Ava Fowlkes – Maumelle (501 Basketball Team 2025)

Basketball is more than a game for sophomore guard Ava Fowlkes — it’s a passion rooted in family and faith. Introduced to the sport by her late grandfather, Papaw Tom, who gave her a basketball goal for her third birthday, she has grown into a standout player for Maumelle.

“Ava is a strong shooter with excellent mechanics,” Maumelle Coach Grover Garrison said. “She’s someone who wants the ball in her hands.”

Last season, Fowlkes earned 5A Central All-Conference honors as a freshman, despite facing significant adversity. In December of 2023, she underwent an appendectomy. After missing six games because of health issues, she returned and finished the season strong. During the season, she also lost her beloved grandfather and had to mourn his loss.

“Ava’s perseverance is incredible,” Garrison said. “She took her lumps and bruises but never complained.”

Off the court, Fowlkes exemplifies humility and dedication. She volunteers in her community, reads to young children, helps with senior adults and takes care of animals. 

“She’s a kind and gentle spirit who always puts others first,” her coach said.

This season, she has set ambitious goals: earning All-Conference or All-State honors and helping her team thrive in conference play.

“We believe in the acronym P.R.O.V.E. I.T.,” Fowlkes said. “It’s about passion, results, opportunity, victory, enthusiasm, intensity and toughness. Our goal is to ultimately prove that we deserve to win if we play as a team and live out the acronym. We want to have a winning conference record.”