Historic Season for Woodbine Boys’ BB Ends with Loss at State QF, 75-59

Woodbine Coach Kyle Bartels
(3-4-24)

Woodbine's Landon Blum
(3-4-24)

Woodbine's Carter Gruver
(3-4-24)

Historic Season for Woodbine Boys’ BB Ends with Loss at State QF, 75-59 -

(3-4-24) – While a historic season came to an end for Woodbine, the Tigers didn’t go down without a fight.

Woodbine erased a 12-pt first half deficit in 3rd qtr, cutting it 1 before falling to No. 1-ranked North Linn, 75-59, in Class 1A State Quarterfinals at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines Monday.

Despite the loss, Tigers Coach Kyle Bartels liked his team’s performance on the big stage.

“I thought they performed really well. I don't think the environment was too big for them. You know, we were a little shaky there at the beginning, but came right back together like we always have. Played hard, played great defense, got in some foul trouble. But for the most part, very pleased with them. Not scared of the moment too much and just really enjoyed being out there, I think, playing with their teammates.”

Woodbine shot just 21 percent in the 1st qtr, missing some easy buckets early, as the fell behind by 10, but the Tigers would rally in the 2nd qtr to make it a single-digit deficit at the half. “Woodbine Time” would then kick in as the Tigers went on a 10-3 run to start the 3rd qtr and cut their deficit to 1.

But the Lynx were just too strong with several steals turning into points to build their lead back up to 10 before the qtr close.

North Linn would dominate the paint, outscoring Woodbine 34-16, mainly due to Jax Pryor getting into early foul trouble. Pryor would finish with 10 pts and 7 rebounds for the Tigers.

Woodbine was led by freshman Landon Blum, who had a breakout performance with 23 pts, including seven 3-pointers. Blum felt playing in Des Moines was a learning experience for him and his teammates.

“It's definitely a different experience down here. Playing in this arena is a lot different to playing at a regular high school gym. I would say we learned a lot. I learned a lot at least. I love the experience and we'll be back next year.”

Bartels has high expectations for his young forward in the future and believes the players around him now will help guide him along the way.

“He's been a joy to coach. He's really learning from the older kids. I think they're kind of showing him the way. He's growing a lot on us and I think he's just developing into a great player. He's going to be a great leader for us someday. I think he's very fortunate being a freshman, getting to play with this junior and senior class so he can learn how to be a great leader and then still be able to perform the way he performs out there on the court. So that's just great to see and I'm excited for him.”

Blum didn’t think the moment was too big for him because of previous experiences in similar situations.

“I've played in a lot of big games like this before in the summer in AU, so I'm kind of used to it, but it's just fun experience.”

Carter Gruver had 11 pts for the Tigers. He understands the gravity of his team reaching such big heights this season and the impact it’s had on the community.

“It means everything to us boys. I mean, the town, they were all here supporting us. Just means a lot.”

Gruver also things this isn’t the final chapter to their story.

“Now we have experience that we've been down here. So hopefully next year that will play a tale on what goes on.”

Woodbine finishes their season 23-3.

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or Iowa Quik Stats