Ava Black Ava Black 5'11" | CG Tabor Academy | 2025 State New E (2025) | 5’11 Guard | Tabor

Ava looked fabulous in this one. She exhibited exhilarating 2-way abilities and dominated in the matchup. Her defensive mechanics allowed her to have the edge over many of the ballhandlers. She was disciplined but made the right decisions that led to more turnovers for the opponents, it was great to see Black hitting rhythm 3’s with defenders all in her face. Not just hitting at her sweet spots either, she was drilling corner 3-pointers, as well as some from deep range in semi transitional play. Ava took charge of the game from the start and never let her foot off the gas.

The #1 player at her position and a legitimate top 10 player in the class, Black is a phenomenally skilled. She’ll be a wonderful addition to Vanderbilt. Her win-first attitude will serve well on the next level. Ava is the ultimate competitor that shows up consistently in big moments. Black will fit strikingly at Vanderbilt and will surely find success on the next level.

Ava Black Ava Black 5'11" | CG Tabor Academy | 2025 State New E (2025) | 5’11 CG | Tabor

An absolute stud of a prospect! Ava Black Ava Black 5'11" | CG Tabor Academy | 2025 State New E is coming into the year as the #1 combo guard in the class due to her complete game. The Vanderbilt commit is a first-class 2-way, 3-level scorer. The Tabor Academy star excels in various areas of the floor while helping dictate the flow of the game with her uncanny ability to read and dissect defenses. She has crafty moves in isolation that help her create separation from defenders. The 3-point shot is topnotch, along with her pullup jump shot. Ava can get to the rim with a few dribbles, but an even more exceptional trait is her ability to cut without the ball in her hands. She will give up the ball quickly to get it back in an even better position after diving to the open areas of the defense. On the other side of the ball, Black is a menace. The ball hawking guard preys on weak ball handlers who are loose with their dribble. She will help cut whole sides of the court off with her astute defensive awareness that allows her to be in the best position on the floor. Her tenacious and relentless ability to fight through contact coupled with her athletic frame make her a nightmare to face. Ava disrupts opposing teams’ offenses and looks to create turnovers to get out on the break. In conclusion, Black is without a doubt one of the most elite talents in the entire class.

Ava Black Ava Black 5'11" | CG Tabor Academy | 2025 State New E (2025) | 5’11 CG/Wing | Tabor Academy

Player Comparison: Kayla Lezama

Ava Black Ava Black 5'11" | CG Tabor Academy | 2025 State New E is a multifaceted combo guard/ wing talent that can have a major impact on the game. Black is an exceptional player that adds to her team’s success by contributing winning plays on the regular, like Kayla Lezama did when she was in high school. Ava’s game is reminiscent of Lezama’s because of their similarities in creating off the perimeter with limited dribbles. The both share great scoring potential beneath the 3-point line, although Black may shoot it a bit more and more efficiently. They are both greatly gifted athletes that lead their teams in multiple categories. Never too high, never too low, Black seems to always make the right play when needed. She is a skilled shooter and prime bucket-getter driving to the basket. She absorbs contact and finishes craft layups. Ava creates space with simple, yet effective moves that allow for the lanes to open up so she can knife her way to the rim. The comparison becomes a bit of a stretch due to Ava’s ball handling skills which she uses to help break presses and facilitate when defenders are making it hard for the point guard to run the offense. She sports a nice pullup jump shot that she uses decisively, depending on what the defender is making available. As a defender, Black is a willing and tough-minded player that sets the tone. Black has a bit of a competitiveness to her on defense that allows her to stay active and engaged throughout the game.

Black is a stellar player and has committed to Vanderbilt after having a plethora of schools calling for her. Black played exceptionally at Gym Rat and she showed why she is one of the most premier players on the East Coast. One of the better multiskilled players in all of New England, Ava is looking to bring Tabor far next year. Tabor has an excellent team coming back next year and she will be looked to carry a big responsibility for the squad.