Senior guard Elle Street has helped the third-ranked Ankeny Centennial girls’ basketball team to a 20-3 record and a berth in this week’s Class 5A state tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. The Jaguars advanced to state for the second year in a row with a 46-41 victory over visiting Sioux City East in a regional final on Wednesday.
Street, who has committed to play basketball and soccer at Simpson College, is averaging 4.9 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. She has also contributed 35 assists, 25 steals and nine blocks.
Here is some inside info on Street:
Congratulations on qualifying for state again. Even though Sioux City East battled your team down to the wire, was the game a little less nerve-racking than last year’s regional final, when you had to overcome an 18-point deficit against Des Moines Roosevelt?
No, the regional final is always an exciting game that comes with nerves.
You battled some foul trouble but still grabbed five rebounds in the win. Were you happy with how you played?
Yes, I just tried to contribute to the team as much as I could.
You missed two late free throws that could have extended the lead, but then your teammate Cleao Murray picked you up by stepping to the line and making four straight in the final 7.8 seconds to seal the win. Were you confident that Cleao would knock them down?
Yes, of course. I have full confidence in my teammates.
Coach DeJong told me that your team isn’t going to the state tournament just to have fun. He said you guys want to do some damage. Do you think you’re capable of winning the title, and if so, what will it take to do that?
Yes, we are, but it will take a complete team effort and everyone playing their best with confidence.
What adjustments do you have to make to play on the court at Wells Fargo Arena, and do you think the experience of playing there last year will be helpful for your squad?
It’s always a high-intensity environment and fun to play (on that court). I think our experience will help.
Your team will face No. 6 Waterloo West in the quarterfinals on Monday at 3:15 p.m. What have you learned about the Wahawks from the scouting report?
They are a talented team, and we are excited to play them.
They have two players averaging 20 or more points, including junior guard Halli Poock. I know that you often defend the opponent’s best player, so I’m guessing that you’ll spend at least part of the game guarding Poock. What do you need to do to slow her down?
Stay focused and give it my all.
With a victory, your team would play No. 2 Des Moines Roosevelt or No. 7 Valley in Thursday’s semifinals. Do you think it would be easier to prepare for that game, since you played both of those teams as recently as last season?
No, every team is good this time of the year. No game will be easy (to prepare for).
No. 1 Johnston is the only undefeated team in the tournament and the clear favorite to win the title. What do you remember about your team’s 48-39 loss at Johnston on Dec. 14, which has been the Dragons’ closest game all season?
I think we stuck with them, and (I remember) how hard we had to play.
If your team can reach Friday night’s final, would you like a chance to avenge that loss?
Yes, that’s been the goal this season.
I believe your family is related to the late Chris Street, the former Iowa basketball star from Indianola. Is that why you wear No. 40?
Yes, that is why I wear No. 40. I have grown up looking up to him, and it means a lot to get to wear his number.
