![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)
Diving into the statesheet
Taking a look at how the Hawks performed in the first three games of the season
Photo published with permission by Drue Wolfe/Ankeny Fanatic
Senior Ryan Crandall (#5) shoots a jump shot against Marshalltown. The Hawks took on Waukee Northwest Dec. 17 with a final score of Waukee Northwest 57 and Hawks 50.
December 17, 2021
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)
| JJ Kohl JR | 9.8 PPG | 0.8 APG | 6.0 RPG |
| Ryan Crandall SR | 11.6 PPG |
1.2 APG |
7.2 RPG |
| Lio Aguirre SO | 11.0 PPG | 1.6 APG | 6.0 RPG |
| Carson Johnson SO | 10.8 PPG | 2.2 APG | 2.8 RPG |
| Karson Wehde JR | 6.4 PPG | 1.4 APG | 2.4 RPG |
| Braden Simonsen SR | 6.6 PPG | 1.0 APG | 4.0 RPG |
| Alex Aguirre SR | 7.0 PPG | 2.0 APG | 4.4 RPG |
| Maddox Ward JR | 0.5 PPG | 1.2 APG | 0.5 RPG |
| Isaiah Otten SR | 0.7 PPG | 0.0 APG | 0.0 RPG |
| Sam Parkinson SR | 0.0 PPG | 0.0 APG | 0.0 RPG |
| Cash Schoolen SO | 0.0 PPG | 0.0 APG | 1.0 RPG |
| Blake Ganpat SR | 0.0 PPG | 0.0 APG | 0.0 RPG |
| Anthony Hawkins SR | 0.0 PPG | 0.0 APG | 0.0 RPG |
| Owen Mchose SR | 1.0 PPG | 0.0 APG | 2.0 RPG |
| Henry Loch SR | 0.0 PPG | 0.0 APG | 0.0 RPG |
*Stats used are as of Dec. 16, reported by Varsity Bound.
![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-1-1-225x300.jpg)
