Texas Fire Red is a completely new team this year, but they have not wasted any time establishing chemistry and teamwork; they have a substantial amount of high-end talent. At 5’7”, freshman guard Rylee Lavendar from Brock High School offers a wide set of skill to this team, including her ability to score from a long range; she shoots a smooth and very high percentage three, forcing defenses to really stretch. Lavendar’s passion for the game is evident, especially on the defensive end of the floor. She has a quick first step, which aids in getting clearance on her shot. The young star has a solid future ahead of her. Kendall Lentz, a 6’1” sophomore swing from John Paul II High School is an advanced player with a strong, athletic body, which she uses to create a nice advantage on the floor. Lentz is poised in the paint and can attack left or right with her back to the bucket. She is very swift on her feet and her mid-range game is advanced, as well as her explosive power moves. A very tough rebounder, Lentz combines technique with desire. Daria Cosgrove, a 5’8” sophomore guard from Plano West High School is the ideal team player and never stops working without the ball. She is extremely fast in the open court, a good defensive player and has the tools to take over any game. Cosgrove possesses a nice outside shot from the three and is sure to be a terrific college prospect.
Texas Elite NTX Finest had one of the best and most watched young players at the Heart of Texas with 5’11” freshman guard Quincy Noble from McKinney High School. She has great size and length and is very advanced for her age. At this time, Noble plays more the wing position, but will probably transition to point guard as she matures and her confidence develops. She has a great first step to the basket and can really slash through the defense; she is very passionate about her defensive game and excels in man-to-man coverage. Noble is quick, talented and fun to watch, and will inevitably make an impact at the next level.
Texas Elite adidas Holcombe is another team with young prospects. Point guard Kamryn Cantwell is a 5’8” freshman at Bowie High School and an impact player. A leader with great court vision, Cantwell is advanced in all facets of the game: she makes great plays with her passes and reads defenses better than players several years older. At 6’4”, freshman post Uchenna Nwoke is gaining the attention of many college scouts, not only for Coach Carven Holcombe, but also for Coach Samantha Morrow at South Grand Prairie High School. Her height is an obvious draw, but her strong, athletic body sets her apart from other posts her size. She has great work ethic and a passion for the game. Nwoke is quickly advancing her prowess in the paint and her game in the open floor is coming along nicely; she is a definite must-see in the 2018 class.
Coach Larry Holmes has built a strong team with his Team Strive 2016 squad. Jade Rochelle, a 5’11” junior swing from Grandview High School, is extremely dynamic, athletic and powerful, with a versatile skill set that can dominate a game. As a three four combo, she can elevate in the paint and score either facing up or with her back to the bucket. Rochelle is solid in the mid-range and an exceptional slasher. She creates extended possessions with her knack on the offensive glass; a strong work ethic also contributes to her success. De’Jonaie Graves, a 5’6” junior guard from Crowley High School, is a major offensive player with a quick-trigger three-point shot, which she shoots at a very high percentage from every angle on the floor. Her quick release allows her to get the shot off against even the best defenders and her quick first step can create a great shot off the ball fake. Graves’ leadership is most visible in her play on the defensive end of the floor.