Ankeny’s Johanna Shaw earned a 22nd-place finish in the girls’ Class 3A state bowling tournament on Wednesday at Cadillac XBC in Waterloo.
Shaw, a senior at Ankeny Christian Academy, became the first Ankeny girl to qualify for state as an individual since Emma Bryant and Brianna Payton both advanced in 2012.
“This year was her first year of high school bowling,” said Ankeny coach Nick Payton. “Throughout the year she was consistent, coachable and displayed positive character which are pillars of the Ankeny bowling program. She approached each week wanting and willing to get better and earned the opportunity to compete for a state championship. I am extremely proud of her.”
Shaw bowled a 548 series for three games. She bowled a 172 in her opening game, then followed with scores of 175 and 201.
The top eight bowlers among the 32 competitors advanced to bracket play to determine the champion. Junior Macy Smedley of Waterloo West had the lowest score among the eight finalists, but then defeated three consecutive opponents to win the Class 3A title.
Smedley edged the top seed, Vicki Andrews of Des Moines Lincoln, in the quarterfinals, 217-214. After winning another close battle in the semifinals, Smedley then defeated Mackenzie Clubb of Ottumwa by 245-195 in the final.
Andrews, meanwhile, ended her career with a 279 in her final game to earn a fifth-place finish.
“I am very proud of Johanna,” Payton said. “She bowled well and competed with the best bowlers in the state.”
Shaw helped the Ankeny girls’ squad to a 9-1 record, including a 5-1 mark in the CIML Conference. She placed third in the conference meet on Feb. 13 at Game Day Lanes with a 568 series, then took fourth in the state qualifying meet four days later at Bowlerama with a 605 total.
“She was a big part of this historic season for our girls’ team,” Payton said. “She is a senior, and she will be missed. I am excited for her to transition to a new chapter in her life.”