Crooks’ 39 Pts Lead Iowa State Past Maryland in Thriller

Crooks’ 39 Pts Lead Iowa State Past Maryland in Thriller

In a performance for the ages, Iowa State’s Audi Crooks delivered an unforgettable offensive masterclass, erupting for a career-high 39 points to propel the Cyclones past Maryland in a dramatic NCAA Tournament showdown. The sophomore sensation proved unstoppable, showcasing a blend of power and finesse that left the Terrapins searching for answers.

A Star is Born in Alona

The journey to stardom for number 55, Audi Crooks, began in the small town of Alona, Iowa, a community of just 5,500 residents. Her path was paved by a rich family basketball legacy, with both her parents, Michelle Cook and Jimmy Krooks, being standout high school players. This familial connection to the game is a cornerstone of Crooks’ identity, evident even in her jersey number choice.

“Mom, I made varsity,” she recalled telling her mother. “I asked for a 55.” When asked why, she explained, “Well, Mama, you were 55 and Dad was 55.”

This choice forged a unique bond, linking her to the athletic achievements and memories of her parents. However, the shadow of her father’s health struggles loomed large over her formative years.

Carrying a Legacy: The Shadow of Loss

Jimmy Krooks, a towering influence in Audi’s life and basketball journey, battled health issues for years. A heart attack when Audi was eight, followed by a leg amputation, tested the family’s resilience. The ultimate tragedy struck on August 14, 2021, when Jimmy passed away at the age of 55. At just 16, Audi faced a world turned upside down, questioning if she could continue pursuing the game so deeply intertwined with her father.

“I didn’t know if I was going to play basketball again because it was so deeply rooted in him,” Crooks shared. “But I kind of dedicated myself to the game for him because those were dreams that we had built together.”

She now carries his memory with her, a constant presence on the court. A tattoo on her right hand, the hand she shoots with, serves as a perpetual reminder: “It’s his pops. I call him pops. It was intentionally placed on this hand ‘cuz I’m right-handed. So every basket that I shoot, uh he’s with me.”

Dominance from the Jump

Crooks’ talent was undeniable. After leading Bishop Garrigan High School to back-to-back state titles and setting the state’s single-season scoring record as a senior, questions lingered about her ability to translate that success to the collegiate level, particularly given her small-town competition.

“I think the issue obviously that everyone initially thought was, you know, she didn’t really play against much competition. You come from a small Iowa high school, so you’re like, ‘Okay, does it really transfer to college?'”

Crooks quickly silenced those doubts. She earned a starting spot at Iowa State just five games into her freshman season and became an immediate force. Her impact was no more evident than in the 2024 NCAA Tournament against Maryland.

The Maryland Miracle

Facing a daunting 16-point deficit midway through the first half, Iowa State found itself on the brink of elimination. Coach Bill Fenn gave his team a stark choice: continue the fight or accept defeat. Crooks, embodying the spirit of resilience instilled by her father, chose to fight.

What followed was a breathtaking display of offensive dominance. Crooks relentlessly attacked the basket, drawing fouls and draining shots, even stepping out to hit a crucial three-pointer. Maryland’s defense struggled to contain her, with double teams proving ineffective. By the end of the contest, Crooks had amassed an astonishing 39 points, a career-high and a testament to her unyielding will. She added 40 points in the game to lead Iowa State to a remarkable comeback victory and advance to the second round.

“It was a crazy game, a crazy comeback. And it that’s a game I’ll never forget,” Crooks reflected on the historic win.

Battling Scrutiny Beyond the Court

While Crooks’ on-court prowess earned her national recognition, it also brought unwanted attention. The spotlight shifted from her exceptional talent to scrutiny of her physique, a focus she finds deeply frustrating.

“Nobody can depreciate my play. So then they come after me personally. And it’s like that’s not what I’m here for,” she stated. “It’s Audi. It’s because the Lord made her that way. Just tell her to focus on her gifts and what God gave her.”

Her mother, Michelle, expressed the pain of witnessing this criticism: “It’s not easy and it hurts as a mom.” Crooks, however, has learned to use it as fuel, embracing her physical strength.

“This body has gotten me so far, so so far in life and and it enables me to do what I do on the court. The people that criticize me for that certainly couldn’t stop me in the paint.”

Milestones and Rivalries

This season, Crooks continued to etch her name in the record books. She became the fastest player in Big 12 history to reach 2,000 career points. In a deeply personal milestone, she also helped Iowa State secure a much-needed victory against in-state rival Iowa, a game that held significant meaning due to her father’s wishes.

“We always watched the Cy-Hawk games together. I actually got emotional during the game just thinking about him and you know that we won’t be watching this one together.” Her father, she added, was particularly adamant about beating Iowa when she committed to Iowa State: “He was big on, ‘You better beat Iowa.'”

The emotional weight of the rivalry, coupled with the shared experience of loss with coach Fenn, who also lost his father, created a poignant atmosphere. With 15 seconds left and Iowa State up by three, Crooks stepped to the free-throw line. A knowing glance with her mother, a shared sentiment about their fathers watching, and two made free throws sealed a 30-point performance and a hard-fought victory.

“Just felt like it was written. It was already written,” Crooks said, reflecting on the significance of the moment.

Leaving a Legacy

Audi Crooks’ journey is a powerful narrative of resilience, family, and overcoming adversity. From the small town of Alona to national stardom, she has faced loss, doubt, and criticism, emerging stronger with each challenge. Her message is one of pride in her identity and unwavering dedication to the game that connects her to her father’s memory.

“They always say leave your jersey in a better place than when you got it. Well, 55 is going to be in a great place in basketball and in life. The deck of cards that I was dealt is a hard one to handle. But ultimately, the things that I’ve learned and the things that I’ve been able to do, I would say it’s pretty successful.”

Crooks is not just a dominant scorer; she’s a symbol of perseverance, proving that strength comes in many forms and that true success is forged in the fires of adversity.

Source: Iowa State star Audi Crooks discusses her upbringing, dealing with haters and more | SportsCenter (YouTube)