Seven of the top 10 teams in the Class 4A preseason rankings by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association are from the Central Iowa Metropolitan League. Ankeny Centennial isn't one of them, but the Jaguars are making a strong case to be included in the next rankings. After sweeping No. 9 Des Moines Roosevelt in its season opener on Monday, … [Read more...] about Jaguars complete sweep over East on Gray’s walk-off triple in 9th inning
Summer
Centennial softball team rolls to pair of run-rule victories over Scarlets
The Ankeny Centennial softball team picked up right where it left off on Monday. After scoring a total of 26 runs in a season-opening sweep at Des Moines Roosevelt, the 11th-ranked Jaguars rolled to two more victories on Wednesday in their home opener. Centennial improved its record to 4-0 with a pair of run-rule wins over Des Moines East. The Jaguars … [Read more...] about Centennial softball team rolls to pair of run-rule victories over Scarlets
Unranked–and underrated?–Jaguars sweep No. 9 Roosevelt at Principal Park
Much of the attention on Monday's baseball doubleheader between Ankeny Centennial and Des Moines Roosevelt was focused on the national anthem. But once the games began at Principal Park, the Jaguars showed that they might be an underrated team in Class 4A. After the Roosevelt players knelt during the anthem to join the ongoing protest against racial … [Read more...] about Unranked–and underrated?–Jaguars sweep No. 9 Roosevelt at Principal Park
Jaguars pound out 35 hits, romp to pair of victories over Roosevelt
The Ankeny Centennial softball players didn't need to give head coach Brett Delaney anything for his birthday on Tuesday. The 11th-ranked Jaguars gave him an early present on Monday by sweeping a doubleheader at Des Moines Roosevelt in their season opener. They posted a 15-1 victory in five innings in the first game, then held off the Roughriders for an … [Read more...] about Jaguars pound out 35 hits, romp to pair of victories over Roosevelt
‘We’ve got some really good culture guys’: Jaguars to rely on seniors
There's no shortage of talent on this year's Ankeny Centennial baseball team. The Jaguars return several starters from last year's squad that went 28-12 for the most wins in school history. "We've got some really good culture guys," said Centennial coach Mark Hey. "Our seniors are tremendous leaders, and I'm just so excited that we get to have a season … [Read more...] about ‘We’ve got some really good culture guys’: Jaguars to rely on seniors
No. 11 Centennial softball team seeking to build on 26-win season
Brett Delaney's first season as the head coach of the Ankeny Centennial softball team produced some mixed results. The Jaguars posted a 26-12 mark to set a school record for victories, but the season came to an abrupt end with an 8-6 loss to Des Moines Hoover in eight innings in a Class 5A regional semifinal. "Our season ended a little bit earlier than … [Read more...] about No. 11 Centennial softball team seeking to build on 26-win season
Centennial softball team ranked No. 11 in Class 5A preseason rankings
The Ankeny Centennial softball team is ranked No. 11 in Class 5A in the preseason rankings by the Iowa Girls' High School Athletic Union. The Jaguars return several starters from a team that posted a 26-12 record last year, the winningest season in school history. They will open the season on June 15 at Des Moines Roosevelt. Here are the Class 5A … [Read more...] about Centennial softball team ranked No. 11 in Class 5A preseason rankings
Central Bank Athlete of the Month: Trey Morris, Centennial senior
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Avery Gates, Ankeny Centennial senior
Senior Avery Gates was expected to be one of the top sprinters for the Ankeny Centennial boys' track team. He helped the Jaguars to a 16th-place finish in last year's Class 4A state meet. Gates placed 13th in the 200 with a time of 22.60 seconds. He also ran on the third-place 4x400, fourth-place sprint medley and sixth-place 4x200 relays. Here is some … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Avery Gates, Ankeny Centennial senior
Centennial’s Burnett to play softball at Central College
Ankeny Centennial shortstop Franie Burnett has committed to play softball for Central College. Burnett, a senior, picked the Dutch over Millikin University in Decatur, Ill. "It was a hard decision," she said. "I was picking between two very good schools and programs." In the end, though, Burnett elected to stay closer to home. She revealed her … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Burnett to play softball at Central College
Centennial shortstop Gray to play baseball at Wartburg College
Ankeny Centennial shortstop Keaton Gray has committed to play baseball for Wartburg College. The senior announced his decision via Twitter earlier this week. "I’m very excited to announce that I have committed to continue my academic and baseball career at Wartburg College," Gray tweeted. "I’m very thankful for the opportunities that I have been given … [Read more...] about Centennial shortstop Gray to play baseball at Wartburg College
Current Jaguar to become a Mustang: Jones commits to Morningside
When Kennedee Jones took her first visit to Morningside College, she immediately felt comfortable. A second trip to Sioux City only strengthened those feelings. The Ankeny Centennial first baseman announced last week via Twitter that she has committed to play softball for the Mustangs. "I'm extremely excited to announce that I have verbally … [Read more...] about Current Jaguar to become a Mustang: Jones commits to Morningside
Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Franie Burnett, Centennial softball
Junior shortstop Franie Burnett helped the Ankeny Centennial softball team to a 26-12 record, the winningest season in school history. She led the Jaguars in six different offensive categories--hits (48), runs (45), doubles (11), stolen bases (22), walks (20) and batting average (.403). Burnett was named to the Class 5A all-state second team by the Iowa … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Franie Burnett, Centennial softball
Blimpie Sub of the Week: Tyler Heinzerling, Centennial baseball
Tyler Heinzerling is a senior pitcher on the Ankeny Centennial baseball team. He threw 4 2/3 innings of shutout relief in the Jaguars' 6-3 loss to visiting Southeast Polk in a Class 4A substate final on July 24. Heinzerling compiled a 6-0 record with a 2.17 ERA while limiting opposing batters to a .213 average this season. He was named to the CIML Central … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Tyler Heinzerling, Centennial baseball
Rumley named to all-state first team; Burnett, Voigt also honored by IGCA
Ankeny slugger Jasmine Rumley has received all-state softball honors for the second straight year. Rumley, a junior third baseman, was selected to the Class 5A first team by the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association. She was a third-team pick as a sophomore. Two other players from Ankeny also earned all-state honors. Junior shortstop Franie Burnett of Ankeny … [Read more...] about Rumley named to all-state first team; Burnett, Voigt also honored by IGCA
Brecht, Vermeer, Gray named to Central Conference first team
Ankeny outfielder Brody Brecht and Ankeny Centennial catcher Ryan Vermeer were both unanimous picks to the CIML Central Conference first team by a vote of the league's baseball coaches. They were joined on the squad by Centennial shortstop Keaton Gray, who was named to an infield position. Vermeer, who was selected to a utility position, was also a repeat … [Read more...] about Brecht, Vermeer, Gray named to Central Conference first team
Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 58
Check out the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by the Ankeny office of Iowa Realty. Ankeny sophomore Brody Brecht and head coach Joe Balvanz stopped by to preview the Class 4A state baseball tournament with Ankeny Fanatic publisher Dan Holm, who also discussed Ankeny Centennial's season with senior Josh Meador. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 58
Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Cory Prange, Centennial baseball
Senior second baseman Cory Prange helped the fourth-ranked Ankeny Centennial baseball team to a 28-12 record. The Jaguars tied for second place in the CIML Central Conference with a 12-8 mark. Prange batted .284 with one home run, four triples, four doubles and 24 RBIs. He also made eight appearances on the mound, posting a 2.63 ERA while recording five … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Cory Prange, Centennial baseball
S.E. Polk’s big first inning ends Jaguars’ winningest season in school history
Tyler Heinzerling took a stroll in the outfield grass all by himself. Ankeny Centennial's senior pitcher stared off into the distance as he realized his high school baseball career was over. "This is my team here--my favorite team that I've ever played with," said Heinzerling. "I had confidence in all our guys. It just didn't end the way we wanted it … [Read more...] about S.E. Polk’s big first inning ends Jaguars’ winningest season in school history
Blimpie Sub of the Week: Bri Smith, Ankeny Centennial softball
Bri Smith is a member of the Ankeny Centennial softball team. The senior helped the Jaguars to a 26-12 record this season. They broke the school record for most wins in a season. "Bri was someone who was a multi-sport athlete," said Centennial coach Brett Delaney. "She brought a lot of leadership from those other sports she participated in to our team. … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Bri Smith, Ankeny Centennial softball