2022 Recruiting Update: Ava Hawthorne
If Ava Hawthorne was turning the heads of college coaches before the season, then they have to be even more interested now. The freshman point guard is averaging 14.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.8 steals this season for…
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Continue ReadingIf Ava Hawthorne was turning the heads of college coaches before the season, then they have to be even more interested now.
The freshman point guard is averaging 14.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.8 steals this season for Gilbert (15-5), and had one of her most impressive performances on Monday night in a win over 3A’s No. 1 North Polk (17-2).
She poured in 25 points on 9-of-16 shooting and added 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. The 5-foot-10 2022 prospect was the engine that made the Tigers go.
She hit a deep 3-pointer, a couple off-the-dribble treys, scored in transition and in the half-court and made plenty of creative passes. After getting a rebound or live ball turnover, she immediately looked up the court to make a pass ahead, which often led to an easy bucket.
“I love throwing a full-court pass and getting them a wide open layup. That puts a smile on my face,” Hawthorne said.
Hawthorne’s ability to score and pass is largely why she has already received plenty of Division I interest. Before the season even began, Northern Iowa offered her a scholarship. While that’s her only official offer, she’s also received some interest from the likes of Iowa — associate head coach Jan Jensen has attended a Gilbert game this season — and Drake — who had a representative at a game recently. South Dakota State, South Dakota, Iowa State and Creighton have also expressed interest, per Hawthorne.
Although just a 9th grader, Hawthorne is a huge reason that Gilbert has won 14 of their past 16 games.
“She’s so heady on the court,” Gilbert coach Mike Frisk said.
Hawthorne has always had a strong ability to shoot, and she’s hit more 3-pointers than any freshman in the state (53), but before the season she said she’s working on expanding her game to become a multi-faceted scorer. It’s worked, as she’s scored nearly half of her buckets inside the arc.
“I’m trying to drive more to the hole,” she said. “Just to expand my game more than just shooting 3s. I’m trying to score with my left hand more, just get to the hole.”
Hawthorne showed great instincts to find teammates and cut off-ball. With decent size for a point guard, she certainly looks like a candidate to rack up several Division I scholarship offers as her high school career progresses.