Clear Creek Amana Girls Basketball Wins Regional, Heads to State Tournament

Fueled by senior Averie Lower's explosive first quarter, the Clippers secure decisive victory to earn fourth state tournament berth in program history.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

The Clear Creek Amana Clippers girls basketball team secured a decisive victory over the Clinton River Queens in the regional final, earning their fourth trip to the Iowa state basketball tournament. Senior Averie Lower, who recently committed to Arizona State, exploded for 16 points in the opening quarter, igniting the Clippers' offense with five successful three-pointers. Freshman Lydia Keller also contributed significantly from beyond the arc, as the Clippers maintained control throughout the contest to secure a 16-point win.

Why it matters

The Clippers' dominant performance marks a significant milestone for the program, continuing their recent run of success that includes a Class 4A state title in 2024. With Lower's exceptional scoring ability and the emergence of young players like Keller, the team is positioned as a strong contender in the upcoming state tournament.

The details

Lower's five three-pointers in the first quarter set the tone for the Clippers' offensive onslaught. The Arizona State-bound guard demonstrated her range and accuracy, leaving the Clinton River Queens scrambling to contain her. Lower's ability to score from multiple spots on the floor, combined with her aggressive drives to the basket, proved too much for the opposing defense. While Lower's performance was the catalyst, the Clippers' success was a team effort, with Keller's contributions from the corner providing valuable support and stretching the defense.

  • The Clippers secured the regional final victory on February 25, 2026.
  • The team won the Class 4A state title in 2024.

The players

Averie Lower

A senior at Clear Creek Amana High School who recently committed to play basketball at Arizona State University. She is ranked seventh in the state in scoring, averaging 22.5 points per game in her junior season.

Lydia Keller

A freshman at Clear Creek Amana High School who contributed significantly to the Clippers' offensive effort in the regional final with her three-point shooting.

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What’s next

The Clippers will now advance to the Iowa girls state basketball tournament, where they will face tough competition from across the state. Their recent success, combined with Lower's exceptional talent and the emergence of young players like Keller, positions them as a team to watch in the upcoming tournament.

The takeaway

The Clear Creek Amana Clippers have proven their ability to compete at the highest level, with a strong team culture and a talented roster led by senior Averie Lower. Their dominant performance in the regional final has instilled confidence and anticipation among the community as the team prepares for the state tournament, where they will aim to build on their 2024 championship run and make another deep push.