Photo by Iowa State University Athletic Communications: Bishop Garrigan star Audi Crooks will play basketball at Iowa State University.

ALGONA — When it came time to decide where her next chapter would start, the decision was a simple one for Audi Crooks.

The top recruit in the state of Iowa for the 2023 class and a national Top-60 prospect will take her talents to Iowa State University.

The Bishop Garrigan junior all-stater felt right at home in Ames from the time she first visited. Ultimately, that sense of family solidified her relationship with head coach Bill Fennelly’s program.

“The Iowa State players were welcoming,” Crooks said. “I have built relationships with players in my class (2023) that have previously committed.

“I’ll be walking in with people in my corner.”

Crooks, the daughter of the late Fort Dodge Senior High graduate Jimmie Crooks and ex-Bishop Garrigan standout Michelle (Vitzthum) Cook, announced her decision Thursday morning inside Bishop Garrigan High School gym.

In front of family and friends and with her mother by her side, Crooks had three sweatshirts laid out on the table. As she went to pick up one of the sweatshirts, she unzipped her jacket to reveal an Iowa State t-shirt instead.

“I’ve probably known for about two weeks,” Crooks said. “Iowa State has been known for developing their guards and forwards.

“I want it to be known as a place for a true-blue center.”

It was truly a tough decision for Crooks to make, as the recruiting process was a time for building strong relationships.

“It was an enjoyable, nerve-racking and fun process,” Crooks said. “I developed so many strong bonds. I cried talking to a couple of coaches on the phone, but I built genuine friendships so those feelings were sincere.

“Not everyone gets an opportunity to go through this process, so it was an honor to have this experience.”

Crooks burst on to the scene two years ago, setting the IGHSAU scoring record for a freshman. She then helped lead Garrigan to the school’s first state championship at the end of this past season.

Now that the decision has been made, Crooks will have one more year to chase a second state title.

“The focus has always been on school ball,” Crooks said. “The only thing that will change is this decision has been made.”

Once constant for Crooks has been the support from her friends and family.

“They’ve been there every step of the way,” Crooks said. “They support my decision, and would have no matter where I decided to play.

“They’re always in my corner.”

Crooks, a 6-foot-3 center, is the 58th-best prospect in the nation according to ESPN. As a three-time all-stater, she’s led the Golden Bears to three straight state championship games.

Crooks is the third Top-60 recruit for the Cyclones. She joins Addyson Brown (No. 41 out of Kansas) and Jalynn Bristow (No. 48 out of Texas) in the 2023 class.

Crooks had the highest point and rebound total of her career with 659 and 349, respectively, in 2021-22. She became the school’s all-time scoring leader with 1,845 points, and is closing in on 1,000 career rebounds (955).

“She is a true teammate and an unselfish player,” said Garrigan head coach Brandon Schwab. “Audi is a player who wants to win and doesn’t care about the accolades.

“She is not just an outstanding player, but a great leader and a great person.”

Heading into her senior season, Crooks looks to become only the 21st player in state history to score 2,000 points. For her career, Crooks is averaging 22.5 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.5 blocks. Her field goal percentage is 71.1 percent.

“She is totally committed to doing what she can to make the team better, and does that in AAU as well,” Schwab said. “Audi gets in a ton of games in the offseason and is always working on conditioning and weight lifting.

“She wants to bring her game to the next level in college. I have seen improvement every day, and her goal now is to win another state title.”

In her nine state tournament games, Crooks is the tournament career leader in rebounds with 120 and is second in points with 214. She has been named to three all-tournament squads in Class 1A, and was the captain as a freshman.

Crooks, the Gatorade Player of the Year in 2020, received offers from schools from across the country.

“Audi is happy to be committed to Iowa State,” Schwab said. “I’m thrilled for her and her family and her entire support system. She just went through such an emotional process.

“Now she can take a breath and wear the Iowa State uniform proudly.”