This week’s Orange Panther of the Week is junior middle blocker Ava Wilkerson. In 2023, Wilkerson played a huge role in the Lady Panthers winning its first volleyball conference championship in 18 years, going through the Central Conference undefeated. Orange reached the 3A State Championship match for just the second time in school history. Playing inside Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, Wilkerson had 14 kills and eight blocks against Kings Mountain. In the 3A Eastern Regional championship match against Carrboro, Wilkerson had 13 kills and four blocks as the Lady Panthers defeated the Jaguars in five sets. Last week, Wilkerson had a career-high 27 kills as Orange defeated Cedar Ridge 3-2 to force a tie for first place in the Central Conference. In August, Wilkerson committed to play at UCF, the first-ever Big 12 commitment from Orange High. Wilkerson has played varsity volleyball since she was a freshman, when she played alongside her older sister, Allie, now playing at Division III Averett. This season, Ava leads Orange with 199 kills and 32 blocks. She is determined to help Orange win its second straight conference championship. This season, Orange has played a difficult slate against opponents like D.H. Conley, Falls Lake and Millbrook. Coming up tonight, the Lady Panthers host Person in Hillsborough. On Wednesday, Orange will host Carrboro before heading to Graham on Thursday to face Southern Alamance.
Orange Panther of the Week: Ava Wilkerson
This week’s Orange Panther of the Week is junior middle blocker Ava Wilkerson. In 2023, Wilkerson played a huge role in the Lady Panthers winning its first volleyball conference championship in 18 years, going through the Central Conference undefeated. Orange reached the 3A State Championship match for just the second time in school history.