Copy of 2023 Athlete of the Week 24 | Press Pass Sports — Avery Cathey of Panhandle is the First United Bank Girls Athlete of the Week. [Luke Schmucker/ For Press Pass Sports]

Avery Cathey, Panhandle basketball, Sr.

On the court: The Panhandle Ettes are off to a 16-0 start to the season after going a perfect 4-0 to win the Nazareth Tournament over the weekend.

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The Ettes were able to win the tournament getting wins over Muleshoe, Lubbock-Cooper Liberty, Nazareth and Shallowater in the championship game. Cathey had a strong effort throughout the entire tournament showing just how dangerous she can be as the senior averaged 13.8 points a game shooting 51.7 percent from beyond the arc.

On the season, Cathey is off to a tremendous start pouring in 16.9 points a night and pulling down 4.8 boards a contest.

Coach Rob Schmucker: “We are playing really at the moment. We’re protecting the ball and shooting the right shots. We’re also taking high percentage shots. Avery has always been a good shooter but this year she is showing the leader she can be and has done so much more on the floor. She is getting to the basket, rebounding and playing great defense. Her game is just more versatile this year.”

Cathey: “The start to the year feels awesome and we’ve been playing really well, and we just want to keep getting better. We didn’t lose too much off last year’s team and we’re all playing as a strong family. I’ve been in the gym since the summer working on my game. I have a lot of confidence right now and I just want to be a leader for this team.”