I’ve been watching Averi since between her 8th and 9th Grade years. She has always been a good basketball player, tough-nosed for a guard, skilled with the ball, and able to make shots. She played like a solid small college prospect over the years, then something changed. She moved from East Noble to Northridge late in the Spring due to dad’s work situation, and she seemed to absolutely take off. In May, June, and July, she was on a different level and has drawn upper tier NAIA and Division II offers/interest. She has also fit seamlessly into the lineup for the Lady Raiders.

Averi Amstutz Averi Amstutz 5'7" | PG Northridge | 2027 State IN gives Northridge a versatile backcourt weapon capable of playing multiple guard positions. Her ability to score, facilitate, and defend makes her one of the more complete players in this range of the rankings.

Amstutz has shown the ability to handle primary ball-handling responsibilities while also being effective playing off the ball. She possesses strong court awareness and does a good job making reads within the offense. Her versatility allows coaches flexibility when constructing lineups and game plans.

As June competition begins, Amstutz will have opportunities to demonstrate her leadership and playmaking abilities against quality opponents. Her continued development as a perimeter shooter could make her even more dangerous offensively.

Players who can impact the game in multiple ways are always valuable, and Amstutz’s all-around skill set should continue to make her a key piece of Northridge’s success.

Now that the school year is over, Averi has opted to follow her father to Northridge High School, per her ‘X’ account. He is the new Head Football Coach for the Raiders. Averi will be a welcomed addition, as she has a great deal of Varsity experience, she is skilled, tough, and a nice athlete, plus the Lady Raiders graduated a couple of key perimeter players this year. Unlike at East Noble, where she needed to star at times, she’ll have more talent and depth around her, so she might actually find it easier to get open shots.

Averi Amstutz Averi Amstutz 5'7" | PG Northridge | 2027 State IN continues to show why she is one of the steady guards to watch coming out of OPS . She plays the point guard position with confidence and does a good job running the offense while keeping teammates involved throughout the game. What stands out most is her composure with the basketball and her ability to make smart decisions under pressure.

Amstutz understands tempo well, can create opportunities off the dribble, and has the ability to contribute as both a passer and scorer. She also competes defensively and brings good energy on both ends of the floor. As she continues to develop physically and offensively, she has the potential to become a very complete lead guard.

Averi is one of the most well-rounded, skilled, and quietly tough kids on this list, and I have a feeling she’ll make the small college she chooses very happy. She has nice length, wiry strength, and all-around athleticism. She can handle the ball like a point guard, run offense, and create off the dribble. At the same time, she has some touch outside, she can work off screens, and she can get through the lane, absorb contact, and finish around the rim. I also like her versatility as a defender and her willingness to rebound as a guard.

Averi has a battery that never runs low! Back to back buckets, scoring off of her defense!  Great court vision, hooks her teammates up for high percentage shots!  She’s a bucket all day long! Terrific passer, delivers it perfectly- crisp bounce passes, baseball passes. High basketball IQ.

I was able to see Averi throughout the Spring & Summer in 2024, and this year she is playing with much more pace and control, plus she looks longer and smoother as an athlete. She has a solid handle and doesn’t back down from a challenge. She has a nice perimeter stroke as well and can burn defenses when they “help” off of her. I also like her ability to attack the basket North/South, plus she’s a willing defender and rebounder for a lead guard.

Last year, Averi led a rather young core into action at East Noble, helping them to a 13-9 season…their first winning season since 2016-2017. This coming Winter, look for them to be even more successful. Averi is a strong, hard-working, skillful guard who can score the ball or facilitate to teammates. As a Freshman, she averaged 9.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game, while shooting 51% from the field. I would anticipate the Knights approaching 20 wins this time around.