Hawks Soar Into Girls State Tournament

Lynnville-Sully girls basketball team earns first state tournament berth since 2014

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Class 1A No. 5 Lynnville-Sully girls basketball team defeated North Union 56-33 in the regional championship game to qualify for the state tournament for the first time since 2014. Senior Kate Harthoorn scored a game-high 17 points to lead the undefeated Hawks, who are making their 11th state tournament appearance in program history.

Why it matters

Lynnville-Sully has been a consistent powerhouse in girls basketball, winning three state championships in the late 1990s. However, the Hawks have struggled to return to the state tournament in recent years, coming up just short in 2019 and 2020. This year's team, led by a talented senior class, has finally broken through and will get to experience the excitement of the state tournament.

The details

The Hawks and North Union were tied at 12-12 after the first quarter, but Lynnville-Sully went on a 13-0 run to start the second quarter to take control of the game. The Hawks' size advantage in the post paid dividends, as Ava Brummel, Isabelle Vos, and Brilynn Tice combined for 32 points and 17 rebounds. Lynnville-Sully's defense also limited North Union to just 25% shooting and forced 24 turnovers.

  • The regional championship game was played on February 25, 2026.
  • Lynnville-Sully will face Dunkerton in the state quarterfinals on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 3:15 PM.

The players

Kate Harthoorn

A senior at Lynnville-Sully High School who scored a game-high 17 points in the regional championship game. Harthoorn is a 1,000-point scorer and the program's career 3-point record holder.

Jerry Hulsing

The head coach of the Lynnville-Sully girls basketball team, who has guided the Hawks to 10 state tournament appearances in his career, including three state championships in the late 1990s.

Ava Brummel

A Lynnville-Sully player who scored 9 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and had 2 steals in the regional final victory.

Isabelle Vos

A Lynnville-Sully sophomore who came off the bench to score 14 points, grab 8 rebounds, and block 3 shots.

Ainsley Ulrich

The leading scorer for North Union, who was held to just 8 points in the regional championship game.

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What they’re saying

“I've had this goal for so long and to finally reach it feels amazing. This has been the goal since the beginning. To be able to do this with my sisters and my best friends is incredible.”

— Kate Harthoorn, Senior (Newton Daily News)

“It's special. It's amazing. It never gets old. It's the first time for these kids. What I enjoy is that I get to go along for the ride. It's not about me. I've been there before. I'm so excited for these kids to be able to experience the fun and the atmosphere of these games.”

— Jerry Hulsing, Head Coach (Newton Daily News)

“Coach told us if we wanted to win we had to rebound better, and we all stepped up and did what it took to win. We knew it would be a tough game, but we played more physical and were able to take control.”

— Ava Brummel, Player (Newton Daily News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.