![](https://ankenyfanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/02/Manus-vs.-John-DW-used-750x420.jpg)
![](https://ankenyfanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/02/Manus-vs.-John-DW-used-1024x682.jpg)
This time, the Ankeny boys’ basketball team couldn’t climb out of a huge hole against CIML Central Conference rival Johnston.
The Hawks–who overcame a 19-point deficit to post an 80-74 victory at Johnston last month–fell behind in the first quarter, 22-8, during Friday’s rematch at Ankeny. They eventually closed the gap to 52-45 after three periods before the Dragons pulled away for a 70-55 triumph.
“Johnston played great. They really came after us,” said Ankeny coach Brandt Carlson. “We got down 15-5 right away, and we played from behind obviously all night.”
![](https://ankenyfanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/02/Otten-vs.-John-DW-used-1024x626.jpg)
Reid Grant scored 12 points to lead Johnston’s balanced attack. Five other players had at least nine points.
Ankeny’s Braxton Bayless poured in 28 points in a losing effort, despite starting the game on the bench. Jaxon Smith added 10.
“We didn’t shoot well,” Carlson said. “We didn’t handle adversity well. Our team will learn from this.”
![](https://ankenyfanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/02/Kumm-vs.-John-DW-used-1024x852.jpg)
Ankeny dropped to 6-4 in the conference and 14-5 overall. The Hawks finished in a second-place tie with Dowling Catholic in the league.
Johnston won for the seventh time in eight games since losing to Ankeny on Jan. 16. The Dragons finished 5-5 in the conference and improved to 12-7 overall.
The Hawks will play at Des Moines East (0-19) on Tuesday before hosting Mason City (7-11) in their regular-season finale on Friday.
![](https://ankenyfanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/06/BasicWEB-440x90_Brannan_Rod-002-7.jpg)