There’s no place like home, and the Pella basketball teams will hold the first of many varsity doubleheaders this evening against non-conference opponent Washington.

The newly No. 2-ranked Dutch boys will play on their home court for the first time since claiming the Class 3A state championship and a 2-0 week on the road to open the new winter season, while Pella’s girls are seeking to get back on track after two lopsided losses to North Polk and Indianola last week.

Girls Head Coach Blaine Forsythe wants to avoid being too overconfident, but sees a chance to find a victory against a Washington team averaging just 32 points per game in their first two outings.

“We’re excited to get back into our home gym and play in front of fans with just another opportunity to grow and execute our stuff,” he says.”

Pella Boys Head Coach Derek Schulte sees the Demons as a favorite in their conference, and were a team that nearly spoiled Grinnell’s playoff run a season ago.

“Washington–we have a ton of respect for, last year, we played off-the-charts good down at their place and got off to a really good start,” he says. “They’ve got two really good players back and they are the best team in that league and a favorite to win it, so they’re a good non-conference test.”

Schulte is referring to Ethan Patterson, who averaged 15.7 points per game last year, and Kasen Bailey, who averaged 13.9.

Coverage of Pella vs. Washington basketball begins at 5:45 this evening on 92.1 KRLS and the Pella Dutch Live YouTube channel.