Five Standouts from Cedar Rapids Prairie vs. Ankeny

Five standout players from the Conference Crossover in the Alliant Energy Center, in the third matchup of the day -- Prairie vs. Ankeny. Ankeny dominated in the second half to pull away and get the victory, winning by a final score of 67-50.   <a href="https://prephoops.com/2026/01/photo-gallery-cedar-rapids-prairie-vs-ankeny/">Photo Gallery: Cedar Rapids Prairie vs. Ankeny</a>    The go-to guy offensively for Ankeny, [player_tooltip player_id='1977422' first='Rio' last='Aguirre'] serves as the primary ball-handler and top scoring option for the Hawks. A ball-dominant player that attacks the rim and can shoot from the outside, Aguirre plays a ton of minutes and has the ball in his hands a lot.   More efficient than they eye test may show, Aguirre was 6-of-13 from the floor, including finishing 2-of-3 from beyond the arc and making 11-of-13 free throws. The most efficient shots in basketball are layups, free throws and three-pointers, and Aguirre got and made all three against Prairie on Saturda afternoon.     When a player touches the ball and the entire bench yells "Shooter!," it's an immediate indication to keep an eye on said player, particularly beyond the three-point line.   Campbell, who finished with a stat-line similar to Aguirre, showed that he was deserving of the label from the Ankeny sideline. Making 6-of-13 shots from the field and finishing 2-of-4 from deep, Cambell's calling card is his ability to shoot the rock, showing off a smooth stroke and the ability to cash in from distance despite the focus from his opponents on his best attribute.     An Iowa football walk-on, [player_tooltip player_id='2731874' first='David' last='Fason'] is a universal athlete and impactful hooper in the paint and on the perimeter, despite his size and frame. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, Fason was heavily overlooked -- even in his football recruitment -- because of his size. Notably recognized by Prairie head football coach as a prospect that would have "every offer in the country" if he was 6-foot-4 or taller, Fason is a bit limited on the basketball court because of his height.   At the same time, he uses his explosiveness and deceptive athleticism to impact the game more than most others could at his size -- similar to what he does on the football field.   With a solid handle, the ability to compete on the interior thanks to embracing physicality and a smooth-looking jump shot, Fason isn't a football player masquerading as a basketball player. He's a legitimate athlete that can reliably play multiple sports with the best in the Cedar Rapids metro.     An unknown prospect to me prior to Saturday's matchup, I left the Allegiant Energy Powerhouse knowing the name [player_tooltip player_id='2419840' first='Cayden' last='Larson']. A 6-foot-8 forward that does his job and does it well, Larson isn't a prospect that forces shots nor does anything that he's not asked to do by the Prairie staff.   A big that will fight for boards, take what's given to him by opposing defenses and can set a solid screen for ball-handlers, Larson is a big that Prairie can trust to do what is asked of him and go beyond with tough, physical play. His squad's leading rebounder at six per game, and a big that can step out and shoot it from time-to-time, Larson is a major asset for Prairie in doing the dirty work but also spreading the floor.     [player_tooltip player_id='2731746' first='Drew' last='Sorensen'] is the exact type of secondary ball-handler and senior that every single team in the state would benefit from having on their roster. A wing that will fight for every loose ball, can score at all three levels, doesn't turn the ball over and is unselfish, Sorensen is the dream senior to have on any roster.   He can also step up and be a scorer when needed, too. Prairie was so heavily focused on Aguirre and Campbell, that Sorensen took advantage at and around the rim by getting downhill as a ball-handler, but also grabbing three offensive rebounds and putting them back for easy twos.

Five standout players from the Conference Crossover in the Alliant Energy Center, in the third matchup of the day -- Prairie vs. Ankeny. Ankeny dominated in the second half to pull away and get the victory, winning by a final score of 67-50.