The depth of the Pella Christian boys basketball team may be the key in getting them closer to a 2A Championship this week.

A rotation that goes nine-deep in 2017 is a significant difference to the past two 3rd place teams for Coach Larry Hessing.

Senior Scott Haveman believes that edge allows them to wear teams down late — especially as he feels the group coming off the bench doesn’t drop too far off from the starting five.

“We try to bring extra energy and make sure that we keep things up while we give the starters a rest,” he says. “I think that helps us a lot, because teams just can’t plan for, you know, subs are coming in, they take a step back.”

“I think we give that extra energy, and then force other teams to keep playing with us throughout the whole game, and I think especially in the postseason games so far that’s showed, where in the second half our depth allowed us to spread the lead a bit.”

Haveman is the 4th leading scorer on the team at 6.1 per game, Jackson Flagel is averaging five points and three rebounds per contest, Caleb Roose is second on the team with three-pointers made (20), and Kade Vander Molen is tasked with shutting down perimeter shooters and has the fourth most defensive rebounds (52) on the roster.

Pella Christian will begin what they hope is a deep state tournament run Tuesday at 10:30 against Van Meter. Pregame coverage begins at 10 a.m. on 92.1 KRLS.