Ankeny wins in quest for four, Dowling, C-R Wash win too

The class 4A quarterfinals are underway at the girls’ state basketball tournament. Eighth ranked West Des Moines Dowling Catholic opened the second quarter with a 10-0 run to take the lead for good in a 58-38 victory over the fifth ranked Lewis Central Titans. Senior guard Jessica Katch had 15 points to lead Dowling. After dropping five of seven games midway though the season the Maroons take a seven game winning streak into the semifinals.Lewis Central coach Chris Hanafan says Dowling’s quickness caused his team problems.Lewis Central ends the season at 22-2, while Dowling moves to 19-5. Second ranked Cedar Rapids Washington is the highest scoring team in the 4A field but it was defense that led the Warriors in the opening round.Washington forced Des Moines Roosevelt into 22 turnovers and held leading scorer Charmaine Bell to just two points in the opening half in a 42-39 victory over the Roughriders. Washington coach Frank Howell who says a number of different players had a role in the outcome. He says that’s the way the team’s been the entire year and that’s why they are where they are now.Roosevelt bows out at 16-8, while C-R Washington moves to 22-2. Ankeny is two victories away from an unprecedented fourth consecutive state title but the Hawkettes were tested by upset minded Iowa City High. Leading by six with just over six minutes remaining Ankeny pulled away down the stretch for a 55-41 win. Ankeny coach Scott DeJong says they’re getting a lot of people’s best shots and coming out on top. He says he’s happy to be moving onto the final four. Leading 24-19 at the half the Hawkettes grabbed control by outscoring Iowa City High 11-1 to start the third quarter. Iowa City High outworked and outplayed Ankeny for much of the first half but made only six of 22 shots and trailed 24-19 at the break. City High coach Bill McTaggert says Ankeny did what they do against so many teams, they finish. He says Ankeny is a great team, but his team gave them a sweat.