Regional play for girls basketball kicks off next week and brackets have been finalized, revealing the first-round postseason opponents for Mid-Prairie, Lone Tree, Highland, and Hillcrest. 

Class 3A - Region 4

The Golden Hawks (15-4) begin their tournament run at home against the Central Lee Hawks (10-10) on Feb. 15. 

These two teams last played each other in 2021, where Central Lee emerged victorious, but Mid-Prairie leads the all-time series at 3-1.  

On offense, Central Lee is led by the sophomore-junior duo of Lizzy Mason and Kenna Sandovel who are averaging 11.7 and 10.1 points per game. A versatile player, Mason also leads the team in steals (105) and assists (62). Sandoval is the team leader in rebounds (156). 

The Golden Hawks on offense are led by senior Callie Huber who is averaging 11.6 ppg while leading the team in blocks (30) and rebounds (166). Freshman guard Jeorgia Evans leads in steals (60) and junior guard Katelyn Harland leads in assists (59). 

The winner of this matchup advances to the next round on Feb. 19 to face the winner of Williamsburg (18-2) vs Fairfield (1-18). 

Class 1A - Region 7

To start the postseason the Lady Lions (17-3) host Cedar Valley Christian (0-18), the Huskies (15-6) host Wapello (5-15), and the Ravens (10-10) host New London (1-20). All three of these games will take place on Feb. 13. 

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Lone Tree’s first round matchup is a rematch from the regular season, a game where the Lady Lions cruised to a 61-8 victory over CVC. This will be the third time these two have matched up with the Lady Lions leading the series at 2-0. 

CVC is led on offense by senior Jorja Lillis who is averaging 10.2 ppg and leads the team in steals (24). Junior Libbie Spicka leads the team in rebounds (63) and sophomores Elizabeth Hansen and Kelsey Jessen both lead the team in assists (7). 

When it comes to offense the Lady Lions are led by standout junior guard Finley Jacque who is averaging 15.9 ppg while also leading Lone Tree in assists (69) and steals (76). Three Lady Lions have passed the century mark in rebounds this season with those players being the senior trio of Rylee Shield (137), Cate Sexton (108), and Vivian Zaruba (104). 

The winner of this matchup advances to the next round on Feb. 18 to face the winner of Holy Trinity Catholic (13-6) vs Moulton-Udell (3-15). 

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Highland’s first round matchup is against fellow conference member Wapello. The Huskies swept the Arrows in the regular season and Highland leads the all-time series at 25-10. Wapello’s last win over Highland came in 2021. 

The Arrows are led on offense by sophomore Macey Kuntz who is averaging 11.4 ppg while also leading the team in rebounds (157) and assists (40). Both senior Rachel Hoeg and sophomore Annaka Greinver lead the team in steals (37).

It has been a freshman season to remember for Kamryn Fink who leads Highland with 16.4 ppg while also leading in rebounds (322) and blocks (29). Sophomore guard Hailey Brun leads in steals (90) and senior forward Katie Herrig leads in assists (78).   

The winner of this matchup advances to the next round on Feb. 18 to face the winner of Hillcrest (10-10) vs New London (1-20). 

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Hillcrest’s first round matchup is against an opponent they don’t see too often and while New London leads the all-time series at 4-1, the last time these two teams faced off in 2024 it was the Ravens who came away with the victory. 

New London is led on offense by senior Mylee Miller who is averaging 10.1 ppg while also leading in rebounds (152) and blocks (61). Fellow senior Morgan Jones leads the team in steals (65) and assists (66). 

The dynamic senior-junior duo of Malia Yoder and Claire Withrow have been outstanding on offense this year for Hillcrest with both playmakers averaging 15 ppg. Yoder also leads the team in steals (89) and assists (69). Three Ravens surpassed 100 rebounds with those players being Delaney Shaw (177), Yoder (144), and Niva Helmuth (138). 

The winner of this matchup advances to the next round on Feb. 18 to face the winner of Highland (15-6) vs Wapello (5-15).