
Girls' state basketball tournaments are held annually in Iowa, with the Iowa Girls State Basketball Championships being broadcast on local television by Iowa PBS. The 2025 tournament took place in March, with Johnston beating Dowling Catholic 55-44 in the Class 5A final. In the same year, the NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament was won by UConn, who beat South Carolina 82-59 in the championship game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 2025 |
| Month | March |
| Teams | Johnston, Dowling Catholic, Cedar Rapids Xavier, North Polk, Norwalk, Central Dewitt, Sioux Center, Dallas Center-Grimes, Maquoketa, St. Albert, Newell-Fonda, North Linn, Algona Bishop Garrigan, Central Lyon, Hinton, Iowa City Regina, and more. |
| Streaming Options | Iowa Girls State Basketball Championships is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App (iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio) |
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What You'll Learn

Iowa Girls State Basketball Championships
The Iowa Girls State Basketball Championships is a highly anticipated event in the state's athletic calendar, with a rich history to its name. The tournament sees teams of young women from across Iowa compete in a series of thrilling basketball games, all vying for the ultimate prize of being crowned state champions.
The 2025 Iowa High School Girls State Basketball Tournament saw intense competition across various classes. In Class 5A, No. 1 Johnston emerged victorious, defeating No. 2 Dowling Catholic with a final score of 55-44. This game was a highly anticipated rematch, with Johnston pulling away late in the semifinals to secure their spot in the final.
In Class 4A, No. 8 Cedar Rapids Xavier clinched the championship with a score of 66-47 against No. 2 North Polk. Their road to the final included a quarterfinal win against No. 1 Bishop Heelan, where they dominated with a score of 71-57.
Class 3A also witnessed its fair share of exciting matchups, with specific scores from the quarterfinal stage. The tournament, in general, featured a host of talented players, with names like Ellie Muller, Danika Hoogendoorn, Karlyn Kovarna, and Molly Shafer standing out among the competitors.
The Iowa Girls State Basketball Championships are not just about the game itself but also about the stories of perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship that accompany them. The tournament is a testament to the dedication and talent of young female athletes in Iowa, and the coverage provided by Iowa PBS ensures that their journeys are shared with a wider audience.
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2025 Iowa high school girls basketball tournament brackets
The 2025 Iowa high school girls basketball tournament brackets were released in late February, with several teams securing their spots in the tournament in the first week of March. By March 8, five teams were crowned state champions. Here is a breakdown of the brackets and scores leading up to the championship games:
Class 5A
Monday:
No. 1 Johnston 73, No. 8 Iowa City Liberty 45
No. 4 Ankeny Centennial 51, No. 5 Pleasant Valley 47
No. 2 Dowling Catholic 64, No. 7 Davenport North 38
No. 3 Waukee Northwest 63, No. 6 Cedar Rapids Prairie 56
Thursday (Semifinals):
No. 1 Johnston 61, No. 4 Ankeny Centennial 42
No. 2 Dowling Catholic 52, No. 3 Waukee Northwest 47
Friday (Championship):
No. 1 Johnston 55, No. 2 Dowling Catholic 44
Class 4A
Tuesday:
No. 8 Cedar Rapids Xavier 71, No. 1 Bishop Heelan 57
No. 4 Norwalk 56, No. 5 Central Dewitt 54
No. 2 North Polk 47, No. 7 Sioux Center 45
No. 6 Dallas Center-Grimes 49, No. 3 Maquoketa 44
Thursday (Semifinals):
No. 8 Cedar Rapids Xavier 70, No. 4 Norwalk 60
No. 2 North Polk 52, No. 6 Dallas Center-Grimes 30
Saturday (Championship):
No. 8 Cedar Rapids Xavier 66, No. 2 North Polk 47
Class 3A
Monday:
No. 1 Mount Vernon 75, No. 8 West Marshall 19
No. 5 Estherville Lincoln Central 57, No. 4 Cherokee Washington 33
No. 2 Wahlert Catholic 51, No. 7 Spirit Lake 46
Tuesday:
No. 3 Williamsburg 52, No. 6 Des Moines Christian 49
Thursday (Semifinals):
No. 1 Mount Vernon 35, No. 5 Estherville Lincoln Central 34
Class 1A
Saturday (7 p.m.):
No. 1 St. Albert 61, No. 3 Newell-Fonda 58
The all-tournament team for Class 1A included Ellie Sievers and Kinzee Hinders from Newell-Fonda, Maura Ryan and Avah Underwood (captain) from St. Albert, Molly Boge from North Linn, and Graclyn Eastman from Algona Bishop Garrigan.
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Iowa Class 5A girls basketball state tournament
The Iowa Class 5A girls basketball state tournament is a highly anticipated event in the world of high school sports. In 2025, the tournament featured some thrilling matches and showcased the incredible talent and dedication of young female athletes across the state.
The road to the championship game was filled with intense competition. In the quarterfinals, No. 1 Johnston faced No. 8 Iowa City Liberty, advancing with a commanding 73-45 victory. No. 4 Ankeny Centennial also secured a spot in the next round, edging out No. 5 Pleasant Valley 51-47. No. 2 Dowling Catholic and No. 3 Waukee Northwest prevailed in their respective matches, setting up a semifinal showdown.
The semifinals witnessed No. 1 Johnston continue their dominant run, defeating No. 4 Ankeny Centennial by a score of 61-42. In another closely contested match, No. 2 Dowling Catholic emerged victorious over No. 3 Waukee Northwest with a final score of 52-47. This set the stage for an exciting final between the top two seeds, with No. 1 Johnston and No. 2 Dowling Catholic vying for the coveted Class 5A state title.
On Friday, March 6, 2025, the highly anticipated championship game took place, with both teams eager to etch their names in Iowa high school basketball history. In a hard-fought contest, No. 1 Johnston clinched the Class 5A state championship with a final score of 55-44 against No. 2 Dowling Catholic. The victory cemented Johnston's dominance in the tournament and marked a memorable chapter in their school's basketball legacy.
The Iowa Class 5A girls basketball state tournament is not just about the wins and losses; it's about the spirit of competition, sportsmanship, and the empowerment of young women through athletics. The tournament provides a platform for these talented players to showcase their skills, build character, and inspire future generations of female athletes in the state and beyond.
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Iowa Class 4A girls basketball state tournament
The Iowa Class 4A girls basketball state tournament is a highly anticipated event in the world of high school sports. In 2025, the tournament featured a series of exciting matchups, with teams vying for the coveted championship title.
The tournament kicked off with a thrilling set of quarterfinal games. No. 8 Cedar Rapids Xavier dominated No. 1 Bishop Heelan with a score of 71-57, while No. 4 Norwalk edged out No. 5 Central Dewitt 56-54 in a closely contested match. No. 2 North Polk and No. 6 Dallas Center-Grimes also advanced to the next round, defeating their opponents with scores of 47-45 and 49-44, respectively.
The semifinals witnessed intense competition as the remaining teams battled for a spot in the championship game. No. 8 Cedar Rapids Xavier continued their winning streak, defeating No. 4 Norwalk with a score of 70-60. In another hard-fought contest, No. 2 North Polk emerged victorious over No. 6 Dallas Center-Grimes, securing a place in the finals with a score of 52-30.
The stage was set for the highly anticipated championship game between No. 8 Cedar Rapids Xavier and No. 2 North Polk. It promised to be a thrilling showdown, with both teams displaying exceptional skills and determination throughout the tournament. As the game unfolded, Cedar Rapids Xavier's offensive prowess proved too much for North Polk to handle. Cedar Rapids Xavier clinched the Class 4A title with a decisive victory, besting North Polk by a score of 66-47.
The Iowa Class 4A girls basketball state tournament concluded with Cedar Rapids Xavier being crowned champions. The tournament showcased the incredible talent and competitive spirit of Iowa's high school female athletes, leaving a lasting impression and setting the bar high for future tournaments to come.
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Iowa girls basketball: a storied history
Iowa girls' high school basketball has a rich and celebrated history. The Iowa girls' state basketball tournament is a highly anticipated event, with teams and players showcasing their talent and determination on the court. The tournament brackets are filled with exciting matchups, leading up to the thrilling state championship game.
The Iowa girls' basketball scene has produced some remarkable athletes over the years, with stellar performances that have left their mark on the sport. The state has witnessed numerous talented players, each bringing their unique skills and contributions to the game.
One of the standout names in Iowa girls' basketball is Caitlin Clark, who played a pivotal role in the state's early-2020s success. Clark's influence extended beyond the court, as she helped elevate the popularity of women's basketball, both within Iowa and in the WNBA. Her outstanding performances earned her the recognition of being named the Most Outstanding Player in the 2022 Big Ten women's basketball tournament. Clark's impact was so profound that a term, the "Caitlin Clark effect," was coined to describe her influence on the sport.
The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team has also achieved remarkable success over the years. Under the guidance of esteemed coaches such as Stringer, Angie Lee, and Lisa Bluder, the team has consistently performed at a high level, claiming numerous Big Ten championships and making appearances in NCAA Tournaments. The 2018-19 squad advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament, showcasing the depth and talent of the program.
Iowa girls' basketball continues to thrive, with recent tournaments showcasing the skill and competitiveness of the state's young athletes. The tradition of excellence in Iowa girls' basketball is set to continue, with each generation of players building upon the legacy of those who came before them. The state's dedication to the sport and the passion of its athletes ensure that Iowa girls' basketball will remain a prominent force in the years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
The Iowa Girls State Basketball Tournament takes place in March.
The tournament is broadcast on Iowa PBS and streamed on pbs.org and the PBS app.
Some of the teams that have played in the tournament include Johnston, Dowling Catholic, Cedar Rapids Xavier, and North Polk.
The finals typically occur on a Friday or Saturday, with the specific date varying depending on the year and class.











































