Avery was one of the biggest stock-risers during the high school season. She stepped into a prominent role immediately and performed at a high level to help guide Tecumseh back to the State Finals. After averaging a productive 11.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 1.7 assists during the regular season, Avery took her game to an even higher level in the playoffs. I saw her deliver in the Regional Semifinal against Haslett and score 44 points in two games at the Breslin Center. Her consistent accuracy from the perimeter and free-throw line, aggressive downhill drives, passing vision, defensive anticipation, and instincts off the ball stood out. She has length and fundamental skills that translate to a high-level guard. Avery received recognition as Prep Girls Hoops Freshman of the Year and is the top-ranked shooting guard heading into the AAU season.

Avery delivered two outstanding games for Tecumseh in her first appearance at the Breslin Center. She led the Indians with 25 points, converting 5 of 6 shots from the free throw line, then followed with 19 points in the State Finals, sinking three triples. Avery jumped a pass to score a full-court layup, scored an and-one off a backdoor cut, and split the gap for a drive-by layup. She glided through the paint on a smooth drive past her defender, beat the help side rotation, and finished with her left off two feet. Avery attacked off the dribble confidently and aggressively to score many layups in traffic, knocked down mid-range jumpers, and buried key threes efficiently from beyond the arc. She stepped up and became the go-to scorer for Tecumseh in the biggest moments against great teams, solidifying herself as a top prospect in the class.

In her first Regional Semifinal game, Avery was the catalyst, leading a determined Tecumseh team to a Regional Semifinal victory. Avery wrestled in the paint to secure an offensive rebound, cut backdoor to score a layup, and swished a corner three. She demonstrated great off-ball awareness by relocating to the open block for a catch and finish, leading the Indians with 11 points in the first half. Despite foul trouble, Avery kept her foot on the gas. She crashed the glass to secure multiple offensive rebounds, made excellent entry passes into the post for assists, and cut backdoor to score a layup off two feet. Avery dribbled into the second level of the defense, kept her balance, paused, and blew by to score a finesse finish with her left. Avery energized Tecumseh with a wing three off the catch to extend their lead to nine and knocked down key free throws in the second half. She led all scorers with 22 points and demonstrated the qualities you look for in a high-level guard prospect.

Zajac is the other young guard for the Indians who is asked to log heavy minutes. Zajac is a rising forward who demonstrated she can extend her range, knocking down a three-pointer! She also impressed with ability to attack the defense as a driver and finisher at the rim. Zajac sees the floor and passes the ball very well for her age. Defensively, she left an impact tallying a steal and block each in the game versus West Clermont. Being 5’10” and considered a shooting guard is more than impressive! Zajac should continue to grow and improve her game throughout her high school career for the Indians.

Avery has the prototypical length, athletic build, and polished skills needed to be a highly recruited next-level prospect. Her ceiling is high, and she’s been very productive already in this young season for Tecumseh. Avery uses her long arms and legs to keep perimeter shooters from getting open shots or driving lanes. She has a smooth stroke from beyond the arc and makes smart backdoor reads off the ball. Avery crashes the glass to score put-backs and finishes well with both hands. She’s going to play a crucial role for the Indians this season as they pursue a second straight State championship.

Avery enters her freshman year at Tecumseh with the kind of versatility that makes her valuable anywhere on the court. She’s comfortable handling the ball, reads the game well, and has the range to knock down shots from deep with ease. Whether she’s driving to the basket or creating space for a smooth mid-range look, her offensive polish is already impressive for a first-year player. With the ability to step into multiple roles and help replace the production her sister Alli provided, Avery is poised to make an immediate and meaningful impact for Tecumseh this season.

“A skilled and versatile freshman who can play any position. Handles the ball well, sees the floor, and can shoot the 3 with confidence. Can attack the rim or pull up for a jumper. Expected to make a big impact early as she helps fill the spot left by her sister, Alli (now at EMU).” – Coach Zajac

Avery made a defensive impact for Team 9 at the PGH Freshman Showcase with her quick hands and relentless motor. She was constantly getting deflections and jumping passing lanes, disrupting the flow of the opposing offense. Her hustle stood out, as she wasn’t afraid to hit the floor for loose balls and make the extra effort play.

The next Zajac sister is coming to Tecumseh, and she’s a big reason why I believe the Indians can make it back to the Breslin. Avery left a great first impression at BCAM, and she cemented herself in my mind as a special prospect during Jackson Summer League games. Avery has a smooth stroke from the perimeter, confident ball-handling, and is an impactful defender. She’s athletic and is a guard I expect to stand out at the Freshman Showcase tomorrow.

Avery has been an exciting prospect to watch during summer league and travel circuit games. She has length and fundamental skills that will make her a highly recruited guard over the next four years. Avery is a sharpshooter from three-point distance, a disciplined defender, and a confident ball-handler. She moves well off the ball and is a prospect we’d love to watch compete alongside top prospects at the Freshman Showcase.

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