Nickerson's Ava Jones announces commitment to play college basketball for Iowa

NICKERSON – Nickerson forward Ava Jones announced on social media Sunday her commitment to play college basketball in the Big 10 Conference at Iowa.

Jones was previously an Arizona State commit before a change in coaching, which prompted Jones to re-open her recruitment. Jones went on visits to Texas Tech, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Iowa. Her Iowa visit was just two weeks ago.

"I would first off like to thank my family for everything they do," Jones said in her commitment post on Twitter. "None of this would be possible without each and every one of you. I would also like to thank all the schools that have recruited me and taken the time to get to know my family and myself. With that being said, I'm excited to announce that I will be committing to the University of Iowa. Go Hawkeyes!"

During the 2021-22 season, Jones averaged 20.8 points, 15.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 steals her game on her way to being tabbed The Hutchinson News' 2022 all-Reno County girls basketball player of the year, a first-team all-state and first-team all-Central Kansas League selection.

Jones is ranked as the 83rd best girls basketball player in the nation in the Class of 2023, according to ESPNW's top 100. Jones also held offers from TCU, Ohio State, Tulsa, Wichita State, Minnesota, and Drake. Prior to her Arizona State announcement, Jones had West Virginia, Iowa State, Clemson, and Nebraska in the mix. 

"I chose Iowa because it has a winning culture, the incredible fan base, and it just felt like home," Jones said. "The second time around with the recruiting process was a lot more fun since I could actually go on visits and meet the players and staff. I am grateful that I had another chance to form relationships with more coaches."

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Jones just completed her junior year at Nickerson where the Lady Panthers won the Central Kansas League title, were the sub-state champions in perhaps the toughest sub-state in Kansas, and finished fourth at the Class 3A state tournament to finish the season 23-3. She reached 1,000 career points scored this past season as well. 

March 15, 2022 was the date Jones announced her decommitment from Arizona State, opening her recruitment back up. Jones said she enjoyed her second time in being recruited and being able to visit schools. She said the Iowa visit was the one that stood out the most.

"The visit was amazing," Jones said. "The campus was so beautiful but getting to meet the players and coaches was the best part. They treated me like family from the beginning."

She also participated in track and field where she qualified for four events at the KSHSAA state track meet. Jones was the CKL league champion in the high jump (won the event at the 4A level in 2021 at the state meet). Jones finished on the podium in three of the four events she competed in. Jones also dominates in volleyball as one of the top kill leaders on the team. 

The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team posted a 24-8 record, won the Big 10 tournament over Indiana 74-67 and made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament. 

Billy Watson is the sports reporter for The Hutchinson News and has been in Kansas since March 2021. To reach out about story ideas, you can send an email to wwatson@gannett.com or send a direct message on Twitter @hutchsports or @billywatson4l.