With the return of three double-digit scorers, the Ankeny girls’ basketball team will likely boast one of the best offensive trios in the state.
Senior guard Savannah Gage combined with junior guards Jayla Williams and Ainsley Kiene to average nearly 40 points per game last season. They helped the Hawkettes to a 13-10 record in their first season under coach Nate Tobey.
“Having Sav, Ainsley and Jayla back means a lot obviously,” said Tobey, whose team is eighth in the Class 5A preseason rankings. “All three will be asked to do more and have the ball in their hands more often after the graduation of (point guard) Karsen Jacks.”
Gage, a University of St. Thomas recruit, averaged a team-high 14.5 points while shooting 82.8 percent at the free-throw line (53-of-64). She was named to the CIML Conference second team.
Gage was a first-team all-state pick as a sophomore, when she averaged 16.6 points. After suffering an ACL injury, she missed the first four games last season before returning to the court.
“Sav has been an entirely different player since the spring now that she is further out from her ACL injury,” Tobey said. “It has been great to see her confidence return and watch her really enjoy playing the game, which is difficult after a major injury.”
Williams tried to pick up the slack during Gage’s absence, averaging 21.5 points over the first four games. She then erupted for a career-high 32 points in a win at Southeast Polk, which coincided with Gage’s return to the lineup.
Williams went on to average 13.6 points and a team-high 5.6 rebounds. She was selected to the Class 5A all-state second team and to the all-conference first team.
Williams’ athleticism has attracted the attention of numerous Division I programs. She led Ankeny in both steals (3.0) and blocks (1.0), and she set a school record for most steals in a game with eight.
“Jayla has rounded out her game during the preseason and will be one of the best players in the state this year,” Tobey said. “We are excited about her offensive development, and she continues to be an elite defender.”
Kiene, meanwhile, averaged 11.7 points and 3.4 rebounds. She led the team with 46 3-point goals, shooting 40.7 percent from behind the arc, and was second on the squad with 51 steals.
Kiene earned all-conference honorable mention.
“Ainsley also continues to round out her game,” Tobey said. “She dealt with an injury over the summer, but she has jumped right back in this fall and made a major difference with our team. She just plays so hard, and teammates follow her lead in terms of effort.”
Senior forward Jade Moser and junior guard Kyla Schaapveld are among the team’s other returnees. Schaapveld averaged 1.7 points, scoring 36 of her 38 points from 3-point range.
“Those two are tireless workers and excellent defenders who are developing more and more confidence with their offensive games,” Tobey said. “Both will play major roles for us this year.”
The 5-foot-11 Moser will be counted upon to provide some toughness around the basket for an undersized team.
“I think we can overcome any size deficits we may have through effort and execution,” Tobey said.
Riley Kayser, Allison Hawkins, Lilly Buckley, Jenna Halbrook, Grace Buch and Faith Spoelstra are among the others battling for playing time. Reagan Baldwin, a transfer from Valley, could also play a big role.
“Reagan is an elite shooter and provides versatility for us,” Tobey said. “She will be one of the best newcomers in our conference.”
Ankeny will open the season on Saturday by hosting a non-conference game against Ames. Tip-off is at 2:30 p.m.
“The practices are going well,” Tobey said. “The players have been doing exactly what we are asking of them as we get ready for a very challenging schedule again this season. We had one injury (last) week, but that player should be back by the time we start playing games.”
Ankeny’s ultimate goal is to reach the state tournament. The Hawkettes last qualified in 2013–a few months before the split into two high schools.
Ankeny has lost in the regional final in the last three seasons by a combined total of nine points.
“I have so much belief in this group,” Tobey said. “We’ve spent a lot of time investing in each other and in preparing for a challenging season. I have a lot of confidence we will show more urgency, consistency and perseverance and put our team in the best possible position at the end of the year.”