The Ankeny Centennial varsity basketball team (Ankeny, IA) will host Johnston (IA) in a home non-conference game on Friday, January 3 at 7:45 PM.
Ankeny Centennial vs Johnston Game Info:
What: Iowa High School Basketball
Who: Ankeny Centennial (IA) vs Johnston (IA)
When: Friday, January 3, 2025
Time: 7:45 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Ankeny Centennial vs Johnston
As the basketball season heats up in Iowa, fans eagerly anticipate an exciting non-conference matchup between the Johnston Dragons and the Ankeny Centennial Jaguars. Scheduled for Friday, January 3 at 7:45 PM, this clash promises to showcase contrasting records, styles, and team dynamics.
Team Records and Rankings
Johnston Dragons (6-1 Overall, 2-0 Conference)
Johnston enters the game with an impressive 6-1 overall record and an undefeated 2-0 record in conference play. Ranked 15th in Class 3, the Dragons have proven themselves as a formidable force both at home and on the road. They boast a solid .857 win percentage, having scored 379 points while allowing 313, demonstrating strong offensive and defensive capabilities.
Ankeny Centennial Jaguars (1-4 Overall, 0-1 Conference)
The Jaguars, on the other hand, have struggled early in the season, holding a 1-4 overall record and a 0-1 mark in conference play. Ranked 261st in Class 36, Ankeny Centennial faces a tough challenge in turning their season around. With a .200 win percentage, the Jaguars have scored 251 points while conceding 303. Despite their record, they have shown flashes of potential and resilience, especially in close games.
Scoring Averages
- Johnston Dragons: Averaging 54.1 points per game, Johnston has consistently outscored their opponents. Their balanced scoring and disciplined play have been key factors in their success.
- Ankeny Centennial Jaguars: The Jaguars average 50.2 points per game, with notable scoring fluctuations across quarters. They tend to start and finish strong, scoring 20 points in the first quarter and 22 in the fourth quarter, but they struggle in the middle periods.
Head-to-Head Matchups
This game marks the first head-to-head encounter between the two teams this season. A rematch is scheduled for February 4, when Johnston will host Ankeny Centennial.
Common Opponents
A closer look at common opponents reveals Johnston’s dominance:
- Southeast Polk: Johnston defeated Southeast Polk 59-49, while Ankeny Centennial has yet to face them.
- Waukee: Johnston registered a commanding 63-43 win over Waukee. In contrast, Ankeny Centennial’s meeting with Waukee is scheduled for January 31.
- Ankeny: Johnston edged out Ankeny 59-49, whereas Ankeny Centennial fell short 58-48 in a tightly contested game.
- Northwest: Both teams faced tough losses against Northwest, with Johnston losing 60-48 and Ankeny Centennial falling 60-38.
- Dallas Center-Grimes: Johnston claimed a 48-39 victory, while Ankeny Centennial is set to play them later in the season.
- Urbandale: Johnston triumphed over Urbandale 62-37, while Ankeny Centennial narrowly lost 58-57.
Johnston’s 5-1 record against common opponents starkly contrasts with Ankeny Centennial’s 0-3 record, highlighting the Dragons’ superior form.
Record Breakdown
| Category | Johnston (6-1) | Ankeny Centennial (1-4) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 6-1 | 1-4 |
| League | 2-0 | 0-1 |
| Non-League | 4-1 | 1-3 |
| Common Opponents | 5-1 | 0-3 |
| Home Record | 3-1 | 0-0 |
| Away Record | 3-0 | 1-2 |
| Neutral Record | 0-0 | 0-2 |
| In-State Record | 6-1 | 1-4 |
Keys to Victory
Johnston Dragons:
- Continue Strong Defense: Johnston’s ability to limit opponents’ scoring has been crucial. Maintaining defensive pressure will be key to securing another win.
- Balanced Offense: With a consistent scoring average, the Dragons must continue to spread the ball and exploit Ankeny Centennial’s defensive weaknesses.
Ankeny Centennial Jaguars:
- Improve Mid-Game Performance: The Jaguars have struggled in the second and third quarters. Strengthening their play during these periods will be essential to stay competitive.
- Capitalize on Fast Starts: Ankeny Centennial has shown the ability to start strong. Maintaining momentum and finishing quarters with intensity could give them a fighting chance.
Final Thoughts
While Johnston enters the matchup as the clear favorite, Ankeny Centennial has the opportunity to surprise their opponents by addressing their mid-game issues and leveraging home-court advantage. Fans can expect a hard-fought game with both teams eager to make a statement.
The action tips off at 7:45 PM on Friday, January 3, at Ankeny Centennial. Will Johnston continue their dominant run, or can the Jaguars turn their season around with a big win? Basketball enthusiasts won’t want to miss this exciting showdown!
