The Iowa High School Athletic Association will conduct its state baseball championships across Carroll and Cedar Rapids, with quarterfinals and subsequent rounds scheduled over the coming week. The tournament features four classes, each producing a champion, and the matchups have been released.
Class 4A Quarterfinal Preview
In the 4A bracket, Sioux City East enters as a contender, facing Iowa City Liberty, while other pairings pit Johnston against Pleasant Valley, Indianola against Southeast Polk, and West Des Moines Valley against Waukee. The Sioux City East squad is viewed as a possible champion, but it must navigate a field that includes several Des Moines‑area programs.
Class 3A Forecast
Dubuque Wahlert Catholic stands out as the favorite in 3A after testing itself against top 4A opponents. The quarterfinal slate includes a matchup against Knoxville, while North Polk meets Western Dubuque, Carlisle takes on Davenport Assumption, and Cedar Rapids Xavier faces MOC‑Floyd Valley.
Class 2A Title Defense
Pleasantville returns to defend its 2A crown despite the absence of star pitcher Braylon Bingham, who is sidelined by injury. Their quarterfinal opponent will be Ridge View, and the team’s defensive identity remains a central theme.
Class 1A Surprise Contender
Coon Rapids‑Bayard, a relatively new program, is positioned to challenge traditional powerhouses in 1A. Their opening game pits them against Moravia, while other quarterfinal pairings feature North Linn versus Remsen St. Mary’s, South Winneshiek against Burlington Notre Dame, and Mason City Newman Catholic versus Ankeny Christian.
The tournament schedule promises competitive games across all divisions, with each class offering a distinct narrative of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of a state title.