The Ankeny Hawks are 2-1 after the first two weeks of the high school season. New faces have stepped up, but two familiar faces have been critical to Ankeny’s hot start. Here are some standout stats that have marked the start of the season. 

The Hawks take on Waukee Northwest tonight, Dec. 17.

Update: Final score, Waukee Northwest 57, Hawks 50.

35.4 rebounds per game (RPG)  (3rd in 4A) 

Ankeny has started pretty hot on the glass this season, averaging 35.0 rebounds per game. Senior guard Ryan Crandall and junior JJ Kohl have been phenomenal at grabbing rebounds averaging 13.2 rebounds per game combined. The Hawks’ strength on the glass has been one of the primary reasons they have started with a 3-1 record.

Three players averaging 10+ points per game (PPG)

The Hawks have many players that can score at a high level. Sophomore guard Carson Johnson (10.8), sophomore forward Lio Aguirre (11.0), and senior guard/forward Ryan Crandall (11.6) all average above 10 points per game after three games of the high school basketball season. It is also of note that Kohl averages 9.8 points per game. 

Point differential: 8.6 PPG  (15th in 4A)

The Hawks average an 8.6 point differential this season which ranks 15th in 4A. Overall, the Hawks are in some close battles but recently have achieved their first blowout against Des Moines Lincoln, in which they beat them 79-56.

How do the players feel about the 4-1 start? Here is what they had to say.

“We look good on both sides of the ball,” senior Sam Parkinson said. “I am confident we could make a run for the state championship.”

“I love my teammates; they are like brothers to me,” senior Blake Ganpat said. “Overall, this has been the favorite team I have played with over the course of my basketball career.”

“We have started off really hot, but we need to continue our streak,” junior Karson Whede said.

Box Score (Through Five Games: Ames, Valley, Marshalltown, Indianola, Lincoln)

*Stats used are as of Dec. 16, reported by Varsity Bound.