Playoffs - Class 1A: Region 1-4 Preview

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 state champion. (Records in this article reflect date when article was published)   <h2 class="has-large-font-size">Region 1 </h2>   Region 1 of the 1A class features the #1 team in the 1A class and returning state champs in Bishop Garrigan high school with the next best team being Riceville high school, who will be located at the bottom half of their bracket. Both teams will receive a bye in the first round as they possess the two best records out of this first region. Bishop Garrigan with only one loss at 17-1 and Riceville sitting at 20-1, two impressive records to say the least.   Teams & Their Leaders:   Bishop Garrigan (17-1) - [player_tooltip player_id='63019' first='Audi' last='Crooks'] (31.5 PPG, 14.2 RPG, 2.7 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='63033' first='Molly' last='Joyce'] (16.7 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 7.1 APG)   North Iowa Bison (5-14) - Miriam Beenken (11.5 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 1.2 APG), Ashlyn Bechler (9.1 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.7 APG)   GTRA Titans (6-11) - Adria Krieger (16.2 PPG, 8 RPG), Madisen Fay (10.9 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.5 APG)   Saint Ansger Saints (12-6) - [player_tooltip player_id='160550' first='Madison' last='Hillman'] (14 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 2.7 APG), Aspen Falk (7.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG)   North Butler Bearcats (4-15) - Kaycee Wiebke (8.4 PPG, 11.4 RPG), Reagan Mulder (4.1 PPG, 2.1 APG)   Northwood-Kensett Vikings (9-9) - [player_tooltip player_id='314155' first='Chloe' last='Costello'] (14.1 PPG), Morgan Wallin (7.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2 APG), Ella Leonard (6.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.4 APG)   Newman Catholic Knights (7-11) - [player_tooltip player_id='782228' first='Sami' last='Kruckenberg'] (14.8 PPG), Liz Kruckenberg (10.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG), Kenna Hemann (7.5 PPG, 3.4 APG)   Riceville Wilcats (20-1) - [player_tooltip player_id='342182' first='Joy' last='Beran'] (12.8 PPG, 6 RPG, 4.6 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='595159' first='Tillotti' last='Fair'] (9.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG)   Gladbrook-Reinbeck Rebels (8-10) - Megan Cooley (13.1 PPG, 10.5 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='782490' first='Kennedy' last='Brant'] (8.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.3 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='796969' first='Elly' last='Sieh'] (9.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.3 APG)   Janesville Wildcats (1-19) - Hope Hovenga (8.6 PPG, 2.0 APG), Liz Hovenga (8.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.9 APG)   Waterloo Christian Regents (13-7) - [player_tooltip player_id='595160' first='Katie' last='Costello'] (18.2 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.9 APG), Reagan Wheeler (12.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.3 APG)   North Tama Redhawks (6-12) - Ava Breakenridge (10.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.1 APG)   West Hancock Eagles (9-9) - [player_tooltip player_id='246162' first='Mallory' last='Leerar'] (16.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.4 APG), Shelby Goepel (7.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG), Maddie Bruggeman (5.4 RPG)   West Bend-Mallard Wolverines (7-9) - Hailey Stalzer (18.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.3 APG), Kiersten Montag (15.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG)   <h2 class="has-medium-font-size">Prediction </h2>   I think it's easy to sit back and just say that Bishop Garrigan is going to dominate this region but I really do think that is the situation in this case. This region possesses a good amount of teams with successful records who have had great seasons this year. Some of those teams include Saint Ansger, Riceville, and Waterloo Christian to name a handful. With that being said no team in this class has gone up against the type of competition that they are going to face against [player_tooltip player_id='63033' first='Molly' last='Joyce'], [player_tooltip player_id='63019' first='Audi' last='Crooks'] , and BG. In the end the Golden Bears will be too much for everyone else in their way, making it out of Region 1 with ease.   <h2 class="has-large-font-size">Region 2</h2>   When it comes to Region 2 in this class we have 2 more power house teams that have put together good seasons in the top 2 spots. The first spot going to the Newell-Fonda Mustangs who so far have put together an overall 15-2 record behind the play of their "big 3" in [player_tooltip player_id='314161' first='McKenna' last='Sievers'], [player_tooltip player_id='246160' first='Kierra' last='Jungers'], and [player_tooltip player_id='160561' first='Mary' last='Walker']. The second spot on this part of the bracket goes to AGWSR high school. The AGWSR Cougars are 17-1 and sitting with one of the best records in the state up until now. They are led by freshman sensation [player_tooltip player_id='509632' first='Nakia' last='Ollivierre'] who is dominating all facets of the game.   <h2 class="has-medium-font-size">Teams & Their Leaders:</h2>   Newell-Fonda Mustangs (15-2) - [player_tooltip player_id='160561' first='Mary' last='Walker'] (15.1 PPG, 2.9 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='314161' first='McKenna' last='Sievers'] (11.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.9 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='246160' first='Kierra' last='Jungers'] (12.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG)   Glidden-Ralston Wildcats (10-8) - Paige Klock (17.8 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 2.1 APG), Kassidy Wenck (6.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG)   Storm Lake St. Mary's Panthers (2-13) - Sydney Hurd (12.6 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.0 APG), Natalie Green (4.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.1 APG)   Baxter Bolts (14-3) - [player_tooltip player_id='842614' first='Emie' last='Tuhn'] (15.7 PPG, 3.6 APG), Mandee Selover (11.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG)   Paton-Churdan Rockets (1-17) - Becca Anderson (16.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.5 AGP), Emma Steam (12.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.6 AGP)   Collins-Maxwell Spartans (15-4) - [player_tooltip player_id='246108' first='Erica' last='Houge'] (22.6 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.8 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='314109' first='Chloe' last='Wierson'] (16 PPG, 11.4 RPG)   Meskwaki Settlement Warriors (2-14) - Sia Bear (8.8 PPG, 2.6 APG), Kalayna White (8.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG)   AGWSR Cougars (17-1) - [player_tooltip player_id='509632' first='Nakia' last='Ollivierre'] (22.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.7 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='674217' first='Josie' last='Kuper'] (15.5 PPG, 8.9 RPG)   Colo-Nesco Royals (2-15) - Gemma Bower (4.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.8 APG)   BCLUW Comets (8-11) - Sydney Anderson (10.4 PPG, 1.2 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='839346' first='Grace' last='Farnsworth'] (8.6 PPG, 8.1 RPG)   HLV Warriors (5-14) - Mckenzie Kempf (8.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.8 APG), Hailey Jack (5.8 PPG, 2.5 APG)   Ankeny Christian Eagles (17-2) - Chloe Roe (11.6 PPG, 8.0 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='842622' first='Katie' last='Quick'] (10.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.6 APG), Riese Gjerde (9.8 PPG, 2.7 APG)   St. Edmond Gaels (0-17) - Lauren Gibb (4.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG), Josie Harvey (3.9 PPG), Anna Kolacia (3.8 PPG)   GMG Wolverines (10-8) - Marriah Stonewall (10.3 PPG, 6.1 RPG), Reese Dieleman (9.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG)   BGM Bears (6-15) - Karagyn Minnaert (10.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2 APG), Laila Morrison (6.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG)   <h2 class="has-medium-font-size">Prediction </h2>   Region 2 becomes more interesting than the first to myself and many others watching. Newell-Fonda comes in as the obvious favorite after putting together the season they have as well as including recent program success but I think it's going to take some work to get out of this region. There are 3 or 4 teams in the mix here that could come out with a good game plan against the Mustangs, which could lead to an upset. Teams that I would like to keep an eye on here with the best chance at beating Newell-Fonda in my opinion are Ankeny Christian and AGWSR. Two programs that can get hot coming down the stretch.   <h2 class="has-large-font-size">Region 3</h2>   Region 3. Otherwise known as the region that travels through North Linn. The Lynx come into this the playoffs and this region with best record while being the odds on favorite to make it through at the end. This team currently sits with an undefeated record at 18-0 as they look to dominate anyone who stands in their way on the road to state. Behind the play of [player_tooltip player_id='246105' first='Kamryn' last='Kurt'], [player_tooltip player_id='314107' first='Macy' last='Boge'], and [player_tooltip player_id='311393' first='Molly' last='Boge'] this group attacks from all angles, making them very difficult to defend.   <h2 class="has-medium-font-size">Teams & Their Leaders:</h2>   North Linn Lynx (18-0) - [player_tooltip player_id='246105' first='Kamryn' last='Kurt'] (17.6 PPG, 3.9 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='314107' first='Macy' last='Boge'] (13.3 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='311393' first='Molly' last='Boge'] (11.2 PPG, 3.1 APG)   Iowa Valley Tigers (13-5) - [player_tooltip player_id='788545' first='Lydia' last='Kriegel'] (14.9 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.9 APG), Lola Frimml (10.9 PPG, 6.2 PPG, 2.2 APG), Macy McMann (8.4 PPG, 2.6 APG)   Belle Plaine Plainsmen (2-17) - Mandy Chizek (7.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG), Ella Grieder (8.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG)   Calamus-Wheatland Warriors (17-4) - [player_tooltip player_id='314135' first='Kahlie' last='Hill'] (15.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.9 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='314139' first='Emily' last='Boeckmann'] (9.3 PPG, 4.3 APG)   Prince Of Peace Irish (4-15) - Sarah Moeller (12.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.2 APG), Shannon Kenneavy (6.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG), Kyla Bellich (5.2 PPG, 8.2 RPG)   Marquette Catholic (14-6) - Elise Kilburg (14.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.2 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='592180' first='Megan' last='Kremer'] (12.9 PPG, 15.8 RPG, 1.7 APG)   North Cedar Knights (1-18) - Addison Sheilds (7.3 PPG, 1.7 APG), Mayson Lehrman (7.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG)   Montezuma Bravettes (16-2) - [player_tooltip player_id='127609' first='Mia' last='Boulton'] (15.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.6 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='1207377' first='Shiressa' last='Wetering'] (9.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='842589' first='Ellen' last='Cook'] (9 PPG, 3 APG)   Hillcrest Academy Ravens (0-19) - Malia Yoder (8.2 PPG, 1.8 APG), [player_tooltip player_id='1191954' first='Claire' last='Withrow'] (9.8 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='839344' first='Niva' last='Helmuth'] (2.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG)   Lone Tree Lions (12-7) - [player_tooltip player_id='1160550' first='Vivian' last='Zaruba'] (6.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.7 APG), Riley Krueger (6.5 PPG, 1.9 APG)   Springville Orioles (15-4) - [player_tooltip player_id='595151' first='Rowan' last='Jacobi'] (12.1 PPG, 8.4 RPG), Molly Stamp (11.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.5 APG), Isabel Guerrero (9.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG)   Easton Valley River Hawks (5-12) - Hadley Farrell (6.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.5 APG), Emmah Johnson (6.8 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 1.4 APG)   English Valleys Bears (13-7) - [player_tooltip player_id='595148' first='Kennedy' last='Axmear'] (15.4 PPG, 11.3 RPG), Delaney Hall (11.5 PPG, 2.5 APG), Addy Westfall (9.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.4 APG)   Highland Huskies (8-11) - [player_tooltip player_id='675307' first='Sarah' last='Burton'] (16.9 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 1.5 APG), Jessica Kraus (6.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG)   <h2 class="has-medium-font-size">Prediction </h2>   Like I mentioned above I do like North Linn to come out of region 3 as the winner but it's going to take some effort before that can be accomplished. Watch out for teams like Montezuma, Marquette Catholic, and Springville to look to come out of nowhere to knock off the Lynx and take that top spot. They are all capable programs that are going to push the envelope each night as they try to make it closer and closer to the state tournament, but for now, I'll stick with the Lynx to move forward here.   <h2 class="has-large-font-size">Region 4</h2>   Region 4 is another where there stands 2-top dogs that will receive bye's in the first round of the playoffs because of their success on the court throughout the regular season. Those teams are Remsen St. Mary's and Exira-EHK high school. Remsen St. Mary's enters the post season as the #1 seed in their region while posting a 17-1 record during the regular season. Following closely behind them in the second spot is Exira-EHK high school, who possesses a 16-3 record up until this point.   <h2 class="has-medium-font-size">Teams & Their Leaders: </h2>   Remsen St. Mary's Hawks (17-1) - [player_tooltip player_id='314129' first='Whitney' last='Jensen'] (15.9 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 3.6 APG), Carmindee Ricke (11.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.4 APG)   Gehlen Catholic Jays (7-11) - [player_tooltip player_id='525596' first='Rysaiah' last='Sitzmann'] (13.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.2 APG), Miyah Whitehead (13.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.2 APG)   George-Little Rock Mustangs (4-14) - [player_tooltip player_id='839332' first='Lindsey' last='Haken'] (12.2 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 1.8 APG), Taryn Odens (6.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG), Wyleigh Steenhoven (7.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.6 APG)   Kingsley-Pierson Panthers (14-4) - [player_tooltip player_id='524262' first='Sydney' last='Doeschot'] (22.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG), Avery Schroeder (8.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.9 APG)   South O'Brien Wolverines (0-19) - Taja Conley (8.3 PPG, 1.3 APG), Marissa Ebel (4.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG)   Trinity Christian Tigers (8-9) - Anna Postma (7.8 PPG, 1.6 APG), Keahna Haynen (4.5 RPG, 2 APG)   Harris-Lake Park Wolves (5-12) - [player_tooltip player_id='675309' first='Payton' last='Reimers'] (19.4 PPG, 2 APG), Allison Wallace (5.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.2 APG), Kendal Niemeier (5.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG)   Exira-EHK Spartans (16-3) - [player_tooltip player_id='63025' first='Quinn' last='Grubbs'] (18.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.6 APG), Shay Burmeister (13 PPG, 3.9 APG)   AR-WE-VA Rockets (6-10) - [player_tooltip player_id='160567' first='Maggie' last='Ragaller'] (14 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.6 APG), Jamie Hausman (5.8 PPG, 1.3 APG)   Woodbury Central Wildcats (3-15) - Kaylee Utesch (12.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG), Madi Lloyd (5.2 PPG, 1.6 APG), Katelyn Archer (4 RPG, 1.7 APG)   Coon Rapids-Bayard Crusaders (11-7) - [player_tooltip player_id='595149' first='Breeley' last='Clayburg'] (14.5 PPG, 10.1 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='595152' first='Malia' last='Clayburg'] (10.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG)   Audubon Wheelers (2-17) - Audrey Jensen (8.2 PPG, 1.3 APG), Sienna Albertsen (7.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG), Madison Steckler (7 PPG, 1 APG)   River Valley Wolverines (6-10) - Maddie Thomas (12.2 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.5 APG), Myah Dausel (9.6 PPG, 4.1 APG)   Siouxland Christian Eagles (1-15) - Autumn Porter (10.6 PPG), Jaeley Kookier (8.5 PPG, 1 APG)   <h2 class="has-medium-font-size">Prediction</h2>   In this Region I'd like to turn on an upset alert. Remsen should make it all the way to the Regional finals but I think that's where they have a good chance at being upset by 1 or 2 teams. I really like the #2 seed Exira-EHK and the position they are in and I also like the spot Kingsley-Pierson is in. Both programs that have star power, consistent contributors, and big play-makers, both with really good coaching staffs to back them. It'll be fun to watch no matter what as I think this region could really have some fireworks as the tournament progresses forward.

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 state champion. (Records in this article reflect date when article was published)