Both Norwalk basketball teams finished out 2025 play on Saturday in separate non-conference matchups. The girls team fell to Maquoketa 76-71 at the Johnston Winter Tip-Off Classic, while the boys won a home contest against Valley 58-54.

Girls Basketball

The #3 in 4A Norwalk girls were handed their first loss by #1 in 3A Maquoketa despite a new season-high 41 points from scoring leader Braylyn Birmingham. Sophomore Makenna Roeder was the only other Warrior scoring in double figures with 10 points. 

The Warriors end the 2025 calendar year 7-1 overall and 3-0 in conference play. They will begin 2026 with a non-conference home matchup against Ankeny Centennial on January 3rd and will return to conference action against the #1 in 4A Dallas Center-Grimes Mustangs in Grimes on January 6th. Norwalk is second in the Little Hawkeye Conference at the holiday break. 

Boys Basketball

The Norwalk boys have won four consecutive games and finish their final week of 2025 3-0 with a narrow win over West Des Moines Valley thanks to a 41-point second half and a 12-13 performance at the free throw line. Junior Tillman Papcun led the way with 31 points and six made three pointers, while Audric Pelzer and James Hatlevig both scored 12 points. The Tigers were led in scoring by senior Ryder Knapp’s 17 points, while no other Tiger scored in double figures. Valley, who was last season’s 4A state champion, remains winless in the 2025-26 season. 

The Warriors end 2025 with a 4-2 overall record and are 2-1 in conference play. They will begin 2025 with a non-conference matchup against Cedar Rapids Washington at Alliant Energy Powerhouse as part of the Cedar Rapids Conference Crossover event on January 3rd. They will also return to conference action in the away DCG doubleheader on January 6th. Norwalk is third in the Little Hawkeye Conference at the holiday break.