Ankeny basketball star Rio Aguirre has verbally committed to play for the University of Sioux Falls.
Aguirre, a guard, will join the Cougars’ program in the fall of 2026.
“I had been on a few other visits, but I don’t think this was a tough decision for me at all,” said Aguirre. “(Assistant) coach (Drew) Guebert and (head) coach (Chris) Johnson really pursued me and made me feel wanted, which is something I was looking for when choosing a school. They are honest people who care just as much about me as a person as they do as a player.”
Aguirre, a senior-to-be, led the Hawks to a 10-12 record last season. He averaged a team-high 20.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game–the only player in Class 4A to average 20, 5 and 5 in those three categories.
Aguirre also led his squad with 45 3-point goals and 12 blocks. He accounted for more than half of his team’s made and attempted free throws, shooting 84.3 percent from the line (129-of-153).
Aguirre was named to the Class 4A all-state second team by the Iowa Basketball Coaches Association and the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association. He was a unanimous pick to the CIML Conference first team.
Aguirre is looking forward to taking his talents to the NCAA Division II level.
“Their style of play fits exactly how I like to play, so I see it being a really good fit,” Aguirre said of the Cougars. “I loved the campus, and it’s a super nice area that the town is in. They take athletics very seriously, which is something I was also looking for–I want to play in front of a great fan base and have people excited to be at games. They have a great program for what I’m looking to study, and it’s a private Christian school so it will better help grow my faith along my journey through college.
“I knew after my visit on campus that I could envision myself at this school, and I really think this is going to be a great opportunity for me,” he added.