Heart of Texas Showcase (Part 1)

Premier Basketball Tournaments held the 2015 16th Annual adidas 3 Stripes Heart of Texas Showcase on April 24-26, 2015 in Plano, Frisco and McKinney, Texas. Three facilities and 24 courts hosted over 230 teams for three days of non-stop hoops action. 171 colleges were present to witness the high level of competition at the Heart of Texas this year, with some colleges bringing multiple scouts.

Texas Fire Black, the Notre Dame division champs, received major contributions from 6’1” sophomore Gabby Standifer from Celina High School. She has a nice first step, a very accurate mid-range shot, a long range on her three and a quick release. Standifer has excellent size, athleticism and strength: all the tools necessary to attract college coaches. The continued development of her game will be exciting to witness.

Riley Harvey, a 6’2” junior from Howe High School also had a strong weekend for Texas Fire Black. Few work harder than this young athlete, who can also excel at multiple positions. She is the ideal three or four-swing player at the next level, and she is likely to have multiple opportunities to play college ball. Harvey is a very intelligent player and a clear team leader; she can dominate the paint, hurt opponents off penetration and bury them with her deep shot.  

Kianna Ray with Texas Elite adidas 17U Christian GATA had a momentous weekend, helping her team to the championship game in the Notre Dame division. She shoots at a high percentage coming off screens and has a great game in the open court. Her all-around skill set and high motor are sure to open many doors.

One of the highlights of the weekend was Argyle High School’s Vivian Gray; the 6’1” sophomore had college coaches lined up to watch her talents. Her athleticism is hard to match up against, and she utilizes it in a variety of ways to play multiple positions on the floor. Gray possesses a dominant first step and attacks the goal with ferocity. She plays the game at the rim with her desirable vertical leap and knows how to score in the paint, the mid-range and deep. She will be one of the highlights on the recruiting circuit for the next few years.

A high-level player that deserves additional praise is Duncanville High School’s 5’10” junior, Madison Townley. She plays so hard and her love for the game is evident. With her ability to effectively attack the goal, Townley is the ideal three-guard. She is terrific on the glass and on the defensive end, a key addition to the esteemed Pantherette program.

The Katy Rebels (2016 Goss) have a terrific guard in Allison Goss. Though only 5’3”, the junior at Tompkins High School has a major impact on every game she plays. She can really handle the ball and shoot it, but her quickness is what allows her to dice through defenses. Goss is an admirable leader and intelligent player, who is especially dangerous in the open floor. Even more problematic for opponents is the dynamics of her and her twin sister, Sarah Goss. She possesses a similar skill set to Allison and packs a tough one-two punch. Their chemistry playing together is impeccable, a dangerous combination on both ends of the floor. 

Essence Wells was popular with the college coaches all weekend. The 5’10” junior guard plays for the Lady B.I.G.D.O.G.S and Irving MacArthur High School. Wells can play any of the guard positions, and is lightning quick with her feet and hands. She has more than adequate handles and does a good job seeing both sides of the floor. Her size, length and mental aptitude on the floor are desirable qualities for any coach.

Another player who makes a major impact on the game is Alecia Sutton. The 5’8” junior guard for Missouri Phenom-Collier and Parkway North High School in St. Louis has all the tools necessary to be a star at the next level. She will get that opportunity on the big stage, as she has made a verbal commitment to play at the University of Texas.  She has an incredible first step and is a difficult matchup for opponents. Sutton might be one of the best on-the-ball defenders in her class, and is a clear difference maker on defense. Her pull and pop off the break is dangerous; she is a true game-changer and leader with a tremendous amount of work ethic.

CLICK HERE to view all of the colleges that attended the 2015 Heart of Texas Showcase.