The Fairfield Trojans’ basketball season came to an end Monday night, February 23rd, falling 81-41 to fourth-ranked Pella in the first round of the Class 3A Substate 5 Tournament.
Game Recap
Fairfield stayed competitive early, trailing just 23-14 after the first quarter. However, Pella pulled away in the second quarter, building a 43-20 halftime lead and extending it to 60-26 after three quarters before cruising to the 81-41 final.
Pella advances to face Washington in the second round.
Fairfield Statistics
Rowan Kness led the Trojans off the bench with 13 points, shooting 4-of-7 from three-point range and 4-of-8 overall from the field with two rebounds. Spencer McCready added nine points and two rebounds, while Nolan Smith contributed six points and a team-high seven rebounds.
Drew Myers had two points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Brock Atwood chipped in three points and five rebounds. Xavier Kessel scored three points with two assists, while Axl Starr added three points, three rebounds, and two assists. Ethan Bisgard finished with two points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Every senior that was available to play found the scoring column.
Team Statistics
Fairfield shot 16-of-57 from the field, 8-of-28 from three-point range, and 1-of-2 from the free-throw line. The Trojans grabbed 26 rebounds, dished out 14 assists, recorded four steals, committed 12 fouls, and had 20 turnovers.
Pella shot 31-of-57 from the field, 4-of-20 from three-point range, and 15-of-21 from the free-throw line. The Dutch collected 36 rebounds, distributed 23 assists, recorded 14 steals and six blocks, committed six fouls, and had just five turnovers.
Coach’s Message
Following the loss, Fairfield head coach Nate Perkins posted an emotional thank-you message on social media, expressing gratitude to everyone who supported the program this season.
“With our loss at Pella last night, our season came to an end. With that comes a lot of thank you’s that need to be said,” Perkins wrote.
Perkins thanked his family, the school administration, table workers, support staff, public address announcer Lee Muntz, bus driver Charles, and Ottumwa Radio’s broadcast team of Christian Rasmussen and AJ Roe.
“We truly appreciate the time and energy you invested in telling our story,” Perkins said of the broadcast team.
He praised the growth of the student section throughout the season: “The way you grew as the year went on was awesome to see! You brought energy every night.”
Perkins also thanked assistant coaches Paul Konczal and Ian Stabbe, along with manager Isabel McCready, for their dedication.
Honoring the Seniors
Perkins gave special recognition to Fairfield’s seven seniors: Drew Myers, Xavier Kessel, Spencer McCready, Brock Atwood, Axl Starr, Eli Zillman, and Nolan Smith.
“For four years, you showed up and put in the work. It wasn’t always easy when we weren’t winning, but you kept showing up. That says everything about your character,” Perkins wrote.
He expressed confidence in the program’s future if younger players follow the seniors’ example.
“If every kid who walks into our gym follows your lead, this program is headed for success. You never gave up. You always gave great effort. If you approach the rest of life the way you approached basketball, you will be successful.”
Perkins closed his message with: “Love you all and Go TROJANS!”
Season Summary
Fairfield finished the season with a 2-19 record. Pella improves to 19-4 and advances to the second round of substate play.
