Phillippi commits to play basketball at Clarke University

Avery Phillippi is excited to take his love for basketball to the next level.

He hasn’t held an official signing ceremony yet, however the Nodaway Valley senior has committed to playing men’s basketball next winter at Clarke University in Dubuque.

“I’m really excited,” Phillippi said, when asked to sum up the feeling of committing to play in college. “It’s always been my dream to play at the next level in basketball. Recently I’ve had the opportunity to play football and basketball. To have an option or choice was really exciting.”

Phillippi said some colleges were talking to him about playing linebacker in football, and one even approached him about being a wide receiver, a position he only played one year in high school.

“Clarke seemed like the right option for pursuing my dream of playing basketball in college. That’s what I wanted to do,” Phillippi said. When he saw his 6-foot-8 cousin Cole Eischeid dunk the basketball once while he played at Carroll, Phillippi wanted to excel in that sport too. “I fell in love, not only with the game, but with the work that it takes to be good. I fell in love with the work.”

During a camp last summer, Clarke University basketball staff and Phillippi began to notice each other. Clarke’s unique setting on a bluff, high above the Mississippi River in Dubuque, appealed to Phillippi, along with a unique gymnasium they play home games in.

During the rest of his playing career, Phillippi hopes to continue growing into being the very best basketball player he can be so he can influence his team in a positive way.

A self-described “big guard,” Phillippi averaged 11.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game his senior year of high school.

“When I talked to the coaching staff, they seemed to care and wanted me to succeed,” Phillippi said. “That played an important role in my college decision.”

Phillippi said he wants to thank God, his family and all of his other supporters who have helped him along his journey in basketball and life. Phillippi plans to study something in the business field at Clarke and has aspirations of one day carrying on his family’s business.