CIML Conference basketball standings

Ankeny’s Jayla Williams looks to drive to the basket during the Hawkettes’ 65-46 win over visiting Valley on Dec. 2. She has averaged 19.1 points per game while leading the Hawkettes to a 7-1 start this season. (Photo by Evan Reiter)

The Ankeny girls’ basketball team has established itself as a contender in the CIML Conference heading into 2026.

The Hawkettes are off to a 4-1 start in league play and rose to third in Class 5A in the latest rankings from the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union. It’s their highest ranking since Ankeny split into two high schools in 2013.

However, No. 1 Johnston remains the overwhelming favorite to capture the conference title. The Dragons have won the last two Class 5A crowns and are riding a 61-game winning streak, which includes a 74-51 win over Ankeny on Dec. 9.

On the boys’ side, Waukee Northwest and Dowling Catholic are the only remaining unbeaten teams in conference play. Every other squad already has at least two league losses.

Northwest was No. 1 in Class 4A in the initial rankings from the Iowa High School Athletic Association that were released on Monday. The Maroons are No. 3.

The Wolves will host Dowling on Jan. 13. The Maroons will host a rematch between the two teams on Feb. 13.

Here are the current conference standings:

GIRLS

Johnston 6-0 9-0

Dowling Catholic 4-1 9-1

Ankeny 4-1 7-1

Valley 4-2 6-2

Waukee Northwest 4-2 6-3

Ankeny Centennial 1-4 1-4

Waukee 1-4 1-6

Southeast Polk 0-5 2-6

Urbandale 0-5 1-7

Ankeny Centennial’s Keaton Kasperbauer celebrates after making a 3-point goal during Friday’s game against visiting Valley. Kasperbauer went 3-of-4 from behind the arc and scored a career-high 21 points to lead the Jaguars to a 63-45 win for their first victory of the season. (Photo by Jerrad Downer)

BOYS

Waukee Northwest 6-0 7-0

Dowling Catholic 5-0 7-0

Waukee 3-2 5-2

Urbandale 3-2 3-2

Ankeny 3-2 3-3

Southeast Polk 2-3 5-3

Ankeny Centennial 1-4 1-4

Johnston 1-5 1-5

Valley 0-6 0-7