The Norwalk boys basketball team will see its last regular-season non-conference action today, taking on Johnston at the Crossover Classic hosted by Valley.

The Norwalk boys are 12-4 overall and are battling with Pella for first place in the Little Hawkeye Conference with one week remaining in the regular season. The Warriors are coming off a 48-46 win over Dallas Center-Grimes on Tuesday, capped by a game-winning three from Tillman Papcun at the final buzzer. Papcun, who leads the Warriors in scoring (21.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG, & 1.7 SPG), is also the Little Hawkeye Conference’s scoring leader. 7-8 overall, the Johnston boys are 6th in the CIML. The Dragons are coming off a 64-63 loss to Dowling Catholic on Monday, and also played Valley on Friday. They are led in scoring by junior Nicare Cavil (17.6 PPG). Since 2022, Johnston is 2-0 against Norwalk. Norwalk head coach Aaron Pelzer tells KNIA Sports physicality is vital.

“If we are not a physical basketball team on Saturday, we will get run out of the gym. They are extremely physical, very strong, athletic, aggressive, and if we don’t match their physicality, we are going to have a rough day.”

The Warriors and Dragons will tip off at 12 p.m. at the Waukee High School Fieldhouse. Following that, the Warriors will have two road conference matchups in Newton and Oskaloosa next week to finish out the regular season.