Cedar Falls Dominates Urbandale 73-53 in State Quarterfinals

BREAKING: Cedar Falls has advanced to the semifinals of the Iowa high school boys state basketball tournament after a commanding victory over Urbandale, winning 73-53 in the Class 4A quarterfinals held at Casey’s Center on March 9, 2023. This marks a triumphant return for Cedar Falls, the top-seeded and only undefeated team in the tournament, now boasting a perfect record of 23-0.

In a poignant moment for Urbandale, this was the J-Hawks’ first state tournament appearance in 12 years. Senior Jake Pargeon led his team with an impressive 30 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Cedar Falls’ relentless offense. “Since freshman year, we’ve always been dreaming of this,” Pargeon expressed, reflecting on the significance of the tournament for his team and their journey back after a long absence.

Cedar Falls coach Ryan Schultz commented on Pargeon’s standout performance, noting, “It’s just, you’re not going to keep all those phenomenal shooters on the perimeter.” The Tigers quickly seized control of the game, with Urbandale failing to regain their early momentum after Pargeon opened the scoring with a dunk. Cedar Falls responded with a barrage of baskets, building a substantial lead by halftime, leading 41-17.

The second quarter proved particularly challenging for Urbandale, as they struggled to find the net, going nearly four minutes without scoring. Despite matching Cedar Falls point-for-point in the third quarter, the J-Hawks could not close the gap. “We were kind of crawling our way back in,” said Pargeon, acknowledging the uphill battle faced by his team.

The J-Hawks ended their season at 14-9, a commendable record reflecting their hard work and determination throughout the year. Cedar Falls now looks ahead to the semifinals on Thursday, March 12, at 10:30 a.m., where they will face Dowling for a chance to compete in the championship game.

This game not only highlights Cedar Falls’ dominance but also underscores the emotional journey of Urbandale’s players, marking a significant chapter in their high school careers. As Cedar Falls prepares for the next challenge, the excitement surrounding this tournament continues to build, with fans eager to see if the Tigers can maintain their undefeated status.

Stay tuned for updates as the tournament progresses, and join the conversation around this thrilling season of Iowa high school basketball!