Ankeny Fanatic

Your Ankeny Sports Resource

Archives for June 2023

No. 1 Jaguars blank Urbandale twice, move closer to CIML Conference crown

by

The Ankeny Centennial softball team moved closer to the CIML Conference title by sweeping a doubleheader on Thursday at Urbandale. The top-ranked Jaguars rolled to a 15-0 victory in three innings in the first game, then completed the sweep with a 3-0 win. They improved to 10-0 in the conference and 19-2 overall, while the J-Hawks' records dropped to 1-9 … [Read more...] about No. 1 Jaguars blank Urbandale twice, move closer to CIML Conference crown

Warriors snap Ankeny’s winning streak; Hawkettes take nightcap to earn split

by

The Ankeny softball team used a five-run fifth inning to post a 5-0 victory over visiting Waukee in the second game of a doubleheader on Thursday, allowing the second-ranked Hawkettes to salvage a split of the twinbill. The Warriors snapped Ankeny's seven-game winning streak with a 3-0 triumph in the opener. The Hawkettes were held scoreless for the first … [Read more...] about Warriors snap Ankeny’s winning streak; Hawkettes take nightcap to earn split

After 3 years at Luther, Rhoads returns to Ankeny to take over swimming programs

by

Former Ankeny assistant boys' coach Dustin Rhoads has been named the head coach of the Ankeny boys' and girls' swimming programs. Rhoads was the associate head coach at Luther College for the last three years, helping both the men's and women's programs to American Rivers Conference championships in 2021-23. "I've had a great time at Luther," Rhoads … [Read more...] about After 3 years at Luther, Rhoads returns to Ankeny to take over swimming programs

Even with Easton Miller out of the lineup, No. 1 Jaguars continue to roll past foes

by

The Ankeny Centennial baseball team hasn't skipped a beat without its normal leadoff hitter. The top-ranked Jaguars rolled to a 13-2 victory over visiting Waukee in five innings on Wednesday. They played their third straight game without starting centerfielder Easton Miller, who left the opener of Monday's doubleheader against Waukee Northwest with a … [Read more...] about Even with Easton Miller out of the lineup, No. 1 Jaguars continue to roll past foes

No. 7 Dowling Catholic scores in bottom of 7th inning, posts 5-4 win over Hawks

by

The seventh-ranked Dowling Catholic baseball team extended its winning streak to seven games with a walk-off win against visiting Ankeny on Wednesday. The Maroons scored the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning to post a 5-4 victory. They improved to 7-5 in the CIML Conference and 16-5 overall, while Ankeny's records dropped to … [Read more...] about No. 7 Dowling Catholic scores in bottom of 7th inning, posts 5-4 win over Hawks

Iowa’s Brecht invited to USA Training Camp, named third-team all-American

by

University of Iowa sophomore pitcher Brody Brecht was named a third-team all-American, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association announced on Wednesday. It is the third straight year a Hawkeye starting pitcher has earned all-America distinction (Adam Mazur and Trenton Wallace). Brecht, a former Ankeny star, is the 11th player to earn … [Read more...] about Iowa’s Brecht invited to USA Training Camp, named third-team all-American

Carlisle holds on for 3-1 victory, snaps Jaguars’ 13-game winning streak

by

The visiting Carlisle softball team snapped top-ranked Ankeny Centennial's 13-game winning streak with a 3-1 victory in a non-conference game on Tuesday. The Wildcats, who are ranked fifth in Class 4A, improved to 15-2 with their fifth straight win. Centennial's record dropped to 17-2. The Jaguars were held to seven hits by Addesyn Abel. Cora Boyle … [Read more...] about Carlisle holds on for 3-1 victory, snaps Jaguars’ 13-game winning streak

No. 1 Centennial pounds out 12 hits in 8-3 win over Norwalk, raises record to 18-1

by

Five different players had two hits apiece as the Ankeny Centennial baseball team defeated visiting Norwalk, 8-3, in a non-conference game on Tuesday. The top-ranked Jaguars used a four-run fourth inning to build a 6-0 lead. They pounded out 12 hits against a trio of Norwalk pitchers. Centennial improved to 18-1 on the season. The Warriors' record … [Read more...] about No. 1 Centennial pounds out 12 hits in 8-3 win over Norwalk, raises record to 18-1

‘I didn’t think it was gone’: Rusher’s 3-run blast lifts Ankeny past No. 1 Indianola

by

Ankeny junior Abby Rusher earned a scholarship to play softball at Creighton primarily due to her potential as a pitcher. On Tuesday, the hard-throwing righthander demonstrated her prowess as a clutch hitter, too. Rusher hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning to give the fourth-ranked Hawkettes a 3-2 victory in a non-conference game at Indianola, … [Read more...] about ‘I didn’t think it was gone’: Rusher’s 3-run blast lifts Ankeny past No. 1 Indianola

‘Everything is just clicking’: Jaguars rally past Waukee NW to complete sweep

by

For five innings, the Ankeny Centennial baseball team didn't have an answer for Waukee Northwest righthander Grant Miller. In the end, though, the top-ranked Jaguars found a way to come out on top--just like they have all season. Centennial rallied for three runs in the sixth inning to post a 3-1 victory that completed a sweep of Monday's doubleheader … [Read more...] about ‘Everything is just clicking’: Jaguars rally past Waukee NW to complete sweep

STARRING ROLE: Addi’s walk-off hit in 9th inning allows Jags to sweep Waukee NW

by

It had been a rough night at the plate for Addi Starr. But when the Ankeny Centennial softball team needed her to come through, the junior third baseman delivered. Starr hit a walk-off single in the ninth inning to give the top-ranked Jaguars a 3-2 victory over No. 3 Waukee Northwest and complete a sweep of Monday's doubleheader against the visiting … [Read more...] about STARRING ROLE: Addi’s walk-off hit in 9th inning allows Jags to sweep Waukee NW

Griess responds to challenge, hurls 4-hit shutout to give Hawks split at Valley

by

After dropping a 7-4 decision at Valley in the first game of a doubleheader on Monday, the Ankeny baseball team needed somebody to step up in order to end the Hawks' four-game losing streak. Senior pitcher Alex Griess did just that. The righthander tossed a four-hitter and had six strikeouts to lead Ankeny to a 3-0 victory in the second game of the … [Read more...] about Griess responds to challenge, hurls 4-hit shutout to give Hawks split at Valley

‘Everybody else stepped up’: Hawkettes sweep Valley without their best hitter

by

The fourth-ranked Ankeny softball team proved on Monday that it can win without its best hitter. Junior catcher Cassie Johnson started the first game of a doubleheader at No. 2 Valley, but left after just one at-bat and did not return. She leads the squad with a .538 batting average, eight home runs and 27 RBIs. Still, the Hawkettes went on to sweep … [Read more...] about ‘Everybody else stepped up’: Hawkettes sweep Valley without their best hitter

NIACC’s Pippett signs letter of intent with Metropolitan State-Denver

by

The Denver Nuggets, who are on the verge of winning their first NBA championship, aren't the only winning basketball team in the Mile High City. The Metropolitan State University-Denver women's basketball team is coming off a 16-14 season, and former Ankeny Centennial standout Jackie Pippett has signed a letter of intent to join the Roadrunners' … [Read more...] about NIACC’s Pippett signs letter of intent with Metropolitan State-Denver

Centennial’s Gustafson named Class 2A girls’ tennis coach of the year

by

After her team enjoyed the best season in school history, Ankeny Centennial girls' tennis coach Alli Gustafson has been named the Class 2A coach of the year. Gustafson guided the Jaguars to a 12-3 record, capped off by a fourth-place finish in the Class 2A state team tournament. Six of her players also qualified for the individual state tournament, … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Gustafson named Class 2A girls’ tennis coach of the year

Bergan, Pennington, Pitz earn first-team honors in CIML Conference

by

Ankeny Centennial standouts Kate Bergan and Alanna Pennington have been named to the CIML Conference first team along with Ankeny star Jenna Pitz by a vote of the league's coaches. Pennington was previously a two-time first-team pick in the CIML Iowa Conference, while Bergan and Pitz were both honored last year before both schools joined the new nine-team … [Read more...] about Bergan, Pennington, Pitz earn first-team honors in CIML Conference

Rusher, Hawkettes finish perfect 4-0 in John Stevens Classic at Creston

by

The Ankeny softball team outscored its opponents by a 35-5 margin while winning four games in the John Stevens Classic on Friday and Saturday at Creston. The fourth-ranked Hawkettes posted a 10-0 victory over Clarinda in six innings on Saturday before closing out the tournament with a 5-3 win over Winterset, the No. 8 team in Class 4A. "We were really … [Read more...] about Rusher, Hawkettes finish perfect 4-0 in John Stevens Classic at Creston

Ex-Ankeny DB Cornwell transfers to Northern Iowa, will reunite with Nelson

by

Former Ankeny defensive back Will Cornwell is coming home. After spending one year at Colgate University, Cornwell has decided to transfer to Northern Iowa. He will be reunited with former Ankeny football coach Rick Nelson, who has returned to the Panthers as an assistant coach in charge of the offensive line. "Ultimately, moving closer to home and … [Read more...] about Ex-Ankeny DB Cornwell transfers to Northern Iowa, will reunite with Nelson

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Easton Pratt, Ankeny Centennial baseball

by

Senior pitcher Easton Pratt has helped the Ankeny Centennial baseball team to a 15-1 record and a No. 1 ranking in Class 4A. He tossed a four-hitter with five strikeouts as the Jaguars posted a 3-0 victory at Ankeny on Wednesday to complete a sweep of a doubleheader. Pratt has compiled a 4-0 mark with a 0.00 ERA. He has allowed no runs on nine hits in 21 … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Easton Pratt, Ankeny Centennial baseball