Borden is so talented, and Ava might be the most consistent of the group right now. She has always been a smooth/fluid athlete, she has nice length, but now she looks stronger, much more confident, and she plays with such poise. While she was probably more comfortable as a “4” early in her career, she has become more of a wing who can score it at all three levels or act as a point forward in transition and create for others off the bounce. I also like her intensity and versatility defensively, as she can defend bigger guards, wings, and forwards.

Ava is another really nice, versatile player in this 2026 class. She has a balanced skillset, length, fluid athleticism, and a good all-around feel for the game. A year ago, I felt like she was more of a mid-post forward, but throughout the Spring & Summer, in addition to yesterday, she has become more of a playmaking wing. She can handle it in transition, she has good vision and can find teammates, plus she has some touch at all three levels. Additionally, she is a versatile defender who can take on bigger guards, wings, and forwards.

The PGH Freshman Showcase in 2022 was where I saw Ava for the first time, and she continues to improve each year. She is another long, fluidly athletic prospect who can play with some versatility. When she was younger, she looked most comfortable in the mid-range game, looking to attack the basket or shoot it from 15-feet. But as she has developed her skill, she has looked more comfortable pushing the ball in transition, creating offense for teammates, and now occasionally knocking down a rhythm 3-pointer.

To me, Ava really stood out at the IBCA Top-100 Showcase in June. It was the most relaxed, but assertive, I have seen her play. I’m used to watching her in the mid-post or catch on the wing and attack from there, but in June she was the one bringing the ball up the floor, creating for others, and she really showed off her athleticism and creativity. If colleges can consistently see her as more of a point forward than a face-up ‘4’, I think that will really help her recruiting, because she has always been a talent ready to break out.