Linn-Mar High School - Marion, Iowa

Lions belt Hempstead in substate opener

No strangers to the state tournament, the Linn-Mar boys suddenly look like they might be contenders again.

They’ve been to Des Moines a record nine straight times (and grabbed three titles during that span). But when they started out the season with a 2-and-6 record, it appeared this might be the year they stayed home.

Coach Chris Robertson’s Lions have now won 11 of their last 14 games. And the way they played for all but three minutes of Monday night’s 65-49 substate romp over Dubuque Hempstead, they looked invincible.

Read more...

C.R. Washington girls blitz Linn-Mar, 64-35

Cedar Rapids Washington hosted Linn-Mar in a Class 5A regional semifinal game Saturday night and hit on all cylinders.

Washington dominated the contest, 64-35.

The Warriors (16-6) will face No. 6 Waukee (17-5) in the regional finals Tuesday night at Ankeny. The winner will advance to the state tournament.

Washington’s aggressive press, its ability to knock down the 3-point shot and its nearly flawless execution on offense were more than Linn-Mar could handle.

“I think our press was outstanding tonight,” said Washington Coach Frank Howell. “We shifted our feet and played without reaching and our ball movement was crisp and efficient.

"We had great contributions from everyone, including the bench, and we played with confidence.”

Washington had four players in double figures. The Warriors were led in scoring by Abby Herb with 15 points. Aleena Hobbs and Devin Glenski netted 13 apiece, and Dani Franklin had 12.

Read more...

Northrup ends career in style

DES MOINES -- Joel Northrup will be remembered as the devout young man who declined to wrestle a girl at the state tournament two years ago, but he also should be remembered as a talented athlete who enjoyed a highly successful high school career.

Northrup placed third at the Class 3A state tournament in 2010, finished fourth in 2012 and capped his career by taking third at 145 pounds again Saturday for the Linn-Mar Lions.

He also qualified for the state wrestling meet in 2011, but that was the year he forfeited to a girl in the first round due to his religious convictions, saying he did not think it proper to engage a female in that manner.

Saddled with a first-round defeat that season, he failed to place in the midst of intense national attention.

"I'm not ashamed of that," he said Saturday. "I'm proud of what I stood up for and I have no regrets on that."

Cedar Rapids Prairie senior Andrew Netolicky also finished his prep wrestling career Saturday as a three-time placewinner when he finished third at 285 pounds.

Read more...

Linn-Mar falls to No.1 Iowa City West, 57-37

Linn-Mar hosted top-ranked Iowa City West in its final Mississippi Valley game of the season Thursday night and dropped a 57-37 decision to the Trojans.

Iowa City West (21-0, 16-0) completed an undefeated season.

“Iowa City West is definitely one of the best teams in the state,” said Linn-Mar Coach Chris Robertson. “They played like a winner. You can’t make mistakes against them because they make you pay every time.”

Read more...