Baker excited to pursue basketball dream at Coffeyville

Louisburg’s Ava Baker is looking forward to continuing her basketball career this upcoming season at Coffeyville Community College.

Playing basketball in college has always been on Ava Baker’s to do list, in fact, it is right up at the top.

Thanks to a lot of hard work and dedication, Baker can now check that off.

Back in early May, Baker signed her letter of intent to play basketball at Coffeyville Community College this upcoming season. It was just the opportunity she was hoping for.

“To be able to sign and play basketball at the next level was a dream come true,” Baker said. “I started playing basketball in the first grade, and playing in college has been my dream ever since.”

Baker, who spent her last two years at Louisburg High School after transferring from Gardner-Edgerton, wanted to find a new home that was similar to Louisburg.

After visiting Coffeyville, it was apparent early on that Baker knew this was the place for her.

“When I went down to Coffeyville, I got to watch in on a practice and a game,” Baker said. “The whole time I was there I just wanted to go out on the court with them, which was a feeling I hadn’t had at a lot of the other schools I visited. They were laughing and having fun the whole time, and in a way it reminded me of Louisburg. 

“Their playing style was also something that stood out to me. On offense they trust their players to take the right shot and on defense they play fast and in your face. It was all very similar to (Louisburg) coach (Adrianne) Lane’s style and I am excited to continue playing that way.”

Baker joins a Coffeyville team that finished with a 21-13 record a year ago and reached the Region VI championship game. 

The Red Ravens are led by Tony Turner, who is entering his fifth season as head coach and he believes Baker will be able to help his team on the wing. 

Baker is also excited about getting started on the academic side as well as she hopes to become an athletic trainer.

“Coach Turner and I have talked quite a bit about where he sees me playing, since I play the 2-5 positions it gets kind of confusing,” Baker said. “He said he sees me going back to a true shooting guard, which I was very excited about. 

“My goals for Coffeyville are to help contribute and build off the successful season they just came off of. They have some good players that graduated and I’m ready to be that role player and do whatever it takes. Outside of basketball I plan to start on my journey of becoming an athletic trainer. They are one of the few community colleges in Kansas that offer special athletic training classes with a hands on program, which I am excited about.”

Baker had a big senior season for Louisburg as she finished as an All-Frontier League honorable mention. She averaged almost eight points and had more than three rebounds a game. She also finished with 17 steals and 10 blocked shots.

It was a memorable two years for Baker at Louisburg, and one she will always treasure.

“I feel my two years at Louisburg have helped turned me into the player I am,” Baker said. “When I first came here I hated everything about defense, which is Lane’s favorite part of the game, and she helped me grow to love it. Towards the end of my senior season I found myself often smiling because I was so eager to try and get the ball back. 

“I also switched positions coming here, which I feel like has helped me grow a ton as a player and helped me get a better understanding of the game. Without coach Lane, coach (Nick) Chapman, coach (Joel) McGhee, and coach (Leanna) Willer, I don’t think I would be where I am today. They have helped me grow and gain a type of confidence within myself to turn into the player I’ve become.”