Junior guard Ava Martin has helped the fifth-ranked Ankeny Centennial girls’ basketball team to a 14-8 record. She scored 10 points on Tuesday as the Jaguars rolled to a 53-25 win over No. 10 Sioux City East in a Class 5A regional final to advance to the state tournament for the fourth consecutive year.
Martin is averaging 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. She is shooting 37.3 percent from 3-point range (25-of-67).
Here is some inside info on Martin:
Congratulations on the win over Sioux City East. Were you surprised by the 28-point margin of victory, since you guys beat the same team by just five points in the regional final two years ago?
Yes, the 28-point margin did surprise me in the end. I think our defense never let up, and our offense kept responding throughout the whole game which led us to have such a good lead in the end and hold them down. And I was definitely glad it ended that way to give us an extra boost.
Your team obviously played a very difficult schedule during the regular season, considering that five teams from the CIML Conference advanced to the Class 5A tournament. Do you think the tough competition that you played has helped you when you face teams from outside the CIML?
For sure. The CIML competition that we faced every week no doubt shaped us into the team we are now in the postseason. The CIML always brings us a great challenge which helps us bring more intensity for teams outside of the CIML who don’t face that competition each week.
You have averaged 8.6 points over the last nine games since Jan. 18. Have you looked to become more aggressive on offense, or are you just taking what the defense has been giving you?
I’d say a little bit of both. As the season has gone on, I’ve gained more confidence in my offensive game which has allowed me to take some more shots. I also read what the defense is giving me and make my decisions off of that.
You suffered a severe gash on your head when you collided with teammate Jaeden Pratt’s elbow during the regular-season finale against Waukee Northwest on Feb. 9. Coach Scott DeJong said he was calling you “Rambo” because of the huge bandage you had on your head to stop the bleeding. Did you know who Rambo was?
I indeed did know who Rambo was. I grew up watching the “Rocky” movies so I had an idea! But DeJong put that comparison together.
Your team will now face No. 4 Waukee in the Class 5A quarterfinals on Monday at 11:45 a.m. You’ve obviously played in Wells Fargo Arena before. Do you find it fairly easy to adjust to the different shooting background in the arena?
Coming into the game as a sub at Wells Fargo the last two years, I’m not super familiar with the change in background but I know it’s there and I plan to become as familiar as possible with it during warmups. But I don’t see it as a big issue
Your team will try to avenge two earlier losses to the Warriors. What will be the keys to doing that?
Our keys to beating them would start with defense. We need to have good focus and be able to contain their key players. Also, taking care of the ball on offense and staying relaxed throughout the whole game will be a big part. And just believing in ourselves no matter what’s happening on the offensive or defensive side of the court.
You scored 15 points in the Jaguars’ 60-53 loss at Waukee on Jan. 23. After losing to the Warriors by 14 points in December, the second game was much closer. Does that game give you confidence that your team can play with them?
For sure. I think we showed ourselves that we can play with them no matter what. We’ve improved steadily on defense since then as well, and I think we’ll give them a good test.
A win would be the 700th career victory for coach DeJong, and I’m sure you’d love to help him reach that milestone. What do you think it would mean to him?
I don’t think he pays much attention to that stuff, but I do think it would mean a lot for it to happen at state and against a very good team in an amazing environment. It would represent the growth we have made as a team as well.
I know you can’t look past the first game, but if you are able to beat Waukee, you would likely get another shot at No. 1 Johnston in Thursday’s semifinals–and no team has played the Dragons tougher than you did in a 64-59 loss on Jan. 26. What’s it going to take for someone to knock off Johnston?
It starts on defense for sure and also being efficient on offense as much as possible. It would take everyone’s best effort for sure and being ready to go.
You are also a key member of the Centennial girls’ soccer team, so you’ll be making a quick transition to that sport after the state tournament. Do you have high expectations for the girls’ soccer team as well?
Yes! I’m very excited for soccer season. I hope we can have a successful season and return to the state tournament there as well.
Which sport would you like to play in college, if any? And have you looked at any schools yet?
As of right now, I don’t plan to play college sports.
