Senior Maddux DeWinter hoists the Union Knights’ state participant trophy on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Casey's Center in Des Moines. PHOTO BY ROSS THEDE

DES MOINES – Despite smartly switching up their defense early in the first half against No. 1 seed Kuemper Catholic, the Union Knights boys basketball team was unable to advance past the quarterfinal round of the 2026 IHSAA State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 11, at Casey’s Center in Des Moines. No. 8 seed Union fell 70-54 to the juggernaut Knights from Carroll in what amounted to a rematch of last season’s district championship, when the then-unranked Knights from La Porte City upset the dynasty program.

In his final appearance on the high school hardwood, senior Tate Van Dyke led Union with 23 points (two 3-pointers) and 14 rebounds, shooting 9-of-16 from the field. Senior Maddux DeWinter added 11 points, going 4-of-5 from the floor, along with six rebounds and four assists. Senior Sawyer Spence scored eight points plus pulled down eight rebounds, two steals, and a block.

Off the bench, sophomore Bryson DeWinter finished with seven points and four assists. Senior Cameron Mullen added five points and senior Ethan Winnike contributed one rebound and an assist. Also off the bench, sophomore Eli Grote and senior Henry Hegdahl saw action.

Senior Caden Sorensen, who led Union this year in points scored (354), did not suit up due to an injury sustained against Grundy Center in the final regular season game.

Against Kuemper Catholic, Union shot 21-of-53 (39.6%) from the field, including 5-of-25 (20.0%) from 3-point range, and 7-of-18 (38.9%) from the free-throw line. The Union Knights were outrebounded 44-32. They turned the ball over six times to Kuemper Catholic’s two.

Knights senior standout Tate Van Dyke soars as he goes for a reverse layup. PHOTO BY ROSS THEDE

Kuemper scored 19 second-chance points off its 16 offensive rebounds.

Following their third state appearance, Union ended the 2025-26 season 22-4 (15-3). Kuemper Catholic moved on to the Class 2A state semifinal round where they squeaked out a win over Treynor, 58-57, before losing to Unity Christian, 67-64, for the championship.

Sophomore Bryson DeWinter (22) snaps up a rebound against the Kuemper Catholic Knights. PHOTO BY ROSS THEDE

Knights senior Sawyer Spence sails toward the basket. PHOTO BY ROSS THEDE

Union senior Maddux DeWinter (4) engineers a pass against a strong Kuemper Catholic defense. PHOTO BY ROSS THEDE

Van Dyke shoots for two. PHOTO BY ROSS THEDE

PHOTO BY ROSS THEDE

PHOTO BY ROSS THEDE

PHOTO BY ROSS THEDE

PHOTO BY ROSS THEDE

PHOTO BY ROSS THEDE

PHOTO BY ROSS THEDE

PHOTO BY ROSS THEDE