Reigning state champions Clear Creek Amana, North Linn face stiff Rivalry Saturday challenges

CEDAR RAPIDS -- It has been a virtual calendar year since Clear Creek Amana and North Linn played their Rivalry Saturday dandy.

CCA built a big lead, then held on for an exhausting 45-44 victory.

Neither team has lost since.

The Clippers and the Lynx both return to Johnson Hall, on the campus of Kirkwood Community College, for the 20th edition of Rivalry Saturday.

They don’t play each other, but both teams have a tough challenge. Reigning Class 1A state champion North Linn faces Riceville; defending 4A champ CCA meets Maquoketa.

Even with all-state guards Kamryn Kurt and Macy Boge graduated, North Linn won its 26th consecutive game Tuesday, 61-33, over Springville in its season opener. Four players reached double digits, led by Molly Boge (15 points, eight assists, six steals).

Saturday marks this year’s season opener for CCA, which also carries a 26-game win streak. Averie Lower is the lone returning starter for the Clippers, who also bring back guards Lena Evans and Kennedy Stratton.

Maquoketa is 2-0 behind an all-junior starting lineup led by 6-footers Cora Widel and Aubrey Kroymann.

The eight-game event starts at 9 a.m., with Monticello and Williamsburg.

Based on rankings, the two headliner games are Estherville-Lincoln Central vs. Mount Vernon in a Class 3A 1-vs.-2 encounter at 12:20 p.m., then Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont vs. Cascade in a 2A 1-vs.-3 showdown at 6:50 p.m.

Also, Ankeny Centennial Coach Scott DeJong can earn his 700th career win if the Jaguars top Pleasant Valley in the 5:10 game. And the 2 p.m. contest marks the official debut for Bruce Dall at Cedar Rapids Prairie; the Hawks face 4A No. 1 Sioux City Heelan.

Rivalry Saturday XX schedule

At Johnson Hall, Kirkwood Community College

9 a.m. — Monticello (3A No. 4, 0-1) vs. Williamsburg (3A No. 10, 0-0)

10:40 a.m. — Montezuma (1A No. 3, 0-2) vs. Maquoketa Valley (1-0)

12:20 p.m. — Estherville ELC (3A No. 1, 1-1) vs. Mount Vernon (3A No. 2, 0-0)

2 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Prairie (5A No. 7, 0-0) vs. Sioux City Heelan (4A No. 1, 1-0)

3:35 p.m. — North Linn (1A No. 2, 1-0) vs. Riceville (1A No. 4, 0-0)

5:10 p.m. — Ankeny Centennial (5A No. 3, 0-0) vs. Pleasant Valley (5A No. 5, 0-0)

6:50 p.m. — Eddyville EBF (2A No. 1, 2-0) vs. Cascade (2A No. 3, 0-1)

8:30 p.m. — Clear Creek Amana (4A No. 5, 0-0) vs. Maquoketa (4A No. 7, 2-0)

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com