She's not even looking to shoot, gets it back.

This almost looks like next year's team.

>> Well -- >> Or the team two years from sophomore out.

Driving up and the block foul will be called as driving to it was Emma Hampton the sophomore.

She'll get a pair of free throws at 1:20 to go in the third quarter.

>> Bartholomew a little late in sliding over.

>> So now Kelderman.

Kelderman.

And Earney all have two fouls.

No, that's Dinnebier with two.

Lindsey Kelderman.

Peyton only has one as Riley goes out.

Hampton hits the free throw.

And will go sit down.

>> I think coach Jilek is going to continue to rotate different players in until they can find a combination that maybe can get them on a little bit of a run.

>> Peyton Kelderman.

Out front by Buchan.

Gets past her and is fouled.

>> You can see the frustration of Buchan.

She pounds the ball.

And you can see it on her face too.

That trying to guard Kelderman, trying to stay with her, and just gambling a little bit to try to strip her of the basketball but got too much of Peyton Kelderman.

>> Peyton misses that one.

Peyton is known to create in the lane.

The coach calls her a high basketball IQ.

What does that always mean?

>> I take it as a player that understands the game, that sees things maybe a step before they happen, anticipate things very well, sees the entire floor, understands situations and time and what you need to do in certain situations if you're an -- in this game, clock winding down, what do you do?

Those are the players that really maybe watch a lot of basketball, understand the game and know how to put that understanding into play when they're on the floor.

>> Johnston.

Not sure holding for one is the strategy, but they get Gyamfi, catches it, shoots it, scores it.

That's what they were trying to do is get an open spot.

If we pass it enough, maybe Waukee will kind of cheat up a little bit and create an opportunity and it looks like that's what happened on that bucket.

>> They fronted her and didn't have backside help and was a little late coming and that's why they were able to get that pass to her.

>> We have a time-out.

Waukee.

Chris Guess calls it.

It's the 30 second variety.

So here's an opportunity to drop a scoring play but you're up 20.

>> You know, one of the things that coach guess said is he takes suggestions from the team and you can see he's talking to the team and asking them what they want to do.

It's kind of a team decision on how they're going to play things.

And he does that a lot as far as he's said I don't go into a huddle and say this is what we're going to do.

I take things from players like Katie Dinnebier, the Keldermans and we all come to a consensus and a decision as a team.

>> If you're a senior in the program you get a lot of say in what you do, whether it's uniform, team shirt, and what you're going to do with eight seconds to go.

And that was the plan right there as Johnston gets rid of it, or gets a chance to heave it up with one second, the three good if it goes but it misses by Anna Gossling and we've played three quarters.

It is 59-39 Waukee.

In control but we still have a quarter to go.

>>> Waukee 59 and Johnston 39.

We begin quarter number four with our only game tonight on PBS.

Paul Yeager joined by Laura Leonard.

I assume you've been drinking water this week because you have a busy day tomorrow.

>> Lots and lots of hydration.

>> You'll have class 3A first or -- putting you on the spot.

4A at 1:30.

>> 3A at 11:00 and 4a at 1:30.

>> And then 1A is at 6:30.

You and BJshaban have the first two and we'll have the last two.

We have garigan and newel Fonda.

Waukee picks up where they left off shooting threes.

They've fallen, Laura, tremendously in their three-point field goals, down, down to 75%.

>> Still amazing.

And 79% for the game.

Just trying to look at the record book to see what a record is for a single game at the state tournament and have not found it yet but that's got to be right up there as far as team field goal percentage.

>> Gyamfi trying to do it the inside and she's fouled and she'll go to the line.

Jada, we talked about her orange fingernails.

On the back of her shoes is the word "papa" and "house" and it's for her grandfather James who died a month ago on her mom's side and it was kind of sudden and she's just like he was such a huge supporter, the most important thing for Jada, the future Iowa hawkeye, she says papa was going to watch me play basketball.

She keeps his memory with her while she's playing and they're going to need some other help too here as both free throws are missed.

That's still Waukee in control.

>> See that Johnston coming out a little bit more aggressive on offense.

Or defense, excuse me.

>> Bartholomew.

Guarded by Gyamfi.

Almost got the steal.

>> Waukee's pulling it out, but they're not going in to a stall.

They're going to continue to attack.

>> Attack and cut and do great things like that and then Gyamfi fouls, that's Earney.

>> They're going to spread the floor and take their time and run a little motion, put the ball on the floor, see if they can find a driving lane to get through.

>> Peyton Kelderman that's around her defender, lays it in from the left side but misses and another rebound for Jada Gyamfi.

>> Gyamfi able to alter that shot.

>> Gyamfi misses, collects, misses that one, Jilek grabs it.

The ball is loose and it's picked up by Waukee.

>> Again, after a rebound, bringing that ball down around your waist.

Those pesky little guards get right in there.

>> All right, so we've seen from Johnston.

Now we have more of the upper class as you take a look at Kinsey Jilek who's going to go play at nyak next year which is in the hometown of her father, Chad is a graduate of mason city and grandma and grandpa still up there, and an Uncle.

So they'll be able to watch the home games for the Trojans.

Chris Guess looks on and watches the free throw made, 23 points for Katie Dinnebier.

>> Well, and speaking of players going on to play in college, Katie Dinnebier going to go to -- >> Where's she going?

>> She's going to drake University.

>> Oh, really?

>> Being a drake grad I'm very happy that she's going to be able to play with the bull dogs next year.

I think the coaching staff at drake is happy to have her and I think it's going to be a good situation for her to settle right into the offense that they play.

>> Dinnebier, this is from the NBA line and she hits it, now with 26 points.

She needed, Laura, we didn't think that she would be able to tie her record or break it from last year in scoring.

She had 78 last year.

She needed 35.

She's at 26.

There's a possibility as Gyamfi puts it in and now she's in double figures and it's a time-out for Johnston.

>> They're finally able to get the ball to Gyamfi a little bit.

>> Back in a moment with the final 5:08.

>>> Waukee in control 64-41.

Last year in the 2020 title game, Laura, Kendall mead had 21, Anna Gossling 17 #, Maya McDermott 13, Bartholomew had nine, Earney had 13, remember how many Katie Dinnebier had that game?

>> I believe 29.

>> Three away from tying what she did in the final game last year but this year might be a little bit different because they might have that ship -- and well, there you go, 29 # points on cue, thank you, Katie Dinnebier, you make it look like we were trying.

>> We sent the script to her, and they ran the play just like we drew it up.

>> Three on the way for Johnston, no good for Tanke.

>> Tanke is a player that is just going to continue to get better.

She's played really well at the tournament in the first two games and knocked down some shots here in this ball game but has not gotten a whole lot of touches here in the second half.

>> Oh, really, frankly it's been hard for Johnston to get any good looks as Riley grabs the rebound.

As we mentioned in the first half just a little bit of nervousness now, now this is a -- well we talked about grudges earlier, Laura.

This ball will go out of bounds off Johnston and back the other way.

We might show that in three years when she's playing again for a state title and we'll ask her, what do you remember about that championship game from your freshman year?

>> And she'll probably say frustration, disappointment, and want to get back here and the way that we've seen her play this last week is -- I'm pretty sure that Johnston is in good hands with her at the point guard.

>> We mentioned the youth, Zoey Buchan will be back next year, Aili Tanke, Noelck a sophomore, Sadie Maas, haven't seen much of her.

The layup is good for Kelderman.

Here's the story that's going to develop for Waukee.

We briefly touched on it in the open, Laura, this is the last year of one Waukee high school.

Next year we'll have Waukee northwest, Chris Guess will not be the coach of Waukee next year, he'll be the northwest coach.

Him and sherri are going to the new school, start new traditions.

It will be weird to see him in different colors.

Now the question becomes how long does it take him to build the program there that he has here?

>> And you don't know what the division is in the school district lines are and who is going to go to what school.

How many of these players will go over that way, will filter in to that school system.

And so it will be interesting to see how it all evolves for both of those schools once they split.

>> Balsley gets the deuce.

And I see the 2 with the hair like that and I instantly think Maya McDermott is back?

>> She looks like Maya McDermott.

Unfortunately she's going to pick up the charge here.

I think that was Bartholomew that came over and took the charge.

But yeah, you're right.

She is very similar looking with that ponytail like Maya McDermott who's having a nice year at northern Iowa.

>> Also at northern Iowa grace bofelli who was honored at halftime.

>> Grace has not gotten a whole lot of opportunity to play this year but is certainly going to be a player, an up and coming player for northern Iowa.

>> Some of that senior class I think is Megan Maas a senior for northern Iowa, she played at the state tournament for western Dubuque.

Some of those good teams we had up ahead.

A little too much for Noelck, out of bounds.

2:45 to go.

69-41.

Waukee in control.

Out of the game now goes Molly Noelck.

And it looks like coming in is Emma Hampton.

>> We talked about it a little bit that these two teams met earlier this year and split the two games in the first game Johnston won 54-45 and Waukee won the second game 58-40.

This was the rubber game of the three-game series and looks like Waukee certainly has the upper hand and came out ready to play this game.

>> Three missed by Johnston and the Dragons get the board, laying it almost in but missing that shot was Hampton as we approach 2:00 to go in the game.

Kelderman gets it in.

Misses the layup.

>> They spread the floor and they're getting the driving angles, just could not finish.

She didn't probably have the best shooting angle as she was turning the corner to get to the rim.

>> Hampton.

Inside.

And it is loose ball.

We're going to have a hold.

And it sounds like Earney is going to be whistled on that foul.

And this is probably going to be the swan song for the Waukee Warriors.

Listen to the crowd.

Katie Dinnebier, Lindsey Kelderman, Reagan Bartholomew, Megan Earney, and also let's not forget Peyton Kelderman.

What a group, a senior power house.

And one junior.

>> Yeah, they certainly -- as we had said, had this marked on their calendar.

Wanted to get the rematch with Johnston in the championship game and had a little chip on their shoulder and you can see the result of that chip on their shoulder.

They came out very determined right from the beginning.

>> The shot is missed.

Rebound under -- or reverse Allie Hart.

That doesn't go.

It will stay Johnston basketball.

The accolades we've talked about them.

They've mentioned all week, even before this week, it was -- they had a chip for the ship.

And a couple of teams have talked about, we're back to the ship, we're back to the ship.

It means a lot to be here.

>> It does.

It always has.

And going back to the six on six days and all of us that had the opportunity to play six on six and it always was a dream to get to veterans auditorium to play in that tournament.

Now it's a dream to get to the well.

And it never leaves you.

And it is such a tradition and it's a huge part of everybody's goal that steps onto a basketball court.

And gets through practice each and every day to be able to come and play on this court for a state championship.

>> More substitutions here in the final minute as Emma Hampton goes out.

Coming in it looks like Lily Lampe is dribbling the basketball up.

Waukee in the opening round, they beat dowling 60-37 and then centennial 50-29 but a huge fourth quarter after they went 1 of 14 shooting in the third quarter.

They still won by 21.

Here tonight 70% shooting from the field.

Three, and a lot of it because of the big good threes as the rebound, Hauck, gets her name in the book.

Lampe, the final 10.

Will try to dribble it out.

Johnston not fighting, Lampe in the paint, kicks it back out.

And redemption tastes sweet for Waukee.

They avenge the loss.

Their first title since 2015, the Waukee Warriors, our state champions.

♪♪ >> 71-43 Waukee.

They won the title in '15 over valley.

There was no doubt about it tonight, Laura, the Warriors will finish the year 13-1, a limited season that saw them have two Covid breaks.

Coach guess says I'm not going to overtax the girls and play some extra games.

They had a tough schedule.

Looked like that script worked.

>> Yeah, I think it did.

And you're right, they came out right from the beginning on a mission.

They shoot 69% for the game.

>> Presenting the awards is Craig hill, president of the Iowa farm bureau and joining him is governor Reynolds, members of the IGHSAU board of directors Deeian Kramer, Greg ebb Ling, Ron foldness, and for the all tournament team in class 5A, from Waukee, Peyton Kelderman.

From Johnston, Aili Tanke.

From cedar falls, aniyah Barney.

From Iowa city west, matea Tillis.

From Johnston, Jada Gyamfi.

And the captain of the class 5A all-tournament team from Waukee, Katie Dinnebier.

>> When you look into the eyes of Katie Dinnebier when you talk to her her eyes are intensely blue.

Her eyes were clearly focused on getting back to the championship.

She captains the all-tournament team here with a wide array of players, aniyah Barney from cedar falls, representative from -- two before it Johnston, two from Waukee, one from Iowa city west.

It's a good group of players that have been part of some really good basketball over time.

>> Great sportsmanship there, too, you could see Jada Gyamfi and Katie Dinnebier with a little hug after a game well played.

>> The 2021 class 5A runner-up, the Johnston Dragons and head coach Chad Jilek.

Fans, let's hear it for the 2021 class 5A champions, the Waukee Warriors and head coach Chris Guess.

♪ We are the champions my friend ♪ >> Well, it's the Waukee Warriors second state championship in school history.

It's the last year of one high school and they had one mission and that was to hoist that trophy.

Last year turned away by the team that they turned away this year, Waukee gets the better of Johnston tonight, Laura.

We talked about Katie Dinnebier, 29 points, seven games, all seven games she scored more than 20 points.

Impressive.

All right, thank you, Laura Leonard so very much.

It was the Waukee Warriors caught shooting also from Johnston but it was too much, Katie Dinnebier and the Waukee Warriors, they are your champs.

Tomorrow, four championships beginning at 11:00.

For all of us here at Iowa PBS, so long, and thank you for watching the Iowa girls.

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