The Knoxville Baseball Squad is set to open the Class 3A State Tournament against the top‑seeded Wahlert Golden Eagles in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Saturday morning, a clash that pits two undefeated‑ish teams against each other.
State Tournament Showdown
Both squads arrive with strong offensive numbers, Knoxville averaging 8.2 runs per game while Wahlert close behind at 7.9, and both concede just 3.9 runs on average, setting the stage for a tightly contested battle.
Wahlert’s schedule has been tougher, earning the No. 1 ranking in the Bound Power Index, whereas Knoxville sits at No. 21, a disparity that reflects the differing strength of opposition each team has faced.
The Golden Eagles have navigated a demanding Mississippi Valley Division slate, finishing the regular season 24‑4 and capturing the league title, while Knoxville has survived a trio of playoff opponents — Oskaloosa, Fort Madison and Bondurant‑Farrar — to earn their spot.
Key players for Knoxville, Briar Kingery and Luke Roozeboom, have voiced personal motivations, with Kingery calling the tournament a dream come true and Roozeboom focusing on how far the team can advance.
The game will be aired live on 95.3 KNIA, with pregame coverage beginning at 10:45 a.m., and the first pitch scheduled for 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Fans and local supporters will be watching closely as the two teams look to translate their regular‑season success into a state‑level triumph.