Iowa Boys High School Basketball Substate Finals Set For 3A

Eight spots in the Iowa High School Athletic Association Boys State Basketball Tournament will be decided in Class 3A on Monday, March 2.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Iowa High School Athletic Association Boys State Basketball Tournament in Class 3A will hold its substate finals on Monday, March 2. Several top teams, including defending champion MOC-Floyd Valley and runner-up Clear Lake, were eliminated in earlier rounds, setting up a new champion. The winners of the eight substate final games will advance to the state tournament beginning March 9 in Des Moines.

Why it matters

The Iowa high school basketball state tournament is a major event in the state, drawing large crowds and media attention. With several top teams out, the Class 3A tournament is wide open, creating excitement and anticipation for the upcoming state tournament.

The details

The eight substate final matchups in Class 3A on March 2 include some intriguing regional rivalries and Cinderella stories. Sioux Center, who upset MOC-Floyd Valley, will take on Carroll, while North Polk faces Gilbert after knocking off Clear Lake. Other notable games include Nevada at ADM, Oskaloosa at Ballard, and Sergeant Bluff-Luton at Storm Lake.

  • The Iowa High School Athletic Association Boys State Basketball Tournament begins on March 9 in Des Moines.
  • The Class 3A substate finals will take place on Monday, March 2.
  • The Class 1A and 2A substate finals will be held on Saturday, February 28.
  • The Class 4A substate semifinals are scheduled for Friday, February 27, with the finals on Wednesday, March 3.

The players

MOC-Floyd Valley

The defending Class 3A state champion, who was eliminated from the tournament this year.

Clear Lake

The 2025 Class 3A state runner-up, who was also knocked out of the tournament this year.

Sioux Center

A team that upset MOC-Floyd Valley and will now face Carroll in the substate finals.

North Polk

A team that knocked off Clear Lake and will now take on Gilbert in the substate finals.

Gilbert

A team that pulled off an upset win over Knoxville and will now face North Polk.

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What’s next

The winners of the eight substate final games in Class 3A on March 2 will advance to the Iowa High School Athletic Association Boys State Basketball Tournament, which begins on March 9 in Des Moines.

The takeaway

With the elimination of several top teams, the Class 3A boys high school basketball tournament is wide open, setting the stage for an exciting state tournament that will feature new contenders and potential Cinderella stories.