The University of Washington women’s basketball team has made a significant addition to its roster for the upcoming season, signing highly regarded guard Avery Howell from USC. Howell, a native of Boise, Idaho, returns to the Pacific Northwest after a standout career in high school and an impactful freshman season with the Trojans. Her signing further strengthens the Huskies’ lineup as they aim to build on their recent performances and continue competing at a high level in the NCAA.
Howell’s recruitment to Washington has been a full-circle journey. She was a highly rated recruit coming out of Boise High, where she was a force to be reckoned with. In her senior year, Howell averaged an impressive 21.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.9 steals, leading her team to a successful campaign. Her exceptional performance earned her two Gatorade Idaho State Player of the Year honors and made her the second girl in state history to receive McDonald’s All-American recognition in 2024.
After signing with USC, Howell had an immediate impact on the court during her freshman year, appearing in all 35 games for the Trojans in their 31-4 season. She played a crucial role for the team, especially when star player JuJu Watkins was sidelined with an injury. In the absence of Watkins, Howell started the final two games of the season and showed her potential in high-stakes games. Her performances in the NCAA tournament were particularly memorable, including a career-high-tying 18 points and eight rebounds during a Sweet 16 win against Kansas State.
Throughout the season, Howell consistently demonstrated her scoring ability and shooting efficiency. She averaged 7.5 points per game while shooting 43.1% from the field and 39.9% from three-point range. Her free throw shooting was also stellar, as she finished the season with an impressive 82.9% from the charity stripe. With her strong shooting and all-around game, Howell quickly earned a reputation as one of the top young players in college basketball.
The addition of Howell to Washington’s roster brings a much-needed scoring threat to the Huskies’ backcourt. Known for her ability to shoot from distance and create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates, Howell’s presence on the floor will provide Washington with another offensive weapon to complement their existing talent. Howell’s ability to perform under pressure, as evidenced by her strong performances in the NCAA tournament, will also bring an added dimension to the Huskies’ game.
With the signing of Howell, Washington’s roster continues to take shape as the team prepares for the next season. While it remains to be seen how Howell will fit into the team’s overall structure, her skills and experience will undoubtedly contribute to the Huskies’ success. Howell’s return to the Pacific Northwest is a significant step forward for Washington women’s basketball as they aim to make a deeper run in the NCAA tournament and build a competitive team for years to come.
