Playoffs – Class 2A: Region 1-4 Preview
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As we get closer to spring and into the month of February it means one thing and one thing only for Iowa women’s high school basketball and that is the start of post-season play on the way to crowning a…
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Continue ReadingAs we get closer to spring and into the month of February it means one thing and one thing only for Iowa women’s high school basketball and that is the start of post-season play on the way to crowning a state champion. (Records in this article reflect date when article was published)
Region 1
Starting off the 2A class is a region headed by the #1 seed in Dike-New Hartford who comes into today with an undefeated record and looking to keep that intact. The Wolverines have dominated in every game they have play. this year thus far and I anticipate that to be the same situation during the start of the post-season. Being the #1 seed they will look to face the winner of Columbus Catholic VS Wapsie Valley in the 2nd round.
Teams & Their Leaders:
Dike-New Hartford Wolverines (18-0) – Payton Peterson (15.4 PPG, 10.4 RPG), Jaydn Peterson (12.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 3.5 APG), Ellary Knock Ellary Knock 6'0" | SF Dike-New Hartford | 2023 State IA (4.7 RPG, 4.0 APG)
Columbus Catholic Sailors (5-15) – Morgan Bradley Morgan Bradley 5'9" | CG Columbus Catholic | 2024 IA (12.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG), Sophia Keys (12.4 PPG, 2 APG), Natalie Steele Natalie Steele 5'9" | SF Columbus Catholic | 2024 IA (5.8 PPG, 10.6 RPG)
Wapsie Valley Warriors (6-14) – Grace Mullihan (7.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG), Kate Risse (7.3 PPG, 1.5 APG)
Alburnett Pirates (11-9) – Ally Olmstead Ally Olmstead 6'2" | C Alburnett | 2024 State IA (12.5 PPG, 13.6 RPG), Savannah Caves (7.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.4 APG), Lacey Neighbor (8.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG)
Jesup J-Hawks (10-9) – Laney Pilcher (24.9 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 3.3 APG)
East Buchanan Buccaneers (13-6) – Laynee Hogan Laynee Hogan 5'9" | PG East Buchanan | 2025 State IA (17.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 5.1 APG), Averiel Brady (12.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG), Eden Brady (11.7 PPG, 2.3 APG)
Lisbon Lions (10-9) – Kali Nelson (11.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.9 APG), Peyton Robinson (8.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG), Chloe Clausen (8.7 PPG, 5 RPG)
West Branch Bears (3-15) – Kylie Pickett (10.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG), Sadie Smith (7.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG), Iva Senio (4.9 RPG)
Bellevue Comets (13-6) – Ka’Lynn DeShaw (13.1 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.7 APG), Kalesia DeShaw (12.2 PPG, 1.9 APG)
Northeast Rebels (8-10) – Alyssa Fowler (10.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG), Leah Mangelsen (10.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG), Emma Kjergaard (10.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.7 APG)
Prediction
My prediction on this one is obvious as I think DNH is going to be too much for everyone else that they would have to go up against. Their scoring, distribution, and team effort has shown out in each contest they have competed in this season and I expect them to turn it up as the post-season comes around. They have a star player in Payton Peterson, a great team around her, and a good coaching staff with a plan. All things you need to be successful during this time of the year and all things this program has working in their favor currently. So give me the Wolverines to move on.
Region 2
The Central Lyon Lions come in with the #1 seed in region 2 and for good reason. The Lions are 18-0 this year so far and killing it. They are led by University of South Dakota basketball commit Addison Klosterbuer Addison Klosterbuer 5'9" | SG Central Lyon | 2023 State IA , who is on the of best shooters in the state throughout all classes. The Next best seed in this region is Hinton high school, coming in with a record of 14-3 and waiting for the winner of Akron-Westfield VS Lawton-Bronson.
Teams & Their Leaders:
Central Lyon Lions (16-0) – Addison Klosterbuer Addison Klosterbuer 5'9" | SG Central Lyon | 2023 State IA (21.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.2 APG), Desta Hoogendoorn Desta Hoogendoorn 6'1" | C Central Lyon | 2024 IA (15.7 PPG, 9 RPG), Afton Schlumbohn (7.4 PPG, 6.3 APG)
Boyden-Hull Comets (4-14) – Ashtyn Kelderman (14.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.9 APG), Jenny Luevano (8 PPG, 6.2 RPG)
Western Christian Wolfpack (3-15) – Stella Winterfeld (10.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.2 APG), Keana Wynia (10.3 PPG, 6 RPG)
MMCRU Royals (13-4) – Kora Alesch (19 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 3.6 APG), Avery Schlenger (8.4 PPG)
West Sioux Falcons (7-11) – Mia Danielson 14.1 PPG, 9.2 RPG), Addi Dekkers (10.7 PPG, 2.9 APG), Molly Hulschof (9.7 PPG, 7.6 RPG)
Hinton Blackhawks (14-3) – Bailey Boeve Bailey Boeve 6'0" | PF Hinton | 2026 State IA (15.8 PPG, 10.3 RPG), Ashlyn Kovarna (10.6 PPG, 8.4 RPG)
Akron-Westfield Westerners (8-10) – Makenzie Hughes Makenzie Hughes 5'8" | CG Akron Westfield | 2025 State IA (17 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.3 APG), Allie Swoyer (5.4 PPG, 2.1 APG)
Lawton-Bronson Eagles (5-14) – Brooklyn Roder (12.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.5 APG), Khiya Williams (7.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG), Katie Heiss (4.9 PPG)
West Monona Spartans (12-6) – Kacy Miller (14.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.2 APG), Abby Wessel (9.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG), Brooklyn Pekarek (9.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG)
MVAOCOU Rams (11-7) – Makynlee Yockey Makynlee Yockey 5'8" | SG MVAOCOU | 2025 IA (14.2 PPG), Trista Ohlmeier Trista Ohlmeier 6'1" | PF MVAOCOU | 2025 State IA (13.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.1 APG), Reagan Seuntjens (12.6 PPG, 3.3 APG)
Prediction
Central Lyon moves on. They are a team with incredible star power, a team dynamic, and fundamentals. They don’t seem to do too much and really focus on just being an efficient ball club. When you look at the path that they are given and the ability they have it’s easy to see this group moving out of region 2 and on in the post season. Lions advance.
Region 3
In region 3 there is one team that is head and shoulders above everyone else talent wise and that is the Sibley-Ocheyedan Generals. The Generals have put together an incredible season at 18-1, giving them the #1 seed in this region. Being led by Madison Brouwer Madison Brouwer 6'0" | PF Sibley-Ocheyedan | 2023 State IA the Generals are looking to make a big push out of this region and further into the playoffs where they can show off what they are really made of on a bigger stage.
Teams & Their Leaders:
Sibley-Ocheyedan Generals 18-1 – Madison Brouwer Madison Brouwer 6'0" | PF Sibley-Ocheyedan | 2023 State IA (19 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 2.5 APG), Marissa Ackerman Marissa Ackerman 5'11" | C Sibley-Ocheyedan | 2023 State IA (13.7 PPG, 7.4 RPG), Bria Wasmund Bria Wasmund 5'5" | PG Sibley-Ocheyedan | 2023 State IA (11.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 5.6 APG)
Emmetsburg E-Hawks (9-10) – Rachel Schany Rachel Schany 5'11" | PF Emmetsburg | 2026 IA (9.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG), Myra Steffen (6.3 PPG, 1.1 APG)
Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Hawks (1-17) – Kylee Schiphoff (9.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1 APG), Abby Douma Abby Douma 6'1" | C Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn | 2025 IA (8.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG), Moriah Otto (6.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG)
Alta-Aurelia Warriors (10-9) – Brielle Engelmann ( 17.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.6 APG), Nora Peterson Nora Peterson SG Alta-Aurelia | 2025 IA (11.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.1 APG)
Ridge View Raptors (9-8) – Madison Stowater Madison Stowater 5'8" | PG Ridge View | 2024 IA (16.9 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 3.6 APG), Shae Dutler Shae Dutler 5'6" | SG Ridge View | 2024 IA (12.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.9 APG), Sydney Blackmore (4.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG)
Sioux Central Rebels (14-5) – Morgan Christian (13.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.6 APG), Bradi Krager Bradi Krager 5'8" | SG Sioux Central | 2024 IA (12.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.9 APG), Kendra Casey (9.6 PPG, 2.5 APG)
Belmond-Klemme Bronces (8-10) – Addy Lamb (15.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 3.5 APG), Quinn Gabrielson (3.6 RPG, 2.5 APG)
Lake Mills Bulldogs (8-11) – Taylor Vanek Taylor Vanek 5'5" | PG Lake Mills | 2024 State IA (14.2 PPG, 5.6 APG), Josie Helgeson (9.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.7 APG)
North Union Warriors (15-4) – Naomi Jones (15 PPG), Libby Stevens (9.2 PPG, 2.6 APG), Olivia Merrill (6.7 RPG), Olivia Von Bank (8.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG)
Central Springs Panthers (12-8) – Kaci Crum Kaci Crum 6'0" | C Central Springs | 2025 IA (14.2 PPG, 9.9 PPG), Aubrey Hoeft (8.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG
Prediction
This region is going to be one of the harder regions to escape from but I think in the end that the Generals are going to be too much. They have too much fire power offensively and play some really solid defense as well. They don’t do anything crazy or try to show off, they just simply want to win in the easiest way possible and advance. How it’s been all season and how I see it going in this region as well. Generals to advance as region 3 champs.
Region 4
EBF is the only undefeated team in this region but are they the best? Well on record alone, yes. Skill wise individuals? I’m not so sure. The Rockets enter today with a record of 18-0 with only 2/3 regular season games left on their schedule. Next weekend they will face the winner of Emmetsburg VS Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn to start their playoff journey, a matchup where I see Emmetsburg moving on to face the #1 seed in the region in the Rockets.
Teams & Their Leaders:
Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Rockets (18-0) – Whitney Klyn (18.9 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 4.6 APG), Ava Eastlick Ava Eastlick 5'4" | SG Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont | 2025 State IA (15.9 PPG), Molly Shafer Molly Shafer 6'0" | PF Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont | 2025 State IA (15.7 PPG, 3.8 APG)
Pella Christian Eagles (4-16) – Joslyn Terpstra (12.1 PPG, 1.7 APG), Faith Kacmarynski Faith Kacmarynski 5'6" | PG Pella Christian | 2025 State IA (8.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG)
Cardnial Comets (2-17) – Kinsey Hissen (8.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1 APG), Brenna Guiter (8.9 PPG, 7.7 RPG), Cynthia Albert (6.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG)
Grand View Christian Thunder (13-5) – Ella Naeve (14.5 PPG), Kelly DeMeulenaere (7.4 RPG, 6.6 APG)
Pleasantville Trojans (6-13) – Joelle Johnson Joelle Johnson 5'8" | SG Pleasantville | 2025 State IA (14.7 PPG, 7.1 PPG, 1.8 APG), Hope DeMan (10.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG), Azell Smith (7.6 PPG, 1.4 APG)
South Hamilton Hawks (14-3) – Halle Feaker (19.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG), Makena Galetich (16.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG), Ashlyn Erickson (8.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG)
Madrid Tigers (4-14) – Laura Eagleton (8.4 PPG, 1 APG), Ella Santi (6.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG), Claire Knudsen (5 PPG)
East Marshall Mustangs (2-17) – Morgan Neuroth Morgan Neuroth 5'6" | PG East Marshall | 2024 State IA (20.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1 APG), Makayla Hala (6.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG)
Hudson Pirates (13-7) – Brooklyn Love Brooklyn Love 6'1" | PF Waterloo West | 2024 State IA (14.2 PPG, 9.7 RPG), Addie Rhoades (13.9 PPG, 10.4 RPG)
Grundy Center Spartans (11-8) – Carlie Willis Carlie Willis 5'11" | PF Grundy Center | 2024 IA (16 PPG, 8.4 RPG), Ellery Luhring (11.6 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.7 APG)
South Hardin Tigers (7-11) – Alli Sheldahl (11.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG), Hailey Rosonke (9.6 PPG, 2.2 APG), Grace Eller (5.4 PPG, 2.3 APG)
Prediction
Rockets VS South Hamilton or the Hudson Pirates I think is going to be the region 4 championship matchup. The Rockets advancing from the top side of the bracket and one of the others from the bottom which will make a barn-burner of a championship battle. In the end I have the Rockets being to much for everyone else in this region and moving forward. After that though, I’m not sure how far the Rockets will go as games become very, very difficult to win the closer you get to state, only time will tell though so we will have to wait and see.