Junior for Wayne County, Ava Ashley Ava Ashley 6'1" | PF/SF Wayne County | 2027 State TN , was a standout defensive performer in both of the two games she played at the state tournament.

Through both of these contests, she had a combined 11 blocks and steals–eight steals and three blocks. All of her blocks came in the first round against Gordonsville High School. Ashley, at 6’1″, can change her direction better than most people her height. This makes her a great rim protector with her quick rotations and a steal threat with the combination of her size and speed.

Ashley, as she has all season at the state tournament, was also a dominant paint scorer and rebounder. She had 15 rebounds and 37 points combined through both the state games.

Talented big that can play the 3-5 position flawlessly. She can work with her back to the basket inside, finishing with a bag full of moves. She can stretch the floor and shoot the 3 ball at a high clip. Her presence on the floor gives her club an edge on both ends. This past season, she averaged  20.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 assists. Expect numbers like this her senior season as she looks to obtain multiple postseason awards.

A big-time anchor in the post, she was too much for GHS as she finished with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 5 steals. She finished over either shoulder, owning the painted area along the way. Though her offensive ability to score the basketball will always be highlighted, her defense should get the praise as she slammed the door down the middle. She is a talented kid who creates havoc down low. A solid kid who truly has a bright future in this game.

Wayne County will be a one seed in the regional tournament. This comes from a 1A District 11 Title victory they had against Perry County High School. In helping them get to this moment, junior Ava Ashley Ava Ashley 6'1" | PF/SF Wayne County | 2027 State TN has played at a crazy high-level all season.

A game recently against Perry County highlighted Ashley’s versatile and dominant offensive game. Ashley logged 23 points in this contest. In the game, she had two catch-and-shoot threes on the left wing. On one of these shots, she caught a pass from her teammate while on the move. She was able to set her feet on a moment’s notice, showed no hesitation after her feet gathered, and knocked down the shot. The pairing of her feathery jumper, high-level footwork, and a good inside offensive game has proven to be effective already in her high school career. In the regional tournament, this should remain the case.

Wayne County will play in the first round of the regional tournament this Friday against Hollow Rock-Bruceton High School.

Big-time player who is no stranger to the bottom of the net. This kid plays with relentless effort and contributes not only in the scoring column but also in other statistical categories. She can bully you down low, stretch the floor, grab boards, make timely assists, and block shots. She is effective on both ends, a huge focal point for the WC program. Her presence on the floor discomforts opponents. She finds ways to exploit teams every time she suits up. Tough kid who gets buckets.

IG: ava.ashley23

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Ava is an interior presence who used her size well down low, and did a good job creating space without relying on excessive dribble moves. She rebounded effectively and showed off a nice shooting touch for her position, which added to her versatility. She was tough to deal with and made her presence felt on both ends of the floor as well as on the glass. She has some intrigue surrounding her game and is a player to keep eyes on.

Although already ranked as one of the premier players in the class of 2027 in TN, Ava Ashley Ava Ashley 6'1" | PF/SF Wayne County | 2027 State TN still could see her stock rise more. The junior from Wayne County brings an extremely dynamic game to the table at 6’1″. On offense she can knock down threes from the corner, as well as from the top of the key. When she gets these chances from the top of the perimeter she can also create in other ways. She has great vision to bolt a quick pass to an open teammate, or she can put her head down and drive to the hoop. When she chooses to drive she is efficient in doing so and can finish on both sides of the basket.

On defense, she is a great help defender. She is able to step in and block or contest a shot when needed. There were multiple games last year where she recorded two or more blocks for Wayne County. Ashley rounds out her dynamic game with great rebounding ability.

Super talented kid who can stretch the floor with the best of them. She can dial it up from deep at a consistent clip. What I love about her game, she doesn’t hesitate to put the ball on the floor to get to the rim. She can face up inside and score as well as dominate with her back to the basket. She is big-time on the defensive end as well, making an impact every game. I can’t stress enough how talented this kid is, with more room to grow. Look for her to have multiple college coaches dialing her up this travel ball season.

If you happen to be a fan of the Lady Vols, picture a young Tess Darby. The six footer can do work in the painted area, but also stretch the floor and knock down 3s from the arc at a consistent clip. She can play the 3-5 and not miss a beat at any position. Her length creates problems on the defensive end. She minimizes passing lanes, blocks shots, and contributes on the boards. This kid is solid and a viable scoring option for Wayne Co. 

Another big who will anchor the middle along with Blair. A part of the twin towers moniker, it’s like Wayne Co. is built like the San Antonio Spurs with David Robinson and Tim Duncan back in the day. Ava is a game changer in her way and his kid can get it done inside the perimeter in more ways than one. Nice in the screen game, money from block to block, elbow, and short corner areas, this kid is a big time contributor on the offensive end. Defensively, she has nice footwork that enables her to stay in front of the opposition, blocking shots, gathering boards. Look for this kid to play a big role this season and then take the reins of anchoring the middle the next two years. Solid kid with huge upside.