Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

IOWA CITY – Just about anyone that has followed basketball in Iowa this season has taken note of what Ashley Joens has done this season. 

The City High senior has put together one of the best seasons in state history, averaging a state-leading 31.2 points per game while averaging a double-double.

While Ashley Joens has been busy putting the finishing touches on a brilliant career her younger sister Aubrey has quietly put together her own strong season.

While Aubrey has been comfortable playing in the shadow of her older sister she wasn’t going to miss a shot to shine on the state’s biggest stage.

Aubrey Joens poured in 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting in a 78-62 win over No. 12 West Des Moines Valley in a Class 5A state tournament quarterfinal.

“I just came out ready to play,” Joens said. “I don’t really pay attention to (the stage) or any of that. I just try to play my best and help us get a win.”

While Ashley Joens has drawn the attention of everyone from media to opposing defenses with her magical senior season Aubrey has put together the best season of her career.

Aubrey is averaging a career-best 13.8 points per game despite as a sophomore up nearly two points a game from a strong debut season a year ago.

The 5-foot-9 sophomore guard saved her best performance for the biggest game of season, going 4-of-7 from 3-point range and 2-of-2 at the line in the 16-point quarterfinal win on Monday.

“I think that was one of her best games and it was a good time for that,” City High coach Bill McTaggart said. “She’s had games like that before.”

The younger Joens leads City High with 53 made 3-pointers this season while shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc, up from 34 percent last season as a freshman.

On Monday, Aubrey Joens hit two of her first 3-pointers and scored 14 first-half points as City High built a 13-point halftime lead.

“It was huge,” Ashley Joens said of Aubrey’s performance. “When she can knock down those shots they have to go out and guard her and that leaves other people open and they can knock down shots as well.”

Aubrey Joens missed five games in December with a knee injury but has returned to play her best basketball when it matters most.

In four postseason games the younger Joens is shooting 46 percent from 3-point range (13-28) while averaging 12.8 points per game.

“I’ve felt really good,” Aubrey Joens said following her 20-point performance on Monday. “This is what we wanted now we have to get two more.”

Aubrey has done more than just hit shots in top-ranked City High’s run to the 5A state title game.

She is averaging three rebounds and 2.8 steals in four postseason games and had four steals and six rebounds in the quarterfinal win over defending champion West Des Moines Valley.

“Defense has been a big emphasis for us,” Aubrey Joens said. “We know what we are doing on offense we just have to play good defense and it will lead to our offense.”