Senior guard Mylie Hatfield has helped the Ankeny Centennial girls’ basketball team to a 4-6 record. She scored a career-high nine points, grabbed five rebounds and had two steals in the Jaguars’ 71-23 victory over visiting Fort Dodge in a non-conference game on Saturday.
Hatfield is averaging 3.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. She leads the team with 26 assists.
Here is some inside info on Hatfield:
How is the season going thus far?
The start of the season was definitely tough on us being a brand new and young team, but we are starting to improve as we’ve played together more.
What has been the highlight for you?
A highlight for me has been watching our team grow, individually and as a whole. We have had a lot of improvement this year already, and we will definitely continue to get better.
What did you think of your team’s performance against Fort Dodge?
I think we played really well. (Coach Chris) Harken gave us two goals before the game: (hold them to) four single-digit quarters and (we wanted to commit) less than 10 turnovers, and we met both of those! We didn’t take them lightly and still worked hard throughout the game without letting up.
Your team dropped an 87-53 decision at top-ranked Johnston on Friday as all-state guard Jenica Lewis made a school-record nine 3-point goals and scored 33 points. Is she the best player you’ve ever played against?
Thanks for the reminder, lol! Yes, Jenica is definitely a top-ranked player for a reason and also had a very good night on Friday.
You grabbed 14 rebounds in your team’s 53-41 win at Southeast Polk on Tuesday. Did you realize how many rebounds you grabbed?
Throughout the game I was told to keep up with the rebounds, but I didn’t know how many I had until after the game when our coaches announced it.
You are averaging a team-high 2.6 assists per game. Do you feel like setting up a teammate to score is one of your strengths as a player?
Yes, I have a lot of trust in my teammates.
You returned to the basketball team this season after not playing as a junior. What led to your decision to come back?
During the fall of my junior year, I decided that I wanted to focus on softball. Over the summer I realized this would be my last chance to play basketball if I went back out, and I didn’t want to regret missing out on that opportunity.
You are one of four seniors on a young team that boasts three freshmen and a sophomore. Have you tried to be a leader for the younger girls?
Yes, I try to lead by example knowing that there are more outspoken leaders on our team.
I know you’ve committed to play softball at South Dakota State. Did you look at a lot of schools before making your decision?
I talked to and visited a few other schools prior to my commitment, but I knew that SDSU was the place for me right away.
What did you like about the Jackrabbits’ program?
I absolutely love the coaching staff there. They definitely care about their players as people and not just as softball players while still pushing you to be your best. I also love the Brookings community where it instantly felt like home.
Do you think you’ll have a chance to play right away?
Right now I am focusing on working hard knowing that next year will be a major change and a lot of competition.