Ankeny Centennial softball player Mackenzie James didn't have to wait any longer to make her college plans. The junior outfielder verbally committed on Friday to play for Simpson College, beginning in the fall of 2023. "The decision was pretty easy for me," said James. "Simpson was the first school I visited and instantly I felt at home. The softball … [Read more...] about Centennial’s James verbally commits to play softball at Simpson College
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Peterson, 3 other varsity regulars are back for Centennial boys’ tennis team
Despite losing state runner-up Will Blevins to graduation, the Ankeny Centennial boys' tennis team has a capable replacement to take over the squad's No. 1 spot. Junior Caleb Peterson posted a 15-2 record at the No. 2 singles position a year ago. He also teamed up with Nic Mackaman, who graduated as well, for a 12-4 mark in doubles, including a … [Read more...] about Peterson, 3 other varsity regulars are back for Centennial boys’ tennis team
Four returning varsity regulars expected ‘to set the tone’ for Ankeny golfers
Although the Ankeny girls' golf team boasts four returning varsity regulars, the Hawkettes' lineup could look a lot different this season. Gone is Jaci Webb, a three-time state qualifier who graduated last spring and is now playing for William Jewell College. She placed ninth in Class 4A last season, equaling the highest finish by an Ankeny golfer since … [Read more...] about Four returning varsity regulars expected ‘to set the tone’ for Ankeny golfers
‘Our goal is to go as far as possible’: Experienced Hawks return 10 starters
A year ago, the Ankeny boys' soccer team posted an 11-6 record despite having an inexperienced squad. Now, the Hawks are beginning their second campaign under coach Marcus Varnum with a roster that is both seasoned and talented. "The strengths of our team are definitely the year of experience and growth that all of our returning players are bringing," … [Read more...] about ‘Our goal is to go as far as possible’: Experienced Hawks return 10 starters
Aguirre, Crandall, Johnson named to all-substate boys’ basketball team
Ankeny players Lio Aguirre, Ryan Crandall and Carson Johnson have been named to the Class 4A Substate 1 boys' basketball team. The trio helped the Hawks to a 19-5 record and a trip to the state tournament this season. Crandall, a senior forward, averaged a team-high 11.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game. He was earlier selected to … [Read more...] about Aguirre, Crandall, Johnson named to all-substate boys’ basketball team
Central outfielder Burnett named NFCA Division III softball player of the week
Former Ankeny Centennial softball star Franie Burnett has been named the National Fastpitch Coaches Association's Division III player of the week. She is the first Central College player to receive the NFCA honor since Kiley Lythberg was tabbed on March 23, 2011. Burnett, a sophomore right fielder, was earlier named the American Rivers Female Athlete … [Read more...] about Central outfielder Burnett named NFCA Division III softball player of the week
Despite heavy losses to graduation, Centennial girls return wealth of talent
Most girls' soccer teams would have a hard time replacing an all-stater like Elizabeth Overberg. Not to mention four other all-conference players in Cecilia Burroughs, Macy Epp, Aly Jumper and Meghan White. But Ankeny Centennial still returns a wealth of talent from last year's team that posted an 18-3 record and handed eventual Class 3A state champion … [Read more...] about Despite heavy losses to graduation, Centennial girls return wealth of talent
Roosevelt’s Patton to transfer to Ankeny, will play safety to prepare for next level
One of the state's top football players in the Class of 2023 is headed to Ankeny High School. Des Moines Roosevelt star Jamison Patton, who is being recruited by Power Five schools as an athlete, announced on Sunday via Twitter that he will play for the Hawks in the fall. "After a lot of thought and talking it over with my family I will be transferring … [Read more...] about Roosevelt’s Patton to transfer to Ankeny, will play safety to prepare for next level
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Logan Fincham, ACA boys’ basketball
Senior guard Logan Fincham helped the Ankeny Christian Academy boys' basketball team to a 15-8 record this season. Fincham averaged a team-high 13.8 points per game. He shot 35.8 percent from 3-point range (24-of-67) and 81.7 percent at the free-throw line (58-of-71). Here is some inside info on Fincham: Congratulations on an outstanding season. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Logan Fincham, ACA boys’ basketball
After earning all-region honors, Bayless’ season ends with one-point loss at Hutch
March Madness is over for Braxton Bayless and the Indian Hills Community College men's basketball team. The seventh-seeded Warriors dropped a 65-64 decision to No. 10 seed Northwest Florida State in the second round of the National Junior College Athletic Association DI Tournament on Tuesday at the Hutchinson (Kan.) Sports Arena. Bayless, a former Ankeny … [Read more...] about After earning all-region honors, Bayless’ season ends with one-point loss at Hutch
Ex-star Gustafson returns to Centennial girls’ tennis program as head coach
When Ankeny Centennial first opened in 2013, the school opted to hire Collin Daniels--who was then a student at Iowa State University--to coach the boys' tennis team. Now, the Jaguars have turned to another Iowa State student to coach the girls' tennis squad. Alli Gustafson, a former Centennial standout, has returned to the program as head coach. A … [Read more...] about Ex-star Gustafson returns to Centennial girls’ tennis program as head coach
Ankeny boys’ tennis team seeks progress after posting 3-9 mark last season
The Ankeny boys' tennis team will be looking to make some improvements during its second season under coach Ron Miller. The Hawks posted a 3-9 record a year ago, including a 1-4 mark in the CIML Iowa Conference. They earned wins over Norwalk, Des Moines East and Fort Dodge during a 3-1 start before the schedule got tougher and the team struggled the rest … [Read more...] about Ankeny boys’ tennis team seeks progress after posting 3-9 mark last season
RARE AIR: Ankeny senior Crandall earns all-state honors in 3rd different sport
Ankeny senior Ryan Crandall has joined an exclusive club. The boys' basketball standout has been named to the Class 4A all-state third team by the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association. He previously earned all-state honors in both football and baseball, becoming a rare Ankeny athlete to be recognized in all three sports. Crandall, a forward, led the … [Read more...] about RARE AIR: Ankeny senior Crandall earns all-state honors in 3rd different sport
Hawkettes return 8 starters, will seek 4th straight appearance in 3A title game
For much of the 2021 season, the Ankeny girls' soccer team flew under the radar. That won't be the case this year. The Hawkettes return eight starters from a team that posted a 14-5 record and advanced to the Class 3A championship game before dropping a 1-0 decision to Valley. It was Ankeny's third consecutive appearance in the title game. "We have … [Read more...] about Hawkettes return 8 starters, will seek 4th straight appearance in 3A title game
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Maddox Ward, Ankeny boys’ basketball
Junior guard Maddox Ward helped the Ankeny boys' basketball team to a 19-5 record this season. He was one of the Hawks' top reserves, playing in 23 of the 24 games. Ward averaged 2.7 points and 1.7 assists per game. He had six points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals in Ankeny's 55-53 loss to Johnston in the quarterfinals of the Class 4A state … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Maddox Ward, Ankeny boys’ basketball
‘We’re just trying to be competitive’: Jags look to rebuild after historic season
Coming off the best season in school history, the Ankeny Centennial boys' track team faces a rebuilding year in 2022. The Jaguars placed third in last year's Class 4A state meet with 61 points, the school's highest finish ever. Many of the standouts from that team, however, will have to be replaced. State runners-up Tommy Collins (400) and D'Eric Smith … [Read more...] about ‘We’re just trying to be competitive’: Jags look to rebuild after historic season
‘We don’t see any weaknesses’: Jaguars look to build on last year’s success
On paper, the Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer team appears to have a lot of experience. The Jaguars return 12 varsity players, including eight starters, from a squad that posted a 15-5 record and won the CIML Iowa Conference title a year ago. "We return a lot of players with varsity experience, but every year is different," said Centennial coach Brian … [Read more...] about ‘We don’t see any weaknesses’: Jaguars look to build on last year’s success
MACU guard Wycoff named to all-Central Region second team by NCCAA
Former Ankeny Centennial basketball standout Sydney Wycoff has earned all-region honors from the National Christian College Athletic Association. Wycoff, a junior guard for the Mid-America Christian women's team, was selected to the all-Central Region second team. It is her first all-region honor. The 5-foot-6 Wycoff is in the midst of her best year … [Read more...] about MACU guard Wycoff named to all-Central Region second team by NCCAA
Ankeny’s Crandall, Centennial’s Kelling named to Iowa Conference first team
Boys' basketball standouts Ryan Crandall of Ankeny and Caden Kelling of Ankeny Centennial have been named to the CIML Iowa Conference first team by a vote of the league's coaches. Crandall, a senior forward, led the Hawks to a 19-5 record and a trip to the Class 4A state tournament. He averaged a team-high 11.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.2 … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Crandall, Centennial’s Kelling named to Iowa Conference first team
‘We feel like we are a top-5 team’: Ankeny girls boast young, talented squad
Thomas Cotter is hoping to make the most of his final season as the Ankeny girls' track coach. Cotter, who is going to Carlisle at the end of the school year, has already had a lot of success with the Hawkettes. "We have accomplished a lot in the four years I have been here," said Cotter. "With a COVID year, we have won three state championships (in … [Read more...] about ‘We feel like we are a top-5 team’: Ankeny girls boast young, talented squad