Class of 2019 - TEXAS Recap

First and foremost, Premier Basketball would like to THANK the many evaluators and media members for covering the 2018 Heart of Texas Showcase. In light of the many wonderful recap articles, we felt now would be a good time to recap the spring for the top 2019 recruits across the state.

The 2019 class is LOADED at the guard position. This class represents one of the deepest classes in regards to the position we have had in the last few years in the state of Texas. This starts at the point guard position where the “veteran” presence of Jaden Owens (Cy-Fair 17u EYBL) resides. Owens has long been one of our favorites and can be under-appreciated at times simply because she has been on the radar for so long. Having the advantage of watching two older sisters go through the college recruitment process will make her own recruitment very interesting to watch. Perhaps the most skilled guard in the class is Endyia Rogers (DFW Elite 17u EYBL). Endyia has taken her game to the next level in the eyes of many on the national level, but this is no surprise to the many of us who have watched Endyia destroy defenders with her skill over the last few years. If you want to talk about underrated lead guards, you have to bring in the names of recent Gonzaga commits Kayleigh & Kaylynne Truong (Texas Elite Skyrise Prime). The Troungs put on a skill show each time they are on the floor. The most underrated portion of the Truong’s respective game(s) is their mental toughness. Their ability to play through mistakes, missed shots, and runs made by opponents will serve them well at the next level. Perhaps the toughest cover in the class at the guard position is Corina Carter (AD Elite – Team Peterson). Corina is a shut down the gym type of player whose ability to handle and create off the bounce can be mesmerizing. Corina’s ability to break down defenders off the dribble in 1v1 situations will serve her very well at next level when the shot clock becomes a factor. McKinzie Green (SA Finest Cee Lou) may very well be the most athletic guard in the class. Do not mistake McKinzie’s athleticism for lack of skill. We've seen McKinzie’s ability to shoot win some huge games over the last few years. It’s one thing to be able to shoot, it’s another to make shots that win meaningful games – this will serve McKinzie well at the next level. Mikayla Hutchinson (PBR Team Lex Platinum) is a rising prospect in the class. Hutchinson’s strength and body type are prototypes for the next level. Hutchinson is a pass first PG with a very excellent basketball instinct. Hutchinson has a natural feel for the game and her ability to facilitate will make her a favorite of teammates for years to come. N’Yah Boyd (DFW Elite 17u EYBL) has long been one of the most skilled guards in the state that doesn’t get enough pub. Boyd can break down a defense at will off the bounce and combined with the previously mentioned Endyia Rogers, makes for one of the best 1-2 perimeter combinations in the country. Being able to run a team is what many college coaches believe are missing in this era of position-less basketball, Payton Hicks (Lady Jets Platinum Elite) has been running the “show” since she was in elementary school. An old-school pure point guard, Hicks is going to have a veteran presence at the next level.  

Jazion Jackson (ProSkills 17u EYBL) is an athletic two-way guard who is climbing up the recruiting ladder as well. Jazion’s ability to play multiple perimeter positions at the next level will make her extremely valuable. Noelle Yancey (North Texas Elite Lights Out) is as strong on-the-ball as any guard in the class. A rugged perimeter defender, Noelle’s ability and college ready frame will make her an intriguing prospect in the class. Destiny Jackson (ProSkills 17u EYBL) may very well be the best perimeter defender in the class. Jackson’s ability to defend will lead to impactful minutes at the next level. Kayla Harris-Williams (Urban Heroes Elite – Marcus) is not a name you hear often, but every time we see her play she is locking up another highly rated prospect. In the era of skill, defensive guards are invaluable at the next level.

The 2019 wing position in the state of Texas is loaded as well. Baylor commit Jordyn Oliver (Cy-Fair 17u EYBL) has taken her game to another level coming off making the USA U16 National Team last summer. Oliver’s ability to get to mid-range and hit the pull up jumper is uncanny. Louisville commit Nyah Green (SA Finest Elite Cee Lou) is another player who has become undervalued simply because of how long she has been on the national radar. It’s easy to fall in love with newcomers, but having to defend Nyah on the wing will remind you of just who she is. The biggest criticism of Nyah is that she can be too unselfish at times. Nyah’s all-around game impact will surprise many. Flanking Nyah on SA Finest is quite possibly the toughest cover in the state in Liz Scott. Scott’s ability to get to the rim off the bounce coupled with her strength through contact make her a matchup issue. Add Scott’s ability as a DNA rebounder and you have instant double-double ingredients at the next level. 

We fought with where to list DJ McCarty (Lady Jets Platinum Elite) in regards to position. As WBB and basketball as a whole becomes more and more position-less, the best way to describe DJ is a competitive hooper. DJ competes and makes winning plays on a consistent basis. DJ’s ability to play multiple perimeter positions at the next level will serve her well throughout her career. DJ has long been underrated, but she was the one Jason Key received the most phone calls on in the last week. Alabama commit Mystique Womack (Hoop Queens Elite 17u) is virtually unguardable in 1v1 situations. Womack’s athleticism and shooting ability are sure to give many SEC opponents the blues in the coming years. The best wing shooter in the class may very well be Kyra White (SA Fines Cee Lou). The biggest “criticism” of Kyra is that she is at times “too disciplined” in her shot selection. Kyra’s ability to shoot and pass are going to make her invaluable at the next level. Speaking of shooters, Texas State commit Keziah Bachert (Hoop Queens Elite 17u) can flat put the ball in the basket. Another matchup issue in the Liz Scott mold is Taylor Hutchins (Urban Heroes Elite – Marcus). The lefty is one the best combinations of skill, strength, and athleticism in the state. Zya Nugent (PBR Team Lex Platinum) is a natural scorer who finds buckets. Mikayla Woods & Tiffany McGarity (AD Elite – Team Peterson) combine to make one of the better wing duos in the state. On the road to recovery are two players, Randi Thompson (ProSkills 17u Black) and Camryn Brown (CY-Fair 17u EYBL). Randi was considered in the conversation at the very top of this class before injuries set her back. We have watched Randi on her road back from recovery since December and the trust in her game is coming back… Camryn Brown is quite possibly the best pure athlete in the class. Much like Randi, once Camryn recovers from the injury bug – watch out!!  



Following up a blockbuster 2018 class of “bigs” in the state is a tough task, but the 2019 class has some real depth but more leaning more toward the forward/power forward position vs the versatility in the size of the post spot of the 2018 class. Taylor Jones (PBR Team Lex Platinum) is set for a summer comeback after one of the quickest ascensions we have seen in the last few years. Jones athletic ability and size make her an impact player at the next level. Tavy Diggs (Urban Heroes Elite – Marcus) left one very high-profile college head coach raving this week. Diggs ceiling is as high as any big in the class. London Clarkson (AD Elite – Team Peterson) is an athletic, competitive rebounding machine. Clarkson’s competitiveness is infectious and will serve her well at the next level. Ashley Daniel (Texas Elite Skyrise Prime) is a key cog in her club team’s success with her ability to constantly move, defend multiple positions, and REBOUND!! Daniel has been under the radar, and is catching the eyes of schools all over the country. Iowa State commit Gabrielle McBride (PBR Team Lex Platinum) is an old-school power forward with post game. McBride continues to emerge as a promising prospect in the class. Bailey Lewis (HG Elite Watts) is showing improved mobility and is one of the true post players in the class. Ashley Bowen (SA Finest Cee Lou) was the talk of the tournament last week. Strong with a feathery touch out to the perimeter, Bowen’s recruitment will skyrocket as the club season continues.



The best natural athlete at any position in the class may very well be Bria Patterson (DFW Elite 17u EYBL). Patterson is a special athlete with emerging skill who could become amongst the most productive players in this class at the next level. Speaking of athletes, Tailor Broussard (UTLB Elite Jacobs) is as athletic as they come. Broussard’s recruitment will continue to pick up steam as the summer progresses. Flanking Tailor on UTLB Elite Jacobs is London Scott. Another in the matchup nightmare category, London is a walking double-double. London’s improving ability to shoot the ball will serve her well at the next level. Speaking of walking double-doubles, Adryana Quezada (PBR Team Lex) is a jack-of-all-trades type that gives opponents fits on both ends of the floor. 

**Look for the 2020 and 2021 classes in TEXAS and also the players in the NATIONAL discussion to follow.**