Scheels Athlete of the Week: Joens Posts Back-to-Back Big Games

City High junior Ashley Joens

By Ryan Murken
Your Prep Sports

IOWA CITY – It took half a dozen stiches to close the cut Ashley Joens got following a fall in the second half of a win over Muscatine.

Those stitches were set to be removed Saturday morning.

Following Friday’s win over Cedar Falls someone joked that the way Joens place last week the City High junior might want to leave the stitches in for a little while longer.

Joens posted back-to-back strong performances last week following a six-point outing against Muscatine that was cut short by her trip for stitches.

The 5-foot-11 Joens had 30 points and 13 rebounds in a 77-47 win over Cedar Rapids and had 27 points and nine boards in 62-40 win over third-ranked Cedar Falls.

“I think we are getting better every game,” Joens said. “Those were two good wins for us, the second half (against Cedar Falls) was definitely the best half we have played.”

Already a two-time all-state selection Joens is on her way to another strong season as a junior.

She is averaging 18.4 points and 9.6 points per game while helping City High to a 5-0 record and a number two ranking in Class 5A.

Joens is shooting 54 percent from the field this season after shooting 60 percent (21-of-35) in the wins over Cedar Rapids Prairie and Cedar Falls.

“The offense runs around her as you can see but she does a great job of passing when she gets double teamed,” City High coach Bill McTaggart said. “She is hitting the open girl.”

A unique talent that can play with the ball in her hands or with her back to the basket, Joens has already been used in a variety of ways this season.

Joens did everything from post up on the low block to break the press against Cedar Falls.

The Iowa State recruit had a team-high three assists against the Tigers and added two steals.

“We have a lot more guards and when she goes to Iowa State she will not be playing as inside as much so she will have a good all-around game because she practices a lot on the outside and she plays a lot on the inside,” McTaggart said. “She can handle the ball, she is a just a good all-around player.

Things don’t get any easier for Joens and the Little Hawks this week as City High travels to fifth-ranked West High (5-0) on Tuesday.

City High closes out its December schedule by traveling to Dubuque Senior and hosting Cedar Rapids Jefferson.

“There is a lot of energy and enthusiasm in the West High game every year,” Joens said. “It’s always an exciting game and they are a good team so it’s going to be fun.”