For the second time in three years, Winfield-Mt. Union boys basketball is one win away from a district championship. While falling short in 2022, the Wolves can accomplish that goal with a win tonight over Burlington Notre Dame.

Top-seeded WMU opened the postseason by defeating the last two teams to eliminate them from the playoffs: first throttling New London 70-37 before knocking off Danville 61-40. Cam Buffington’s 18 points set the pace against the Bears for a Winfield team that shot better than 54%. As good as the offense has been, the Wolves’ defense hasn’t allowed more than 45 points in a game since January. At 49.1%, Winfield-Mt. Union is tied for the sixth-best field goal percentage in 1A to go with 33 rebounds, 20 assists, 11 steals, five blocks, nine turnovers, and nine fouls per game.

The next team standing in their way is 16-6 Burlington Notre Dame. The Nikes playoff path saw them beat Wapello in their opener, and WACO 54-40 in the second round. The Warriors led by six at the half on Thursday, but a 22-7 third quarter helped push Burlington Notre Dame to the district finals. This season, the Nikes have averaged just under 62 points per game, while allowing 45. Shooting 44% from the field, 32% from three, and 56% from the line, Burlington Notre Dame is also getting 30 rebounds, 13 assists, 10 steals, two blocks, 10 turnovers, and 14 fouls a night. Liam Delaney leads the Nikes individually, averaging 17.6 points per game. The Wolves took down Burlington Notre Dame twice last season, eliminating the Nikes in the district semifinals. Prior to that, the Nikes had won four straight, including a playoff win in 2021.

Listen to the 1A District 9 Championship between Winfield-Mt. Union and Burlington Notre Dame on FM 106.1, the KCII1 mobile app, and KCIIradio.com. Pregame coverage begins tonight at 6:30 p.m. with opening tip between the Wolves and Nikes at 7 from Mediapolis High School.