Basketball fever gripsIowa Girls Basketball every year, and 2025 promises another thrilling season for girls’ high school hoops. Fans across the state eagerly await the tip-off, ready to cheer on their favorite teams as they battle for glory. With the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) orchestrating the action, the schedule bursts with exciting matchups, regional showdowns, and the iconic state tournament. This article dives deep into the latest details of the 2025 Iowa girls basketball schedule, offering you everything you need to stay in the game.

As of today, March 28, 2025, the season already hums with energy, and updates roll in fast. Whether you root for a small-town squad or a big-city powerhouse, this guide keeps you informed with fresh info straight from the court. So, grab your popcorn, lace up your imaginary sneakers, and let’s explore what this season holds for Iowa’s talented young athletes.

The Heartbeat of Iowa Basketball: Why It Matters

Iowa girls basketball carries a legacy unlike any other. This sport ignites passion in communities, filling gyms with roaring crowds and turning players into local legends. The 2025 season continues this tradition, showcasing skill, teamwork, and heart across five competitive classes—1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, and 5A. Each class brings its own flavor, from scrappy underdogs to polished contenders, making every game a must-watch event.

The IGHSAU oversees this hoops extravaganza, ensuring every team gets a shot at greatness. Their schedule balances regular-season clashes with a thrilling postseason, culminating in the state tournament at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Fans love the intensity, and players thrive under the spotlight. This year, expect fierce rivalries, breakout stars, and moments that etch themselves into Iowa sports history.

Moreover, the schedule reflects Iowa’s unique basketball culture. Girls here don’t just play—they dominate, carrying forward a heritage that dates back to the 1920s. The switch from six-on-six to five-on-five in 1994 only amplified the excitement, and today, over 7,500 girls lace up for action. With so much talent on display, the 2025 season promises to deliver unforgettable drama.

Key Dates to Mark on Your Calendar

The 2025 Iowa girls basketball schedule kicks off with a bang and doesn’t let up until the final buzzer. Teams hit the court for their first regular-season games on November 22, 2024, launching a whirlwind of action across the state. Schools schedule up to 21 games per player at each level, though some stretch to 22, giving fans plenty of chances to catch their favorites in action.

Next, the postseason heats up in February. Regional tournaments start on February 13 for Class 1A, February 15 for Classes 2A and 3A, and February 19 for Classes 4A and 5A. These games decide who advances to the big stage, with brackets released just days before the battles begin. Teams fight tooth and nail, knowing every win brings them closer to Des Moines.

Finally, the state tournament steals the show from March 3 to March 8, 2025, at Wells Fargo Arena. This week-long spectacle crowns champions in all five classes, drawing thousands of fans and showcasing Iowa’s best talent. Quarterfinals kick off on March 3, semifinals follow midweek, and championship games wrap up the action on March 8. If you love basketball, these dates deserve a permanent spot on your calendar.

Breaking Down the 2025 Schedule by Class

Class 1A: Small Schools, Big Dreams

Class 1A features Iowa’s smallest schools, but don’t let their size fool you—these teams pack a punch. The regular season runs from late November through mid-February, with regional tournaments starting February 13. Top teams like Council Bluffs St. Albert, who clinched the 2025 title in a nail-biting 61-58 double-overtime win over Newell-Fonda, set the tone early.

The state tournament schedule for 1A begins March 5 with quarterfinals. St. Albert faced Dunkerton at 1:30 p.m., followed by Bishop Garrigan versus Montezuma at 3:15 p.m. North Linn took on Gladbrook-Reinbeck at 5 p.m., and Newell-Fonda battled Springville at 6:45 p.m. Semifinals unfolded on March 7, leading to the championship clash on March 8 at 7 p.m. Expect tight games and passionate play from these small-town heroes.

Class 2A: Rising Stars Shine Bright

Class 2A steps up the competition, blending rural grit with emerging talent. Their regular season mirrors 1A’s timeline, with regionals tipping off on February 15. Teams like Hinton, who topped Central Lyon 48-46 for the 2025 title, dominate headlines with their relentless energy and clutch performances.

Quarterfinals hit Wells Fargo Arena on March 4, featuring matchups like Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont versus Treynor at 10 a.m. and Central Lyon against North Mahaska at 11:45 a.m. Iowa City Regina faced Maquoketa Valley at 1:30 p.m., while Hinton took on Rock Valley at 3:15 p.m. Semifinals followed on March 6, and the championship capped the class’s run on March 8 at 4:45 p.m. Fans adore 2A for its unpredictability and heart-pounding finishes.

Class 3A: Mid-Tier Madness

Class 3A brings a mix of seasoned programs and hungry challengers. Their regular season wraps up by mid-February, with regionals starting February 15. Mount Vernon emerged as the 2025 champ, edging out Wahlert Catholic 47-36 in a game that showcased their defensive prowess and sharp shooting.

The state tournament schedule begins March 3 with quarterfinals: Mount Vernon versus West Marshall at 10 a.m., Estherville Lincoln Central against Cherokee Washington at 11:45 a.m., Wahlert Catholic facing Spirit Lake at 1:30 p.m., and Williamsburg battling Des Moines Christian at 3:15 p.m. Semi Finals took place on March 5, and the title game wrapped up on March 7 at 7 p.m. Class 3A always delivers a rollercoaster of emotions.

Class 4A: Powerhouse Showdowns

Regionals start February 19, following a regular season packed with rivalries. Cedar Rapids Xavier stunned the field in 2025, beating North Polk 66-47 to claim the crown after a Cinderella run as the No. 8 seed.

Quarterfinals kicked off on March 4: Xavier versus Bishop Heelan at 5 p.m., Norwalk against Central Dewitt at 6:45 p.m., North Polk facing Sioux Center at 8:15 p.m., and Dallas Center-Grimes taking on Maquoketa at 10 a.m. on March 5. Semifinals unfolded on March 6, and the championship thrilled fans on March 8 at 2 p.m.

Class 5A: The Big Leagues

Class 5A showcases Iowa’s largest schools and brightest stars. Regionals begin February 19, with top teams like Johnston—who topped Dowling Catholic 55-44 for the 2025 title—leading the charge. These squads boast size, speed, and skill, making every game a blockbuster.

The state tournament starts March 3 with quarterfinals: Johnston versus Iowa City Liberty at 10 a.m., Ankeny Centennial against Pleasant Valley at 11:45 a.m., Dowling Catholic facing Davenport North at 1:30 p.m., and Waukee Northwest battling Cedar Rapids Prairie at 3:15 p.m. Semifinals hit on March 6, and the championship closed out the week on March 7 at 6 p.m. Class 5A offers pro-level talent and pro-sized crowds.

Standout Teams and Players to Watch

Every season births new heroes, and 2025 proves no exception. Johnston’s Class 5A dominance hinges on their balanced attack, with players like Ellie Muller—who dropped 17 points and 12 rebounds in the semifinals—leading the way. Cedar Rapids Xavier’s upset run in 4A highlights their grit, while Mount Vernon’s precision in 3A makes them a fan favorite.

In Class 2A, Hinton’s Sydney Doeschot earned all-tournament captain honors, showcasing her clutch scoring and leadership. Class 1A’s Avah Underwood from St. Albert dazzled in the title game, proving small schools breed big talent. Coaches across the state rave about these athletes, and their performances light up highlight reels.

Additionally, keep an eye on under-the-radar squads like North Linn in 1A and North Polk in 4A. These teams blend young stars with savvy veterans, poised to surprise bigger foes. The 2025 schedule gives them plenty of chances to shine, so don’t sleep on these dark horses.

FAQs: 

When does the 2025 Iowa girls basketball season officially start?

The season kicks off on November 22, 2024, with teams across all five classes hitting the court for their first regular-season games. This date marks the beginning of a months-long journey filled with intense matchups and memorable moments. Schools schedule up to 21 or 22 games per player, ensuring a packed slate through mid-February.

Which teams won the state championships in 2025?

North Johnston claimed the Class 5A title, beating Dowling Catholic 55-44 on March 7. Cedar Rapids Xavier shocked Class 4A, topping North Polk 66-47 on March 8. Mount Vernon ruled Class 3A with a 47-36 win over Wahlert Catholic on March 7. Hinton took Class 2A, edging Central Lyon 48-46 on March 8, and St. Albert won Class 1A, outlasting Newell-Fonda 61-58 in double overtime on March 8.

How do regional tournaments work in the 2025 schedule?

Boca Regional tournaments start in February, with dates staggered by class: February 13 for 1A, February 15 for 2A and 3A, and February 19 for 4A and 5A. Teams compete in single-elimination brackets, with winners advancing to the state tournament in Des Moines. Iowa Girls Basketball The IGHSAU releases pairings just before the action begins, ramping up the excitement.

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