![Bass Clef Choir members Zion Ondoma, Henry Hansen, and Zerik Nicholson harmonize vocals while singing "Prayer of the Children". “[It’s] a piece dealing with the Bosnian conflicts of the ‘90s,” said Associate Director of Choral Activities Matthew Jensen, “but is applicable to what's happening today all over the world.” The students will perform the song during Large Group Contests in Cedar Falls in May.](https://riverhawkpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20260414_111618-1200x554.jpg)
The Riverhawks Boys Basketball team is looking to make the final round of the substate playoff when they play rival Ames tonight, February 27.
The Little Cyclones are 19-2 this season and on an 8-game winning streak, and coming off a win against Ankeny Centennial, 52-45. Mason City is also coming into the game hot, with a 5-game win streak of its own. On top of that, Senior Marcele Whitner is 22 points from 1000, and the Riverhawks are going to need all 22 points as they look to beat the Little Cyclones for the first time since 2019.
“It feels great and Imma keep playing my game while also playing team basketball to win games and get to state!” said Whitner.
This past Monday, Whitner led the Riverhawks with a double-double (21 points and 11 rebounds) to help beat the Waterloo West Wahawks 66-61. Owen Rickers also had 21 points.
“A little bit of everything was going well,” said Rickers, “It all started pregame, talking with coach Whitner, him giving me confidence. I went out, hit my first couple of shots, played great defense, and it all just went well from there. Overall, a great team win in the playoffs.”
Mason City played Ames twice this season. The first time was at home and tight at the half with the Little Cyclones only up by 2 points. They later pulled away and won 55-45. The second time around was way different, with Ames beating Mason City, 71-25.
If the Riverhawks can get the win against Ames, it will be the first time since 2002 when Mason City last went to state. The team is going to need your help, so if you’re available, find some friends and carpool down to Ames to witness history at 7 PM.
