>>> welcome to downtown Des Moines where the long time annual tradition of girls athletics continues here at Wells Fargo arena.

Tonight is the first of five championship contests this weekend broadcast throughout all of Iowa's 99 counties for 3 free of charge here on Iowa PBS and online at IowaPBS.org.

>> And we'll showcase all the pageantry of the Iowa high school athletic state basketball championships.

First courtside with B.J.

and Laura for their call of the 5A championships.

>> It is time for state championship basketball.

As tonight it is the big class showdown, as the 6 seeded Waterloo West Wahawks take on the top seeded Johnston dragons at 25-0.

And with Laura Leonard, I'm B.J.

shaven.

And Laura, Johnston trying to do something, run the table all the way through.

But they are going to face a star studded lineup in Waterloo West.

>> No teem has done it in 5 A.

The last time it was done was 4A in east high school.

And Waterloo West wants to take EM out.

>> The Wahawks this year.

Third straight trip to state.

Tenth overall.

A great junior in Ally Poock.

Leading the team at nearly 24 points a game.

And head coach Pappas with nearly 600 wins for the Wahawks.

>> The dragons.

Eighth straight trip.

Four starters return from the 2021 runner-up team.

Class 5A.

They are the best in scoring.

They also outscore their opponent base bunch and they have one of the top players in the state in Iowa signee Jada Gyamfi.

Your announcer Tim Fitzpatrick.

>> Announcer: Johnston fans.

Let's hear it for your dragons.

♪♪ >> Announcer: Good evening basketball fans.

It is now time to introduce the players in today's 5A championship match-up.

The non starters first of all for your Waterloo West Wahawks.

Number 11, Sydnie Wass.

Number 21, Niya McGee.

Number 23, Aysha Mee.

Number 25, Charlotte Gettman.

Number 31, Isabell Lederman.

Number 35, TaNeesa Martin.

Newsroom 43, Sierra Burt.

And number 45, Shatiera Wright.

Your assistant coaches.

Gary win SEL, Dean widen.

Lincoln Vorba.

AJ Cassidy.

Larry Kubitz.

Andrea Herold.

Kaylene Orr.

Christian Guido.

And Bre Eigenherr.

And now let's meet the starters for genocide.

2, Isabella Balsley.

12, Community College.

Cart Lynn Jackson.

24, Molly Noelck.

32, Averie Ryan.

33, Emma Hampton.

Number 34, Ava Helming.

And number 40, Jayce Blanchard.

Your assistant coaches, Mark Hein, Brad Buchan.

Jenny Cook.

Elle Ruffridge.

And Christine Wolford.

♪♪ And now, here are your starters for this 5A championship.

From west at guard.

A 5'7" senior, number 13, Jaide Domatob.

And at gather, number 4, Zoey Buchan.

At guard for the Wahawks, a 5'6" junior number 15, Halli Poock.

At guard for the Dragons.

A 5'7" senior, number 20, Anna Gossling.

For west, 5'11", junior number 33, Sahara Williams.

And Johnston at guard, 5'7", sophomore number 22, Aaliyah Riley.

And forward for the Wahawks, a 6'1", junior, number 41 Sierra Moore.

For the Dragons at forward, a 5'11" sophomore number 30, Aili Tanke.

And at for center Brooklynn Smith.

And for Johnston center Jada Gyamfi.

Head coaches for the Wahawks, Dr. Tony Pappas.

And for the Dragons, Chad Jilek.

Ladies and Gentlemen, now face your attention to the area in front of the scorers table as I introduce your officials for this 5A championship as assigned by the Iowa high school girls athletic union.

All right.

Who's ready for state championship basketball.

>> We are ready for the 5A title game.

>> They need to control that middle interior.

And they need to defend the three-point line.

They have a lot of three-point shooters on this team that can knock it down.

And then for Johnston, they need to handle the pressure defense of the Wahawks and need to get out and push in transition.

They want a high tempo game.

>> Gyamfi and Smith in the middle.

David writman about ready to put this one in the air and we will get under way.

What a week its been.

Now it is time for the championships here on Iowa PBS.

the Wahawks.

They come in at 23-2.

A dynamic team that's really turned things around since their last loss back in the end of January.

As Poock gets it going.

For the Wahawks.

>> That's exactly what she can do.

She can get around the defense because she has great handle.

She can move the ball side to side and she's quick.

They can create separation and create space.

>> Here comes the Dragons.

They average about 15 assists per game which leads the state.

They can really move it around.

Here is Riley.

And this is going to belong to Waterloo West.

So west, keep an eye on 33 Sahara Williams.

Dynamic with the ball right now.

Spins to the right.

This is on the deck and it is going to be Buchan who will end up with it.

And it will be tied up, possession arrow to Johnston.

>> And Zoey Buchan is really the spark plug for this Johnston team.

She will get things going.

She plays at 100 miles an hour.

And doesn't care who gets in her way.

>> There is a good look at head coach Chad Jilek over 200 wins in his career as head coach wants to see his Dragons play with poise early on.

Gyamfi, the Iowa recruit.

Can't get it to fall.

And Domatob will track down the rebound.

>> I like that Gyamfi when she got that rebound gave the pump fake but Brooklynn Smith did not go for it.

She just stayed vertical.

>> The central Iowa metro league has been dominant here over the last several years at the state tournament.

Waterloo West has already knocked off two CIML teams as you see Smith battling.

Now trying to knock off their third in a row.

And what a challenge it will be at 25-0.

Johnston playing lights out all season.

Meeting the expectation after falling short of last year's title game.

Buchan on the drive.

And will go to the line to shoot two.

>> Buchan is a player that is quick, that understands how to sneak in and she reads offenses and can anticipate and get out turn the defense into offense.

Gets the contact.

Gets to the line.

>> The 85 percent free throw shooter knocks down the first one.

Going on to play college basketball at Wisconsin river falls.

And we are tied at 2.

>> Got a good match-up going on.

I think we're going to keep our eye on and that is Aaliyah Riley and Sahara Williams.

>> Gossling with the steal, and the finish.

>> Got to take care of the basketball.

One thing I know coach Tony Pappas is going to talk to his players when they get a minute and a timeout.

You can't rest against this Johnston dragon defense.

You have to take care of the ball.

You have to protect it.

And you have to continue to step to the basketball.

>> Williams looks to reset.

Picked up by Aaliyah Riley.

Domatob from the corner, wide of the mark.

And Gossling will direct traffic.

>> And I think Johnston is willing to give up that shot.

They want to try to slow down Williams and Poock.

So when you concentrate in an area, you have to give up something.

And that is one they are willing to give up.

>> Ring it up for Gossling.

>> We talked about Gossling in the pregame show.

She coming into this game is playing her 11th game at the state tournament, shooting 52% in her career here.

In all of those games.

So she is very comfortable on this floor.

Which is much bigger than what they are used to playing in a regular gymnasium throughout the season.

>> Tanke just picked up the foul.

Her first.

Out on the floor for Johnston is Buchan, Gossling, Riley, Tanke and Gyamfi.

And for Waterloo West.

Domatob, Poock, Williams, Moore and Smith.

Riley with the rebound.

Gyamfi with the right hand from the left side gets the deuce.

And Johnston is up by seven.

>> Going to get a quick timeout because Waterloo West doesn't like what's happening.

The momentum is going to Dragons.

What a move by Gyamfi, look at that.

Ball fake, gets Smith out of position, and then the quickness to be able to get around her.

An athletic move to get the layup.

>> 9-0 run by the Dragons.

Let's hear from coach Chad Jilek.

>> -- you get over and I got ball in hand.

What you are doing.

Keep attacking.

Together, one two three.

>> You could hear coach Jilek sayed you need to continue to attack.

So they turn their back on the dribble.

They try to make that spin move.

Somebody is going to drop off and try to pick the pocket and create a turnover.

So defensively they have got a game plan that they are going to stay straight up man-to-man.

But then they are going to have some helping defense.

>> The west one of four.

Poock.

Fadeaway.

Can't get it to fall.

And rebound to Gyamfi.

Waterloo West hit their first shot by Haley Poock and since has been ice cold from the fieldli Poock and since has been ice cold from the field.

West is going to go to the bench right now.

Charlotte Gettman, the sophomore.

Listed at 5'9", will check into the game now.

Tries to pick up.

Gossling will fire a three.

And the rebound to west.

Played in the state championship before back in 1999 and 2002.

Only to run into the acheny hawks.

Here is Smith in the paint.

She'll get the bucket.

>>> Sierra Moore with the steal.

>> Quick Hans and dribble in the middle of the paint, somebody is going to jump?

And steal it.

Poock out on the run, pulls up with that mid range jumper.

>> Second in 5A in scoring.

Tanke can't get it to fall.

And west with another opportunity.

On a 4-0 run since the timeout.

Williams put it on the court.

Bumped.

And they are going call her for travel.

>> Waterloo West trying to create some things.

And this is how you do it with your little point guard who is so quick.

And able to see the floor and find gaps.

Halli Poock doing a great job.

Little undersized but you know what, she can play.

She's got everything in her game.

She can see the floor.

She can pass it.

She can set up her teammates.

Shoot it from distance.

She also gets in in rebounds and she is a player that has all the tools.

>> Molly Noelck and Emma Hampton will check in for the first time.

And Riley able to fill it up.

>> Talked to Aaliyah Riley yesterday.

She was in a situation in the quarterfinal game where catholic backed off of her and dared her to shoot the offside shot.

She would prefer to put it on the floor, but she can knock that shot down.

>>> Gyamfi with yet another rebound.

She's been on the glass all state tournament long.

Gossling for three.

And Moore with the rebound.

Johnston with some pressure off of that rebound as they are crashing a lot of people.

Here is Poock.

Foul on the floor.

Johnston's bench today is going to be a little short for this 5A title game.

Isabella Balsley is out of the contest.

She dislocated her right shoulder in the semifinals.

So Riley able to fill it up.

>> That is a loss for them.

Because they have a rotation that they like to play.

And coach Jilek has a situation of who he goes to and what the match-ups are.

And he knows what group he wants out on the floor.

And with Balsley out of the line up, that is going alter who is in the game.

And some people may not familiar with the certain line up and certain personnel they have on the floor.

>> 12-6, Smith to the line after the foul by Noelck.

And Brooklynn a 71% free throw shooter.

Going to play college baseball ball at university of Nebraska Omaha.

Read to toe the line again.

It is a five point game.

And Smith will hit both.

Making it a four-point contest at 12-8.

>> Just taking a look over at the Johnston bench.

And Aaliyah Riley looks like she might be in a little bit of pain as well.

She's out of this small game.

And if she can snot come back, that's going to limit the bench and rotations for the Dragons.

>> 1:15 to play here in the quarter.

The as 12-8 game.

Here is Williams into the front court.

Forces up the shot.

And this is going to be deflected out of bounds last touched.

By Waterloo West.

So an interesting line up out on the floor as you mentioned, Laura.

With Riley out.

This will put Buchan at the point guard position.

Joined by Noelck, Tanke, Gossling and also with Hampton.

Gossling for three.

Can't get it to fall.

And Tanke with the rebound.

Switch it underneath with Hampton who will be tied up for the moment.

Tanke will drive it in.

Now the three from the corner.

And good by Molly Noelck.

>> Molly Noelck has come in in big time, big situations and knocked down big buckets and that was definitely a broken play.

The defense had them out of position.

But Noelck knocked it down.

>> 15-8 our score.

Johnston out in front.

And this is good to see.

Aaliyah Riley will come back into the contest.

She'll check in for Gossling.

Jilek working his bench early and often in this one.

>> At the pace they play and the pace that this one has been played so far, want to keep those fresh legs in the game.

>> Riley looks to go tempo.

Tanke along the baseline.

This is Noelck, who is denied by Smith.

Down to three.

Poock, the half court heave.

And we have played 8:00 of basketball.

Johnston with a 15-8 lead.

Let's go to Paul Jaeger.

>> Thank you B.J.

and Laura.

Let's tell you how these two teams remind you how they got here as we look at their semifinal highlights now.

And we begin with pleasant valley and Johnston.

Gina Gyamfi who has been working in here.

As well a Aaliyah Riley.

Johnston won by 20.

And Waterloo West, they were in a locked up battle with west Des Moines Val.

And Brooklynn Smith.

Brooklynn Smith the clean up.

And Sahara Williams with the nice reverse and euro step here coming.

Look at this move.

Love it.

West wins 58-48.

Back down to the floor.

>> Time now for the Iowa bankers award.

Back to PA announcer Tim Fitzpatrick.

>> Reporter: -- 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 2022 student athlete achievement award winner is Meredith wreaker from valley high school.

Presenting the award is Andrea Santana from Wells Fargo.

Congratulations Meredith and thank you to ANDRO Santana and the Wells Fargo association for support of this award and continues support.

>> It is the class 5A state title game.

Waterloo West down by 7.

What can they do get back into it.

>> They need to take care of the basketball.

Looking at first quarter statistics.

They turned it over four times.

And Johnston was able to score seven points off the turnovers.

That is the difference in the ball game.

>> Starting five back an the floor.

Domatob, Poock, Williams, Moore and Smith for the Wahawks.

And for the Johnston dragons it will be the starting five.

And Buchan with the steal.

>> You got to make sure you are not telegraphing passes.

>> Tanke T Iowa State recruit will pour it in.

Her first field goal of the game.

>> She's had a quiet state tournament but they left her unguarded and when you do that, you are going to pay.

She is a good three-point shooter.

>> Largest lead of the game for the Dragons.

Here is Smith from 15.

And the rebound by Williams will draw the foul.

And that's what Sahara Williams can give you.

Straight underneath the hoop.

>> Yeah.

She can do a lot of different things but that is one of the things she will do.

She's not afraid to mix it up down low and go to the glass.

And pull some rebounds.

This is a team in Waterloo West that has gotten to the free-throw line a ton here in this state tournament.

42 times they have been to the free-throw line.

Far and away more than anybody else.

Valley was the only other team, and they got there 32 times.

So that is a big part of their game, getting to the charity stripe.

>> West hitting their free throws as Domatob will check out of the game.

Charlotte Gettman the sophomore will come back in.

8-point contest.

Johnston ready to go to work with Buchan.

Riley picked up by Williams.

Now here is Gyamfi.

Jada left it short, but the rebound to Johnston, another offensive board.

Buchan shot off the mark.

>> They challenged Smith inside but they got the shot not to go.

But they couldn't pull the offensive rebound so they dodge a bullet.

That would have been a big three pointer, would have given the Dragons a lot of confidence in this ball.

>> Where's Williams been at her best here in the state tournament do you feel?

>> I think that she can do lot of things, but when she is at her best when she has the ball in her hand and she's facing up and she can go one on one.

She's got a lot of moves she can get around defenders and she can score.

>> Buchan checks in.

Again, scoring.

That's her fourth point of the contest and back to the 10-point lead.

We say that about Williams because she came into this game leading all state tournament scorers with 54, now with the ball.

And back to the line she'll go.

>> Yeah, she certainly has had two really good games, 24 points and 21 points.

But she's also gone --.

You were talking about 9 rebounds in the quarterfinals.

7 rebounds in the semis.

This is just -- listen to this line.

Against cedar falls earlier this season.

35 point, 13 rebounds, 11 of 'em offensive.

6 assists.

4 steals.

That is a pretty good line.

That is stuffing the old stat sheet.

>> Able to knock both down.

And it is back to an 8-point contest.

Gossling hurries it up.

>> Has seven.

>> She understands what to do.

She got to the free-throw line.

She pulled up.

Everybody else went by her, defense and her teammates.

Nobody was around her.

>> Pregame, mentioned averaging 52% from the field in her career.

Here in Wells Fargo arena.

>> 11 games.

That's a pretty good career.

She's probably just pencils in on her calendar that we're going to the state tournament.

>> Smith able to get her second field goal.

She now has six.

>> If they can get it into Smith a little bit more they are going to get some match-ups they want.

And she's going to be able to score over the top of the defense.

>> Gyamfi left open.

And a stop for west.

And a lot of contact.

And Williams going to be called for the charge.

And how about that?

Gyamfi taking one for the team.

>> That's good old transition defense, getting back, the long pass.

Gyamfi knew exactly where she needed to be.

Just, she was going plant herself there and she was going take the contact, even if Williams was going step around her.

>> Under five to play in the half.

Tanke in the paint.

Riley with a big step.

With ball movement.

Here is Buchan.

And another stop here for Waterloo West.

They've won three straight Mississippi valley athletic conference championships.

Here's a drive.

Smith left open.

That time --.

And it is to a 6-point game.

>> I think Gyamfi was a little late moving over.

Dipped the shoulder a little bit but the timing with was not there for Gyamfi to get the call.

>> And picks up the ball and possession.

Inside a 6-point game.

Poock.

Used the glass and Williams is going to pick up her second.

Let's take look at it.

Lot of contact here.

>> Smith gets the ball up top.

Lowers that shoulder and was waiting for the whistle.

And turns and sees that Gyamfi is on the floor.

Goes right to the glass.

>> That's a big foul on Williams.

She'll remain in the game.

The as 6-point contest.

Under 4:00 to play in the half.

Riley outside.

Left alone.

Gyamfi for three.

And Smith with the rebound.

>> Yes, she can shoot that shot, but I don't think that is the shot that you want her taking.

You want her down low.

And she will match-up against Smith.

But I think that if they worked the ball around and she continues to get herself into spots where she can receive the basketball, she's going win that battle.

>> Domatob.

Can't get at the ball.

Rebound to Gossling.

Johnston with Noelck.

And another stop for west.

And coach Dr. Pappas telling his team push, push the ball.

>> Williams was going to slow it down a little bit and maybe try to set up in the half court and get her team back on track.

But coach Pappas says Les move.

Let's get it down there.

>> Williams for three.

Can't get it to fall.

And Smith will track down the rebound.

>> Big possession here.

For Waterloo West.

They need to convert on this one.

They have been given a second chance.

And are going take their time with it.

>> Poock will reset.

War in the paint.

And rebound to Gyamfi.

Each team has gone a little cold here, Laura.

>> Yeah.

Both teams I think maybe the pace of the game has gotten to 'em a little bit.

And you can see both teams trying to settle in.

And get their legs back underneath them.

>> One thing Johnston will tell you, the difference between last year and this year, a deeper bench.

How big of a factor is that going to be.

Here is Riley.

Can't get the ball.

And Poock with another rebound.

Inside 1:50 to play here in the second quarter.

Wahawks get it set up for one here.

>> Surveying the defense, see where they can get some openings.

A great rebound.

>> Williams able to finish it.

That's her first fatigue of the game.

She now has six.

Right back at you with Johnston.

Noelck.

Gonna be fouled on the play by Brooklynn Smith.

>> You cannot rest.

The minute that ball goes through the hoop.

They were down the floor even before everybody had their head turned.

Williams right over the top to pull that rebound and go back up to the glass but as soon as that ball went through the net, everybody for the Dragons racing the other way.

>> Noelck now with four with that free throw and to the bench go the Dragons again.

Jayce Blanchard will check in for the first time for Johnston.

Also back in is Emma Hampton.

And Noelck able to knock them both down.

She actually played in the state championship games in '20, '21 and for her third straight year as the junior playing in the state title game.

A 6-point contest again.

As west again will survey the defense.

Williams on the baseline, gets the floater.

>> Sometimes all it takes is just one shot, one play for a player to get on track.

And I think it was that rebound and putback that got Williams going.

And I think maybe coach JELG thinks that as well and wants to make it quick timeout and quick adjustment.

>> Let's listen.

>> Hey we're right in this game.

We're right in this game.

Right there.

Yeah, rebound.

Now, -- yeah.

What I want to do, is I want Brooklynn to get the ball.

Sahara post up.

One two three.

Here we go.

>> You can tell its been a long week, Laura, when the voice just gets a little hoarse.

In fact Dr. Pappas said that his wife has always been providing throat lozenges for him throughout the week but break it down.

What are they looking to do?

>> You can hear, it looks like or sounded like they want to maybe work a little high low-.

He said get the ball to Brooklynn and then have Williams post up.

I think he sees a mismatch they can exploit.

>> Only two losses this season for Iowa city high.

A four point game in the 5A championship.

And the Dragons looking to work with it.

And of course we had over 35 seconds here.

Next year Iowa high school basketball will have a 35 second shot clock.

And coach Jilek said no problem.

We're going to be able to handle it.

But not with the rules that you have here in 2022, you work with 'em.

And let's see when they go to work here.

It is under 12 and Gyamfi will go to work.

Trying to get it into Buchan's hands.

The shot.

Rebound to Smith and that will be the half.

>> Well, they held the ball.

They eventually got the play they wanted.

There was a little disruption because of Halli Poock's great defense.

They got a good look at it.

Couldn't convert.

And Waterloo West able to come away with the rebound.

>> So we will be joined here shortly by the head coach of the Johnston dragons, Chad Jilek through the first half Johnston shooting right at 30 percent.

Paul JAIGer is standing by.

>> Thank you, B.J.

Thank you Laura.

And took right when I was going to transition out of what you were talking about.

Johnston shooting 30%.

Coach Chad Jilek joins us now.

And coach, would you rather have lower field goal percentage or balanced scoring?

You look like you have the balanced scoring.

Which would you rather have.

>> I like the balanced scoring right now.

Our field goals is low but we've gotten wide open shots.

I'm confident every shot was good.

Except for about two threes that are probably NBA too long.

But every shot was great.

I want 'em to keep taking those shots the whole game.

>> You getting tired of this championship game thing?

>> Never.

If we could be here the rest of my career, I'll take it.

>> Thank you, coach.

Appreciate it.

>> All right, thanks.

>> Head coach Chad Jilek of Johnston.

And now, again, we talk about the pageantry.

This is one of my favorite parts.

I can remember watching this as a kid.

This is the parade of champions.

All the champions get a chance to walk.

>> Announcer: Paying tribute to all the state champions of the previous year.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the parade of champions, presented by the Iowa bankers association.

Let's meet the state champions.

In track and field.

The 4A champions.

The walky warriors and coach mat frees.

Champions of class 1A.

Coach Andy Lowe and the mandarin tigers.

The class 3A champions.

The 2A champions, Chris Tyler and the mid prairie golden hawks.

First the champions in class 4A in softball.

2A, the north wind links and coach Chad spore.

The class 1A softball champions.

Champions in class 5A.

Coach Adams and the Dodgers.

2021 champions in soccer.

Class 3A.

The tigers and coach Roth Chapman.

>> Champions of class 2A.

Let's meet the state volleyball champions from 2021.

The 2A champions, the class 5A champions.

Spartan valley and coach Amber hall.

The 3A champions T west Delaware hawks and coach Brett mather.

Champions of class 4A, coach Megan Sherman and the western Dubuque bobcats.

Introducing the state champions from the 2021 basketball season, the 3A basketball champ, the unity christian knights and coach skiedman.. 5A champions, coach Cris guest and the walky warriors.

The champions of class 4A, coach Kelly Anderson and the Ballard bombers.

The class 1A state champions.

The mustangs and coach.

The state champions of class 2A.

Let's meet the state champions from swimming and diving.

Welcome coach and the walky warriors.

The 2021 state champions of cross-country.

The champions of class 3A.

Coach Williams and the Spartans.

The class 1A champion, the south WINTchic warriors.

2A champions with coach Dudley.

Walking with the team, singles champion Allison ZAILEY.

From tennis.

2A.

Now let's meet the 2021 golf state champions from class 1A.

The golden bears.

The class 2A golf champions from van meter.

Welcome bulldogs along with coach Mike Linde.

The 3A golf champions from Washington.

The class 4A golf champions.

Coach Kelly Moore and the tigers.

The coed golf champs from class 1A.

The class 3A golf medals from Gilbert.

The golf medallists from class 1A.

Now let's meet the state champions from the 2022 bowling tournament.

The class 1A champion for the sixth straight year.

Coach Al Jordan and the falcons.

The champions of class 3A are the Davenport central blue devils with coach Wendy Allen.

Our final group of honorees were crowned individual champions at last week's state bowling meet in Waterloo.

Hailing from Waterloo east, Mallory Carey, and coach Mike Weber.

The class 3A state champion.

From Waterloo West.

Sidney Wilson.

And the class 1A champion, Kennedy bigwood with coach brad Weber.

Ladies and Gentlemen, your state champions from 2021 and '22.

Congratulations to all of the schools, athletes and coaches.

>> Even through the most interesting couple of years of our lifetime.

We still have champs to celebrate.

Always good to see.

The basketball state championships and the halftime features like we just saw would not be possible without the support of Iowa PBS fans like you.

Take a moment to support this statewide network and become part of our team by making a pledge at IowaPBS.org.

Iowa PBS is committed to telling stories about young Iowans who are doing expectational things by celebrating their success and sharing their journey through a digital "in their words."

>> my name is lily loft and I'm two time wrestling champion from Charles city.

The first time I ever took up wrestling was when I was in third grade.

I tried it out for a year.

And I actually didn't like it at all.

I also played other sports, you know, softball, volleyball,track.

Things like that.

But during my freshman year is when we brought on the women's program at Charles city.

I decided I would take it up in memory of my brother that passed away in an ATV accident a couple years prior.

That is when I started.

And I've fall in in love with it since then.

So the program in Charles city, when I first started my freshman year, they had already been doing it a year prior, but I was on the second year team.

It was pretty small still.

The second year.

So the year I joined, there are definitely a few more girls that joined.

I think we had like eight girls on the team.

And the training for wrestling is definitely like none other.

Not very many other sports train like we do in wrestling.

The high intensity in the room and tough workouts we go through is mentally and physically challenging.

And to put yourself through that is something that is very difficult.

But it is also so rewarding in the end.

So the -- leading back to my second state title.

It was definitely a bit of a rough one.

Not one that I was expecting to take.

hard all year long.

I drive an hour one way four days a week, every single week on top of normal practices just to get the extra practice in and to work a little bit harder.

And I think that that played a huge role in my success this year.

You know, there was a little bit of pressure coming back in.

Because everyone, you know, I have a target on my back and they are coming for that state title.

But that gave me one more thing to motivate me and push me to go harder and harder.

The week leading up, I definitely prepared myself mentally.

Because I already knew I was physically prepared.

I had been going to high level national tournaments.

I traveled across the world to go to the world beach championships in Romania.

And just putting myself in these high-pressure situations and, you know, feeling that pressure just so that I would be ready for state tournament.

I did compete against Macy Smith two times prior to state, and I knew leading up to that then, that that would be the match to beat.

It was definitely a match I had to mentally prepare myself for.

I had been going through all the scenarios, and just putting myself in that situation throughout practices.

And knowing that no matter what situation I got in, that I was going to finish it out and I was going to put my best foot forward, and you know, I wouldn't go down with out a fight.

>> I took up wrestling in honor of my brother Logan that passed away in an ATV accident.

All he ever wanted was to win a state title.

>> State champion from Charles city.

>> He lived and breathed wrestling.

And that's just something that he wanted so badly.

The first time that I became a state champion, I pointed up as a gesture of thank you.

He pushed me to get there.

He gave me the sport.

He opened the doors for me and the opportunities have been endless.

So I owe that to him.

I think that I've learned more about myself in the last couple years than I ever thought imaginable.

This sport has brought me to become a better person.

And opened so many more doors for me.

I never would have thought I'd be traveling halfway across the world to complete in a wrestling tournament.

I think its driven my work ethic and my dedication to the next level.

This is something that I want to continue throughout my life and, you know, having amazing coaches that push you to go harder and harder each day.

Even when you think you can't keep going.

You can.

So I think that the sport has definitely brought me to learn MER about my myself than I thought I could.

You can set yourself hard and high goals.

Because you can achieve them.

And, you know, just pushing yourself until you do.

>>> Did you think when you took this job the train would move so fast to get us where we were at where we're going to be having the state tournament next year?

>> I didn't think it would move that fast but in the last years it moved.

Really picked up steam so to speak, the train.

And the numbers grew and grew.

>> You look at numbers quite often in many parts of your job.

Give us a sense where these things were at.

We're not just talking ten wrestlers.

We're talking hundreds.

>> Well it started when I first started monitoring, it was 67 girls wrestling in Iowa.

Then it was 100.

Then it was 200 and then it adjust shot up.

So this last year there were almost 1100 girls from 185 schools wrestling in Iowa.

>> There was always a delicate balance between who is in charge of wrestling because it fits.

You and the boys group have to navigate some waters together.

How did you navigate this to get us through where we're going to have a sanctioned sport.

>> Until we had enough participation, they wrestled.

They were a part of the boys teams.

Because that was the only sport that was sanctioned and a wrestling was boys wrestling.

Once we got the numbers, it is completely different.

So it was a little bit of an navigation thing.

But I'm reminded of something said years ago, the Iowa girl told us that's what she wanted.

>> It is another historic moment for the group.

>> It is.

I think also I would point out this is the 50th year of title nine is and we're adding our 11th sport.

>> Thank you so much.

Good to see you again.

Great tournament as well.

>> Glad to have you back in the studio.

>> Thank you very much, Gene.

And we need to go back down to the court.

Dr. Tony Pappas is with us.

Coach, I asked coach Jilek if he would rather have a lower field goal percentage shooting or balanced scoring.

You have got the low side.

You have a couple players standing out.

Brooklynn Smith having a great first half.

What is she doing to try to keep this team in the game.

>> Well receiving the ball in the low block area and finishing inside.

We're doing a good job getting her the ball.

So hopefully that can continue in the second half.

>> We need a little more Sahara Williams right if we're cheering for Waterloo West.

>> Oh yeah.

And Halli Poock and Sierra Moore.

And Jaide Domatob.

>> -- >> We're right in the game.

They are great team.

Hey we can go out and make some plays here and try to grab the lead and win a state championship.

>> Congratulations on that big win and good luck in the second half.

Dr. Tony Pappas.

We talked about the highlights.

Now we're going to show them to you as we continue our coverage here at halftime in this 5A game.

Earl on it was Brooklynn Smith.

Her nominee anyway was miss Iowa.

Believed to be the first time a miss Iowa's daughter is playing in the championship game.

And Brooklynn is coming up buckets there.

Basket after basket.

8 points for Smith.

Gossling had the hot hand early.

Driving, collecting herself, getting the basket.

This time he's going to do it on the defensive end.

Steps in front.

Lays it up.

That's how the first half went.

B.J.

and Laura will have the second half right now.

>> The numbers, you see where the shootings is at.

The Wahawks yet to hit a three.

How about rebounding.

>> Rebounding has been big and favors Waterloo West but the points off turnovers and turnovers is another big statistic.

>> The Wahawks lead all 5A in steals.

They just have one in the first half.

Here is your second half starters.

Buchan, Gossling, Riley, Tanke and Gyamfi.

And for Waterloo West, Domatob, Poock, Williams, Moore and Smith.

Johnston will hold on to the ball here.

With this 4-point lead.

and for the Dragons, again, trying to go to 26-0.

The first team ever in 5A, since they added the fifth class, to go unbeaten.

Last team to do that was Des Moines east about 10 years ago.

Sam Powell brought his team all the way here and all the way through.

Can Johnston do the same thing?

And they will turn it over on late half.

>> Little miscommunication.

But that is exactly what Wahawks need.

>> What a year of basketball in the state of Iowa.

Here is Poock.

Can't get it to fall and Gyamfi with the rebound.

You think about it, last summer, AAU, all Iowa tech winning the national champion.

Iowa State, Iowa, Northern Iowa are doing in --.

Buries the three here.

Back to a 7-point lead.

Williams on the run out.

Can't get it to fall.

>> She missed that because she had to adjust in midair.

Because Zoey Buchan got back defensively.

>> Three off the mark.

Tanke with the rebound.

Spike it off of Williams.

And it will stay with Johnston.

Basketball was reigning stream here in the state of Iowa.

>> There is so much good talent in our girls basketball in this state.

And lot of coaches, lot of college coaches they talked to, they love coming to the state of Iowa to try to recruit and try to get some players to come to their programs.

And Missouri valley conference has had a lot of players from the state of Iowa be stand out players in that conference.

And also we see a lot of players that are going to power five SOOLS as well.

Just a tribute to the coaches and the players in the state that we have so much attention on us here that everybody wants to come and take our players away from us.

>> Boy have they.

>> Yeah, they have.

>> Here is Smith.

Left it short but lot of have stayed though too.

Gyamfi one of those.

Mentioned playing at the university of Iowa.

Here is Gossling in the paint.

Kick up.

Tanke for three.

Domatob with the rebound.

Poock turned it over.

>> Thought Williams was going to cut back door and just trying to leave it for her.

And Williams didn't make the cut.

>> A 9-point game.

Largest lead of the contest for Johnston was at 10.

Poock on the drive.

Can't get it to fall.

One and down again for the Waterloo West Wahawks.

Riley into the front court.

Tries to find Tanke and it is stolen by Williams.

The track meet is on.

Sahara Williams with the crossover.

Can't get it to fall though.

I think we're starting to see some tired players out here, Laura.

>> I think.

And it is just the start of the third quarter.

And the pace of the game in the first half certainly plays into that equation.

As I think these players just sat a little bit in the locker room.

Got to get those legs underneath them again and find that extra gear.

>> Chad Jilek, taking exception to that call against Buchan who will pick up her first.

Riley is going sit here.

And coming in is going to be Molly Noelck.

This is going to be deflected out and belong to Johnston.

>> They have got to try to find a way to solve the interior defense of the Johnston dragons.

They are forcing some things inside.

One way to do that is knock down some shots from the perimeter.

They have not been able to get any good three-point looks or even mid-range looks.

>> Tanke, the kick out.

Gyamfi with the left hand draws the double.

Now Tanke.

Big three pointer for Aili Tanke.

She's got nine.

>> The defense kept adjusting and then got the double team and a good kick out.

>> The largest lead here for the Dragons at 12.

And let's hear from the Dragons.

>> Pace is what we want to do, but once you get down here, don't force the pass.

If you don't have the shot, just bring it back out.

Okay?

They are doubling in there.

A great kick out.

You are going to have kick outs the whole time.

Get up and knock the dang thing down.

You got it.

Okay?

>> Just keep moving that ball around.

We're going to keep getting the shots we want.

Just keep doing it.

They are tired.

>> They are tired.

Yes.

You can make them play defense for a little bit and then get an open shot.

Make them play as long as it takes.

Ten seconds?

Great.

Take the shot.

shot.

Keep pushing and play at that tempo.

Just don't make bad passes, okay?

Let's go.

Together one to three.

>> Good job of talking about tempo and keeping his players aware of what they need to do on the offensive end.

Don't force things.

If it is not there, you have the time to be able to work the ball back around, get it inside and then kick it out.

And they ran it perfectly the last time down the floor.

>> Big possession here for Waterloo West.

Down by their largest deficit here at 12.

Poock goes to Williams.

Works the baseline.

Right hand, can't get it to fall.

And the rebound to Gyamfi.

See the turnover numbers here in this contest.

And points off of those turnovers, the Dragons living large.

>> That's a big part of their game.

Because their defenses, they just fly around defensively.

They get out in the passing lanes.

They will get that steal.

And then they take it to the offensive end and they knock shots down.

>> Noelck.

And Tanke with the offensive board.

Noelck again.

This time bull's eye.

>> You give it to her a second time.

And she is going to knock it down.

You had talked about number 2 in 5A, about 45% on the season.

Misses once, not going to miss the second.

>> That is the seventh three pointer of this game for Johnston.

And the lead at 15.

Wahawks in the paint.

No shot, foul on the floor.

That will be the second called against Johnston here in the late half.

And that's against Tanke.

That will be her second.

Dragons go to their bench.

Aaliyah Riley will come back in.

Also back in to the game is going to be Emma Hampton.

>> Keep an eye on Emma Hampton.

Perfect four for four in the tournament off the bench.

When she's come in, she's responded and knocked everything down she's taken.

>> Moore, tough shot.

Rebound to Johnston, out ahead.

Noelck to Gossling.

>> Immediately down the floor, they are breaking people out of the back court into the front court and they are getting that running game going and Waterloo West cannot keep up with them right now.

>> How about this?

The Wahawks have not scored here in the third quarter.

Outscored by 13.

Smith can't get the bucket.

Gyamfi with the rebound.

And she's in download double digits now for rebounds Jada Gyamfi.

>> They are getting the ball down low and rushing shots.

Need to take the time, settle down and try to get the little pump fake, get their feet set underneath them and go up against the defense.

And Johnston now going to play this waiting game and come out and hold the ball.

>> That really has stuck with Chad Jilek a couple of years ago.

He felt they should have been in their fourth state championship game.

As we see Poock with the steal.

Outhustled everybody and now a field goal finally in the second half for Waterloo West.

>> You know, those are one of those where if you are the Waterloo West fans you are going to see, you shouldn't have brought it out.

You shouldn't be stalling.

We got the steal and the two points.

Maybe something like that will spark 'em.

>> Big skip pass.

Here is Noelck for three.

And Smith the rebound.

Williams going to be bodied by Noelck.

And Molly will pick up her second.

>> Pretty good collision near mid court.

Gonna get a good look at this, as Williams just gathering the ball in.

Noelck trying to get into position.

Try to start playing defense.

Momentum took her right into that.

She got a little knock in the noggin as well, as Sahara Williams hits the floor.

>> She'll remain in the game.

Poock.

Can't get the shot to fall.

This one's on the court and it is going to go to Johnston.

Sahara Williams putting every ounce of effort into this one.

>> She was just crawling after that loose ball to try to get it in her grasp.

And they are going to come out with a little pressure.

And this is what they have done all season long is try to create some problems for the offense, create some steals.

They have not been anyone to do that in this ball game.

And they almost get one there.

>> It is going to stay with Johnston.

Little pressure on the ball.

Gyamfi will control it.

Riley the kick out.

Noelck again for three.

Got it.

>> Great vision by Riley, drives down the lane.

Looks over to the corner and finds Molly Noelck.

>> She did a good job of stepping in into that too as the pass was coming her way.

Slid over and got the feet set.

>> Moore's shot off the mark.

Rebound to Riley.

They have got numbers.

But they are going back off here.

With an 18-point lead.

Down to five seconds.

Riley in the paint.

Can't get at the ball and that will be the end of the third quarter.

The Johnston Dragons with an 18-point lead.

Let's take a look at where they are located and how they got here to Wells Fargo arena.

Of course you've got to love the old tournament map that we had many moons ago, now, well, Waterloo West about 112 miles away.

And of course Johnston here in polk county.

Just had a short 14-mile drive to get here to the arena.

>> I love that old map.

And it always used to be up in the corner at the auditorium.

You always would look up there and see the blinking lights and I love that bestill show that and get an opportunity to see where they come from.

>> The other thing unique for the girls this year.

They get a police escort here to the arena.

It is big time and a big time atmosphere.

>> And that is part of the pageantry.

And there is something that gets added each and every year seems like.

Gene burger has done a great job with the tournament enhancing some things and just a special time for these girls.

>> So it is a big lead here for Johnston with the final eight minutes to play.

Can they hold on for the school's second state championship?

Of course it is not as if they played a soft schedule this year.

The Dragons 25-0 coming in to this game.

This is the 17th team they played with a winning record this year.

And in that third quarter, the Wahawks, 1 of 12 from the field.

Johnston was 6 of 13.

And of course they knocked down 4-3s in the third quarter to distance themselves.

It was once a four-point lead.

Now up to 18.

And a steal by Tanke.

>> Well that's -- those are things you can't afford to have happen, as they try to get the steal.

But you are in the fourth quarter now.

And you have to make some things happen.

Got to value the basketball.

You got start making some shots.

Got to turn it into that extra gear.

>> Chad Jilek knows he can't take timeouts with him home.

Burns one there before he loses PEBS possession.

Lets go into the Wahawks huddle.

>> On the side now.

Work it and push the ball.

Timeout if we get a run here.

Try to cut it down single digits.

One-two-three, let's go.

>> they want to push the ball if they can.

Try to make that run.

That is what you are looking for right now coming out in this fourth quarter.

You got to make the run.

UV you have got to give it your all.

We've got timeouts, we'll rest you.

But do everything you can to get it down to single digits.

>> -- apply some pressure on the basketball.

They led the state in steals.

And Johnston doing a terrific job holding on to it throughout the game.

Gossling to Gyamfi, in the paint.

And Jada Gyamfi is going to head to the free-throw line.

>> Cut back door.

>> Gave a little ball fake.

And challenged Brooklynn Smith on the inside.

That was a pretty good collision down low.

But I think Johnston is going to be content to work some clock, work the ball around, and Wahawks are going to have to be aggressive.

They are going to have to take some chances now to see if they can create some turnovers.

>> Gyamfi, one thing she told us was the state championship was the one thing, one thing that she has yet to cross off of her list.

Of course was not a part of the team a couple of years ago.

Now is at an AAU national championship, been a part of many, many great things at Johnston.

Last year of course losing in the finals to walky.

And now gets the opportunity here.

Smith, can't hit the shot.

The tip out belongs to the Wahawks for the moment.

Williams on the court.

And before Waterloo West can get the timeout, possession arrow is going to go to Johnston.

>> See how quick the hands are.

Of this defense of the Dragons.

If you just look away for a minute get that ball down by your waist, there is going to be someone that's going to come in and knock it away.

>> Lot of pressure being applied by west.

6:58 to play.

And a 20-point game.

>> west will get it back.

>> Turning up the pressure.

Johnston is going to have to make some adjustments.

Waterloo West hoping that the change in defense as I know.

Lot of coaches think, if you go out and sit in a zone defensively, you are a little sluggish on offense.

If you come out playing man to man and play pressure, you are going to be up tempo and be on your toes ready to play offense.

And think that is exactly what they need to do here.

>> Williams from the outside.

Her first triple of the 2K3W5I78.

>> That is what they need a little bit more of.

Try to get her open.

Get her some looks from beyond the ark.

>> You see why.

More than 14 schools at the division one level have offered Sahara Williams.

She's going to be trimming that down to eight very soon she said.

>> We tried to press her on some.

She's a little elusive like on the court.

Wouldn't really give us a set answer on who might be in her top eight.

>> Just a junior.

One more year remaining.

Junior class, very stacked here in the state of Iowa too.

The kickout.

Gossling, Gyamfi tries to tap it out and does successfully.

>> What a smart move.

When you can't pull that rebound, try to tip it to a teammate.

And that is exactly what Gyamfi did.

She went high.

Was able to tip it out and save the possession.

>> And get the bucket here.

>> Little reward after she hustled on the first attempt.

Got herself into position.

Made that nice power move to the hoop.

>> What a game for Gyamfi.

Just six points.

But double digit rebounds tonight.

Here is Poock.

>> Last year in the state tournament she set a record, of 43 total rebounds in three games at the tournament.

And having another good rebounding night here tonight.

She is a player that has over 500 career rebounds and over a thousand points in her career.

She can do it at both levels as far as rebounding goes and scoring the basketball which we've seen as well throughout the state tournament.

>> The Dragons with their starting five out on the floor.

Buchan, Gossling, Riley and Tanke.

>> Gyamfi here in this ball game with 12 rebounds.

>> Tanke buries the 16 footer.

>> She is having quite a game here.

Started off the game with a big three pointer.

Hasn't really looked back since then.

She looks really comfortable shooting the basketball.

>> Double figures with 11 for Tanke.

As Smith is fouled by Gyamfi.

Will pick up her second.

>> Tanke had a really good year a year ago.

And burst on to the scene now.

Everybody knows who she is, paying attention to her.

So little bit tougher year for her scoringwise, as teams have planned for her and scouted her and know what she can do.

>> And Poock able to get the bucket here.

And an and one opportunity.

>> Johnston defense is really kept Williams and Poock underwraps.

They have only been able to get those a few different times.

And that's been the key in this ball game.

They need to get both of those players going here in the last 4:37.

They need to go on a big-time run to climb back into this game.

>> TaNeesa Martin will come in for the first time for west.

35, trying to pick up Johnston and Buchan here.

This is going to be knocked out of bounds.

>> Kind of defense that has carried them all season long.

Back in the back court, harassing the point guard.

Don't allow them to get it up to the half court line with ease.

And hope that your teammates behind you are going to jump in the passing lane.

They have not been able to set that kind of pressure here in the ball game.

>> Great ball movement here by the Dragons.

Been that way all season long.

As Buchan will dish to Gyamfi.

And the kick out to Riley and we'll do it again.

>> Riley came off the bench a year ago, for this Johnston team.

Now is the primary ball handler and point guard.

And she's a facilitator.

And as we saw in the quarterfinals, they backed off of her at catholic, made her -- allowed her to shoot.

She finally came out in the second half, knocked down some shots.

She says she's more comfortable driving and taking it to the rim but part of her game she's going work on this summer is going to be that long distance jump shot.

And that is going make her a lot more tougher to --.

>> Another foul here.

Or no.

That was deflected out of bounds.

Four team fouls on west.

So they have got a little work to do to get to the BOERNS.West.

So they have got a little work to do to get to the BOERNS.

Sobonus.

So 3:51 to play.

Buchan to Gossling.

And the rebound to Williams.

Will charge it ahead.

Sahara to the rack.

Can't get to it fall.

And then on the rebound, Gyamfi was hitting the deck.

>> I think Poock trying to come over the top to get into position for rebounding.

And Williams just off the mark.

And that is where she is so dangerous and tough.

When she's out on the run going one on one, just couldn't finish it off at the rim.

>> -- at 18.

Riley to Gossling.

Will drive it.

Can't get it to fall.

Buchan with the offensive rebound.

A night of night on the offensive glass tonight for the Johnston Dragons.

As Williams will be called to the foul here.

That will be her third.

>> Got one more before they are in the bonus.

>> Chad Jilek building quite the program for Johnston.

Of course, opportunity here to finish at 26-0, in great shape.

And the future looks really, really bright.

For this dragon team.

Couple of people graduating.

Gyamfi and Buchan.

Gossling,.

Man do they have talent on the way.

A sensational eighth grade class.

As you see the jumper from the outside, not there, as -- up with the rebound.

JENICKA Lewis is a name you might want to write down.

She'll be a freshman next year.

And if you want to see film on her.

Courtside films on social media.

You will be amazed.

Plus they have a loaded class there too.

So things look well for Johnston here in the future.

>> And even though you are going to lose some players and their quality players and play a lot of minutes, they have a system in place with the younger players coming up through the ranks, understand the system, know the terminology, everything that you would like to have is just turnkey.

So when they get to that freshman level coach Jilek can just put them into the spots where he needs hem.

>> Lead at 21.

Here is Poock.

Now Williams.

That is her shot.

>> The defense extended and pulling and back.

Leaves the baseline wide open.

>> Poock, can't get it to fall.

Might have forced it.

And Tanke with the rebound.

Under 2:00 to play here in the 5A championship game.

The 3A title game coming up shortly after this one.

Ballard and Estherville Lincoln central.

>> Saw Zoey Buchan, sent some film to Wisconsin river falls and said this is somebody you should recruit.

And she went for a visit and fell in love with it.

>> Interesting how it always seems to work out.

>> Yes, it is.

And it is, you know, these players are good enough.

They are going to get scene.

That there is so many connections and somebody sees a player that may not be right for their program.

They mass pass on the word and say hey, you need to look at this player and that is why this talent here in the state of Iowa is so darn good.

And that is why the college coaches are always looking.

>> Chad Jilek taking a timeout so he can get some more players into the game.

A 5A championship is on its way to Johnston.

They know it.

Leading by 20.

What a game for the Dragons here.

Always about getting your game out on the court.

Dragons certainly did that tonight.

>> Look over at the bench, and you can see a familiar face, Elle Ruffridge, a volunteer assistant for the Johnston dragons and she's kind of taken over the handling the guard court for Johnston.

She scrimmages with them, works with them on shooting.

She's a scout player, and you can see her having a little special moment with Aaliyah Riley and Zoey Buchan over there.

And, you know, she's a good one, to have on your staff.

She's got a little experience in winning state championships.

>> Pocahontas area a few years ago.

Shaping up here in class 5A.

The tee shirts are ready.

The trophies are ready.

And guess what, folks, the Johnston dragons will become class 5A's state champion.

The only team to go unbeaten at 26-0.

>> Coach Jilek told us earlier this year thought maybe last year it was a little unexpected for them.

Maybe they weren't ready yet.

They were a little young but they made their way to the title game.

And this year lot of pressure on them because everybody thought they would be loaded, they would be back.

They played with a target on their back all season long.

And they were able to run through the gauntlet and get to the state championship game.

And won it in impressive fashion.

>> Johnson your winner 5A, 51-31.

As we see now the tee shots we've been accustomed to here to be handed out.

And of course the all tournament team coming up here momentarily.

Followed by the trophy presentation.

>> Coach Jilek showing off his dancing moves, and I think impressed some of his players.

All picked out those pink shoes.

>> They call that salmon.

Well let's go to the all tournament team.

PA announcer Tim Fitzpatrick.

>> Announcer: -- all tournament team, presenting the awards this evening is Brent Johnson, president of Iowa farm bureau.

Joining him is governor Kim Reynolds.

Members of the Board of Directors, dee Ann Kramer, Greg duefoe.

-- and Rus Adams.

Here is your 2022 class 5A all tournament team.

From Johnston, Jada Gyamfi.

From Waterloo West, Halli Poock.

From pleasant valley, Halli Weise.

From West Des Moines valley, Elise Jaeger.

From Waterloo West, Sahara Williams.

From Johnston, Anna Gossling.

>> What an all tournament team here.

Headlined by Anna Gossling, your all tournament team captain.

What a week its been here in class 5A all the way through.

Johnston crowned your winner.

And just a terrific week of basketball.

And there is a lot of talent right there.

>> Ton of talent right there.

I would take that for my team that I'm starting up right now.

But you know what, great show of sportsmanship.

As Jada Gyamfi and Halli Poock got together.

They were the first two announces.

Big hugs.

Big congratulations between the two of them.

And just much respect between these two play terms.

>> Fans, please help us recognize your 2022 class 5A runner-up.

The West Wahawks and head coach Dr. Tony Pappas.

And fans, lets hear it for your 2022 class 5A champion, the Johnston dragons and head coach Chad Jilek.

♪ We are are the champions ♪ >> Johnston did what they set out to do and they ran the table.

>> They did and their defense was stellar tonight.

Minimized Halli Poock and minimized Sahara Williams.

That did the trick for them, and they are the state champs.

>> For Laura Leonard.

I'm B.J.

shaven.

Let's go to those standing by.

>> Just like we talked about in the pregame show.

-- Anna Gossling both state all tournament captains.

Congratulations to them.

And thank you for watching this first night of 2022 girls basketball tournament coverage here on Iowa PBS sports.

But you know what?

We're just getting started.

You excited?

We will be back with more interviews, features and of course basketball.

The class 3A championship is coming up on statewide Iowa PBS.