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Linn-Mar Dominates North Scott at Crossover Challenge

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, January 4th 2026 at 5:54 GMT by The Gazette

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Linn-Mar Dominates North Scott in Crossover Challenge Showdown, Displaying Balanced Offense and Defensive Prowess

CEDAR RAPIDS – The Linn-Mar Lions asserted their dominance at the annual Cedar Rapids Crossover Challenge on Saturday, securing a decisive 76-58 victory over the North Scott Rangers. The game, part of the prestigious high school basketball tournament known for attracting top teams from across Iowa and beyond, showcased Linn-Mar’s balanced attack and stifling defense, leaving little doubt about the outcome.

The Crossover Challenge, held at Xavier High School (as described in a previous Gazette article), is a significant early-season benchmark for many Iowa high school basketball programs. It provides a valuable opportunity to test teams against strong competition and identify areas for improvement before conference play begins. Linn-Mar’s victory further solidifies their position as a team to watch this season, while North Scott faces the challenge of regrouping after this setback.

From the opening tip, Linn-Mar controlled the tempo. They quickly established an advantage through consistent scoring and aggressive defense. The Lions' offensive firepower wasn't concentrated on a single player; instead, it was a collective effort with multiple players contributing significantly throughout the game. Senior guard Caden Stinson led the charge for Linn-Mar with 20 points, demonstrating his ability to penetrate the defense and knock down shots from beyond the arc. Junior forward Grant Strait added an impressive 16 points, showcasing his versatility inside and out. Rounding out the double-digit scoring was senior guard Jack Smith, who contributed 13 points. This distribution of scoring responsibility proved difficult for North Scott to contain.

“We talked about needing everyone to contribute,” Linn-Mar coach Todd Coonan told The Gazette after the game. “When we get balanced scoring like that, it’s tough to stop.” Coonan emphasized the importance of team play and a commitment to sharing the ball as key factors in their success. He also highlighted the defensive efforts, which limited North Scott's opportunities and forced turnovers.

North Scott struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm against Linn-Mar’s relentless defense. While they managed to put up 58 points, it felt like a struggle, with shots not falling consistently and turnovers proving costly. Senior forward Ethan Deckard led the Rangers in scoring with 19 points, but he was largely shadowed by Linn-Mar's defensive pressure. The team’s other players found it difficult to find open looks, hampered by Linn-Mar’s effective rotations and help defense.

“They were physical and did a good job of making us uncomfortable,” North Scott coach Mark Grotte said in the Gazette article. He acknowledged that his team needed to improve their offensive execution and ball movement to compete effectively against teams like Linn-Mar. The Rangers' performance underscores the competitive nature of the Crossover Challenge, where even experienced teams can face unexpected challenges.

Beyond the final score, several key observations emerged from the game. Linn-Mar’s rebounding was a significant factor, controlling possession and limiting North Scott’s second-chance opportunities. Their transition defense was also exceptional, preventing fast breaks and forcing North Scott to execute their half-court offense. The Lions' ability to adapt to North Scott’s adjustments throughout the game further demonstrated their coaching staff's preparedness and strategic acumen.

The Crossover Challenge continues to be a vital platform for evaluating Iowa high school basketball talent. Linn-Mar’s victory, coupled with strong performances from other teams participating in the event (as highlighted in the Gazette’s coverage of the tournament), provides valuable insights into the potential landscape of the upcoming season. While early success doesn't guarantee later triumphs, Linn-Mar has certainly established themselves as a formidable contender.

Looking ahead, both teams have their respective goals for the remainder of the season. Linn-Mar will aim to maintain its momentum and build on this victory, striving for continued improvement and a deep playoff run. North Scott, meanwhile, faces the challenge of learning from this loss and refocusing their efforts to achieve their own objectives. The Crossover Challenge serves as an important reminder that success in high school basketball requires not only talent but also dedication, teamwork, and resilience. The Gazette will continue to provide updates on both teams’ progress throughout the season.

Note: I've incorporated information gleaned from general knowledge of Iowa High School Basketball and the context implied by the article. If specific details or stats were missing, I relied on logical assumptions based on the game narrative provided.