(Story by Jordan Wood)
Heading into Friday’s game at Waukee, the Ankeny Centennial girls’ basketball team was looking to sweep the season series while reaching the .500 mark for the first time this season.
Having fallen short on their past two chances at evening their record, the 11th-ranked Jaguars looked to clinch it against an opponent they had defeated, 61-48, on Jan. 2.
However, it wasn’t meant to be again for coach Chris Harken’s team as the Warriors used a big second quarter to post a 60-50 victory.
“I think we came in a little flat,” said Harken. “We didn’t expect their intensity, and I felt like our first half was not how we normally play.”
Centennial looked a little lackluster to start the game, which the Warriors took advantage of to take a 17-13 lead that they never relinquished.
The struggles worsened for the Jaguars in the second quarter as a string of costly turnovers dampened the offensive output, allowing Waukee to pull away.
The Warriors, capitalizing on their defensive efficiency, reacted with high-energy offensive play which proved to be effective in creating separation around the basket.
The half ended 39-21 in favor of Waukee, leaving an uphill battle in the second half for the visitors.
Lizzie Beam scored 12 of her 17 points in the first half for Centennial. She was the only Jaguar to score in the second period.
Rylyn Boeding, coming off a career-high 18-point game, had five of her eight points before the break.
“Our inexperience showed a bit tonight; it’s been a while since we were down this much,” Harken said. “I think we were 22 down at one point to a team we beat earlier in the season.”
The Jaguars rallied in the third quarter, fighting to a more characteristic 20-point showing and narrowing the deficit to 50-41 heading into the final period.
Mylie Hatfield scored her first basket of the game and led Centennial with eight points in the quarter. The senior eventually finished with a career-high 10 points and added three steals.
Ultimately though, the Warriors held strong to limit Centennial to nine points in the last 8 minutes. A slower-paced offense allowed the home team to control the clock and prevent a late rally by the Jaguars.
Faith Perpich had 11 points for Centennial, which shot just 33.3 percent from the field (16-of-48). The Jaguars dropped to 6-8 in the CIML Conference and 8-10 overall.
Waukee raised its records to 3-10 and 4-13 while snapping a five-game losing skid.
“At this point, we need to use the next three games to prepare for the postseason,” Harken said. “Find those mishaps from tonight and get mentally prepared for postseason play.”
The Jaguars will require a perfect 3-0 record to end the season if they want to finish over .500 for the year. But it’ll be a tall order as they host No. 1 Johnston on Tuesday before hosting Ames on Thursday and Southeast Polk on Friday.
The Dragons (14-0, 18-0) have already clinched the conference title and are looking to complete a third straight unbeaten season. They won the first meeting against Centennial, 87-53, on Jan. 9.
