The Kimberly wing/forward has been crucial for the Papermakers in her time at the high school level. She has been a reliable source of offense and has the physicality to overpower players at the high school level. Her coaches have also trusted her to make decisions with the ball at the high post, and she’s thrived being the fulcrum of offensive possessions. Van Vonderen has been among the more consistently productive physical wing/forwards in recent memory. She will continue her playing career in the Big Ten at the University of Wisconsin.

The Kimberly wing has been among the most talented kids in her class since she got into high school, and she showed why in Mequon. Van Vonderen finished well around the rim and is comfortable with either hand around the basket. The Wisconsin commit also plays at her own pace and lets the game come to her, and she makes good reads with the ball in her hands.

Ava’s high motor, length, toughness, and skill in the post made her one of the most impactful players on the court for Team Prime 17U at the PGH Great Lakes Region Finals. Ava was very effective in screen and roll actions. She caught passes with strong hands in the paint, finished well off two feet, and earned trips to the free-throw line. Ava competed with fierce determination in the Gold Championship Game against an elite opponent. She dove on the floor for 50/50 balls, battled for position in the post, intercepted passes, drove hard to the basket to cause fouls, scored a strong layup off two feet, and stepped outside to hit a corner three. Ava finished layups well with her right and left hands throughout the weekend, made opponents earn every inch, and used her length to disrupt passes on the defensive end.

The Kimberly wing has been a significant reason why the Papermakers have been among the top teams in the state in her time at the high school level. Van Vonderen has always been a talented player, and her team has played through her at the high post this season, allowing her to read the floor, make decisions with the ball, and attack the basket from that spot. She was the most impressive player at the D1 State Tournament last season for a reason. Van Vonderen will continue her playing career at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the Big Ten.

The 6’0 wing is a versatile offensive weapon who can space the floor and attack off the dribble. Van Vonderen helped lead the Papermakers to a D1 State Tournament last season and was a significant contributor in the biggest games of the season.