Xavier-Heelan rematch highlights 18th version of Rivalry Saturday

8-game girls’ basketball set is scheduled for Nov. 26 at Kirkwood Community College

Sep. 14, 2022 12:48 pm, Updated: Sep. 14, 2022 3:14 pm

Cedar Rapids Xavier’s Kyla Mason presses as Heelan’s Lauren LaFleur looks to inbound the ball during a the Class 4A state championship game at the 2022 girls’ state basketball tournament. Xavier won the game, 54-40. Mason and LaFleur are both back, and the Saints and Crusaders will meet at Rivalry Saturday on Nov. 26 at Kirkwood Community College. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette)

CEDAR RAPIDS — They played on Championship Saturday of the girls’ state basketball tournament in March.

Cedar Rapids Xavier and Sioux City Heelan will tangle again, in November. At Rivalry Saturday.

The Xavier-Heelan rematch is the marquee game of Rivalry Saturday XVIII. The eight-game set was released to The Gazette on Wednesday by director Scot Moenck.

Kirkwood Community College’s Johnson Hall will host the Nov. 26 event.

Xavier capped a 20-6 season last year with a 54-40 victory over Heelan in the title game, overcoming a nine-point third-quarter deficit.

Sophomore Libby Fandel and senior Kyla Mason are key returners for the Saints; Heelan welcomes back four starters and is the likely 4A preseason No. 1.

Xavier Coach Tom Lilly is two wins away from the 600-victory plateau.

Heelan is one of five teams new to the Rivalry Saturday scene. The others are Ankeny Centennial and Iowa City Liberty (who play one another) and West Liberty and Newell-Fonda (same story).

Centennial is led by veteran coach Scott DeJong (667 career wins). Newell-Fonda won three straight 1A state titles before settling for second last season. West Liberty’s stock soared upon the transfer of Kelsey Joens, an Iowa State commit.