Avery Scott a leader on and off court for Trojans

COURTESY BY GARY VAN CLEAVE
Special to The Telegram

JOHNSON CITY – Avery Scott has exploded on the social media scene and it’s clear why.

The girl can play.

The super duper sophomore at Stanton County High School is on the radar at several colleges. She has been invited to an elite camp at Kansas, but her phone will likely explode in June.

“Coaches can contact players directly starting in June of the summer before their junior year,” the Stanton County jewel said.

Here’s why. The 6-foot post player is averaging 15.29 points, 13.29 rebounds, 4.53 blocks and 3 steals per game. She leads the Trojans in five of six categories and is Top Dawg in rebounds and double-doubles (10) in the Hi-Plains League. She received recognition on social media’s Instagram recently on a Sports in Kansas post.

In a 59-38 beating against Springfield, Colo., she set season highs with 27 points and 22 rebounds to go along with seven steals, six blocks and one assist.

“We have a really young and inexperienced team this year and Avery has been a good leader for all of our young players,” sophomore Karlee Nairn said. “She is a player that all the girls look up to. Avery really does have a passion for the sport and it shows through her hard work on the court.”

“Avery is a well-rounded player,” senior Lexy Martinez said. “She has worked hard to be the player she is and I can see a big future in her when it comes to basketball.”

When asked about her insane performance so far, she quickly diverted the attention to her Allies.

“I knew going into this season that we would have to develop new leaders and put in the work,” Scott said. “My team has come a long way since the beginning of the season and I’m proud of our efforts and our accomplishments.”

Scott noted she works the hardest she can for her team and coaches, and tries to be a leader on and off the court.

But you won’t find her absorbing the spotlight that’s beaming on her every move.

“I feel you could always go higher and keep reaching new goals. There is always someone better, working harder than you,” she said. “Be the best you.”

“Avery is one of the easiest people to play basketball with,” senior teammate Hallie Waldron said. “She’s an encouraging, selfless and positive teammate. Avery is always the first one ready to go on game days getting everyone hyped and excited for the game. She’s a huge team player and always gets excited about every good thing that her teammates do and always makes sure to be there to encourage us whenever things don’t go our way.”

“Anytime anyone makes a mistake or seems down, she’s always the first one to give us a high five or let us know that it’s okay,” junior Kenzington Nairn said. “Her sportsmanship is one of her strongest characteristics. She’s a very nice person on and off the court. She shows dedication in our games and wants her team to succeed. She works hard through the double and triple teams she sees in most of our games. Stanton County basketball is very blessed to have a player like Avery on our team. It wouldn’t be the same without her.”

If she remains healthy, she has a good chance to join the elitist of the elite of 1,000 career points and rebounds each. Her totals are currently 551 points and 488 rebounds.

“Number one I credit my teammates,” Scott stressed. “No matter what, I wouldn’t be having the success I am having without them. Along with my older siblings, Adyson and Cole, for being great role models. Second I credit my coaches. They make great sacrifices for this team and push us to be the best we can be.

“Next I want to thank my parents for always being there for me no matter what. They have done so much for me and I wouldn’t be the player I am today without them. They help me pursue my dreams and want to give me everything they can to help me be successful.”

She continued.

“One big credit I want to give is my AAU coaches and teammates throughout the years. I also receive a lot of support from my community which helps me more than they will ever know,” said Scott, who also averages 4.5 blocks and 2.7 steals per game. “Lastly none of this would be possible without God. My relationship with God gives me strength and makes it all possible.”

Waldron is part time point guard, part time wing. She is one of the quickest guards in the league and has been putting up great numbers to help the team, Scott said.

“Hallie inspires me to keep working hard and I’m going to miss playing with her next year,” Scott said.

Martinez, according to Scott, can lock you down on defense and pull it from the three.

“She is one of our top outside scorers. Along with Hallie she is another leader that brings experience to the game,” Scott said.

Her cousins, Kenzington and Karlee Nairn, also bring firepower and experience.

“Kenzi is our main point guard besides Hallie. She can handle the ball and is very quick on her feet,” Scott noted. “Karlee is a lock down defender and is the first to the floor. Karlee brings the hustle and works hard.

“Freshman Kynzi Fehringer is a great asset to the team. Even though she is just a freshman she is having a great season and helps the team with scoring, defense and rebounding. Others include junior Mia Miravete and freshman Hannah Canny. Both these girls work hard off the bench.”

Avery comes from an athletic family starting with dad, Chantry Scott, who was a 1996 state champion high hurdler in track and field. He also received all league basketball honors “and is where my brother got his dunking skills,” Scott said.

“My brother Cole Scott was a multi sport athlete and decided to play basketball his freshman year at Barton Community College,” Avery said. “In high school basketball, he was all league first team and honorable mention all state. He was also well known for his outstanding dunks his senior year.”

Her sister Adyson Scott was also a multi sport athlete.

“In basketball she was a 1,000 point scorer, broke two Hi-Plains League records, and had offers, but decided not to pursue sports in college,” Avery said. “On top of that in high school basketball, she made MVP and state lists. She was also all league volleyball several times. In track in field she helped lead her team to runner up state champions and state championships in the 4×4 meter relay.”

Teams continue to try and slow down the Stanton County Jewel.

“There isn’t very many people that can guard her down low,” brother Cole said. “It’s hard for teams to stop her even if there are three people on her in the post. She gets a lot of offensive boards because she is tougher and stronger than most other girls.”

“I’ve loved watching her grow as a player and getting the chance to play with her these past couple of years,” Waldron said. “Her heart and passion for basketball seems to grow more and more everyday.”

“Avery truly is a once in a lifetime basketball player,” Kenzington Nairn said. “There aren’t many players like her in southwest Kansas. She has a passion for basketball and she puts in a lot of work outside of practice and the regular basketball season.”

And she’s a star on a team that has potential in the final week of the regular season.