Written by Jamie Steyer, Varsity Bound and Game Broadcast Color Commentator

Monday March 1

Game 2 • 11:00AM • Class 5A •  #4 Southeast Polk vs. #5 Ankeny Centennial

SOUTHEAST POLK

Last time out: Southeast Polk defeated Sioux City East handily, 54-25, on February 23 to secure their spot at state. The Rams kept the Black Raiders to only 50% of their usual scoring, continuing a stretch of sound defense to close out the season. Offensively, the Rams assisted 20 of the team’s 23 field goals on the night, six of which came from senior point guard Riley Kruse. After losing to Waukee by three to end the regular season, the Rams won their two substate games by a combined 97 points.

Players to watch

  • Grace Larkins
  • 21 points, nine rebounds, 5 steals, 4 assists vs. Sioux City East
  • South Dakota commit
  • Leading team in points, assists, steals, and rebound for the season
  • Class 5A West all-district honoree
  • Brooke Woodyard
  • Averaging 11 points and nearly 6 rebounds per game
  • Strong presence down low

Keys to the game

  • Pushing the pace and running on offense
  • Containing Maggie Phipps on defense
  • Securing rebounds- not giving up second-chance points

ANKENY CENTENNIAL

Last time out: Despite finding themselves at a 27-9 disadvantage in the first half, Centennial rallied to beat Des Moines Roosevelt 44-42 on February 23. After giving up 20 points in the first quarter, the Jaguars locked down on defense and allowed only 22 more points scored for the rest of the game. Maggie Phipps’ 19 points, including a perfect 8/8 from the free throw line, helped Centennial secure the come-from-behind victory. The Jaguars are on a 5-game winning streak heading into Monday’s matchup.

Players to watch

  • Maggie Phipps
  • 1500 career points scored
  • Drake basketball commit
  • Class 5A West all-district honoree
  • Shooting 93.4% from the free throw line
  • Jackie Pippett
  • Secured 5 offensive rebounds vs. Roosevelt
  • Strong rebounder and inside presence
  • 4-year team member

Keys to the game

  • Don’t give up offensive rebounds
  • Slow down the offensive pace
  • Take care of the ball