The girls basketball team just received a big boost–a 6’3” boost, to be exact, in the form of senior transfer Ava Rush, one of the most scouted athletes in the Charleston area.
From an early age, Rush has had aspirations to become the best basketball player that she can possibly be. Going into her final high school season, Rush is preparing to play at the next level as she recently verbally committed to play Division One basketball at East Carolina University.
For Rush, who transferred to Wando from First Baptist High School in James Island, her basketball career did not begin on the court, but instead in the stands. She watched her sister’s love for the game develop, which inspired her to begin her own path within the sport.
“I started playing when my sister started playing, so just watching her play all the time, and seeing how much she got better over time, it just inspired me to get into the game more,” Rush said.
Rush’s motive to work to get to where she currently is in the game came from the mindset to stand out from the competition.
“My motive has just been wanting to be the best player that I can be, and just wanting to push myself to be the best player,” Rush said.
Along with East Carolina, Rush received offers from Appalachian State and Marshall. Rush aims the spotlight on three strong key points within her skills that make her such an anticipated prospect.
“I’d probably say that my strong suits consist of my shooting ability, my passing ability and then my ability to shot block,” Rush said.
Rush made her move to Wando with hopes of stronger competition at a large public high school vs. the smaller private school environment.
“Well, just being at a bigger school, playing bigger schools that come with better competition,” Rush said.
Being a senior athlete, expectations and goals begin to rise, alongside hopes to accomplish aspirations in the last year of high school. For Rush, goals come from a team perspective and a personal perspective.
“Team-wise, definitely try to win a state championship and get as far as we possibly can. From a personal standpoint, just getting stronger at the little things that I need to improve to become a better basketball player, especially to get ready for college,” Rush said.
Along her journey, Rush has come across many who have helped her along the way. She believes that there are certain individuals who are most deserving of credit for her success in the game of basketball.
“I definitely would give credit to my parents, my older sister, and my trainer,” Rush said.
As her dreams extend beyond high school basketball, Rush’s dedication to improving and performances on the basketball court have opened up opportunities to play at the next level. Rush announced her verbal commitment to the Pirates on Sept. 7. For Rush, East Carolina stood out as the most beneficial school for her career.
“Just being such a high-level program. Especially the coach really wanting the best for every player that comes through the program, it’s just a great team to develop,” Rush said.
Following behind her current status, many other younger female basketball players compete in hopes of playing at the next level. With Rush moving on to the next step of her journey, she gives her best piece of advice to those who hope to advance within the game.
“I would say just to never give up. Also, don’t compare your journey to someone else’s journey, because everyone has their own path,” Rush said.
From a coaching perspective, girls head basketball coach, Jeffery Emory, said that Rush has many different factors that make her stand out from the competition.
“I mean… she’s 6’3”, she’s athletic, she’s rangy, she’s long, and she has a very good touch shooting. So when you, especially in the girl’s game, you have a 6’3” that can extend the floor, get out, and shoot the jumpshot from long range. You know, it’s a special talent within itself,” Emory said.
With power forward as her potential role in the Warrior’s program, Emory has a vision for how a transfer like Rush can be implemented into a large public school program as opposed to First Baptist.
“What she’s going to see is the night in, night out. Opponents are going to be a bit higher level. Yes, First Baptist plays some good competition, but it’s not every day, you know. They play some schools that they easily beat and she’s able to dominate. I think here she’s going to have to really, you know, focus on it,” Emory said.
From a coaching perspective, Emory sees Rush’s commitment to East Carolina as a process of development similar to what she is about to experience at Wando.
“I think it’ll be much the same. I think they’ll try to continue to build on the same things that we are built on. I’ve already talked to their coach and stuff,” Emory said.
