"Tower of Power: Dominating the Paint and Defying Limits"

J. AVERY COLES

NCAA ID# 2303814660

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” Philippians 4:13

J. Avery Coles

@averycoles34

IG: @avery_coles33

6’11”, 270 lbs, Class of 2026

White House Heritage HS, TN

With a powerhouse frame, Avery is a force every time he steps on the floor. A dominant stretch 5, Avery combines massive size with rare skill, giving coaches a true game-changer in the post and beyond. His high basketball IQ, elite footwork, explosive finishing, and unselfish play separate him from every other big man in the country. Whether it's overpowering defenders down low, protecting the rim with authority, stepping out to drain a three, or delivering dazzling dimes under pressure, Avery plays with a fierce, relentless presence that few can match. Every coach can expect Avery to bring unmatched heart, a team-first mentality, and a winning impact every single time he takes the court.

This past season, Avery stacked up a mountain of awards and accolades that only prove how electrifying and dominant he truly is. He was crowned District MVP, made the District All-Tournament and All-Region Tournament Team, and earned a spot on the BCAT Class of 2026 Player Watch List. Avery racked up six BCAT Player of the Week honors, was named to the BCAT Small Class 1st Team, and was listed among PrepHoops’ Top 6 Rebounders in Tennessee. He earned eight Performer of the Week awards from PrepHoops, was selected as a TNVarsity Top 2026 Center, and spotlighted as one of NXTPRO Hoops Southeast’s Top Ten Players. Avery’s dominance even caught the attention of the University of Tennessee, landing him a highlight feature in their prestigious 2024-25 Basketball Annual Magazine as one of the Top 20 talents in the Class of 2026. As if that wasn’t enough, he capped it all off by becoming a 2025 D1 AA Mr. Basketball Nominee.

Avery’s season stats speak loud and clear as he went off for 484 points, 239 rebounds, and 44 blocks while shooting a jaw-dropping 68% from the field (69% per 32 minutes). He averaged 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game, including a monster season-high performance of 36 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks while shooting a scorching 93% from the floor. With career totals now sitting at 972 points and 534 rebounds, even after missing most of his freshman year due to injury and limited minutes in some games, Avery’s production and impact are impossible to ignore. His biggest improvement this year, noted by his head coach Carl Miller, included attacking rebounds stronger, showcasing more patience and polish in the post, using a wider array of post moves, finding shooters under pressure, and evolving into an even more vocal leader.

This offseason, his focus is on becoming more explosive, increasing his athleticism, expanding his shooting range, and refining his footwork and perimeter defense. While some may wonder about his choice to sit out AAU, Avery’s decision to invest in one-on-one player development reflects his self-awareness, maturity, and determination to prepare for the next level. His dream has always been to play college basketball, and he’s leaving no stone unturned to make that dream a reality.

The bond Avery shares with God stands above everything else in his life and is the true foundation of who he is, both on and off the court. His relationship with Christ is not just important to him; it’s the heartbeat of everything he does. Avery is determined to give all the glory, all the praise, and all the credit to God for his gifts, his strength, his growth, and every blessing he has received. The Scripture he treasures—Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” isn't just a verse to him, it’s a way of life. His love for God is woven into every dribble, every shot, every victory, and every trial he faces. Avery’s faith isn’t just something he mentions but the light that guides him through every moment.

Moving into his senior season, Avery is fueled by the excitement of finishing his high school career with the brothers he has grown up with since elementary school. After pushing White House Heritage to Sub-State last year, which was the furthest in school history, he has his sights set on taking them all the way to State and making even more history. The thought of accomplishing this alongside his lifelong friends is what fires him up the most.

What truly drives Avery isn’t just winning, though, it’s the unbreakable unity of his team, the joy of defying the odds together, and the grit it takes to battle and believe even when the odds are stacked against them. He handles adversity with poise beyond his years, choosing respect, strength, and leadership over emotional reactions. Every moment, he carries himself with the kind of grace and character that earns the respect of teammates, coaches, opponents, and referees alike.

The best coaching advice Avery lives by came from one of his high school coaches: "Be worried when a coach isn’t getting on to you." He embraces every piece of constructive criticism, knowing it’s all part of shaping him into the player and the man he is called to be.

Choosing a different path this offseason shows just how self-driven and purpose-filled Avery is. While many chase exposure, Avery is chasing excellence, hungry to tap into the untapped potential that will soon explode at the collegiate level. His dream of shining in college basketball is not just alive, it’s burning with an unstoppable fire.

I assess that Avery is a game-changing big man whose impact on both ends of the floor is undeniable. His powerful frame, polished footwork, dominant finishing, and expanding perimeter game make him a nightmare matchup for any opponent. His leadership, character, and selfless play style will elevate any college program he joins, bringing both immediate production and a winning culture.

Expect Avery to continue growing into an even more complete force at the next level. With his relentless work ethic, deep faith, and hunger to keep improving, Avery’s best basketball is still ahead of him. He has the tools to become a foundational piece for a college program, anchoring the paint, stretching defenses with his shooting, and setting the tone with his heart, humility, and leadership. This final run, Avery is determined to make one to remember for us all, Do not miss a minute. Stay tuned.