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Avery Anderson and the Northwest Texans participated in one of the longest running and premiere holiday high school basketball tournaments in the United States. The Northwest Texans won’t win the 61st annual Whataburger Basketball Tournament, but that didn’t stop Avery Anderson from showing out.
The Texans lost their first game of the tournament to Duncanville, who will play Denton Guyer at 6:30 tonight in the championship game. Northwest rebounded with a nice win over the #18th ranked team in 6A, Katy Morton Ranch. The Northwest Texans will face Jesuit in the consolation championship game tonight. Anderson was the best player on the court against Morton Ranch and has been one of the best players in the entire tournament.
Anderson dropped 20 points to go with a handful of assists against the Morton Ranch Mavericks, including this SWEET jumper below.
Northwest opens the 2nd half on a 10-4 run with this jumper from Avery Anderson to extend their lead to 42-32 over Morton Ranch. @hoopinsider pic.twitter.com/ZummUilLgu
— DFW Inside High School Sports (@ihss_dfw) December 29, 2018
Anderson has a smooth game and a high basketball IQ. He knows when to score and when to distribute. He split a tight double team in this game and clearly has a tight handle on the ball. While his ball skills are close to being ready for next level, his body looks thin for Big 12 play. I had the opportunity to talk to Avery after his big game against Morton Ranch for Inside High School Sports: DFW, and he agrees. Check out what Avery thinks he needs to do to prepare for the next level and which NBA stars he tries to emulate below⬇️
After a strong showing in the 61st annual Whataburger tournament, Northwest Guard Avery Anderson discusses the NBA players he tries to emulate and what he needs to work on to get ready for Oklahoma State. @averyanderson3_ pic.twitter.com/pg4AwLSnYS
— DFW Inside High School Sports (@ihss_dfw) December 29, 2018
Anderson had two assists and a steal in the sequence above, and if that doesn’t excite Oklahoma State hoops fans for the future, then I don’t know what will! Anderson also added that he will try to attend a few Oklahoma State basketball games, including the home game against Kansas.
Before he makes Stillwater his home, Anderson and the Texans will look to go on a deep state run. Northwest lost in the state semifinals in Anderson’s sophomore year, and lost in the state championship game last season. This year, Anderson’s goal is to win the 5A state championship.