Star-filled interstate battle highlights Rivalry Saturday’s eight-game 2025 girls’ basketball slate

Rivalry Saturday XXI has its same outstanding local matchups; after all, 14 of the anticipated 16 teams have drawn top-10 rankings in The Gazette’s preliminary preseason list.

Here’s a new twist:

The event, scheduled for Dec. 6 at Johnson Hall on the campus of Kirkwood Community College, features an interstate showdown between two-time defending Class 5A state champion Johnston and Wisconsin powerhouse Madison Edgewood.

Johnston has won its last 52 games and features senior-to-be Jenica Lewis, who is coveted by many high Division I programs. Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart was the Wisconsin Division 2 state runner-up after claiming the Division 3 title in 2024.

Eight games are scheduled. Five matchups are locked, with the other three awaiting final confirmation.

Times will be determined after all eight matchups are finalized.

Confirmed

5A No. 1 Johnston (26-0) vs. Madison (Wis.) Edgewood (28-2)

Lewis (18.0 ppg) headlines a Johnston crew that returns four starters and is favored to win its third straight 5A title, and its fifth in seven years. Edgewood’s season ended in heartbreak last year, a triple-overtime loss in the Wisconsin Division 2 championship game. The Crusaders’ Anna Miller, 5-foot-8 guard, is a highly regarded 2027 prospect.

2A No. 9 Maquoketa Valley (23-3) vs. 1A No. 3 Gladbrook-Reinbeck (21-4)

Both teams were state qualifiers in 2025. Gladbrook-Reinbeck, which will make its Rivalry Saturday debut, returns double-digit scorers in seniors Elly Sieh and Kennedy Brant. Maquoketa Valley won’t have a lot of size, but sophomore Audra Burbridge and senior Grace Richter will keep the Wildcats at or near the top of the Tri-Rivers West Division.

1A No. 4 Springville (20-5) vs. Turkey Valley (17-6)

These teams were Class 1A championship-game combatants in 2016 and 2017 (Springville won both times). The Orioles have a gem in 6-foot-2 Rowan Jacobi (22.8 points, 13.3 rebounds per game), a University of South Dakota commit. Turkey Valley returns its top four scorers from last season, and is expected to challenge Lansing Kee for the Upper Iowa Conference title.

5A No. 7 Cedar Rapids Washington (13-10) vs. 4A No. 5 Clear Creek Amana (15-8)

Both teams return virtually intact after falling one step short of the state tournament in 2025. Senior guards Averie Lower and Lena Evans combined for nearly 40 points per game last season for CCA, and both were prominent pieces of the Clippers’ 4A-title team in 2024. Washington returns four double-figure scores, led by senior guard Samantha Becker (16.9 ppg).

3A No. 8 Mediapolis (21-3) vs. 3A No. 10 Tipton (16-7)

Tipton has followed 12 straight losing seasons with back-to-back 16-7 campaigns, and the best should be yet to come. The Tigers’ top four scorers last year were sophomores, led by Jordyn Schmidt (11.5 ppg). This is a much-needed challenge for Mediapolis, which rolled through the Southeast Iowa Superconference but faced the 307th-best schedule in the state. Three double-digit scorers return.

Awaiting final confirmation

5A No. 5 Cedar Rapids Prairie (20-5) vs. 3A No. 1 Maquoketa (21-3)

Prairie won’t be as deep as its predecessor, which advanced to the state tournament. But the Hawks return an outstanding trio in seniors Emily Larsen (a UNI recruit) and Brynlie Hadenfeldt, and junior KeaOnna Worley. Maquoketa is coming off its first state tournament in school history, and moves down a class to 3A. All five starters are back, led by seniors Cora Widel and Aubrey Kroymann.

5A No. 4 Iowa City Liberty (17-7) vs. 3A No. 2 Williamsburg (24-3)

After making its state-tournament debut in 2025, Liberty looks to go even farther next season. Three starters return, including South Dakota commit Natalie Ramsey, a senior who averaged 22.3 points and 10.4 rebounds per game last year. Williamsburg was a 3A state semifinalist and the Wamac West Division champion last year and brings back six of its top seven scorers, led by senior post Zoe Allen.

5A No. 6 Iowa City West (15-9) vs. 3A No. 5 Mount Vernon (26-1)

Jacob Misener takes over as Mount Vernon head coach, and the reigning 3A state champions welcome back a dynamic backcourt in senior twins Courtney and Taylor Franck, along with sophomore Savanna Wright. West is working on a streak of 22 consecutive winning seasons, and with the top five scorers back (led by Drake recruit Grace Fincham), that’s not ending this winter.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com