Submitted photo The defending state champion Newell-Fonda girls celebrate with their 1A regional basketball championship banner last week.

DES MOINES — There have been memorable and incredible classes come through the Newell-Fonda basketball program over the years.

This current group of seniors, though, could be one of the best yet to wear the Mustang uniform.

Second-ranked and two-time defending Class 1A state champion Newell-Fonda (23-1 overall) returns to Wells Fargo Arena and the state tournament for the 11th time in 14 years. The Mustangs take on Kingsley-Pierson (23-1) in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Over the past three-plus seasons, Newell-Fonda has posted an eye-popping record of 103-2. One of those losses came in the state championship game in 2018 with the other happening during this past regular season to No. 1 Bishop Garrigan.

Those two teams remain on a collision course for a rematch of their epic finale last March, but the Mustangs know there is work to be done before that can happen.

“The state title is always the end goal,” said senior Bailey Sievers. “But we have to focus on one game at a time.”

Sievers is part of a senior class that includes Maggie Walker, Ella Larsen, Ellie Lago and Paige Roberts. She averages 13.6 points per game with Walker and Larsen at 12 a night.

As a team, the Mustangs put up an average of almost 81 points per game, shooting 46 percent from the field, 33 percent from the 3-point line and 72 percent at the free throw line.

Junior Macy Sievers sits at just under 13 points per contest, with sophomore Mary Walker adding seven and freshman Kierra Jungers six. Lago averages almost five.

“We’re just grateful to even have a season,” Larsen said. “It’s a great feeling to know all of the hard work has paid off and got us to Des Moines. Being such close friends with everyone on the team is special because it really brings us closer together. We spend a lot of time together at school, games and practices, and just get to know each other really well when you’re teammates a lot.

“I’m so grateful to be a part of such a talented and successful team. I couldn’t have asked for a better team or basketball career. I just have to remember to soak it all in and enjoy these last memories at state that will last a lifetime.”

With changes to the season due to the ongoing pandemic, Sievers is appreciative of every moment on the court from here on out.

“Returning to state is one of the best feelings a high school athlete could have,” she said. “At the beginning of the season, a lot of things were questionable. Now, it is such an incredible feeling being able to end this year at the state tournament.”