​Bellevue sophomore Ava Jakubcin-Theis is among two stories in this year’s Michael K. Bosi series, one female and one male. The Bosi series recognizes outstanding career or season achievement for high school athletes. The award is named for the late News-Messenger sports writer who died in 1997 at age 23 from cardiac complications because of Marfan Syndrome. Kory Santoro would prefer not to use his top scorer to defend the opponent’s best player on offense.Santoro’s three daughters scored 2,000 points apiece for Bellevue, while often taking on the toughest matchup on defense. Ava Jakubcin-Theis gives Santoro little choice but to turn her loose on both ends of the floor as well.She’ll break you down with the ball in her hands and break your spirit taking it away. She was special mention all-state and first-team in the Sandusky Bay Conference Lake Division as a freshman.She scored 20 points as Bellevue fell to Shaker Heights Laurel by two in the state final and dropped in the go-ahead bucket with 35 seconds left in a victory over Circleville in a state semifinal.“When we needed some buckets, she was at another level,” Santoro said. “She knew we needed a big basket and she took over. She’ll guard you the full length of the court. She’s a great player on defense and offense.”High school basketball Derek Colston was like putty for Port Clinton coach Troy DielsOf course, Jakubcin-Theis loves to score, but she’s even more of a monster when she intends to keep you in front of her. She was taught that defense leads to offense, which fits in perfectly at Bellevue.“If I can get a steal and a layup or a pass ahead, that’s a great way to score,” Jakubcin-Theis said. “Steals lead to wins. I have a knack for defense. People say I have a fire in my eyes. I really do like it.”An assignment against a dangerous scorer means something to Jakubcin-Theis because Santoro trusts her. Plus, she knows she can do it. She embraced the stage at state. After all, she has the most fun under the spotlight.She loves “working under pressure.” She knows her hard work is going to pay off.“I play my best because I rely on my game and the little things in the offseason coming together,” she said. “I know I put the work in to perform in those situations.”If there were any nerves, she was composed from the first game of the season. She made six consecutive 3-pointers and added another to finish with a career high 25 points in a win over Norwalk.Teammates, including conference player of the year Kaitlyn Turinsky, welcomed Jakubcin-Theis into the mix.“Every time on the court, we’re playing for the fans, our teammates and coaches,” she said.Jakubcin-Theis transferred from New Riegel. Bellevue is an attractive destination. It won a state crown before Jakubcin-Theis arrived and captured a 16th consecutive league crown with a championship after her arrival.When she visited Bellevue while trying to make a decision where to play, she loved the in