
Iowa has been among the national leaders in high school basketball since its first state tournament in 1912. The Iowa high school basketball season for both boys and girls usually starts in November and wraps up in March. The Iowa high school boys and girls basketball tournaments are held at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union | First game: Friday, November 22 |
| Regional Tournaments: Class 1A: February 13, 18, 21, 26 | |
| Class 2A: February 15, 18, 21, 26 | |
| Class 3A: February 15, 19, 22 | |
| Class 4A and 5A: February 19, 22, 25 | |
| State Tournament: March 3-8, 2025 | |
| Iowa High School Boys Basketball | Season ends: March 10, 2025 |
| Junior High Students | Maximum of six quarters a day |
| Maximum of one game per day on a school day | |
| Maximum of two games on a non-school day |
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What You'll Learn

Iowa high school boys basketball season start
Iowa has been among the national leaders in boys' basketball since its first state tournament in 1912. The Iowa high school boys' basketball season typically starts in November and wraps up in March of the following year. The season features various competitions, including state and regional tournaments, with teams classified into different categories based on their performance and size.
The state tournament is the pinnacle event, hosted at the iconic Wells Fargo Arena in downtown Des Moines. Eight teams from each of the four classifications advance to this prestigious venue, showcasing their skills and determination. The road to the state tournament is paved with dedication and hard work, as teams navigate their way through regional tournaments and intense competition.
In 2025, the Iowa high school boys' basketball season followed a similar timeline. The season started in November 2024, and the state tournament took place in March 2025. The specific dates for the regional tournaments varied depending on the classification. For example, the Class 1A regional tournaments were held on February 13, 18, 21, and 26, while the dates for other classes fell between February 15 and 26.
The Iowa high school boys' basketball scene is vibrant and competitive, with a rich history of producing exceptional athletes. The season structure, with its tournaments and classifications, adds excitement and challenges for the participating teams. As the season progresses, the intensity builds, leading up to the highly anticipated state tournament where champions are crowned.
While the specific start and end dates may vary slightly from year to year, the Iowa high school boys' basketball season generally adheres to a consistent schedule, allowing players, coaches, and fans to plan and anticipate the thrilling journey ahead.
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Iowa high school girls basketball season start
The Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union (IGHSAU) organises basketball for girls in five classes: 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A, and 1A. The 2024-25 basketball season began with the first practice on November 11, 2024, and the first game on November 22, 2024.
The IGHSAU places several restrictions on junior high students. They may play no more than six quarters a day, and participation in 1-6 quarters in a day constitutes participation in a game. Junior high students are limited to one game per day on a school day and two games on a non-school day, with a player limit of eight quarters for the day. Junior high jamborees or tournaments are not permitted, and junior varsity teams are not allowed in varsity tournaments.
The Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament was held from March 3-8, 2025, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. The tournament ball was the Spalding TF1000 Legacy. The regional tournament dates varied by class, with Class 1A beginning on February 13 and Class 5A starting on February 19.
The IGHSAU thanks its official partners for their continued support. Their investments allow the IGHSAU to provide a championship experience for student-athletes across Iowa while continuing the vision and mission established by longtime Executive Director E.
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Iowa high school basketball season end
The Iowa high school basketball season for both boys and girls usually ends in March. For instance, the 2025 Iowa high school boys and girls basketball seasons are scheduled to end in early March 2025. The best teams from all classes will converge at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines for the state tournament.
Iowa has a rich history of high school basketball, especially for girls, who began playing in the 1920s despite opposition. The Iowa Girls State High School Basketball tournament is the oldest of its kind and has been known for its basketball talent and exciting half-time shows. Today, the sport is still a favourite among audiences, with over 7,500 girls participating across five classes of basketball.
The Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament in 2025 will be held from March 3 to 8, with regional tournaments taking place beforehand. The tournament will feature teams from the largest 40 school districts in 5A down to the remaining schools in 1A.
The Iowa high school boys basketball season typically ends around the same time as the girls' season, with the state tournament taking place in March as well. The boys' tournament also features teams from four classes, with the best teams competing for the state championship.
The end of the Iowa high school basketball season marks the culmination of months of hard work and dedication for the players, coaches, and fans. It is a time to celebrate the sport's rich history in the state and the development of teamwork, passion, and lifelong friendships among the participants.
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Iowa high school basketball tournament structure
Iowa has a rich history when it comes to high school basketball, especially for girls, with the state's first boys' tournament dating back to 1912. The Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union (IGHSAU) and the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) oversee the tournaments.
The IGHSAU and IHSAA tournaments have a similar structure. Both have regional tournaments and state tournaments. The regional tournaments are classified from 1A to 5A, with 5A likely indicating the highest level. The regional tournaments are held in February, and the state tournaments are held in March. The state tournaments are held at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
The IGHSAU has specific rules for junior high students, such as a limit of six quarters per day and only one game per day on school days. Junior high teams can play two games on non-school days, with a limit of eight quarters for the day.
The IHSAA State Tournament features eight teams from each of the four classifications advancing to the state tournament. The IHSAA is a founding member of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
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Iowa high school basketball rules
The Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union (IGHSAU) has several rules and guidelines that govern interscholastic basketball games.
To begin with, member schools are prohibited from playing any interscholastic basketball games from December 24 through January 1. However, schools are allowed to practice and scrimmage during this period. Each player has a 21-game season limitation at each level, and participation in 1 to 6 quarters in a day constitutes participation in a game. Junior high students are subject to additional restrictions, including a limit of six quarters per day and one game per day on school days. On non-school days, junior high teams can play up to two games, with a maximum of eight quarters for the day.
When it comes to scrimmaging, if an Iowa school is scrimmaging at an out-of-state school, the scrimmage rules of that state apply. However, if the scrimmage is held in Iowa, the Iowa scrimmage rules take precedence. High school graduates are not allowed to practice with or against a high school team during the given sport season, but they may still use school facilities for practice purposes.
Additionally, the IGHSAU emphasizes the expectation that schools, coaches, and participants should complete any sanctioned contests, matches, or games in their entirety. Failing to do so, withdrawing, or forfeiting prior to the completion of a competition may result in sanctions, including suspension for up to one calendar year.
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Frequently asked questions
The Iowa high school basketball season starts in November.
The Iowa high school basketball season ends in March.
The Iowa high school girls basketball tournament takes place from March 3-8, 2025.
The Iowa high school girls basketball tournament takes place at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Iowa hosted its first state basketball tournament in 1912.



























