Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Ava Noto

Ava Noto leads by example. The 5-foot-8 sophomore point guard helped lead Riverview to a 22-5 record last season as a freshman. This year, Noto leads the Rams in points-per-game, averaging 16. 

When did you start playing basketball and why?

I can’t exactly remember when I started playing, but I know that I was super young, maybe 5 or 6-years-old. I’ve had so many great coaches along the way that have helped me and made me fall in love with the game. Coach Gerald (Perry) encourages me when I’m on the court. I feel confident when I play basketball and that makes me want to continue to play as I grow older.

What’s the appeal?

The way it makes me feel. I feel confident when I play basketball and that makes me want to continue to play as I grow older.

What's your best skill on the court?

I’m best at driving to the basket and finishing around the rim. I’m better at that than shooting from distance or working as a big down low in the paint.

Are there any players that you try to emulate?

I’m a big fan of Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and all of those top college players.

What have you been working on to improve?

I need to be able to score more this year, because some of the girls that scored a lot for us last year aren’t here anymore. I’ve been working a lot on my ball handling, staying low while I dribble as well as on my shooting and my on-ball defense.

What’s your favorite basketball memory?

Coming onto the team last season as a freshman. It was a lot of fun, because it changed my view on basketball — it taught me what high school basketball is all about and what a real team actually looks like.

What’s going right for Riverview this season?

Our team is completely different from last year’s team. We don’t have as much chemistry right now as that team did, but I’m confident that we can make our own. It’s going to be a difficult road ahead schedule-wise, but I have faith that we can work together to win.

What’s your favorite food?

I’m a big fan of sushi and Chik-Fil-A.

What’s your favorite school subject?

I’d probably say history or English Language Arts (ELA). History is interesting to learn about and in terms of ELA, it’s just always come easier to me than say math or science 

What’s your favorite movie or television show?

I love basketball movies like “Coach Carter” or “Like Mike.” I just finished the most recent season of “Outer Banks” on Netflix.

What are your hobbies?

Outside of hanging out with my friends and going to the beach, I don’t do much besides play basketball. I practice as much as I can. I go to the gym, workout and do schoolwork. Not much else.

Finish this sentence: Ava Noto is…

Motivated. I want to work to be the best player and person that I can be, on and off the court.