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Central runs past Coe in the A-R-C quarterfinals

The Dutch shot 64,7% from three

by Peter Leithauser

Pella, IA (02/26/2025) — The Central College men's basketball team opened the American Rivers Conference Tournament with a 99-83 win against Coe College Tuesday night.

It is the first home conference tournament win since 2014.

"I thought we did a great job of answering every run Coe went on," said coach Joe Steinkamp. "Our offense was clicking both inside and out. It is always great when you have five players score in double figures."

The Dutch led 48-44 at halftime after shooting 54.3% from the field and 7-of-12 from three-point range. In the second half, Central shot 65.2% from the field and held Coe to 40.5% leading to a 51-39 second half score.

Joshua Van Gorp (5th-year, Pella, Pella Christian HS) led the team with 30 points shooting 11-of-13 from the field. He added eight rebounds and two assists, while also playing all 40 minutes.

"Van Gorp had a great game all around and was especially dominant in the second half. He was able to wear Coe out in the paint leading to points," Steinkamp said.

Owen Schipper (freshman, Waukee) secured his second double-double of the season scoring 24 points and collecting 10 rebounds. He shot 8-of-11 from the field and 6-of-8 from three, while also having two assists.

"I really loved how Schipper played tonight," said Steinkamp. "Kaleb and he have great chemistry on the dribble handoffs, and he was able to get hot early making some tough threes. His rebounding in the second half was huge and he was able to hit some dagger threes late in the game."

Kaleb Brand (5th-year, Mount Vernon) broke the single-season assist record recording six assists, bringing his season total to 144. He added 12 points and three rebounds.

"I am really happy for Brand to break the record," said Steinkamp. "He is such an unselfish player, and he changed his game to help the team while he continues to make game winning plays."

Grant Uecker (freshman, Urbandale) came off the bench and earned his first career double-double scoring 11 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. He added three assists and two steals.

"Uecker was excellent all night," said Steinkamp. "We needed our guards to rebound and his first double-double came at a great time."

Bradley Curren (sophomore, Harlan) was the fifth Central player to reach double figures, scoring 11 points while also dishing out four assists.

For the game, Central shot 58.6% from the field and 11-of-17 (64.7%) from three while holding Coe to 41.3% from the field and 30% from three.

The Dutch will advance to the semifinals hitting the road to play the University of Dubuque Thursday at 7 p.m.

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