Wehde's last-second layup lifts Central to a thrilling victory over Loras in men's basketball

Four Dutch players scored in double figures

by Peter Leithauser

Pella, IA (01/13/2025) — After 12 lead changes, a Karson Wehde (sophomore, Ankeny) layup with 2 seconds left in the game lifted the Central College men's basketball team to a 78-76 win over Loras College.

Trailing 30-35 at halftime Central () shot 62.9% from the field and 6-10 from three-point land in the second half to help secure the win.

"Loras is a physical team, and we were able to outrebound them, which is a strength of theirs," said coach Joe Steinkamp. "It was a balanced effort with four guys scoring in double figures and it was a great basketball game with a lot of guys making plays, hitting big shots and I was proud of how our team responded."

The Dutch were led by Joshua Van Gorp (5th-year, Pella, Pella Christian HS) who played 35 minutes and scored 28 points on 13-14 shooting. He also added eight rebounds, four offensive rebounds, one block and one steal.

"That was one of the best games he has had, and the best he has looked since returning from his injury," Steinkamp said. "He is a winner and battled through some tough defense, but he got to his spot and our team did a great job of finding him. Van Gorp's dominance in the paint opened the outside game and big three-point shots."

Wehde scored 15 points, including the game winner, shooting 5-11 from the field, and 3-6 from three. He also added six rebounds, and three assists.

"Wehde played an excellent all-around game today as well," Steinkamp said. "He has really improved and is a great two-way player. He had the game winning shot, which was a great play, as well as an isolation bucket late in the game. I am happy for him and the game that he played."

Bradley Curren (sophomore, Harlan) scored 15 points on 4-9 from the field and 3-6 from three. He added two assists and one rebound.

Owen Schipper (freshman, Waukee) recorded the assist on the game winning basket while also scoring 10 points on 3-7 shooting. He also collected seven rebounds, and two assists.

Kaleb Brand (5th-year, Mount Vernon) led the team with nine assists while also adding two points, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Grant Uecker (freshman, Urbandale) scored eight points, dished out six assists, and added two steals, one block and three rebounds.

"Brand did a great job of surveying the floor," Steinkamp said.

As a team the Dutch shot 49.1% from the field and 35.7% from three. The Dukawks () were held to 41.7% from the field and 26.1% from three. Central also scored 34 points in the paint and added 13 points off turnovers.

"We had a great scouting report from assistant coach Conor Riordan, and our team did an excellent job of taking away their ball screen action, which is a strength of the opponent," said Steinkamp.

The squad continues American Rivers play when it hits the road to take on Nebraska Wesleyan, Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Joshua

Van Gorp