Senior Sean Tunks scored 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double to lead the Ankeny Centennial boys’ basketball team to an 80-49 victory over visiting Dallas Center-Grimes on Friday, allowing the Jaguars to snap a seven-game losing skid. He also had three steals and two blocks.
Tunks is averaging 10.5 points and a team-high 4.7 rebounds per game. He also leads the Jaguars with 16 steals and nine blocks.
Here is some inside info on Tunks:
Congratulations on the win over DC-G. What did that do for the team’s morale and confidence?
Yes, it boosted the whole team’s confidence. Also, it showed we have the ability to move the ball around and can have an effective transition game.
You were honored along with the team’s other three seniors on your Senior Night. Was it an emotional night for you, and is it kind of hard to believe that your high school career is almost over?
I think it was emotional for all the seniors, knowing that our high school basketball experience is coming to a close. My high school career went by quickly, but I am looking forward to the next chapter.
You went 4-of-9 from 3-point range, and the team set a school record with 16 3-pointers after averaging fewer than five treys per game in the previous 12 contests. Did you know your team was capable of shooting like that?
I’ve always believed our team was capable of being successful shooters, and the effective ball movement is what allowed that to happen.
Your team held DC-G’s leading scorer, Kyle Cason, to just 14 points–about 10 below his average. What was the key to slowing him down?
Obviously, Kyle is a talented player but guarding him the way we did limited his opportunities.
You transferred to Centennial for your senior year after playing at Des Moines Christian last season. What has been the most difficult part of making that transition?
My preseason injury slowed me down in the beginning, but I’m finally getting close to my full potential. I played Class 4A basketball and started as a sophomore (at Southeast Polk) so I was already aware of the competition. This past summer I played in an Adidas 3SSB program and had the opportunity to play with and against some of the best players in the country.
So, did you already know a lot of the players in the CIML Conference?
Through my previous high school and AAU experience, I’ve had the opportunity to play against many CIML players and feel I have built great relationships, and we have mutual respect for one another.
Your team has dealt with a lot of adversity this season, including the recent loss of leading scorer Evan Abbott to a stress fracture in his foot. Has your role changed at all with Evan out of the lineup?
Our team has dealt with several injuries this year, and every player has to take on more responsibility but we all look forward to the challenge. I also welcome the opportunity of being more of an offensive threat.
Your team was also missing coach Bob Fontana due to an illness for Tuesday’s loss to second-ranked Valley, but he was back on the bench for Friday’s game–despite not being 100 percent. Did his return give the team a boost?
It was good to have coach Fontana back. His encouragement before the game helped boost our team’s confidence.
Despite your team’s 2-11 record, do you think Friday’s game shows that you could be a dangerous opponent in the postseason?
I believe if we play as a team and move the ball while playing aggressive defense like we did Friday, it will allow us to compete with every team in the CIML.
I understand that you took a recruiting visit to Coe College on Saturday. How did it go, and have you looked at any other schools?
My visit to Coe College went extremely well. I’ve connected with the coaching staff, and I like their basketball philosophy. I was invited to the Air Force Academy over the summer to tour and attend an elite basketball camp. Although the Air Force Academy was a cool experience, I plan to attend Coe College and continue my basketball career.
What do you want to study in college?
I plan on double majoring in Business Administration and Criminal Justice.