The landscape of Iowa women’s basketball is buzzing with news, accolades, and a glimpse into the future as the 2025-26 season officially closes. From high school hardwoods to collegiate courts, the past week has delivered a whirlwind of developments: a rising star from Wisconsin earning top honors and committing to the Hawkeyes, a former Iowa high school standout seeking a fresh start via the transfer portal, and a new crop of Iowa freshmen making their mark for the seasons ahead. Let’s dive into the stories shaping the state’s basketball scene.
Jada Seubert, the dynamic 5-foot-11 combo guard from Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH), capped off a sensational junior campaign by being named to Wisconsin’s first-team All-State squad. Her efforts throughout the 2025-26 season were nothing short of remarkable. Over 28 games, Seubert averaged 24.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.3 steals, and 3.7 assists per contest, numbers that reflect her all-around dominance on the floor. Despite SPASH’s heartbreaking loss in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) Division 1 Sectional Final on March 7, Seubert’s performance never wavered. Her ability to impact every facet of the game powered the Janel McCarville-coached Panthers to new heights this season.
Seubert’s first-team All-State distinction is the latest in a growing collection of honors. She was named the unanimous conference co-Player of the Year and outright Defensive Player of the Year for the 2025-26 campaign. According to 247Sports, Seubert is a four-star recruit, ranked No. 41 nationally and the No. 1 player in Wisconsin. Prep Girls Hoops echoes that sentiment, also listing her as the top prospect in the state and No. 66 nationally. Hawkeye fans are already buzzing with anticipation, as Seubert has committed to play for the Iowa women’s basketball team starting in the 2026-27 season. Her exceptional scoring ability and defensive tenacity are expected to make an immediate impact at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
While Seubert’s star is rising, another Iowa-connected player is embarking on a new journey. Aili Tanke, a 5-foot-11 guard from Iowa State, has entered the transfer portal, as reported on March 23, 2026. Tanke’s college career began with promise: the former Johnson High School standout was an immediate contributor as a freshman, playing in 32 games and starting six during the 2024-25 season. She averaged 12.8 minutes, 2.3 points, and 1.4 rebounds per game in her debut campaign. However, her role diminished in her sophomore year, where she appeared in just 12 games—all off the bench—and saw her playing time drop significantly.
In total, Tanke played 44 games over two seasons at Iowa State, averaging 1.9 points and 1.4 rebounds per contest. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, she now seeks a fresh opportunity to showcase the talent that made her the top-ranked recruit in Iowa while at Johnston High School. Tanke’s high school pedigree is impressive: she was named the 2023-24 Iowa MaxPreps High School Girls Player of the Year, a testament to her impact at the prep level. As she explores her next move, programs across the country will undoubtedly take note of her experience and potential.
Meanwhile, the next generation of Iowa girls’ basketball stars is already turning heads. With the 2025-26 high school season in the books—state champions crowned and individual awards handed out by High School on SI—attention shifts to the emerging talent set to define the 2026-27 campaign. A recent preview highlighted several standout freshmen whose performances this year signal bright futures ahead.
Leading the way is Emily Tanny of Dubuque Wahlert Catholic. After making a name for herself at the state tournament, Tanny’s season averages—20.5 points, six rebounds, 3.4 assists, three steals, and one block per game—underscore her all-around game. Bryndall Paterson of MVAOCOU was another ninth-grade phenom, posting nearly 19 points, six rebounds, six steals, and five assists per night. Albany Reinke of Spirit Lake played a pivotal role for the Indians, averaging 18.5 points, 11 rebounds, and four steals, while Tenley Levin of Solon matched that scoring mark and added 8.6 rebounds, two assists, plus contributions on defense.
The depth of talent doesn’t stop there. Eden Horn of St. Edmond closed her freshman year with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks per game—a stat line that would make any coach take notice. Hayden Keith of Ottumwa was nearly a double-double machine, putting up 14 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and three assists per contest. Kate Limbaugh of Algona cracked the rotation on a defending conference champion, averaging 14 points and nine rebounds.
Versatility and playmaking were on display from Sophie Bird of Grand View Christian, who averaged 13 points, nearly six assists, 5.5 rebounds, three steals, and a block. Chloe Homan of Remsen St. Mary’s stepped up in the wake of team adversity, averaging a double-double with 12.4 points and almost 11 rebounds, plus three steals and two assists. Paeytn Peterson of Pleasant Valley found valuable minutes, contributing nearly 12 points, five rebounds, and two steals per game. Quinn Sievers of Newell-Fonda was instrumental in her team’s championship run, averaging 12 points, 4.4 rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Ava O’Rourke of Shenandoah rounded out the group with 12 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals per contest.
These young athletes represent the future of Iowa girls’ basketball—a future that looks as bright and competitive as ever. Their early success speaks to the strength of high school programs across the state and the dedication of coaches focused on player development. As these freshmen prepare for their sophomore campaigns, fans and scouts alike will be watching closely to see who emerges as the next household name.
Back at the collegiate level, the movement of players like Aili Tanke and the arrival of top recruits such as Jada Seubert illustrate the ever-evolving nature of women’s basketball in Iowa and beyond. The transfer portal continues to reshape rosters, while high school standouts are making their intentions known earlier than ever. For programs like Iowa and Iowa State, recruiting and retention remain central to sustained success.
As the dust settles on the 2025-26 season, one thing is clear: Iowa’s basketball pipeline is as strong as ever. From all-state honorees to rising freshmen and college players seeking new opportunities, the state’s commitment to excellence on the court shows no signs of slowing down. Fans can look forward to another year of thrilling action, breakout performances, and the ongoing evolution of the game they love.