Prairie’s Elijah Ward relishes role as stopper

CEDAR RAPIDS — It has been 24 years since Cedar Rapids Prairie’s boys’ basketball team won state title.

Yet, with a strong senior class led by Elijah Ward, 2022 may be the year.

Ward has been on Prairie’s varsity team since his sophomore year and is now taking over the role of defensive stopper.

“It’s an honor,” Ward said. “That’s how you know you’re the best defender and they rely on you to help the defensive side.”

Using defense as a tool to bring energy to the team, Ward has accepted his job of guarding the opponent’s best offensive player, a feat not easily managed.

“He’s taking that role and running with it,” Coach Jeremy Rickertsen said. “That has had an immediate impact.”

Ward is one of many multisport athletes on the Hawks’ team and has a love for football, as well as basketball. He marginally favors basketball because of the environment, the fans and the adrenaline of playing in a competitive atmosphere.

Ward enjoys the game tactics and the teammates needed to succeed. His enthusiasm and transparent love for the game is noticed by his teammates and coaches.

“I always enjoy the bounce he comes into the gym with, he’s like a little kid on a playground,” Rickertsen said.

One of Ward’s goals is to gain more knowledge about the sports he plays.

“I have been playing my whole life and there is still so much more to learn,” he said.

His favorite professional basketball player is the late Kobe Bryant and he admits to learning by watching old clips. Ward’s number one role model, however, is his dad.

“My dad is always telling me if you want to be the best you can be, you have to work hard,” he said.

This mentality and work ethic is reflected in his game. Ward leads the team in rebounds and is Prairie’s third-leading scorer.

While Ward oozes athleticism, he also has a love of music.

“I love to dance, especially to Michael Jackson, singing, too,” Ward said.

Ward does not stop until he gets enough, demonstrating determination and perseverance in every avenue he pursues. He intends to be a collegiate athlete, but remains undecided on the college and the sport.

“I’m either thinking about going to play basketball at Iowa Lakes or going to Iowa Western to play football … I’m leaning towards playing basketball,” he said.

Ward plans to spend the spring improving his skills, getting stronger and preparing himself for college athletics.

With the help of Ward, Prairie boys’ basketball expects to go far this season and compete at the state tournament.