Kelsey Joens, Audi Crooks shine in Iowa State women's basketball team's exhibition win

AMES – When the Iowa State women’s basketball team’s roster underwent a giant makeover during the offseason, tons of questions arose about what this season’s team may look like.

Wednesday night’s exhibition game provided some clarity.

Kelsey Joens scored 20 points and Addy Brown added 16 for the Cyclones, who unofficially kicked off the 2023-24 campaign with an 88-68 exhibition win over Truman State at Hilton Coliseum.

The victory and the stats didn't count. But it was still important, and in a lot of ways, a memorable night for a team full of fresh faces getting their first bit of action as Cyclones.

"I think it's a good start," said Iowa State freshman Audi Crooks. "It's a good foundation. Even though you could say arguably we played well but collectively, we made some mistakes. So, we definitely have a lot to work on."

More: Iowa State women's basketball guard Emily Ryan out indefinitely with 'health-related issue'

As expected, there were ups and downs for the newcomers, who struggled early and made their inexperience evident at times. But it was a promising start as the Cyclones overpowered their Division II opponent behind a 17-0 run in the second quarter to take a commanding 34-15 lead.

The Cyclones were far from perfect the rest of the way but they still delivered an impressive performance with four players scoring in double figures and the team shooting 48% from the field.

"I like what the possibilities are," said Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly.

Here's what we learned from the game:

Iowa State was lacking experience but still got by

Iowa State was without two of its biggest key contributors from a season ago in point guard Emily Ryan and versatile senior Nyamer Diew.

The school announced earlier in the day that Ryan is out indefinitely with a “health-related” issue and was working to get back on the court. Fennelly said that Diew is dealing with a knee injury and had it been the official season-opener, could have played.

Still, Iowa State, as expected, was still able to roll to an easy win with Diew and Ryan coaching up teammates on the bench.

"We had our moments where it was up and down but overall, I think we overcame the challenges," Joens said.

More: Iowa State basketball transfer Hannah Belanger to square off vs. former team Truman State

Kelsey Joens was the star of the night

Joens faced the tall task of trying to follow in the famous footsteps of her sister Ashley Joens.

Ashley, a five-year starter for the Cyclones and the program's all-time leading scorer, is now off to the WNBA. Kelsey, a highly decorated recruit out of high school herself, followed her to Iowa State and delivered an impressive opening night.

She not only shot it well (5-of-7 from 3-point range) but also attacked the hoop successfully. When it was all said and done, Joens finished the night with 20 points and three rebounds.

"I've watched it from the stands for how many years and now I finally got to put on the jersey," Joens said. "So, it was a dream come true being out there."

The anticipated debut of Audi Crooks went very well

Crooks was one of the biggest gets in Iowa State's recruiting class. The former Bishop Garrigan star arrived at Iowa State with a ton of fanfare and expectations after opting to play in her home state.

Crooks, who drew a big ovation when she checked into the game off the bench in the first quarter, put on a show, tallying a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Crooks was efficient as well, shooting 6-of-10 from the field.

The Cyclones will certainly see an uptick in competition soon and Crooks will have to face off against more physical teams. But Wednesday was a good way for Crooks and the Cyclones to ease into things.

"You can say it doesn't count," Crooks said. "But, we have the jerseys on, the fans are here and the scoreboard was turned on. So, I think it counts. But, we're still learning each other. This is the first time we're playing together as a team, as a whole and we definitely have to get some parts figured out so that we can become a cohesive team and put out a better result."

Addy Brown filled the stat sheet in her debut

Brown may be the forgotten member of the recruiting class. But the Kansas native was equally as impressive as her teammates and was, at times, leading the charge. She played confidently and impressively, filling the entire stat sheet.

Outside of the 16 points she tallied, Brown added eight rebounds and four assists.

"I don't even want to bring it up but it's the Bridget Carleton, Ashley Joens kind of skillset," Fennelly said.

Tommy Birch, the Register's sports enterprise and features reporter, has been working at the newspaper since 2008. He's the 2018 and 2020 Iowa Sportswriter of the Year. Reach him at tbirch@dmreg.com or 515-284-8468

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Kelsey Joens has big game in Iowa State’s win over Truman State