Anthony Avalos wasn’t always the towering, confident leader who now anchors the Madison Marlins basketball team.
Before becoming the 6-foot-6 forward with dominant scoring ability, Avalos was a mere shy kid searching for his way. That all changed during a simple afternoon while watching a Houston Rockets game with his grandfather, HG Glass.
“I was a shy kid who liked attention but didn’t know how to get it, Watching that game with my grandad made me realize basketball could be my way out of my shell.”
– Anthony Avalos
Only a junior, Avalos has been instrumental in the Marlins’ impressive run, helping them finish the 2024-2025 basketball season in second place in 5A Region III District 21 with a strong 12-4 record.
“Anthony had to do a lot this season,” said Marlins head basketball coach Craig Maura. “We only had two returning lettermen and two seniors, so Anthony had to score, rebound and even help us bring the ball down the floor.”
But Avalos’ journey to this point is one of passion, perseverance, and personal loss. Growing up, Avalos wasn’t always the basketball standout fans see today. In fact, it wasn’t until an afternoon spent watching a Houston Rockets game with his grandfather, HG Glass, that his love for the sport was ignited.
Inspired by that time with his grandad, Avalos started playing basketball in the 8th grade at Lawson Middle School. Standing head and shoulders above his peers, he was placed at the center position despite his raw skills.
“I made the A team in 8th grade,” Avalos said with a smile. “Grandad was so excited. He told me I worked hard and it paid off.”
Though his height gave him an edge, Avalos knew his game needed work.
“I was tall, but in 8th grade, my game was really bad,” said Avalos. “I would travel a lot, get a lot of up and down calls and too many airballs to count. I looked like a baby deer learning to walk.”
Eager to improve, he turned to his grandfather’s favorite player, Russell Westbrook, for inspiration.
“I watched him a lot, trying to emulate his jab cross into a dunk,” said Avalos.
As his skills progressed, he studied the moves of other NBA greats like Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry and Paul George. By his freshman year at Madison High School, Avalos had earned a spot on the varsity team as the 6th man, playing behind star guard Jayden Gambrell.
“Playing behind Jayden allowed me to learn how to move without the ball and shoot the ball effectively off the screen,” said Avalos.
His sophomore year was poised to be his breakout season, and he finally earned a starting position. But life threw him an unexpected challenge. That same year, Avalos lost his beloved grandfather to old age—a devastating blow to the young athlete.
“Losing him was really hard for me,” said Avalos. “He was my inspiration, my motivation, my reason to keep going. Now, I had to dig deep and do it for me and him because I knew he would want me to succeed.”
Instead of succumbing to grief, Anthony channeled his emotions into basketball, using the sport as a therapeutic outlet. Now, in his junior year as team captain, Avalos has become the driving force behind the Madison Marlins. He not only leads the team in scoring and rebounding but also exemplifies an unwavering work ethic and leadership.
“His talent level that he showcases everyday sets a standard for the team,” says teammate Byron Loving. “We build off him. He gets 100% out of everybody each day which makes us 1% better than the day before.”
For Avalos, basketball has become more than just a sport; it’s a tribute to the man who first showed him its beauty. His grandfather wasn’t just a mentor—he was a father figure. Now, with every basket and every victory, Avalos plays not just for himself or his team but for his grandfather’s legacy.
About Anthony Avalos:
Class: 2026
IG: @Anthonyavalos2026
Position: Forward
Height & weight: 6-feet-6, 200 pounds
Favorite artist: NBA YoungBoy
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subject: Geometry
Shout-outs: Bryon Loving, Dominic Payne, Jaydon Coleman
