At 5’7″ Ava Orlando Ava Orlando 5'7" | PG Notre Dame | 2025 State New E may not be the tallest player on the court, but that doesn’t stop her from driving to the basket through contact and forcing the ball in the hoop. Her grit, athleticism and ball-handling abilities allow her to weave through the defense for a layup or an and-one opportunity. Orlando can also light it up from beyond the arc, and has a lightening-quick shot release. She’s the type of player you want on your team because of the intensity and efficiency she brings to the game.

Ava is a Point guard, who can take over the game with her scoring and control the offense. As just a freshman on Varsity, she proved she is a big time playmaker. She had many big games, including a triple double, and many high scoring games. She plays very well within the flow off the offense, and doesn’t force anything. She is patient, and swings the ball around around, knowing it could get her or a teammate a better shot. She is a high percentage three point shooter, with a smooth shooting form. Ava is very tough player to guard in the open floor, and has a high competitive drive. Looking forward to watching her compete with some of the best in New England Saturday.

***A tough scary good player that has taken over the word fire to now encapsulate her game. When I went to see Orlando play for the first time, she was being denied, and rightfully so. Even with this, she found ways to impact the game by cutting backdoor, or, when she did get the ball, finding holes in the defense and using the over help to find her teammates. She is under control with a silky handle and smooth touch at the rim, but will push as hard as she can non-stop as if she’s down 10 (The Orlando Fire). She’s not afraid to shoot it well beyond the arc and can knock it down consistently. Orlando also has great vision, seeing where her teammate will be before they get there so she can deliver dimes both in transition and in the half-court. Unsurprisingly, her teammates look to get her the ball, and look for her on what offense they are going to run. She loves her retreat dribble or mini step-back for the 3, or her combo moves for the attack. She has mastered her behind-the-back dribble for either a change of pace, or to get by her defender. No matter what move she was making, it was always done with purpose, and with the Orlando Fire she possesses. That being said, Orlando’s energy and fire are what I loved most about her game. You can tell she wants to win on every possession, playing as if she is down 2 with 30 seconds to go. Overall, this kid was probably my favorite and most fun player to watch just solely on her drive and fire while playing the game. But add in her stock-rising talent, and you got a D1 contender right there.