CIML Conference basketball standings

Ankeny’s Rio Aguirre shoots a 3-pointer over Ankeny Centennial defender Evan Abbott during the Hawks’ 58-48 victory on Dec. 6 at Ankeny. Aguirre has averaged nearly 23 points per game while leading his team to a 2-4 start this season. (Photo by Evan Reiter)

The CIML Conference boys’ basketball race is shaping up to be a tremendous battle.

Only one loss separates the top five teams in the league standings. Co-leaders Johnston and Valley, who have yet to meet, are both 5-1 heading into the holiday break with Waukee a half-game behind at 4-1.

The Dragons’ only loss came to Waukee Northwest, but the Wolves have lost to Valley and Waukee. The Tigers’ lone loss came to Dowling Catholic, but the Maroons have lost to Johnston and Waukee.

On the girls’ side, top-ranked Johnston is the clear favorite to win another conference title. The Dragons are off to a 6-0 start in league play, highlighted by a 49-41 win over No. 2 Dowling Catholic on Dec. 17.

Here are the current CIML Conference standings:

BOYS

Johnston 5-1 6-1

Valley 5-1 6-1

Waukee 4-1 5-2

Waukee Northwest 4-2 5-2

Dowling Catholic 3-2 4-2

Ankeny 2-3 2-4

Urbandale 1-4 1-4

Southeast Polk 0-5 2-5

Ankeny Centennial 0-5 1-5

Ankeny Centennial’s Finley Blackmore drives to the basket for a layup around Ankeny defender Kyla Schaapveld during the Jaguars’ 44-33 win on Dec. 6 at Ankeny. Centennial is off to a 6-2 start and will enter 2025 on a four-game winning streak. (Photo by Evan Reiter)

GIRLS

Johnston 6-0 8-0

Dowling Catholic 5-1 7-2

Waukee Northwest 5-2 7-2

Ankeny Centennial 3-2 6-2

Southeast Polk 2-3 3-5

Waukee 2-4 5-4

Ankeny 2-4 4-5

Valley 2-5 3-6

Urbandale 0-6 1-7