The Little Hawkeye girls basketball champions will begin the Class 5A regional playoffs this evening, playing host to Des Moines East. After escaping conference play with just two losses, the 16-5 Indians will go back to Class 5A competition for just the fifth time this season. The 5-16 Scarlets are certainly battle tested, and finished in the middle of the pack in the CIML Metro.

The Indians will look to continue their four-game win streak, which included two major wins over Grinnell to clinch the conference title. They’ll look to shut down Scarlet senior Rachel Puok, who leads the team in scoring, rebounding and assists.

Tonight’s game will be broadcast live on 94.3 KNIA, with Jon Mohwinkle and Rick Wilson calling the action. Pregame coverage begins at 6:45, with the opening tipoff from Indianola High School at 7:00. Tonight’s winner will advance to Saturday’s regional semifinal game at Ankeny Centennial.