The top two teams in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference North Pekin and Highland could be in line for a third meeting on the hardwood next month. The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) released regional pairings for Classes 1A through 3A Monday, and the Highland Huskies (13-4 overall) and the Pekin Panthers (16-0 overall) are together in the Class 2A Region 5 bracket. Both schools will have a bye in the first round of postseason action.

Highland’s playoff run begins February 16 at home versus the winner of the Danville Bears (8-8 overall) and the West Burlington Falcons (4-10 overall). The Huskies downed the Falcons, 69-42 on December 7, while Highland and Danville haven’t met on the hardwood this season.

Pekin’s playoff push commences on February 16 as well, hosting the winner of the Columbus Wildcats (4-10 overall), and the Wapello Arrows (4-12 overall). The Panthers met the Wildcats on the court two times, winning both games by 24 or more points. The Panthers are scheduled to face Wapello in the regular season finale February 5 in Packwood.

Should Highland and Pekin win their regional quarterfinal games, the two would meet in the semifinal round in February 19 in Packwood. Pekin edged Highland in both contests this season, winning by an average margin of 29.5 points per game.

First round matchups for the Class 2A Region 5 are slated for February 13, and the regional championship is set for February 22 at Pella Christian High School.