After building a 46-32 lead at the end of three quarters, the Ankeny Centennial boys' basketball team appeared to be on its way to a comfortable victory in its season opener on Tuesday. But Urbandale refused to go away in the CIML Conference contest. The visiting J-Hawks opened the final period with a 17-6 run and closed the gap to 52-49 with 1 minute … [Read more...] about Centennial boys convert 16-of-21 free throws, hang on to beat Urbandale
Archives for November 2022
No. 3 Jaguars crank up defense, cruise past Urbandale to raise record to 4-0
The Ankeny Centennial girls' basketball team wasn't perfect on Tuesday, but the Jaguars' record remained spotless. Third-ranked Centennial allowed just eight points over the last three quarters and rolled past visiting Urbandale, 52-21, in its CIML Conference opener. The Jaguars are now 4-0 on the season. "They hit some shots early on. They made a … [Read more...] about No. 3 Jaguars crank up defense, cruise past Urbandale to raise record to 4-0
Ankeny girls roll past Valley for their first dual-meet victory in program history
It's been a season of firsts for the Ankeny girls' wrestling team. Now, the first-year program has chalked up another milestone. Ankeny recorded six pins, won five other matches by forfeit and rolled to a 72-6 victory over visiting Valley in its CIML Conference opener on Tuesday. It was the first dual-meet win for the team, which improved to 1-2 … [Read more...] about Ankeny girls roll past Valley for their first dual-meet victory in program history
Gage, Hawkettes hold off furious Waukee rally to win CIML Conference opener
When the Ankeny girls' basketball team went through a scoring drought on Tuesday, the Hawkettes relied on their defense to win their CIML Conference opener. Ninth-ranked Ankeny led by as many as 16 points in both halves before No. 14 Waukee staged a huge rally on its home court, closing to within two points late in the game before the Hawkettes held on … [Read more...] about Gage, Hawkettes hold off furious Waukee rally to win CIML Conference opener
Overcoming illnesses, Jaguars open season with wins over W. Marshall, Albia
Despite being less than full strength, the Ankeny Centennial wrestling team opened its season on Tuesday with a pair of victories at State Center. The Jaguars posted a 49-30 win over host West Marshall and also defeated Albia, 48-27, in the non-conference double dual meet. "I was happy with how we wrestled," said Centennial coach Jay Groth. "I thought … [Read more...] about Overcoming illnesses, Jaguars open season with wins over W. Marshall, Albia
Ankeny’s Agan to join Adamson, Watson on Ellsworth baseball squad
Another Ankeny baseball player has made his college choice. It's the same decision that two of his teammates already made. Senior third baseman Carson Agan has verbally committed to play for Ellsworth Community College. Pitcher Brock Adamson and catcher Max Watson previously committed to the Panthers. "Knowing Brock and Max are going there wasn't a … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Agan to join Adamson, Watson on Ellsworth baseball squad
‘We have enough girls this year’: Ankeny bowling teams boast better numbers
Ankeny bowling coach Lane Richtsmeier likes what he has seen thus far from his teams. "The practices are going pretty well--for just getting started," he said. Unlike last year, Richtsmeier has had to trim down his roster. There are 17 boys and 12 girls on the two squads. The Hawks posted a 3-9 record a year ago. The Hawkettes struggled to a 1-11 … [Read more...] about ‘We have enough girls this year’: Ankeny bowling teams boast better numbers
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Calvin Howard, Ankeny boys’ swimming
Senior Calvin Howard is one of the five returning state qualifiers for the Ankeny boys' swimming team. He helped the Hawks to a seventh-place finish at the state meet. Howard tied for 14th place in the 100 butterfly with a time of 52.55 seconds and finished 29th in the 200 individual medley in 2:02.51. He also swam on the eighth-place 400 freestyle and … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Calvin Howard, Ankeny boys’ swimming
Centennial wrestlers return trio of state qualifiers, several other veterans
When the Ankeny Centennial wrestling team opens its season this week, the Jaguars will have some new faces in their lineup. Centennial graduated five state qualifiers from last year's team, including four-time qualifier Jackson Helmkamp and fellow two-time placewinner Carter Cahill. The Jaguars tied for 16th place in Class 3A with 34 points. "The … [Read more...] about Centennial wrestlers return trio of state qualifiers, several other veterans
Despite shooting woes, Jaguars shut down I.C. Liberty to remain unbeaten
Sometimes, the shots aren't falling for the Ankeny Centennial girls' basketball team. Fortunately for the Jaguars, their defense seldom takes a day off. Third-ranked Centennial held No. 13 Iowa City Liberty to just 25 percent shooting and remained unbeaten with a 46-35 victory on Saturday at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. "Their guard … [Read more...] about Despite shooting woes, Jaguars shut down I.C. Liberty to remain unbeaten
‘We know who our kids are’: Ankeny wrestlers enter season with high hopes
A year ago, the Ankeny wrestling team qualified for the Class 3A state duals tournament for the first time since the split into two high schools. Now, the Hawks would like to do it again. This year's state duals tournament has been moved to Feb. 4--the week before the district tournament. It will be held at the Xtream Arena in Coralville. "I am very … [Read more...] about ‘We know who our kids are’: Ankeny wrestlers enter season with high hopes
With 13 players battling for playing time, Jaguars to rely on depth, chemistry
There is no shortage of players battling for playing time on the Ankeny Centennial boys' basketball team. The Jaguars return four key players from last year's squad that posted a 12-10 record, but nine other players are also in the mix to earn spots in the team's rotation. "We have 13 guys that will compete for playing time, so those who 'bring it' … [Read more...] about With 13 players battling for playing time, Jaguars to rely on depth, chemistry
Hawk swimmers place 3rd behind Waukee, Valley at Ankeny Sprint Invite
A strong field provided a good opening test for the Ankeny boys' swimming team as the Hawks hosted the Ankeny Sprint Invitational on Tuesday at Trail Point Aquatics Center. Waukee, the two-time defending state champion, easily won the meet with 453.5 points. Valley, last year's third-place finisher at state, took second with 379 points. Ankeny placed … [Read more...] about Hawk swimmers place 3rd behind Waukee, Valley at Ankeny Sprint Invite
Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 205
In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America, publisher Dan Holm interviews Ankeny girls' wrestling coach Dustin Roland and two of his team's top wrestlers, senior Avery Grim and junior Dana Cleveland, about the squad's inaugural season. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 205
Jaguars get Jenkins into early foul trouble, roll to 66-26 victory at North
The Ankeny Centennial girls' basketball team found a way to neutralize Des Moines North standout Amani Jenkins. Get her in some early foul trouble. Jenkins sat out most of the first half with three fouls as visiting Centennial built a 26-9 halftime lead, and the third-ranked Jaguars went on to defeat No. 11 North, 66-26, in a non-conference game on … [Read more...] about Jaguars get Jenkins into early foul trouble, roll to 66-26 victory at North
Hawkettes place 4 players in double figures, romp past Cedar Falls in opener
The Ankeny girls' basketball team took a long bus ride to Cedar Falls for its season opener on Tuesday. At least the ride home was a joyous one. The ninth-ranked Hawkettes took control from the start and went on to post a 60-43 victory in the non-conference game. "We're still a young team, even though we return a lot of experience," said Ankeny … [Read more...] about Hawkettes place 4 players in double figures, romp past Cedar Falls in opener
Six Ankeny players, Centennial’s Miller earn all-state honors from IPSWA
Ankeny football stars JJ Kohl, Joe Kingston and Jamison Patton have been named to the Class 5A all-state first team by the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association, which selected the teams in conjunction with the Iowa Football Coaches Association. The trio led the Hawks to a 9-2 record this season. They were all second-team picks a year ago, when … [Read more...] about Six Ankeny players, Centennial’s Miller earn all-state honors from IPSWA
Kohl, Miller, Targgart named to all-district first team for 2nd straight year
The Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial football teams each had 18 players receive all-district honors, including seven first-team picks and seven second-team selections. Ankeny senior JJ Kohl was named to the first team for the second year in a row. Centennial seniors Brody Targgart and Easton Miller were also repeat first-team picks. Kohl, a quarterback, … [Read more...] about Kohl, Miller, Targgart named to all-district first team for 2nd straight year
Despite loss of key players, Ankeny boys ‘believe in the tradition of our program’
The depth on the Ankeny boys' basketball team has taken a severe hit before the season has even tipped off. The Hawks have lost four varsity-level competitors in JJ Kohl, Alex Aguirre, Karson Wehde and Joel Mpore to either injury or early college enrollment, according to Ankeny coach Brandt Carlson. "Although not ideal, I believe in the tradition of … [Read more...] about Despite loss of key players, Ankeny boys ‘believe in the tradition of our program’
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kennedy White, Centennial girls’ hoops
Senior post player Kennedy White is one of three returning starters for the third-ranked Ankeny Centennial girls' basketball team. She was a first-team all-conference pick as a junior, when she averaged 10.3 points and a team-high 6.3 rebounds per game while helping the Jaguars to a 20-4 record. White had 12 points and two rebounds on Friday as the … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kennedy White, Centennial girls’ hoops