After seeing Avery in early July, she was already going to be on the rise when the updated 2029 rankings release later this month. But after Saturday, she simply confirmed that would be the case. She is a very nice athlete, she has good strength, plus she’s skilled. She can shoot the 3-pointer when set and in rhythm, she has a nice mid-range game and can even hit a pull-up off the bounce, plus she finishes through contact at the rim. She’s a relentless rebounder, a versatile, hard-working defender, and as her handle continues to improve, I think she’ll become a wing long-term.

This was my first opportunity to see Avery in-person, and she was everything I was told and more. She is strong, athletic, physical, and quietly tough-nosed. She never stops moving and does a nice job of basket cutting to the block, flash cutting to the elbows, and occasionally posting a defender, going to some sort of half hook, etc. At the same time, she knocked down a couple of 3-pointers and looked comfortable doing so, plus she’ll put it on the floor a few dribbles and attack the basket. Pairing with Paige Schnaus Paige Schnaus 6'2" | PF Gibson Southern | 2027 State IN (2027), they will be an incredibly tough matchup in 2026-2027.

Avery Paridaen Avery Paridaen 5'11" | PF Gibson Southern | 2029 State IN gives Gibson Southern a forward who can contribute in several different ways on the court. She brings good size and understands how to position herself effectively in the paint while also showing the ability to step away from the basket offensively. Paridaen rebounds well and competes with toughness against physical competition. Her overall feel for the game allows her to make smart plays within the flow of the offense, and defensively she works hard to protect the paint and challenge shots. Her versatility and steady presence make her an important addition to the Gibson Southern program.

It’s typically a tough ask to find rotation minutes as a Freshman at Gibson Southern, unless you have a uniqueness to you that you can add to what they’re trying to accomplish as a program. Well, Avery has gotten more than her share of opportunities this year, and she has made good on them. Opposite highly ranked Junior Paige Schnaus Paige Schnaus 6'2" | PF Gibson Southern | 2027 State IN up front, Avery has been able to find some space, sneak in and collect rebounds, and just figure out ways to be productive under the radar. She is averaging 9.7 points and 5.7 rebounds, and she’s shooting an impressive 58% from the field.