After suffering a loss at top-ranked Johnston on Friday, the Ankeny Centennial girls’ basketball team was back on the court less than 24 hours later.
A non-conference matchup against visiting Fort Dodge was a much-needed breather for coach Chris Harken’s team.
Six Centennial players scored eight or more points and four others added three or more as the Jaguars rolled to a 71-23 victory on Saturday afternoon. Reserve guard Nyah Weger led the way with a career-high 12 points, going 3-of-4 from 3-point range.
“We had a good team win,” said Harken. “We were able to get into a transition game off rebounds and steals fairly well, and it allowed us to have a very balanced scoring night. Nyah came off the bench and hit some big 3s.”
Mylie Hatfield contributed a career-high nine points and also grabbed five rebounds in the win. She told Ankeny Fanatic that Harken had two goals for the game: commit fewer than 10 turnovers while holding the Dodgers to four single-digit quarters in points.
“We met both of those!” Hatfield said.
Centennial (4-6) jumped out to a 22-4 lead at the end of the first quarter and extended the margin to 41-10 at halftime. The Jaguars held a 53-14 advantage after three periods.
Centennial’s pressure defense forced the Dodgers (3-8) into 28 turnovers. The Jaguars had just nine of their own.
Faith Perpich racked up 11 points, five rebounds and three assists in the victory. Lizzie Beam chipped in nine points, while Alana Newman tied her career-high with eight.
Lydia Michel also finished with eight points. She had five of the team’s 18 steals.
“Some girls were able to get some playing time in the game that don’t get to see much varsity playing time, so that’s always rewarding,” Harken said. “Even with Lizzie having a rough night shooting, others stepped up. Lauren Kenney stepped up big with five offensive rebounds. It was just a great team effort start to finish.”
Centennial played without senior forward Rylyn Boeding, who had scored eight points in the game at Johnston.
“She was a little sore from Friday, so we decided to rest her,” Harken said.
The Jaguars will likely be without senior guard Maizie Smith for another week or two. She has yet to play in January due to a toe injury.
“Maizie had a second X-ray on Thursday and did have a hairline fracture in her toe, which may cause her to be out a little longer,” Harken said.
The Jaguars will travel across town on Tuesday for a CIML Conference game at third-ranked Ankeny (8-3). The Hawkettes won the first meeting at Centennial, 55-39, on Dec. 5.
