![Sophomore Lily Bell posing as a player in the senior assassin game. Seniors participating in the game eliminate others by squirting them with a water gun, and can wear goggles for immunity against others. “People did have to go out and buy [water] guns, but most people have the googles at home, but you don’t even have to use a gun, you can use water of any sort,” senior Gwyn Christensen said.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/unnamed-1-1-900x1200.jpg)
![The shadows against a captivating blue are a nod to the “Catch Me If You Can” musical poster, both for this performance and the blue from the Broadway show. The detectives in this scene are at shooting practice, in preparation for when they finally encounter Frank Abagnale Jr. “We always say our motto is ‘theater is a team sport,’ and really just emphasizing to our students that everyone is welcome in the drama department. There's always a role for you, whether or not, on stage or behind the scenes, in the costume shop, in the scene shop. [There are] all sorts of different things that go into bringing a show to life. So we love our drama hawks and welcome everyone to drama,” Drama Director Mollie Jo Blahunka said.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/cmiyc-1200x800.jpg)
![Henry, Emily (2021). People we meet on vacation [Book cover]. Berkley Books. Image used under fair use for purposes of commentary and review. Haley, Brett (2026). People we meet on vacation [Movie poster]. Movie poster courtesy of 3000 Pictures and Temple Hill Entertainment. Made by Adilyn Hoop using Canva.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/vacay1.png)
![Lockhart, E. (2025). We fell apart [Book cover]. Delacorte Press. Image used under fair use for purposes of commentary and review. The newest book in the “We were liars” collection was released Nov. 4.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/wefell1.png)
![A Group of PEOPEL PE students and helpers set up an obstacle course during class. The “Amazing Race” unit had started in PEOPEL PE where the students and helpers got to compete in a variety of different activities and games. “We try our best to make [inclusion] a school-wide event, but it's just so much more different when you actually engage with the students hands-on and actually get to know them as people.” Sophomore Bree Christensen said. Photo Taken by Ada McNulty.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/unnamed-12-1200x900.jpg)
The Hawks fly into the wolves’ den on Tuesday, March 3, with a trip to the state tournament up for grabs. The game tips off at 7 at Waukee Northwest High School. The Hawks have lost both matchups against the Wolves this season, but are looking to flip the script in their third meeting.
Things to look for:
Both teams come into the matchup hungry and with good wins in the past week, but the Hawks will have to overcome Waukee Northwest’s aggressiveness, which has been seen countless times throughout their dominant season.
The Wolves showcase massive height and talent all around, led by McDonald’s All-American and Nebraska commit senior forward Colin Rice, who has put up an outstanding 506 points this season and is coming off a 50-point game against Liberty. For the Hawks, senior guard Rio Aguirre is fresh off a triple-double in the game against Valley, tallying 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in the first round victory against the Tigers.
Last Friday, Ankeny had a solid defensive showing, with 23 defensive boards, 3 blocks, and 9 steals. In the past two meetings, the Hawks have held Rice to just 24 points (10 in the first game, 14 in the second). Against the Hawks, Rice averages 12 points a game (PPG), 10 points under his ppg average throughout the season. For success across the court, the Hawks should look to combine this defensive initiative with aggressive rebounding and effective shooting that they have showcased in previous matchups against top-caliber teams.
Northwest has proven difficult to beat, with only 3 in-state losses this season. In the previous two matchups between the Hawks and Wolves, even when the Hawks have shut Rice down offensively, others have stepped up, such as sophomore guard Nash Kooken who scored 19 in the first meeting, and senior forward Landon Davis who scored 26 in the second game.
Things to remember:
Northwest has shown that all starters can be the star on any given night. To succeed, the Hawks will have to work together to maintain a consistent defensive effort against everyone. Ankeny has proved throughout the season that they can step up to the moment, and if there is ever a time to do so, it’s with a trip to the State Tournament on the line.
Look for the Hawks to aim to combine defensive performance with a lights-out offensive effort, while Northwest will look to play their style of ball, which has been successful thus far.
Key Players:
Ankeny:
Senior Guard/Forward Rio Aguirre – 18.4 PPG, 125 RBD, 96 AST, 28 STL, with 405 points on the season
Senior Center Max Allison – 3.9 PPG, 105 RBD, 5 AST, 45 BLK,3 STL with 85 points on the season.
Senior Forward Drew Sorensen – 7.4 PPG, 64 RBD, 77 AST, 16 STL, with 156 points on the season
Junior Guard Jasani Campbell – 15.2 PPG, 59 RBD, 30 AST, 25 STL, with 304 points on the season.
Sophomore Guard Keyon Ford – 2.9 PPG, 50 RBD, 11 AST, 10 STL, with 63 points on the season
Waukee Northwest :
Senior Forward Colin Rice – 22 PPG, 223 RBD, 75 AST, 54 STL,52 BLK, with 506 points on the season.
Senior Forward Landon Davis – 13.9 PPG, 229 RBD, 85 AST, 16 STL, 79 BLK, with 320 points on the season
Sophomore Guard Nash Kooken – 9.7 PPG, 81 RBD, 89 AST, 14 STL, with 224 points on the season
Senior Forward Isiah Oliver – 9.7 PPG, 91 RBD, 134 AST, 37 STL, 16 BLK, with 223 points on the season
Junior Guard Mack Heitland – 9.6 PPG, 68 RBD, 34 AST, 26 STL, with 221 points on the season
