Analyzing the area girls’ basketball regional pairings in 5A and 4A

It’s been a while.

Three years since an area Class 5A team reached the girls’ state basketball tournament.

Four years since an area 5A team won a first-round game.

Five years since a Metro 5A team got to Des Moines.

Nine years since a Metro 5A team won a first-round game.

You get the picture.

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Wednesday, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released its regional pairings for 5A and 4A.

It’s almost a lock that an area team will make the 5A dance in Des Moines. And probably, two.

The postseason opens in 5A and 4A next Wednesday, Feb. 19, with first-round games. The fun really begins with the semifinal round Saturday, Feb. 22.

Here are five themes surrounding area 5A/4A regions:

Area 5A drought almost certain to end

Led by No. 6 Cedar Rapids Prairie (17-3 heading into its final two regular-season games), the list of area 5A contenders is lengthy.

If form holds in 5A Region 5, Prairie would host No. 11 Iowa City West (14-7) in a regional final. First, though, the Trojans would have to get past Cedar Rapids Kennedy (9-11) in the semifinals. West topped Kennedy, 71-63, Tuesday.

Region 8 shapes up as a likely regional final rubber match between No. 8 Iowa City Liberty (15-5) and No. 9 Iowa City High (15-6).

Liberty is in the midst of its winningest season and has its eye on its first state tournament trip.

Who’s hot? Washington, that’s who

At 2-6 after a loss on Jan. 3, Cedar Rapids Washington in no way resembled a team capable of a late February run.

But times have changed.

The surging Warriors have won nine of their last 12 games, including a 62-54 victory over Prairie on Tuesday, and take a No. 15 ranking and an 11-9 record into their regular-season finale Friday at City High.

Washington hosts Bettendorf (15-5) in a 5A Region 2 semifinal, with a trip to No. 2 West Des Moines Dowling (18-3) awaiting the winner.

Final run for Lilly and Fandel

Cedar Rapids Xavier captured the Class 4A state championship in 2022, when Libby Fandel was a freshman.

Now, Fandel is a senior bound for the University of Kansas, Coach Tom Lilly has announced his retirement at the conclusion of the season, and the Saints look like a team to be reckoned with.

No. 8 Xavier (16-4) is on an eight-game win streak and pursues an outright MVC Mississippi Division title Friday. They are on a collision course for a regional final showdown with No. 9 Waverly-Shell Rock (18-2).

CCA chases 3rd straight trip

For the time being, Clear Creek Amana still wears the crown in Class 4A.

The 12th-ranked Clippers (13-7) open their title defense with a 4A Region 4 semifinal at home against Mount Pleasant or Keokuk.

Win that, and that will probably set up a regional final battle with No. 4 Central DeWitt (18-3).

That matchup would feature Central DeWitt senior Lauren Walker (25.4 points per game) and CCA junior Averie Lower (23.1 ppg).

Maquoketa in new role: Regional favorite

These are the good old days at Maquoketa.

The Cardinals (19-2) have won back-to-back River Valley Conference North Division titles. Their two losses have come against 5A opponents (Iowa City Liberty and Iowa City High, by a combined five points).

Now, they’re hoping to make some postseason history.

Class 4A No. 3 Maquoketa is favored to advance to its first state tournament. With an all-junior starting lineup, the Cardinals open against North Scott or Clinton in the regional semifinals, and probably will host No. 15 Marion (12-8) in a regional final.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com