Two familiar foes face off for a third time this season when the WACO Warriors host the Hillcrest Academy Ravens in the opening round of the girls Class 1A Regional Tournament on Bob Hilmer Court at WACO High School Thursday.

The Warriors come into the postseason after a 12-9 year that saw them finish 11-5, fourth in the North Division of the Southeast Iowa Superconference. They handled New London Monday 49-29 with 16 points from Ella Huisenga and 12 each for Brenna Graber and Emma Wagler. On the season, the Warriors put up 46 points per night and give up 45, shooting 34% from the floor, 23% from three and 47% at the line with 32 rebounds, 10 assists, 11 steals and 18 turnovers per game. Individually, Emma Wagler averages a team best 13 points, 12 boards and three steals per night. Halle Shelman leads with three assists per game.

Hillcrest Academy is 6-14 this season, 3-13 in conference play for eighth place. The Ravens have been off since beating New London a week ago 60-39 with Malia Yoder going double double with 28 points and 10 boards and Claire Withrow adding 12 points. On the year, the Ravens average 38 points per game and give up 43, shooting 28% from the field, 29% from three and 51% at the line with 32 boards, nine assists, 12 steals and 20 turnovers per game. Individually, Withrow is on top at 14 points per game with Yoder at four steals and three assists while Delaney Shaw adds nine rebounds. Thse two teams met twice during the regular season with the Warriors winning both by 48-42 and 44-38 scores. WACO has won 12 straight in the series and 20 of the last 24 overall.

Action gets underway tonight at 7p.m. on Bob Hilmer Court in Wayland.