The Ankeny baseball team has already dug itself a hole in the CIML Conference race. After getting off to an 0-6 start, the Hawks likely aren't going to contend for the league crown. But that doesn't mean that they can't play the role of a spoiler. Ankeny traveled to Waukee Northwest on Monday for a doubleheader against the Wolves, who entered the week … [Read more...] about Hawks rely on strong pitching, defense to sweep both games at Waukee Northwest
Baseball
‘I saw a lot of encouraging things’: Hawks outlast Indianola in 16-inning marathon
The Ankeny baseball team earned its second win of the season on Saturday in dramatic fashion. The Hawks held previously unbeaten Indianola scoreless over the final 12 innings and rallied to beat the host Indians, 9-3, in a 16-inning marathon. Indianola (11-1) had defeated Ankeny, 8-4, in a Class 4A substate quarterfinal last year. "I don't think I've … [Read more...] about ‘I saw a lot of encouraging things’: Hawks outlast Indianola in 16-inning marathon
‘We’ve got to turn those into line drives’: Hawks continue to struggle on offense
The Ankeny baseball team needs to find an offensive spark. After scoring five runs in their only win over Dubuque Hempstead on May 23, the Hawks have now been held to four runs or fewer in their last eight games--all of them losses. They are averaging just 2.3 runs per game after being swept on Wednesday at Urbandale by scores of 9-1 and … [Read more...] about ‘We’ve got to turn those into line drives’: Hawks continue to struggle on offense
‘We were very patient and disciplined’: Jaguars pull away late for 11-4 rivalry win
(Story by Stephen McDaniel) The Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial baseball teams were locked in a close battle in their first meeting of the season. Then the Jaguars just pulled away at the end. Centennial scored eight combined runs in the fourth and fifth innings to bust things open as the Jaguars secured an 11-4 victory over the visiting Hawks in a … [Read more...] about ‘We were very patient and disciplined’: Jaguars pull away late for 11-4 rivalry win
‘Those were two tough losses’: Hawks’ slide continues at Bondurant-Farrar
It's been a rough start to the season for the Ankeny baseball team. The Hawks were hoping to turn things around on Friday at Bondurant-Farrar, but the Bluejays rallied to win both games of a non-conference doubleheader by scores of 4-3 and 2-1. "Those were two tough losses," said Ankeny coach Joe Balvanz, whose team dropped to 1-9. "But tip your hat to … [Read more...] about ‘Those were two tough losses’: Hawks’ slide continues at Bondurant-Farrar
‘We gave up too many free bases’: Hawks allow 20 walks in pair of losses at Waukee
The Ankeny baseball team allowed only 11 total hits during Thursday's doubleheader at Waukee. Unfortunately, the Hawks' pitchers struggled to find the strike zone, giving up a combined 20 walks in the two games. The Warriors took advantage of the free passes to sweep Ankeny by scores of 7-4 and 9-1. "We gave up too many free bases for sure," said … [Read more...] about ‘We gave up too many free bases’: Hawks allow 20 walks in pair of losses at Waukee
‘Those are big momentum killers’: Hawks waste early chances in loss at Johnston
Some early opportunities to score slipped away from the Ankeny baseball team, and it proved to be costly. The Hawks went on to drop a 9-2 decision at Johnston in their CIML Conference opener on Wednesday. It was the first win of the season for the Dragons, who improved to 1-2 overall. "We had runners on first and second with nobody out early … [Read more...] about ‘Those are big momentum killers’: Hawks waste early chances in loss at Johnston
Hawks rally for 2 runs in 7th inning, beat Dubuque Hempstead for their first victory
The Ankeny baseball team rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to earn its first win of the season on Saturday. Ryan Wille hit a walk-off single to give the Hawks a 5-4 victory over Dubuque Hempstead in the Herkelman Invitational at Cedar Rapids Xavier. Wille went 3-for-4 and drove in two runs. "We had some good at-bats, ran the … [Read more...] about Hawks rally for 2 runs in 7th inning, beat Dubuque Hempstead for their first victory
‘I see a lot of potential in this group’: Balvanz unfazed by Hawks’ 0-3 start
The Ankeny baseball team dropped a 6-1 decision to visiting North Polk in the completion of a suspended game on Thursday. The Hawks trailed by 6-1 in the fifth inning when the non-conference contest was halted by lightning on Monday. Neither team was able to score when play resumed. North Polk remained unbeaten at 3-0. "I thought all the relief … [Read more...] about ‘I see a lot of potential in this group’: Balvanz unfazed by Hawks’ 0-3 start
‘That’s a pretty solid ball club’: Spartans sweep doubleheader against Ankeny
Ankeny baseball coach Joe Balvanz likes to play a challenging schedule to prepare his team for postseason play. Visiting Pleasant Valley provided a huge test for the Hawks on Wednesday. The Spartans swept the non-conference doubleheader by scores of 5-0 and 10-3. They raised their record to 4-0 after sweeping Rock Island, Ill., on Tuesday. "We are … [Read more...] about ‘That’s a pretty solid ball club’: Spartans sweep doubleheader against Ankeny
‘We have a strong group of seniors’: Ankeny baseball team boasts deep roster
It won't be easy for Joe Balvanz to replace one of the best leaders he's ever coached in the Ankeny baseball program. Shortstop Kinnick Vos graduated last year and is now playing at Black Hawk Community College in Moline, Ill. He led the Hawks to a 14-25 record as a senior. Voss batted .350 with five doubles and 16 RBIs while leading the team with four … [Read more...] about ‘We have a strong group of seniors’: Ankeny baseball team boasts deep roster
‘It was a great opportunity’: Ankeny’s Minner commits to play for Indiana State
Ankeny pitcher Hunter Minner has verbally committed to play for Indiana State. A recruiting trip to Terre Haute sold Minner on the Sycamores. "I went on a visit to Indiana State and got to see the campus facilities and meet the coaches, and it was a great opportunity," said Minner. "Overall, what I was impressed with was the coaches and the atmosphere. … [Read more...] about ‘It was a great opportunity’: Ankeny’s Minner commits to play for Indiana State
Jags’ Houser commits to Northeast Iowa; Indian Hills lands Buffington, Wildebour
Ankeny Centennial senior Trae Houser has committed to play baseball at Northeast Iowa Community College, while Ryan Buffington and Logan Wildebour of Ankeny are both headed to Indian Hills Community College. All three players committed over the weekend. Houser said he talked to a number of schools at different levels before making his decision. "It was … [Read more...] about Jags’ Houser commits to Northeast Iowa; Indian Hills lands Buffington, Wildebour
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kinnick Vos, Ankeny baseball
Senior shortstop Kinnick Vos helped the Ankeny baseball team to a 14-25 record this season. He was named to the CIML Conference first team at a utility position after batting .350 with four triples, five doubles and 16 RBIs. Vos played for the Large Schools West team in the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Series on July 31-Aug. 2. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kinnick Vos, Ankeny baseball
Vos to play for Large Schools West in IHSBCA All-Star Series on his home field
Ankeny baseball standout Kinnick Vos will get two more chances to play on his home field. The senior shortstop has been selected to play in the 2025 Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Series. The games will be played at Ankeny High School on Thursday and Friday before moving to Urbandale for the final day of games on Saturday. Vos … [Read more...] about Vos to play for Large Schools West in IHSBCA All-Star Series on his home field
Centennial’s Bollwinkel, Morris joined by Ankeny’s Vos on all-conference first team
The Ankeny Centennial baseball duo of Kohen Bollwinkel and Will Morris has been named to the CIML Conference first team along with Ankeny standout Kinnick Vos. The all-conference teams were selected by a vote of the league's coaches. Morris, a junior infielder, was a unanimous pick. He helped the Jaguars to a 24-14 record. Morris led the team with a … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Bollwinkel, Morris joined by Ankeny’s Vos on all-conference first team
‘We fought the whole game’: Hawks end season with 8-4 loss at No. 7 Indianola
The Ankeny baseball team was hoping to pull off some surprises in postseason play. A young and talented Indianola squad didn't let it happen. The seventh-ranked Indians ended Ankeny's season with an 8-4 victory in a Class 4A substate quarterfinal on Saturday at Indianola. The Hawks finished with a 14-25 record. "Like all year, they never gave up," … [Read more...] about ‘We fought the whole game’: Hawks end season with 8-4 loss at No. 7 Indianola
Hawks fall twice at No. 3 Johnston, gear up for substate opener at No. 7 Indianola
After entering the week with a seven-game winning streak, the Ankeny baseball team is now on a five-game losing skid. And with the postseason set to begin in less than 48 hours, the Hawks can't afford another loss. Ankeny closed out the regular season on Wednesday with a make-up doubleheader at third-ranked Johnston, which rallied for an 8-7 victory in … [Read more...] about Hawks fall twice at No. 3 Johnston, gear up for substate opener at No. 7 Indianola
Hawks drop 7-1 decision at North Polk, will head to Johnston next for 2 games
The North Polk baseball team used a six-run outburst in the fourth inning to break a 1-1 tie and went on to defeat visiting Ankeny, 7-1, in a non-conference game on Tuesday. The Hawks dropped to 14-22 overall with their third straight loss. North Polk raised its record to 19-11. Kinnick Vos doubled and walked twice for Ankeny, which had just four hits … [Read more...] about Hawks drop 7-1 decision at North Polk, will head to Johnston next for 2 games
No. 8 Valley snaps Hawks’ winning streak, moves closer to CIML Conference crown
The Valley baseball team moved closer to the CIML Conference title by sweeping a doubleheader on Monday at Ankeny. The eighth-ranked Tigers posted a 3-2 victory in the opener, then completed the sweep with a 12-3 win. They snapped Ankeny's seven-game winning streak in the process. "Valley has a good number of arms who do a really nice job," said Ankeny … [Read more...] about No. 8 Valley snaps Hawks’ winning streak, moves closer to CIML Conference crown