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.

The 6’0 Kimberly forward has gone a road less traveled these past few years. She was the first kid off the bench for the Papermakers most of last season and thrived in that role. Van Vonderen was efficient off the bench, and you could see flashes of brilliance. Now, as a sophomore, she’s been better and has aided the Papermakers to a 14-0 record to date. She’s a versatile kid who can pass, score from all three levels, and play within a successful offensive structure. Her defensive game has also taken a step forward, which has been massive for her.

The 6’0 Kimberly wing played for the highly successful Wisconsin Flight Elite 15U team that has competed and made a name for themselves nationally. Van Vonderan came off the bench and thrived for a loaded Papermaker team in her first high school season and was trusted to make plays down the stretch of important games. She’s never been shy of massive moments and made some of her most memorable plays in games against programs like Pewaukee, Neenah, and Hortonville. She’s another one to expect to see playing on TV once she wraps up her Kimberly career.