AVREY ALBERSON-MCALESTER

Senior Avrey Alberson has been a standout performer on the court and in the classroom for McAlester and was a part of the Lady Buffs basketball team that won the state title in 2022.

“She’s a very disciplined person both on the court and academically and has a high basketball IQ,” said her coach Kourtnee Beshears. “She handles the pressure of point guard well. She’s fearless on defense against taller opponents and is a program player that thrives on being given a role on the team and working to do her best to succeed in that role.”

Avrey plays basketball and softball where she plays in the outfield but prefers basketball because she’s played it longer.

“My aunt was a good basketball player and was also one of my role models growing up, so that got me started in basketball. Later a lot of my friends were playing softball, so I decided to give that a try. As I got into high school Stevie Stinchcomb was a role model for me in basketball. She taught me a lot like how to be consistent and how to handle pressure. In softball, Allison Bond, who also played outfield, was a role model because she was always encouraging even when I wasn’t a great softball player.”

Obviously being part of a state championship basketball team was a big highlight for Avrey, but she also had a particular game she was fond of.

“My sophomore year against Bishop Kelley I had six rebounds which was pretty great because I’m not very tall and I feel like I played really hard in that game,” said Avrey who is also in the Native American Club and FCA in school.

As a senior leader, Avrey has a leadership philosophy she follows.

“I’m not going to get in your face and yell at you. I’m going to encourage you and tell you how to do something right and help you any way I can.”

Avrey hopes to play basketball at the next level following her graduation from McAlester and has had some offers from Kansas and Missouri schools.

“After I leave McAlester, I would like to be remembered as someone who was reliable and encouraging and treated people well,” Avrey said.