After an earlier-than-hoped-for stop to end the winter this past February, the Pella Christian boys basketball team has eyes on a deep postseason run and extremely competitive performances through one of Iowa’s best basketball conferences.

The Eagles in 2022 are hoping their season ends at Wells Fargo Arena and the state tournament for the 16th time in program history, and that goal is reinforced by a deep, talented team returning from an uneven 2020-21 campaign.

And while that depth will be a huge key, there’s no doubt Pella Christian will go as far as senior Eric Mulder carries them most nights. The 6-9 First Team All-Little Hawkeye Conference selection in 2021 is on many preseason All-State teams in Class 2A, and he believes their conference competition and the talent they have on the court and bench makes them contenders for a championship.

“I think we can win a state title, and I think the way we get there is by playing as a team and doing everything we can to play our best,” he says.

To get there, Mulder knows they will have to improve on several key areas from last winter’s campaign, especially on defense; the Eagles allowed over 60 points per game last season, although it was against the 2nd toughest schedule of all Class 2A schools, according to power rankings website BCMoore.

Hear Pella Christian boys and girls basketball on 92.1 KRLS, kniakrls.com, and the Pella Christian High School YouTube channel.