Watkins scored the first two buckets of the night for Piedmont and sent the message loud and clear that she wasn’t ready for her high school career to end. Played big around the hoop all night and no moment was bigger than the closing seconds. She slide over and swatted a game wining floater attempt. That alone would’ve been clutch. She also had the presence of mine to snatch the loose ball, and throw an outlet pass to a speedy teammate for a game winner. Seniors are often the difference come March and it was very true tonight for Watkins.

A Northwestern Oklahoma State signee, Watkins did a bit of everything for the Wildcats. Covers a lot of ground on defense with her height, wingspan and hustling. Was able to face up and attacking her athletic opponents with good drives to the rim. Even stuck with one miss a drive to get a putback. Drained a catch and shoot three as well. A stern test to open the season, but Watkins is clearly ready to be an impactful Swiss Army Knife for Piedmont.

Listed as a power forward but the skill set, she has screams just forward or big guard. She has watch I would call the Trifecta. Smooth outside shooter from the 3-point line needing little rooms to get it off. The same shot from the high post draws out the defender allowing her to score at the rim with at times a nice spin move. The third thing is how she moves without the ball. Always seemed to find herself on the back side waiting for the pass or cleaning up the missed shot. Aggressive on defense that reads the jump on the passing lane getting the steals for points off the turnovers. Ava has received offers from several NAIA and D2 schools

Ava could be having the Stock Riser of this group. The 5’11 forward has great versatility that allows her to a big guard or small forward. One of those players that will a tough match for the opposing team. The ball handling and outside shooting would make it tough for a big post. The spin moves, drop step and other block work would be a mis match on smaller guards.

Great understanding of press rotations in the zone or man press. The size and length make her a tough defender on the next pass. Excellent rebounder as well with a potential double-double every night. She has drawn attention during the first Live Period and has pick a offer up from highly ranked SNU

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Capable of playing either forward spot, Watkins served as a bridge between the guards and front court of Team Oklahoma . Stepped out and hit a couple threes. While also playing physical when driving and grabbing offensive rebounds. Even had a great one handed wrap around pass after she drove, drew a crowd and whipped the pass out to an open shooter. Versatile weapon on both ends of the floor, with some connector vibes.

A power forward that can shoot the outside jumper making her a good small/power forward. Moves off the ball looking for a backdoor cut’s layups. A 2026 whose stock is increasing at every event this spring. Physical tough defender in the post but laterally capable of defending a 2-3 guard. Excellent defender of the passing lanes getting deflections that lead to steals. The agility she has allows her to play that a small forward or power forward. Ava already has received offers and expecting more to come.