Every Week, Dr. Chris Bowser is taking a deeper look at the key BB teams we cover at SGI. Dr. Chris Bowser is a former coach and manager at the D3, NAIA level, UNI, a AAU Program Leader (Iowa Magic), and has been involved with many programs in the state like Upper Iowa. He is a true basketball guy who is taking a coaches view of the teams we cover in the state of Iowa.
So, we’ve asked the best Basketball Doctor that we know to provide detailed breakdowns on teams he can watch during the week. Our first Bowser Breakdown is on Morningside Men’s Basketball.
Week Recap: Rivalry Win at Briar Cliff & Home Victory vs. Doane
It was strong week for Morningside Men’s Basketball as the Mustangs continue to build momentum with two wins, with two different styles:
The Week started with a Road rivalry win at Briar Cliff. That was followed by Home win over Doane with big second-half adjustments. The Mustangs now 8–4 overall, 6–1 in GPAC play, sitting atop the conference standings.
While I am finishing this column – Morningside is in Florida for a Holiday Tourney playing live Morningside vs. Virgin Islands | PrimeTime | Tue, Dec. 16, 2025 4:30 PM EST
Morningside Game 1 – Battle of Sioux City – Morningside vs. Briar Cliff
Final Score – Morningside 77, Briar Cliff 63 in the battle of Sioux City. This a big rivalry game inside the Newman Flanagan Center.
Bowser’s Breakdown Notes
This game was always physical, always emotional — and never easy in GPAC play. Morningside set the tone early and never trailed.
Morningside took control in the First Half
The Mustangs were sharp from the opening tip and Shot 66% in the first half. The Key stretch was a 12–4 mid-half run that created separation. Morningside led 45–35 at halftime, leaning on ball movement and efficient shot selection.
Morningside Second Half Execution
The Mustangs stayed composed and in control and finished the game shooting 56% from the floor. Defensive activity and rebounding kept Briar Cliff from making a serious run.
Individual Standouts
Daniel Brocaille: Team-high 19 points. Hit five three-pointers, many of them momentum shots.
Caleb Dreckman – LeMars, IA – 17 points, 6 rebounds. Attacked the paint late in the first half to settle the offense.
Fitzy Grant – Sioux City East, IA – 15 points, 7 rebounds and added 3 blocks and 2 steals. Fitzy’s Defensive versatility stood out.
Kaden Van Regenmorter – Hull Western Christian, IA – Solid with 10 points, 8 rebounds.
Alex Wilkins – 5 points, 3 steals, 2 assists. Alex had a key second-half three to stop a Briar Cliff push.
Bowser’s Morningside Stats and Observations
- Outscored Briar Cliff 38–30 in the paint.
- Forced 14 turnovers, turning them into 16 points.
- Bench provided 20 points, highlighting depth.
- Coach Trent Miller emphasized execution postgame: “It’s never easy to win in the GPAC.”
Morningside Game 2 – 12.13.25 vs. Doane
Final Score: Morningside 85, Doane 73
Bowser’s Breakdown Notes
This game was another example of Morningside’s unselfish style. They finished with 16 assists and strong second-half efficiency. The game turned after halftime adjustments.
Second Half Surge
Morningside Shot 68% in the second half. They scored 50 points after the break and finished 56% from the field overall. They were near-perfect at the line: 19-for-21 on free throws.
Decisive Stretch
With just under 12 minutes to play: Morningside led 60–50 and they ripped off an 11–3 run. Dreckman and Grant fueled the push. That run effectively put the game away.
Individual Performances
Alex Wilkins: Team-high 22 points with Four three-pointers. 15 points in the second half.
Caleb Dreckman: 20 points with Aggressive downhill play. 9-of-10 at the free-throw line.
Daniel Brocaille: 14 points.
Fitzy Grant: 11 points off the bench. 2 blocks, 2 steals. Brought energy off the bench
Bowser’s Team Success Metrics
The Mustangs had 42 points in the paint, and 28 points off 20 Doane turnovers. They won the rebounding battle 27–23 and held Doane to 33% from three.
Bowser’s Notes
Coach Miller praised the team’s second-half adjustments and ball movement: Playing downhill and sharing the basketball. Dreckman echoed the team identity: “It’s not a one-man show.”
Morningside’s Big Picture & What’s Next
The Mustang Men are now 8–4 overall, 6–1 in GPAC. They are sitting atop the conference standings. The Mustangs are using balanced scoring, depth, and defensive effort continue to fuel the win streak. They are on a Holiday trip to West Palm Beach, Florida with two non-conference games (playing one right now).
Morningside is winning in multiple ways: With efficient shooting, paint scoring, defense, and depth. A focus on unselfish basketball continues to be a common thread. They have momentum heading into the holiday break and the Florida trip.
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