Trying to get one step closer to Wells Fargo Arena is on the docket for the WACO boys’ basketball team tonight when they travel to Mediapolis to face off with New London in a class 1A district title game. 

This is the rubber match between the Southeast Iowa Super Conference foes with both teams winning on the other’s home floor in the regular season. The Tigers won the first meeting in December 60-57 and the Warriors returned the favor in January by a 67-48 count. WACO comes in with a 19-4 overall record and qualified for this round after a 46-42 triumph over Montezuma last week. Defense is what this team is predicated on giving up just 40 points a night. A balanced offensive attack is led by Hunter Hughes with 11.9 points a game. Something has to give with the Warrior defense set to take on the high flying Tiger offense that puts up 72 points an outing. Three players average double figures led by Blaise Porter with 17.6 points and 5.4 assists. The SEISC-South division champs are 20-2 and crushed Iowa Valley 78-52 last week. 

Warrior Head Coach Paul Kissell tells KCII Sports his boys are exciting for the challenge ahead. “We are going down there and will be ready to play. We are going to keep with our game plan and have that relentless attitude on defense to make everything tough on them. We just have to keep that pressure on and try to make it a ballgame in the fourth quarter.”

Two wins separate these squads from a state bid and the playoff action begins at 7 p.m. tonight at Mediapolis High School.