Ankeny senior Karson Wehde is hoping to get back on the basketball court later this month.
At least now he knows where he’ll be playing next season.
Wehde has verbally committed to play for Central College. He announced his decision via Twitter on Wednesday.
“I am blessed to announce my commitment to further my academic and basketball career at Central College,” Wehde tweeted. “Thank you to (head) coach (Joe) Steinkamp and (assistant) coach (Conor) Riordan for giving me this opportunity. Go Dutch!”
Riordan, a former Ankeny and Simpson College standout, was instrumental in the recruitment of Wehde. He joined the Central coaching staff in 2022.
“I really fell in love with Central’s culture, location and the coaches really made me feel wanted,” said Wehde, who looked at several junior college, NAIA and Division III programs before making his decision.
Wehde missed his senior season at Ankeny after suffering a broken leg last fall. He broke both the tibia and fibula in his leg at an open gym and was forced to undergo surgery.
“My recovery is going really well,” Wehde said. “I am hoping to get cleared at my next appointment in a couple of weeks. I’ve been able to start shooting, but I haven’t been cleared to play yet.”
As a junior, Wehde started all 24 games for the Hawks, helping the team to a 19-5 record and a berth in the Class 4A state tournament. The wing player averaged 6.9 points and 2.4 rebounds per game while placing second on the team with 31 3-point goals.
Wehde was also considered one of the team’s best defenders. Without him, Ankeny struggled to a 9-15 mark this season.