Ankeny boys’ basketball standout Rio Aguirre proved a year ago that he can carry a team.
Now, the senior guard will have to do it all over again–perhaps with even more attention from opposing defenses.
Aguirre is one of four returning starters from a team that posted a 10-12 record last season. The others are senior forward Kael Roush, senior guard Drew Sorensen and junior guard Jasani Campbell.
“We are very pleased with our progress,” said Ankeny coach Brandt Carlson. “With many returning veterans, it makes the process and progress much more consistent, and you are able to challenge them in a variety of ways.”
Aguirre, a three-year starter, blossomed into a star as a junior, when he averaged a team-high 20.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. He was 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, who has committed to play for Sioux Falls, 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.
With a more experienced team around him, Aguirre is now hoping to lead the Hawks back to the Class 4A state tournament, where he helped them to a semifinal appearance as a sophomore in 2024.
“I believe Rio will be challenged in many ways, but I am confident he can handle what he is going to face this year,” Carlson said. “I don’t know the type of specific strategy other teams will take with our team, but our goal is to make our team difficult to guard as a unit.”
If opposing defenses focus too much attention on Aguirre, the Hawks can rely on some other scoring options. Campbell became a reliable second scorer as a sophomore, when he averaged 12.4 points and 3.9 rebounds while leading the team with 27 steals.
Campbell, who was selected to the all-conference second team, could play an even bigger role this season.
“I believe he has taken multiple steps in the offseason to help him develop the best level of consistency possible,” Carlson said. “He is growing up as a student, athlete, and as a young adult. We are proud of his development and are looking forward to seeing him compete this season.”
Sorensen is back after averaging 7.7 points and 4.2 rebounds. He earned all-conference honorable mention.
Roush started 14 of the 22 games as a junior. He averaged 3.5 points and 3.5 rebounds.
Ankeny will need to find some 3-point production following the graduation of Luke Anderson. He shot a team-best 42.0 percent from behind the arc (37-of-88).
“I think every year finding guys who not only shoot it well, but can perform in tough environments is difficult,” Carlson said. “Luke was a great teammate and performer for us, and I look forward to seeing who steps up this year to help us find great offensive balance. We have many returning players that have been leading well and creating a player-led team, which always helps in providing the foundation for success. We have 10 seniors this year, and it has been fun watching them help all the underclassmen.”
Former Ankeny Centennial guard Cayden Clark has transferred to Ankeny and could also make an immediate impact. He started 20 games for the Jaguars as a junior, when he averaged 5.5 points and 1.4 rebounds.
“There are many guys who are competing for an opportunity,” Carlson said. “The players are making it difficult on our coaches to identify specific roles.”
The Hawks will host three-time defending state champion Valley in their season opener on Tuesday. It’ll be an early test for a team that is looking to keep playing into March.
“The No. 1 key for us to make a run at the state tournament is great team chemistry and connection,” Carlson said. “We have to share the ball and trust each other in making the correct decisions. We have to find a great connection on defense and find a way to be a top rebounding team this year. Historically for us, if we make more free throws than the opponent attempts, have a 10-plus rebounding margin and we have efficient offensive production, we can make a run at a trophy.
“We are certainly looking forward to the challenge,” he added.