Oklahoma PWP Elite had a notable weekend and took home the gold in the tournament’s top Connecticut Division. The team, under the direction of Coach Brian Morgan, is led by the talented 2019 Gabby Gregory; at 5’11”, she has great size and athleticism to compliment her talent. She is unbelievably advanced for an eighth grader, and could be one of the best players in the nation in a few years. Gregory can attack the glass, and can easily play the two, three or four position. Her game in the paint features quick feet and explosiveness. She will play at Holland Hall Prep next year.
Another critical player on the PWP team is post Mallory Vaughn; the 6’4” sophomore from Collinsville High School has developed the complete package, including impressive moves in the paint with both her left and right hand. She has a solid mid-range game and can score well off the trail. She is also an excellent passer from the post and possesses good court vision. If she continues to improve her game, Vaughn could really excel at the next level. Another player to watch out for is 5’10” sophomore Keni Jo Lippe from Adair High School. The swing player has a diverse skill package, including a long shot and a strong, athletic body. She has excellent future potential, and has the work ethic necessary to advance in college.
Texas Elite Adidas 17U Franey is another team overflowing with talent. They finished third in the loaded Connecticut Division, with a remarkable win over the Jacksonville Florida Rams. LD Bell High School’s 6’0” tall Lexi Gordon is one of the nation’s best in the 2017 class; one would be hard pressed to find a weakness in this dominant player. Freshman Tatum Veitenheimer is a 5’8” guard from Windthorst High School, who is always one of the toughest players on the court. She is an excellent point guard and does a great job of seeing both sides of the floor. A true shutdown defender, Veitenheimer will take over any game; she is an accurate shooter and is tough penetrating to the hole.
Texas Elite adidas coach Gene Topping recently added one of the top players in East Texas to his roster. Destiny Brooks is a high-end, 5’6” sophomore guard from Gilmer High School. She has wasted no time impacting this team, a true star in the making. Brooks shoots a beautiful deep ball, and her high release point is inspiring. Her leadership from the point guard position, her ability to see both sides of the floor and analyze gaps in the defense set her apart. Brooks is central on defense and she plays it with a passion. College scouts may not have her on their must-see list yet, but she is certainly a player with a bright future.
Texas Elite adidas Hampton is getting excellent production from guard Channa Parvin. The 5’5” junior from Mansfield Legacy leads by example and is as tough as they come. Parvin is fully capable of playing any of the guard positions; what she lacks in height, she makes up for in athleticism and hard work. Her three-pointer falls consistently, but her biggest strength might be her dribble penetration. She has a quick first step and can attack to the left or right. She does a nice job in man defense and has a unique ability to anticipate opponents’ moves. In zone, she makes quick adjustments and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Texas Elite adidas coach Walter Thomas has done an excellent job building a tough squad. Jaylan Gulley is a 5’7” sophomore from Dallas Skyline High School, who is an extremely advanced player with strong fundamental skills. Her game is smooth, yet assertive; she shoots the ball well and has spent a lot of time working on her release point. She is aggressive when attacking the defense and knows how to get to the hole. Gulley plays a smart and authoritative defensive game.
CLICK HERE to view all of the colleges that attended the 2015 Heart of Texas Showcase.