Ankeny Fanatic

Your Ankeny Sports Resource

Summer

‘It was pretty special’: Hey guides No. 1 Jaguars past Roosevelt, Wee at Rippey

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For the second year in a row, the Ankeny Centennial baseball team made a successful trip to Walt Anderson Field. The top-ranked Jaguars overcame an early 1-0 deficit to beat Des Moines Roosevelt, 6-1, in a non-conference game on Friday. The contest was played at Rippey, where Centennial posted a 9-0 win over Webster City in last year's season … [Read more...] about ‘It was pretty special’: Hey guides No. 1 Jaguars past Roosevelt, Wee at Rippey

No. 1 Jaguars rout Gilbert in 6 innings to open season, will play at Rippey Friday

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The top-ranked Ankeny Centennial baseball team opened the season on Thursday with a 10-0 non-conference victory over visiting Gilbert in six innings.The Jaguars used a seven-run fourth inning to build a 9-0 lead and then walked off with the win in the sixth. "We got good pitching, really good defense, and we hit the ball at the right time," said … [Read more...] about No. 1 Jaguars rout Gilbert in 6 innings to open season, will play at Rippey Friday

‘They played their hearts out’: Hawks’ late rally earns twinbill split at Pleasant Valley

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A dramatic rally allowed the Ankeny baseball team to earn a season-opening split of a non-conference doubleheader on Wednesday at Pleasant Valley. The Hawks rallied for five runs in the seventh inning of the nightcap to erase a 7-2 deficit, then got a sacrifice fly from Jack Clevidence in the eighth to post an 8-7 victory. "It wasn't the prettiest … [Read more...] about ‘They played their hearts out’: Hawks’ late rally earns twinbill split at Pleasant Valley

As Oakie awaits MLB draft, No. 1 Jaguars appear to be primed for special season

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There's a lot of hype surrounding Joey Oakie and the Ankeny Centennial baseball team. Oakie, an Iowa recruit, is one of the top high school pitchers in the country and a probable first- or second-round pick in the upcoming MLB amateur draft, which is slated for July 14-16. It's possible, however, that Oakie could turn professional before the season … [Read more...] about As Oakie awaits MLB draft, No. 1 Jaguars appear to be primed for special season

‘I’m really humbled’: Centennial’s Hey to be inducted into IHSBCA Hall of Fame

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Ankeny Centennial baseball coach Mark Hey calls himself the luckiest coach alive. "The people and the athletes at both high schools in this community that I've been associated with, you couldn't ask for better people," Hey said. "To me, the recognition (that a coach gets) is for all the people that have influenced that coach and have been around that … [Read more...] about ‘I’m really humbled’: Centennial’s Hey to be inducted into IHSBCA Hall of Fame

‘I know what I’m getting’: Starr to follow in mother’s footsteps, will play for Central

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Ankeny Centennial third baseman Addi Starr is already pretty familiar with the Central College softball program. Her mother, Missy, was one of the captains for the 2002 Central squad. "I grew up hearing stories about and following the team," said Starr, who has committed to playing for the Dutch and legendary coach George Wares. "I know what I'm … [Read more...] about ‘I know what I’m getting’: Starr to follow in mother’s footsteps, will play for Central

Centennial’s Bruhl chooses baseball over wrestling, will play for NIACC next year

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Ankeny Centennial's Lucas Bruhl is a two-time state placewinner on the wrestling mat. His future, though, is on the baseball field. The senior shortstop has verbally committed to play next year at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City. He announced his decision on social media Monday. "I visited a few other community colleges and a couple … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Bruhl chooses baseball over wrestling, will play for NIACC next year

‘I can’t wait to be a Saint!’: Centennial’s Boyle to play softball at Maryville

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Ankeny Centennial senior Cora Boyle has signed a letter of intent to play softball at Maryville University (Mo.), an NCAA Division II school that competes in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. "I looked at a couple schools before I went on my visit to Maryville," said Boyle. "All those coaches and universities were very nice, but as cliché as it may sound … [Read more...] about ‘I can’t wait to be a Saint!’: Centennial’s Boyle to play softball at Maryville

Centennial’s Kolln, Rawlings to continue baseball careers at junior college level

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Ankeny Centennial seniors Leyton Kolln and Tripp Rawlings will continue their baseball careers at the junior college level. Kolln recently committed to play for Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Neb. Rawlings has committed to Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls. The duo helped Centennial to the best season in school history in 2023. The … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Kolln, Rawlings to continue baseball careers at junior college level

‘I like how determined they are to win’: Alberhasky to join Grider at Wartburg

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Ankeny Centennial baseball standout Emerson Alberhasky is looking forward to being reunited with Cole Grider, who is now a freshman on the Wartburg College squad. Alberhasky has verbally committed to join the Knights' program next year. "I can't wait to team up with Cole again, and I think a few guys from Valley might join me as well here soon," said … [Read more...] about ‘I like how determined they are to win’: Alberhasky to join Grider at Wartburg

‘It truly is a dream come true’: Oakie earns spot on 2023 18U National Team

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Ankeny Centennial baseball star Joey Oakie calls it a dream come true. The senior pitcher has been named to the 20-man roster for the 2023 18U National Team following the conclusion of the 18U National Team Training Camp in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. The team has already traveled to Taipei, Taiwan to compete in the World Baseball Softball Confederation … [Read more...] about ‘It truly is a dream come true’: Oakie earns spot on 2023 18U National Team

‘It just felt like home!’: Centennial’s Stewart to play baseball at Iowa Central

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Ankeny Centennial senior Sean Stewart has made his college plans. "I am blessed to announce my commitment to play baseball at Iowa Central!" Stewart tweeted on Monday. "Thank you to all my teammates and coaches who helped me along the way. Go Tritons" Stewart said he looked at several other junior colleges around Iowa and the bordering states before … [Read more...] about ‘It just felt like home!’: Centennial’s Stewart to play baseball at Iowa Central

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Easton Miller, Ankeny Centennial baseball

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Senior outfielder Easton Miller helped the Ankeny Centennial baseball team to a 30-8 record this season. He batted .330 with 18 RBIs and led the Jaguars with three home runs. Miller was named to the Class 4A all-state second team by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association. He was also selected to the CIML Conference second team and to the Class … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Easton Miller, Ankeny Centennial baseball

Oakie named to All-State Super Team, selected captain of Class 4A squad

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Ankeny Centennial junior pitcher Joey Oakie has received a pair of honors from the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association. Oakie, an Iowa recruit, was one of 16 players from across Iowa to be named to the 2023 All-State Super Team. He was also selected the captain of the Class 4A all-state team. Oakie compiled a 7-3 record with a 1.13 ERA and 91 … [Read more...] about Oakie named to All-State Super Team, selected captain of Class 4A squad

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Joey Oakie, Ankeny Centennial baseball

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Junior pitcher Joey Oakie led the Ankeny Centennial baseball team to a 30-8 record this season. He was a unanimous pick to the CIML Conference first team and was a repeat selection to the Class 4A North Central all-district first team. Oakie compiled a 7-3 mark with a 1.13 ERA and racked up 91 strikeouts in just 49 2/3 innings. He also batted .341 with … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Joey Oakie, Ankeny Centennial baseball

Oakie named to 72-man roster for USA National Team Development Program

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Ankeny Centennial junior pitcher Joey Oakie has been named to the 72-man roster for the 2023 16U/17U National Team Development Program (NTDP), USA Baseball has announced. Oakie will leave on Tuesday for Cary, N.C., where the NTDP will be held from Wednesday through Saturday at the USA Baseball National Training Complex. "I knew this would be a … [Read more...] about Oakie named to 72-man roster for USA National Team Development Program

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Lauren Gustofson: Ankeny Centennial softball

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Senior pitcher Lauren Gustofson was named to the all-tournament team after helping the Ankeny Centennial softball team to its first state championship. She allowed just three hits over the first four innings as the Jaguars rolled to an 11-0 victory over Pleasant Valley in five innings in the Class 5A title game on Thursday at Harlan Rogers Park in Fort … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Lauren Gustofson: Ankeny Centennial softball

‘This is so well-deserved’: Dominant Jaguars romp to Class 5A softball crown

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It was a moment that Mariah Belzer will never forget. Ankeny Centennial's senior shortstop caught a line drive off the bat of Pleasant Valley's Ashley Hansen for the final out of Thursday's Class 5A state championship softball game, securing the Jaguars' first title in school history. "She's a slapper, and she hit it that way the last time," Belzer … [Read more...] about ‘This is so well-deserved’: Dominant Jaguars romp to Class 5A softball crown