Photo by Heimerman Photography
By Angela Brunk
Hutchinson High School senior Ava Krone enters her final season as a vital leader and dependable teammate for the Salthawks. Playing primarily in the post position, Krone has embraced both her physical role on the floor and her responsibility as a guiding voice for the program.
Krone’s personal goal this season is to be the type of leader her teammates can rely on, someone steady, supportive, and present both on and off the court. She also hopes to help the team stay united and build a culture where they play for one another and win together.
One of the things Krone is most excited for this year is getting to share her senior season with three of her lifelong teammates as they lead the younger players and strive to become the best team possible.
Her offseason was filled with conditioning, weightlifting, team scrimmages, and attending a two-day camp at Hutchinson Community College.
Last season, Krone averaged 4.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.0 block, and 1.7 steals per game. Her coach, Kalen Hilst, speaks highly of her development: “Ava is a great kid who works incredibly hard on a day-to-day basis. She has continued to improve over time to the point where she started for us last season and will again as a senior. She does a little bit of everything. I can’t wait to see what her senior year holds.”
Beyond basketball, Krone serves as Student Council Vice President and Vice President of Senior Leaders, has earned Honor Roll all four years, runs hurdles in track, and is a member of NSHSS. Krone earned her CNA license as a junior and works at a retirement community in her time off the court. She plans to attend Hutchinson Community College to pursue a degree in Radiology.
