Thursday, March 6
5A Semifinals
#1 Johnston 61, #4 Ankeny Centennial 42 — The Dragons broke open a close game in the 2nd quarter and ran away from Centennial with a chance to go back to back on Friday night. Amari Jenkins led Johnston (25-0-)with 19 points on 8-11 shooting, Jenica Lewis had 16 points and Ari Phillips had 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Jaguars end their season at 17-8.
#2 Dowling Catholic 52, #3 Waukee Northwest 47 — Dowling has not won a state title since 2014 but they will have a chance this year after eliminating the Wolves at 19-5. Ava Zediker hit a three pointer with 51 seconds left in the third quarter to give the Maroons a 37-34 lead and they held off Waukee the res to the way. Ellie Muller led the way for the Maroons with 17 points and 12 rebounds, Zediker had 15 points and Layla Trytten added 12. Dowling is now 23-3 and faces Johnston in the 5A Championship game tomorrow (Friday) at 6:00 pm.
3A Semifinals
#1 Mount Vernon 35, #5 Estherville Lincoln 34 — The Midgets come up one point short in their upset bid and finish their season at 21-4 — trailing by 7 with 19 seconds, Hilary Ruschy hit back to back three pointers to make it interesting but the Mustangs survive and advance. Sydney Huber led Mount Vernon with 11 points and the top seed will try for their first state title since 2010 with a record of 25-1.
#2 Dubuque Wahlert 52, #3 Williamsburg 34 — Claire Lueken — a Maryville University recruit in Division II — had a huge game for the Golden Eagles — 27 points to lead Wahlert to the championship game. Wahlert had been to the state tournament three times out of the last four years but had never made it out of the first round. They are now 21-4 and will face Mount Vernon in the 3A Finals tomorrow night at 8 pm. The Raiders end their season at 24-3.
4A Semifinals
#8 Cedar Rapids Xavier 70, #4 Norwalk 60 — The 2022 champs are looking for another one as they give the Warriors just their 2nd loss of the season — Norwalk finishes 23-2. Libby Fandel leads the Saints with 21 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists. Taylor Rexroth was 4-4 on her three point shots and had 15 points. Xavier is now 21-4 and moves to the 4A Finals.
#2 North Polk 52, #6 Dallas Center-Grimes 30 — In a rematch of the 2023 final, the Comets get revenge — Greta Dillinger led the way with 7-10 from three point land and 21 points. North Polk is now 24-3 and will face Xavier in the 4A Finals on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 pm. DCG was 3-17 from three point land and end their season at 20-5.
