Williams named to Class 5A all-tourney team after leading Ankeny to semifinals

Ankeny’s Jayla Williams drives to the basket against Johnston defender Jenica Lewis during the Class 5A semifinals on Thursday at the Casey’s Center. Williams has been named to the Class 5A all-tournament team after scoring a total of 38 points in the Hawkettes’ two games. Lewis was selected captain of the squad after leading the Dragons to their third consecutive title. (Photo by Scott Byers)

Ankeny star Jayla Williams has been named to the Class 5A all-tournament team after leading the Hawkettes to the semifinals of the girls’ state basketball tournament.

Williams scored 20 points and had four steals in Ankeny’s 49-39 loss to top-ranked Johnston in Thursday’s semifinals at the Casey’s Center. The Dragons went on to capture their third straight championship with a 51-37 victory over No. 3 Waukee Northwest on Friday, which extended their nation-best winning streak to 79 games.

Williams had a double-double in the Hawkettes’ 57-44 win over Cedar Rapids Washington in Monday’s quarterfinals, racking up 18 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and five steals. She became the school’s all-time leading scorer during that game.

**Ankeny’s Jayla Williams shoots around Cedar Rapids Washington defender Sira Doumbia during the Hawkettes’ 57-44 win in the Class 5A quarterfinals on Monday. (Photo by Scott Byers)**

Williams finished her career with 1,419 points. The Creighton recruit set a single-season school record with 524 points as a senior.

Williams was joined on the all-tournament team by Jenica Lewis and Arianna Phillips of Johnston, Vana Bilic and Romey Croatt of Northwest, and Ellie Muller of Dowling Catholic. Lewis was selected captain of the squad.