Audi Crooks commits to play women’s basketball at Iowa State

Algona Garrigan post picks the Cyclones over 4 other finalists, including Iowa

Apr. 14, 2022 8:18 am, Updated: Apr. 14, 2022 12:40 pm

Algona Garrigan's Audi Crooks (middle) defends against North Linn's Macy Boge during a Class 1A state semifinal at the girls’ state basketball tournament March 4. Crooks committed to Iowa State on Thursday. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette)

ALGONA — Audi Crooks, a strong, sturdy junior post who led Algona Garrigan to a Class 1A state championship in March, announced in a brief news conference Thursday morning she will play women’s basketball at Iowa State University.

Crooks’ decision was carried live by Algona Radio KLGA and KLGZ. It was a quick ceremony in which Crooks had sweatshirts of three other contenders on a table, then unzipped her sweatshirt, showing an Iowa State T-shirt underneath.

The Gazette learned Wednesday that Ames was Crooks’ likely destination.

Crooks, listed at 6-foot-3 and the owner of excellent hands and instincts around the basket, chose the Cyclones over Iowa, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.

According to ESPN, Crooks is the 58th-best prospect nationwide in the 2023 class. She is the third player on the 2023 list to commit to Iowa State, following Addyson Brown (No. 41, 6-2 wing, Derby Senior, Kan.) and Jalynn Bristow (No. 48, 6-2 forward, Rider, Texas).

Iowa City High’s Kelsey Joens is another junior who has committed to ISU.

Crooks averaged 23.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game as Garrigan (25-3) captured the Class 1A state championship last month. She shot 72.3 percent from the field.

The Golden Bears broke through with a title last season after finishing second to Newell-Fonda in 2020 and 2021.

Through three seasons, Crooks has compiled 1,845 points and 955 rebounds, leading Garrigan to a 75-7 mark.