Key Highlights
- I think we could’ve done some things to extend it, but credit to Centennial.“They’ve gotten so much better in the last week or so since their first game, and they’re just going to keep getting better.”Ankeny’s Aliyana Aguirre (30) takes a shot near the basket against Ankeny Centennial on Dec.
- 5, 2025, at Ankeny Centennial High School. The Jaguars’ roster looks a little different this season, since Centennial graduated all five starters – plus four more seniors – from last season’s state semifinalist squad. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAnkeny, on the other hand, looks overwhelmingly familiar. The Hawks’ starting lineup is loaded with senior talent this season.
- Reagan Baldwin, Ainsley Kiene, Kyla Schaapveld and Jayla Williams – all seniors – fill out four of the starting five spots.
- Those four have played a lot of basketball together but, against Centennial, the seniors looked even more connected than in years past.“We have a lot of players that are just so selfless and are always looking for each other, and they’ve gained so much experience now,” Tobey said. But it wasn’t any of the seniors who stole the show, despite Kiene and Williams each contributing 14 points, and Baldwin and Schaapveld combining for three 3-pointers. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNo, the standout of the game – and not just for her 6-foot frame – was freshman Aliyana Aguirre. She led all Ankeny shooters with 16 total points, including a pair of 3-pointers in the first quarter.
- Aguirre scored from all of the court, and she piled on the defense on the other end, as well.“She’s just such a worker as a freshman, and she’s just all about winning,” Tobey said.