The Pella boys basketball team breezed through their opening round playoff game against Saydel 90-40 in a game heard live on 92.1 KRLS.

Pella’s defense took full advantage of the winless Eagles, racking up 25 steals and forcing 30 turnovers overall.

Point Guard Nick Finney says the intensity was key into getting an early jump and expanding their lead rapidly.

“It really helps when our press is going to maybe cause some steals and get the game to the temp we want it to score quite a bit of points and that’s what we like to do,” Finney says.

Ryan Van Wyk finished with 21 points and five steals, Donovan Holterhaus had 15, and Kobe Diers and Nick De Jong each scored eight. Twelve of Pella’s 15 varsity players made a bucket.

Pella is now 20-2 and hosts Carlisle Thursday night in the District Finals.