Postseason opener: Trojans host but Panthers, Demons travel

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released its Class 4A and 5A regional basketball brackets on Wednesday, and now Fairfield, Mt. Pleasant and Washington all know what is needed to do to get to state. All three teams will open postseason play on Feb. 17, with Trojans hosting and Panthers and Demons traveling.

Fairfield and Mt. Pleasant will both take part in Class 4A Region 4, and both teams will be matched up with Southeast Conference foes. as the Trojans host Burlington and Mt. Pleasant heads south to Keokuk.

Fairfield has dominated Burlington this season, roasting the Grayhounds 67-33 on the road and 63-28 at home. The Trojans haven't lost to the Grayhounds since Burlington joined the SEC last season.

If the Trojans win, they'll get SEC opponent Fort Madison. The Bloodhounds swept the Trojans this year en route to a conference title, so Fairfield will be looking for revenge if it can meet the Bloodhounds in the semifinals.

Mt. Pleasant will be hoping a third time is a charm against Keokuk. The Panthers lost to the Chiefs in a 38-37 home heartbreaker and dropped their road game in Keokuk 49-31.

The Panthers hope to snap an eight-game losing streak against the Chiefs. If they can do that, they'll earn a date with No. 5 North Scott in the semifinals.

Washington also has a rematch. The Demons play at Oskaloosa, where they lost 50-30 in January.

If Washington can pull off a first-round upset, No. 4 Central Dewitt awaits.

The other side of Washington's regional has Clinton playing Marion and the winner will play at No. 15 Clear Creek-Amana.

IGHSAU Pairings

All games at 7 p.m.

CLASS 4A REGION 4

Opening round, Wednesday, Feb. 17

At Keokuk

Keokuk vs. Mt. Pleasant

At Fairfield

Fairfield vs. Burlington

Semifinals, Saturday, Feb. 20

At North Scott

North Scott vs. Keokuk/Mt. Pleasant winner

At Fort Madison

Fort Madison vs. Fairfield/Burlington winner

Finals, Tuesday, Feb.. 23

AT TBA

Semifinal winners

Regional champions advance to the state tournament March 1-5 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

CLASS 4A SUBSTATE 5

Opening round, Wednesday, Feb. 17

At Oskaloosa

Oskaloosa vs. Washington

At Clinton

Marion vs. Clinton

Semifinals, Saturday, Feb. 20

At Central Dewitt

Central Dewitt vs. Washington/Oskaloosa winner

At Clear Creek-Amana

Clear Creek-Amana vs. Marion/Clinton winner

Finals, Tuesday, Feb. 23

AT TBA

Regional champion advances to the state tournament March 1-5 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.