By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SALEM, Ore.– McNary-grad Ava Rubio has really stepped up her game as a sophomore at Chemeketa Community College.
As a freshman, starting and playing in 30 games, Rubio nearly averaged ten points, nearly four rebounds and averaged a steal-and-a-half and an assist a game as the Storm reached the NWAC Playoffs for the first-time since the 2016 season.
And despite graduating seven sophomore’s, Rubio was part of what Justin Sherwood considered his ‘Core Four’ returners from that squad entering this year, and Rubio has fully embraced more of a leader role on the court.
In 20 games this season, Chemeketa’s 15-5 overall and 5-2 in NWAC South Region play. They’re currently sitting fourth in the NWAC South Standings, a game behind Lane and Umpqua who are tied for second a 6-1, and two behind Clackamas. The Cougars of Clackamas are undefeated as Clackamas and Chemeketa are set to play one another on Wednesday.
“We’ve been playing really good as a team together and just sharing the ball. Every game we’re starting to trust each other even more, and it’s really showing on the court,” said Rubio. “We just got to come back better. We had a tough loss on Saturday (against Umpqua), but we just got to keep our heads up and try our best.”
As a Sophomore, Rubio has increased her output as a player. In 20 games, all starts for Chemeketa, she’s averaging 14.6 points, just 0.3 points a game behind team leader Patricia Mike. Rubio also is averaging 6.8 rebounds, leading the team in that category, and nearly three assists and three blocks a game.
“I’ve been doing really good. I try to be supportive for my teammates during practice. Push them,” Rubio said on stepping up as a leader. “It’s been really big for me improving my skills, but I think the support from my coaches and my teammates have helped me become a better player.
Chemeketa will head to Oregon City to play Clackamas on Wednesday for a 7:30pm game before returning home to host Linn-Benton on February 4, also a 7:30pm game.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
