
Girls in Iowa have been playing high school basketball since the 1920s, even when many people believed they shouldn't be. Today, Iowa has five classes of girls' basketball, with the largest 40 school districts in 5A, the next 48 in 4A, the next 64 in 3A, the next 80 in 2A, and the remaining schools in 1A. The Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament is held annually, with the 2025 tournament taking place in March.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of classes | 5 |
| Number of school districts | 272 |
| Number of schools in 5A | 40 |
| Number of schools in 4A | 48 |
| Number of schools in 3A | 64 |
| Number of schools in 2A | 80 |
| Number of schools in 1A | 40 |
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What You'll Learn

Iowa Girls High School Basketball has five classes
Iowa Girls High School Basketball currently has five classes, with more than 7,500 girls playing the sport. The five classes are determined by the size of the school districts, with the largest 40 school districts competing in 5A, the next 48 in 4A, the next 64 in 3A, the following 80 in 2A, and the remaining, smaller school districts in 1A.
The Iowa Girls State High School Basketball tournament is the oldest girls' high school tournament of its kind, with the first tournament taking place in the 1920s, even when many people believed girls should not play. The enthusiasm for the sport and the annual state tournament ignited a passion for the game, and it has been known for its great basketball and exciting half-time shows.
The 2024-25 basketball season will begin with the first practice on November 11, and the first competitions will tip off on November 22. The Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament will be held from March 3-8, 2025, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. The official tournament basketball will be the Spalding TF1000 Legacy.
Iowa girls' basketball was played in a six-on-six format until 1994, when all school districts switched to the five-on-five format that is still played today. The sport is a favourite among audiences, and it encourages Iowa girls to develop team-building skills and lifelong friendships.
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The largest 40 school districts are 5A
Iowa girls' high school basketball has five classes, with the largest 40 school districts competing in 5A. This is followed by 48 schools in 4A, 64 in 3A, 80 in 2A, and the remaining schools in 1A.
The five-class structure is a recent development in Iowa girls' high school basketball, which was played in a six-on-six format until 1994 when all school districts switched to the five-on-five format that is still used today. The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) currently has over 7,500 girls playing basketball across these five classes.
The 2024-25 basketball season will begin with the first practice on November 11, and the first competitions will tip off on November 22. The Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament will be held from March 3-8, 2025, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Iowa Girls High School Basketball has a rich history, with the Iowa Girls State High School Basketball tournament being the oldest of its kind. Girls began playing high school basketball in the state in the 1920s, even when many people believed they should not. The enthusiasm for the sport and the annual state tournament ignited a passion that has continued to this day, with the tournament known for its great basketball and exciting halftime shows.
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The next 48 districts are 4A
Iowa girls' high school basketball is divided into five classes, with the number of school districts in each class decreasing from 5A to 1A. The second-largest category, 4A, comprises the next 48 districts after the 5A class, which consists of the 40 largest school districts.
The 4A class is an important category in Iowa girls' high school basketball, with several schools vying for the championship title. In the 2024-25 basketball season, the 4A class saw competitive matches and impressive performances from various teams. The state tournament witnessed intense competition, with schools such as Cedar Rapids Xavier, North Polk, Norwalk, and Dallas Center-Grimes advancing to the quarterfinals. Cedar Rapids Xavier and North Polk stood out, with Cedar Rapids Xavier ultimately claiming the 4A title with a final score of 66-47 over North Polk.
The 4A class in Iowa girls' high school basketball is a testament to the talent and dedication of young female athletes across the state. The teams in this class showcase their skills, teamwork, and determination throughout the season, leading up to the highly anticipated state tournament. The road to the championship is filled with excitement, upsets, and memorable moments that highlight the growth and competitiveness of the sport.
The Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament, held in March 2025, served as a showcase for the 4A class. The tournament brought together the top teams in the class, providing a platform for these young athletes to display their talents on a grand stage. The road to the championship was filled with thrilling matches, with teams battling it out in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately, the final showdown for the title.
The 4A class in Iowa girls' high school basketball exemplifies the spirit of competition and sportsmanship. It empowers young women to pursue excellence, develop their skills, and forge lasting friendships through the game. The classification system, with 4A occupying a crucial tier, ensures that schools across the state have the opportunity to compete, fostering a sense of inclusivity and encouraging the development of basketball talent in Iowa.
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64 districts compete in 3A
Iowa girls' high school basketball is divided into five classes based on the number of schools in each district. The 64 districts competing in 3A fall between the 48 districts in 4A and the 80 districts in 2A.
The five classes are 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A, and 1A, with 40, 48, 64, 80, and the remaining number of schools in each class, respectively. This classification system ensures that schools with similar enrollments compete against each other, promoting fair competition and opportunities for success across the state.
Iowa has a rich history of girls' high school basketball, dating back to the 1920s when girls began playing despite societal opposition. The Iowa Girls State High School Basketball tournament is the oldest of its kind, featuring exciting basketball action and memorable halftime shows. The tournament has been a platform for Iowa girls to showcase their talent and build lasting friendships through team-building experiences.
The 64 districts in 3A represent a significant portion of the state's high schools, providing a competitive environment for student-athletes to excel and pursue their passion for basketball. The classification system, determined by enrollment figures, ensures that schools in 3A have a similar number of students, creating a balanced playing field for all participating teams.
The Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union (IGHSAU) is committed to providing a championship-level experience for these student-athletes, fostering a lifelong love for the sport and encouraging the development of essential skills such as teamwork and sportsmanship. The 3A classification specifically offers a platform for schools with moderate enrollments to shine, striking a balance between the larger 5A and 4A schools and the smaller 2A and 1A districts.
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80 districts compete in 2A
Iowa girls' high school basketball is divided into five classes based on school district size. The 80 districts that compete in 2A are those that fall in the middle in terms of size. The 80 districts in 2A are preceded by 64 districts in 3A and succeeded by the remaining, smallest districts in 1A. The largest 40 districts compete in 5A, and the next 48 in 4A.
Iowa girls' basketball has a rich history, with girls playing the sport as early as the 1920s, even when many people believed they shouldn't. The Iowa Girls State High School Basketball tournament is the oldest of its kind and has long been known for its great basketball and exciting halftime shows. The sport was played in a six-on-six format until 1994 when all school districts switched to the five-on-five format used today.
The upcoming 2024-25 basketball season will begin with the first practice on November 11, and the first competitions will tip off on November 22. The Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament will be held from March 3-8, 2025, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
The IGHSAU currently has over 7,500 girls playing basketball across its five classes. The sport continues to be a favorite among audiences and encourages Iowa girls to develop team-building skills and lifelong friendships.
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Frequently asked questions
There are five classes.
The classes are categorized by the number of schools in each district, with the largest 40 school districts in 5A, the next 48 in 4A, the next 64 in 3A, the next 80 in 2A, and the remaining schools in 1A.
Over 7,500 girls play basketball across the five classes in Iowa high schools.
Girls in Iowa began playing high school basketball in the 1920s, even when many people believed they should not.











































