The South Hamilton players celebrate their substate victory over New Hampton last Saturday. The Hawks will face Rock Valley in a Class 2A state quarterfinal on Monday at 6:30 p.m. DFJ photo/Troy Banning

WEBSTER CITY — Third-ranked South Hamilton will begin its quest for a Class 2A state basketball title against Rock Valley in a quarterfinal-round clash on Monday at 6:30 p.m. inside Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

The state pairings were announced by the Iowa High School Athletic Association yesterday afternoon.

In the state-tournament field for the third consecutive season, South Hamilton (21-1) received the No. 2 seed in the class. Top-ranked North Linn (23-0) is the No. 1 seed, while Rock Valley, unranked in the final Associated Press poll, is the No. 7 seed.

On South Hamilton’s side of the bracket are fifth-ranked and third-seeded Boyden-Hull (22-2), as well as eighth-ranked and sixth-seeded Iowa City Regina (20-2).

Hawks’ head coach Nathan Hill says he was in favor of the seeding process this season. The coaches of the eight 2A qualifiers conferenced, debated and then released how they voted on the seeding process.

“I appreciate that the state listened to the coaches and they were open about the seeds and who voted for who,” Hill said.

But Hill also acknowledged that the seeds hold no forecast as to what will happen next week.

“Obviously it’s nice to get the respect, to get the two seed, but seeds don’t matter at all now,” he said. “Now it’s just about one game at a time and taking care of business.”

Boys State Basketball Tournament

Wells Fargo Arena

Des Moines

Class 2A Schedule

Monday, March 4

Quarterfinals

4:30 — (3) Boyden-Hull (22-2) vs. (6) Iowa City Regina (20-2).

6:30 — (2) South Hamilton (21-1) vs. (7) Rock Valley (18-7).

8:15 — (4) Van Meter (21-2) vs. (5) Dike-New Hartford (21-1).

Tuesday, March 5

Quarterfinals

9:30 a.m. — (1) North Linn (23-0) vs. (8) Des Moines Christian (17-6).

Wednesday, March 6

Semifinals

6:30 — Boyden-Hull/Regina winner vs. South Hamilton/Rock Valley winner.

8:15 — Van Meter/Dike-NH winner vs. North Linn/DM Christian winner.

Thursday, March 7

Consolation Final

11:55 a.m. — Semifinal losers.

Friday, March 8

Championship

4:10 — Semifinal winners.