Ava Keating, a 5'10 guard from Portugal Cove-St. Phillips and Carly Norris, a 5'10 forward from St. John's, have committed to Memorial and the Sea-Hawks women's basketball program for the 2024-2025 season and beyond.
Ava currently plays for Prince of Wales Collegiate. She is known as high-level shooter and has a great feel for the game. Ava was also a member 2023 NLBA U17 Provincial team, where she averaged 8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2 assists per game at the Canadian national championship tournament.
Coach Mark English is "excited to have Ava commit to the program." He noted that she "has consistently improved every year during her high school career. Ava has a very high basketball IQ, plus her shooting ability and 3-point percentage is special."
"Ava's defense, both on and off the ball, is impressive as well. She does a great job of keeping the ball in front, and communicates well in help situations. We believe Ava's game insight will be a huge asset for the future of our program, and we look forward to seeing her develop over her career at Memorial."
Keating says Memorial is a great fit for her both academically and athletically.
"Memorial University offers me the best opportunity to pursue a degree in Engineering as well as play basketball at the next level. I am grateful for Coach English's interest in me and providing me with a chance to play for the team I grew up watching. I am excited to help contribute to the culture of success the athletes and coaches at Memorial have created."
Norris currently plays for Gonzaga High School. She is known for her tenacious rebounding and ability to defend opponents at every position, one through five. Carly was also a member of the 2023 NLSA U17 provincial team where she averaged 7.5 points and an impressive 10 rebounds per game at the national tournament.
Coach English believes Norris will bring a level of intensity on both ends of the floor that will contribute to the Sea-Hawks ambitions.
"Carly is one of the very best rebounders I have ever seen at her position. Her effort to pursue every board, offensively and defensively, is remarkable" said Coach English. "She is also a high-level defender, who can really dictate opponents with her strength and athleticism. We are pleased to be part of Carly's development and look forward to seeing her growth on and off the court during her time at Memorial."
Carly is eager to start her journey as a Sea-Hawk.
"Growing up I have always wanted to be a Sea-Hawk and represent my province in front of my family and friends. I'll be bringing my work ethic, competitiveness, and intensity to help my new team in any way I can. I am very excited to be a part of Coach English's program at Memorial and to improve as a student-athlete."
The Sea-Hawks are currently on a 3-game winning streak as they approach the final stretch of a competitive AUS regular season. The team currently sits 4th place in the standings, and travel to PEI this weekend for a 2-game set vs the Panthers. The final home games of the semester are set for Feb 16th and 17th at Memorial's Fieldhouse. The AUS Championships will be held February 23-25th at the Scotiabank centre in Halifax. All games can be seen live on austv.ca.