Junior guard Ainsley Kiene had six points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals to help the Ankeny girls’ basketball team to a 66-28 victory over visiting Ames in its season opener on Saturday.
Kiene averaged 11.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore as the Hawkettes posted a 13-10 record. She earned all-conference honorable mention after leading the team with 46 3-point goals.
Here is some inside info on Kiene:
Congratulations on the win over Ames. What did you think of your team’s performance?
I think we played very well and had a great first game. We have been working hard in practice and wanted this game to be a message for our future opponents about what our program is about, and how hard we play.
The Little Cyclones pressed aggressively all over the court. Was that something you were expecting?
Yes. We had worked on our press break at practice and anticipated the traps after rebounds and in the full court. We knew we had to be strong with the ball and advance it by being open for one another and moving the ball quickly. We were able to score some transition baskets against their press.
It was a physical game too, and I noticed that you took a lot of hard falls. Do you have a few bruises from the game?
Yes, I do. But I wear knee pads for a reason! I don’t have an issue with diving on the (court) for a steal or loose ball.
You are taking over much of the ballhandling duties following the graduation of Karsen Jacks. Is that the biggest change in your role from last year?
It is definitely a change, but we have many people in our lineup who can handle the ball. Our offense is best in transition and if a teammate gets a rebound we are looking to advance the ball up the court. Karsen also did a very good job rebounding so we have put a lot of emphasis into that part of the game, and I am sliding into that role as well.
Your team got a lot of solid contributions from Reagan Baldwin, a transfer from Valley, and reserves like Allison Hawkins and Kyla Schaapveld. Do you feel like this team has more depth than a year ago?
I think we do have more depth. We have done a lot more together this summer than in summers past, and we know each other’s strengths and style of play which has given us a big advantage starting the season. We also have more chemistry and have been moving the ball really well.
I know you suffered an injury in the offseason and took awhile to recover before you could return to the lineup for the Ankeny girls’ cross country team, which you helped to a seventh-place finish in the Class 4A state meet earlier this month. Despite the late start to the season, do you feel like the conditioning for cross country helps you on the basketball court?
Yes, it definitely helps me. I rarely get tired, and when it is the fourth quarter, I feel like I am able to bring it both offensively and on defense.
Your team will open your CIML Conference schedule on Tuesday at Urbandale, which is unranked. How important will it be to get a win, considering that six of your other league opponents are ranked among the top 11 teams in Class 5A?
It will be very important because it will give us more confidence and energy going into our other conference games. One of our coaches has emphasized that after every game we just want to be 1-0. It is important to stay focused on the team in front of you because it is a long season, and we have to be prepared both mentally and physically every night. Our end goal is also to make it to state so winning games like this will be important so we can have a good road to state.
Your team was eighth in the preseason rankings. Is that about where you expected to be ranked?
I wasn’t exactly sure where we would be ranked, but I think eighth is a pretty good spot. Preseason rankings will change a lot when teams start to play each other. Playing in the toughest conference in Iowa, a lot of things can change and we know that every game is going to be a battle and no team is just going to roll over for us.
Your team will try to qualify for the state tournament for the first time since 2013. Do you think this will be the year for this team to get over the hump?
I think we can definitely make it to the state tournament this year. We have a lot of talented athletes and some very experienced players. We have a great coach (in Nate Tobey) that pushes us in practice and cares about us deeply. If we trust in each other and continue to show up and work hard in practice, I think anything is possible for this group.
Are you planning to play basketball in college, and have you looked at any schools?
Yes, that is my goal. I looked into a couple of schools earlier this year, but after my injury my recruiting process was halted, and I lost some connections. I am looking forward to my junior season though and am putting in a lot of time outside of practice to reach my goal.
Do you know what you want to study?
I am interested in something in the medical field or something in business.