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November 9, 2016
February 23, 2017
You can view the TAPPS State Games (4A-6A) HERE
UIL Regionals
It’s time for things to get real! These teams have all displayed the ability to win under pressure and fight through some adversity to get to this big stage. We get a little taste of “March Madness” during the Regional Tournaments and into the State Championship weekend. Matchups matter, coaching matters, experience matters, preparation matters, habits matter, but most importantly THE WILL TO WIN MATTERS. Can you guard? Can you score? Can you adjust?
Best of luck to everyone and we will see you in the gym.
6A || Region 1
Keller vs Duncanville
Lamar vs South Grand Prairie
Jason: Impressed with the play so far in post season by Keller and Lamar. Destiny Thurman leads the way from the PG spot.. She facilitates and it looks like they have Lamar peaking at the right time. Ultimately, I said that I thought it would be Duncanville and SGP since the beginning of the season… Of everyone I’ve seen, SGP has the tools and capability if Duncanville is to go down.
Shane: Ryanne Johnson had a monster game for Keller vs Bowie in the last round. It certainly seems like SGP is playing at its highest level so far this season. That could be one for the ages…
6A || Region 2
Tyler John Tyler vs Dekaney
Skyline vs Pflugerville
Shane: Carlesa Dixon, in her first year at John Tyler, is back in the Regional Tournament. This game vs Dekaney will be intense to say the least. Dekaney, Skyline, and Pflugerville are no strangers to the Regionals. I like Pflugerville to get out of this region and I think London Clarkson is the “ex-factor” for them inside.
Jason: I really like Jaylan Gulley for Skyline and Britney Onyeje for Plugerville. This has the potential to be a high scoring affair… Intense!
6A || Region 3
Langham Creek vs Clear Springs
Cy Ranch vs Clear Creek
Shane: Kayla Owens is leading her team on a nice senior season run and Clear Springs has had a target on their backs all year. Cy Ranch is playing at a high level right now… This region is about which seniors want to stay alive the most - Didi Richards and Ariana Whitfield at Ranch and Tasharian Robinson and Sierra Cheatham and Owens at Langham Creek which I mentioned.
6A || Region 4
Brandeis vs Weslaco
Judson vs Laredo Alexander
Jason: Gabby Connally is a senior clearly on a mission. She was lights out against Steele the other night. Major oversight on our part.. But, it created conversation and that’s a fun part about sports. I love the fact that I called her the most underrated kid all summer long and she’s coming through in the clutch for me… Little did we know that it has rubbed off on her teammates. True leadership!
Shane: I have to admit that the youth of Brandeis had me a little worried. We got the closest look at them early in the Allen Tournament and they struggled. But, low and behold as good teams do, they have matured and are contending this weekend for a trip to State. Judson is another team that seems to be peaking at the right time. They are really scoring it well right now… Another exciting weekend coming up.
5A || Region 1
Amarillo vs Colleyville Heritage
Canyon vs Denton Ryan
Jason: West Texas teams coming to Fort Worth on what has seemed to be a season long collision course. But, when you have what is arguably the best player in this Regional in Bryn Gerlich, you always have a chance if you are Colleyville.
Shane: Early on, I picked Amarillo in this Region and you picked Canyon… You sticking with that?? And I am looking forward to Bryn’s performance as well..
Jason: Yessir!
5A || Region 2
Mansfield Legacy vs Frisco Liberty
Mansfield Timberview vs The Colony
Jason: I think Liberty gets to the final – The Turner sisters will be key as they match up with Liberty’s senior guards. Liberty is a terrific defensive team. Oh man.. Timberview vs The Colony will be worth the price of admission. Young guards Jewel Spear and Tamia Jones on the BIG STAGE for the first time going against THE Chennedy Carter --- these teams are talented and well coached.
Shane: I think you summed it up there – the Timberview vs The Colony might just be the game of the night in the whole state. Jade Williams is my “ex factor” here – her all around production has been great.
5A || Region 3
Georgetown vs Beaumont Centennial
Rouse vs Barber’s Hill
Shane: Like we said about Gerlich, when you have the best player in the Region in Charli Collier, it is hard to pick against Barber’s Hill. Collier is dominant and will obviously face some tough game plans from some experienced coaches.
5A || Region 4
Marble Falls vs Flour Bluff
Austin High School vs Corpus Christi Carroll
Shane: Austin High played a thriller Tuesday vs Tivy. CC Carroll and Austin High have played twice this year and split. Marble Falls is on a nice run and many believed they would make it to this part of the bracket. Admittedly, I don’t know much about Flour Bluff. I think the key to this region is which team can relax on the big stage. Austin High likes to play at a high pace and tempo in this Region will be key as well.
4A || Region 1
Midland Greenwood vs Godley
Levellend vs Stephenville
Godley got a BIG win vs Kennedale on Tuesday. Can they continue the momentum?
4A || Region 2
Carrollton Ranchview vs Gilmer
Argyle vs Bullard
Jason: You’ve got a very well coached team in Ranchview with three Division 1 Seniors. This is the spot in the last three years that I have seen Vivian Gray absolutely shine. Argyle is heavy with seniors as well - Hard to pick against them simply from the “been there, done that” factor alone. However, this will be a good one.
4A || Region 3
Liberty Hill vs Houston Wheatley
Madisonville vs Diboll
What did we say about having the best player in the Region? Sedona Prince is the best player in this Region and is heating up!
4A || Region 4
Wharton vs Orange Grove
Sweenie vs Devine
As we’ve said before, it is hard to see a lot of the smaller rural schools in the State. We only really get a small sample set. However, the fans travel and the seniors do not want to go home, and the competitive school pride is real. Many of these school have rich basketball traditions. We are looking forward to seeing the winners in San Antonio at the Alamodome. Best of luck to everybody!
3A || Region 1
Wall vs Bowie
Canadian vs Brock
3A || Region 2
Alba-Golden vs Winnsboro
Pottsboro vs Mount Vernon
3A || Region 3
Buffalo vs Hitchcock
Teague vs Crockett
3A || Region 4
Marion vs Goliad
Poth vs Odem
2A || Region 1
Panhandle vs Mertzon Iron County
Claude vs Sundown
2A || Region 2
Era vs Gladwater Union Grove
Windthorst vs Martin’s Mill
Martin’s Mill has been the thorn in Windthorst’s side for a few years now… What happens this year? We’ve been saying it all night: When you have the best player on the court in Tatum Veitenheimer… You always have a shot if you are Windthorst.
2A || Region 3
La Rue La Poyner vs Woden
Centerville vs Tenaha
2A || Region 4
Weimar vs Port Aransas
San Saba vs Falls City
1A || Region 1
Nazareth vs Paducah
White Deer vs Spur
1A || Region 2
Lamesa Klondike vs Garden City
O’Donnell vs May
1A || Region 3
Stephenville Huckabay vs Dodd City
Lipan vs Slidell
1A || Region 4
Martinsville vs Moulton
Elkhart Slocum vs Barksdale Nueces Canyon
February 19, 2017
Playoffs Round 3
TAPPS State Tournament Set (6A, 5A, 4A)
6A- Dallas Bishop Lynch* vs SA Antonian College Prep
- Dallas Parrish Episcopal* vs Prestonwood Christian*
*All from the same district. Dallas Bishop Lynch started the preseason as the favorite on paper, and it would be difficult to believe the outcome would be different next weekend in Abilene. Coach Andy Zihlman has been at the helm for 37 years and he has a supremely talented roster with Brooke Bradley, Gabby Rogers, Nyah Green, and Endyia Rogers. When district opponents play for the third time, anything can happen.
5A- Dallas Christian vs Regents School of Austin
- San Antonio Christian vs Houston Westbury Christian
Regents has its hands full with the Jones sisters: Carlie, Taylor, and Tori - especially inside as Carlie and Taylor are both 6’3. However, Regents has been shooting the 3-ball exceptionally well with multiple players hitting multiple threes in a string of recent games: Rice sisters Ellie and Ani along Lauren Chapman. These two teams played in December with Dallas Christian winning, 62-49. Dallas Christian is the favorite, but if Regents can stay out of foul trouble this could get interesting.
Westbury Christian has a well-balanced roster led by Emer Nichols and Mia Perkins inside and Marissa Banfield leading from the perimeter. San Antonio Christian played a public school heavy non-district schedule to prepare them for the post season. The key will be the tempo of the game: SA Christian will need to combat the size and athleticism of Westbury Christian by speeding things up as Westbury doesn’t love a high-scoring/up and down affair.
4A- Lubbock Trinity Christian vs Amarillo San Jacinto Christian
- Marble Falls Faith Academy vs Houston Lutheran North
Lutheran North has a steady guard in junior Cydney Rivera and gets major production from senior Sable Barnes. Alyce Fields gets on the glass at almost 16 per game. Marble Falls Faith Academy has been here before as well as Lubbock Trinity Christian.
You can find TAPPS info HERE
UIL Regional Quarterfinal Round
6A || Region 1
District 7-6A is the story here. All four teams (Duncanville, South Grand Prairie, Cedar Hill, and DeSoto) have reached the 3 rd Round. SGP and Cedar Hill are matched up in a third game between the schools this year – they split in close games in district play. Cedar Hill is tough and gritty in their guard play and SGP seems to be making a push to peaking at just the right time after a convincing win vs Plano on Friday night. Could we be looking at a Duncanville vs SGP Regional Final in what was the preseason prediction here? A couple more rounds until we find out…
Jason: SGP is rolling the right way.. Cedar Hill has some really good guard play and that can control the game. If Bacon plays like she did the other night vs Plano, they will be in good shape at SGP. Diamond Willcot is showing signs of adding a pull up J and that is valuable for them.. Duncanville is unlikely to lose, but the familiarity that SGP has with them makes it to where it is not a foregone conclusion.
Shane: We talked about at the beginning of the year how SGP and DVille would likely go head to head in this Region 1. I like hearing about about Willcot adding the mid-range J – very valuable in the women’s game. SGP is certainly capable, but much like you say I would see DVille win 9 out of 10 of those matchups.
6A || Region 2
We are hearing from college coaches all over the country regarding late sign candidate 2017 Jaylan Gulley. They will match up with Rockwall. Coach Kasie Brewer’s squad got a nice “upset” win over Sachse on Friday.
Jason: Sachse losing early illustrates my point as to why I like Skyline in this bracket – the senior leadership is valuable in these situations.
Austin Bowie and Pflugerville will once again play in the Regional Quarterfinal. Coaches Vickie Benson and April Hundl have created well respected and consistently successful programs in the Austin area.
In what was an anticipated matchup, Round Rock Westwood and Dekaney also will have a Regional Quarterfinal rematch: Dekaney’s pressure and athleticism vs Westwood’s size and a Coach Doug Davalos gameplan.
6A || Region 3
Seven Lakes and Langham Creek looks to be a good one. UCLA signee Kayla Owens is playing an all around role for her team right now and allowing them to come at their opponents with a balanced attack. Coach Angela Spurlock has a roster of solid players and they know how to win.
Clear Springs vs Pearland is intriguing as we have the team that was deemed the favorite early in Clear Springs vs the young, talented, and fearless Pearland squad. Senior PG Ravae Payne and 2020 rising star Deyonna Gaston power Coach Lauren Martens’ squad. Clear Springs guard and UTSA signee Tasharian Robinson has been playing very well.
6A || Region 4
Judson is coming off a thrilling win vs Vista Ridge in which junior Desiree Lewis had a career high of 38. Johnson beat Wagner in a highly competitive game. Johnson continues to show poise in adverse situations. These two teams have split games this season, so we have a “best of three” situation on Tuesday. It looks likely that the winner of this game will face Cibolo Steele in the Regional Final.
5A || Region 1
Amarillo and Canyon still seem like they are headed for a Regional Final matchup of district opponents, but do not count out Colleyville Heritage. They have a matchup with Trimble Tech on Tuesday that will have contrasting styles playing it out. “Swiss Army Knife” type of player Bryn Gerlich leads Coach Dianna Sager’s squad.
5A || Region 2
Timberview is still in control here, but the Frisco Liberty (last year’s Region 2 winner) vs Prosper game is intriguing as well as The Colony vs Frisco Lone Star (could be the game of the night in this region).
Lone Star’s Mallory Adams is another versatile all around player that helps her squad balance out and come at teams from all angles. Guard Mia Deck is emerging as one to see and forward Adryana Quezada has a nice motor inside. The Colony is anchored by Jade Williams, but young guards Tamia Jones and Jewel Spear make them go.
Jason: Don’t forget about about Legacy and Burleson Centennial: the Turner sisters from Legacy vs the all around team shooting vs Centennial and a 1.3.1 defense that gives teams trouble. I’m looking forward to what I think will be The Colony vs Timberview (not that Lone Star is a “gimme game”), but I like the matchups between The Colony and Timberview regarding the individual players, the experience vs the youth at the guard position, etc.
5A || Region 3
Georgetown, Manvel, and Barber’s Hill are no strangers to the Regional Tournament and all could get there. Watch to see who wins between College Station and Rouse as both are making a nice post-season push to elevate the profiles of their respective programs.
5A || Region 4
Austin High, Kerrville Tivy, and CC Carroll have thus far met expectations and made it to the Regional Quarterfinals. Austin High and Kerrville play and the winner will advance to play versus the winner of CC Carroll and CC Veteran’s Memorial. The winner of that section of the bracket seems poised to make the trip to the State Tournament.
Austin High likes to push the ball and create a high tempo game. Guard Ellen Hagen will take the quick open three if available and they balance that out with a nice inside game: 6’3 fwd/post Mia Heide and 6’0 forward Tianna Gardner. Austin High does a good job on the glass. Tivy is deliberate and patiently moves the ball until they can get a good shot. They sprinkle in a bit of a matchup zone that can give opponents some issues.
Marble Falls is the team to watch out for in the top of the Region 4 bracket.
4A || Regions 1-4
- Kennedale defeated Sweetwater 74-40 and will play Godley next in Region 1.
- Argyle defeated Princeton 70-23 and will play Lincoln next in Region 2.
- Liberty Hill defeated Mexia 50-41 and will play Navasota next in Region 3.
Pay attention to Carrolton Ranchview in Region 2. Coach Wendy Bartlett has her squad playing very well. Her team has UTEP signee Maqhi Berry, Nicholls State signee Bryanna Washington, and Northwestern State signee Jada Freeman. Fun fact: Wendy Bartlett played for SGP Coach Samantha Morrow at Mansfield High School before playing collegiately at Wichita State and Texas Women’s University. Ranchview has Wilmer Hutchins next, a district opponent that they have beaten twice.
In a closer than expected game on Friday night vs Mexia, Liberty Hill’s Sedona Prince showed how she can leave a physical imprint on a game: 14 points, 23 rebounds, and 14 blocks. This production is key to their Region 3 repeat.
Argyle and Lincoln seem to meet up every year, and in recent history, Argyle has been victorious. Senior Vivian Gray is the queen on the chessboard and Argyle has such a balanced attack, it is hard to argue their expected continued dominance in Region 2.
Look for Boerne and Devine to emerge in Region 4 into the Regional Semifinals. Of the four regions, this one is the most wide open.
3A || Regions 1-4
TABC #1 Canadian beat Ballinger
TABC #2 Little River Academy beat Malakoff
TABC #3 Wall beat Shallowater
TABC #4 Jim Ned beat Jacksboro
TABC #5 Hitchcock beat New Waverly
Sunnyvale lead by Coach Jill McDill is experienced and they know how to handle the post season. Senior (Texas State signee) Avionne Alexander is really blooming in every category.
Traditional power Brock plays Jim Ned next in Region 1.
2A || Regions 1-4
TABC #1 Martin’s Mill beat Bogata Rivercrest
TABC #2 La Poyner beat Moody
TABC #3 Panhandle beat Farwell
TABC #4 Claude beat Sudan
TABC #5 Falls City beat Palito Blanco
TABC #7 Windthorst defeated Lindsay 70-38 behind a 29 point, 8 assist, and 7 steal effort by Tatum Veitenheimer. They have made it to they Regional Tournament for the last two years and look for Veitenheimer to find a way to get them through this year.
1A || Regions 1-4
TABC #1 Nazareth beat Shamrock
TABC #2 Dodd City beat Miller Grove
TABC #3 Huckabay beat Blanket
TABC #4 Garden City beat Clyde Eula
TABC #5 Spur beat New Home
ALL UIL brackets can be viewed HERE
February 15, 2017
Playoffs Round 2
Here are some particularly intriguing matchups in the 2 nd Round (Area) UIL Playoffs. All UIL brackets
HERE
6A || Region 1
- Duncanville vs Plano West
- Plano vs South Grand Prairie
star-like qualities; Positional matchups are nice: Amber Bacon vs Katie
Ferrell at the PG, Lolo Davenport vs Kayla Wells on the wing; Uchenna
Nwoke vs Jordyn Merritt in and around the paint
- Plano East vs Cedar Hill
6A || Region 2
- Dekaney vs Cedar Ridge
6A || Region 4
- SA Johnson vs SA Wagner
confidence that is crashing the party. Wagner has been there, done that.
The guard play in this game is HIGH level. Should be entertaining.
5A || Region 1
- Trimble Tech vs Denison
2019 Zya Nugent for Denison has been scoring the ball well all year long
with a couple of nice break out performances.
5A || Region 2
- Legacy vs Adams
Can they get go on a nice run?
5A || Region 3
- Barber’s Hill vs Elkins
Barber’s Hill and 2018 Monet Jones for Elkins.
4A || Regions 1-4
Argyle, Liberty Hill, and Kennedale all cruised to wins in the first round. They are all in the respective driver’s seat in their regions.
3A || Regions 1-4
The Region 1 usual suspects won their opening round games: Canadian, Wall, Peaster, Brock, Jim Ned..
Sunnyvale, Pottsboro, and Winnsboro won their first round games in Region 2.
Little River Academy and Hitchcock won as expected in Region 3.
Goliad and Poth took care of their opponents in Region 4.
2A || Regions 1-4
TABC #1 Martin’s Mill beat Blue Ridge
TABC #2 La Poyner beat Dallardsville Big Sandy
TABC #3 Panhandle beat Vega
TABC #4 Claude beat Boys Ranch
TABC #5 Falls City
TABC #6 Bells beat Poolville
TABC #7 Windthorst beat Hamilton
1A || Regions 1-4
TABC #1 Nazareth
TABC #2 Dodge City
TABC #3 Huckabay
TABC #4 Garden City
TABC #5 Spur
*** All had first round byes and will play their first games in the Area Round.
TAPPS updates HERE
POST SEASON
We will be out covering a variety of playoff games in the state of Texas over the next three weeks. We will provide thoughts and recaps of the action and trends we see developing as teams march toward State Championships.
February 13, 2017
TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL PLAYOFF PREVIEW:
By: Jason Key and Shane Laflin
http://www.premierbasketballreport.com/news/2017-state-playoff-preview
November 8, 2016
AUSTIN WESTLAKE at ROUND ROCK
By: Shane Laflin
This was a traditional early season matchup between Rhina Aldrich’s Round Rock team and Katie Hensle’s Westlake group.
A couple things were evident early on:
Westlake is very young (they started two freshman, and then started three freshman in the third quarter – four total on the roster: Presley Bennett, Shay Holle, Emily Seghers, and Lexi Zurovec). There is a lot of potential there.
Round Rock was missing a key player in Texas A&M-Commerce signee, Alex Nance and also showed a promising young player in ’19 Hannah Groff.
Round Rock started out in a 1.3.1 defense that slowed the Westlake offensive plan early (they later showed some 2.3 zone as well as man to man D). They utilized ball screens to start in the half court as well as ran a “Circle Motion” 5 out scheme, truly testing the defensive fundamentals of an inexperienced Westlake squad. Westlake showed trouble with the second cutter in the “Circle Motion” early, and Round Rock got a couple of easy looks.
Westlake came out in a man to man game plan, and it was clear that they had an emphasis on a heavy weakside presence. Westlake wanted to push the ball, and they had a lot of opportunities to do so because they owned the glass.
The first quarter was a balanced attack from both sides and ended 12-10, Westlake. By halftime Westlake had a 25-14 lead. Round Rock was slowed by foul trouble and the imbalance led to some easy points from the free throw line for Westlake and kept Round Rock’s best players off the floor for significant time.
Westlake amped things up in the second half by pressing Round Rock and it proved beneficial. Round Rock kept things close and interesting by shooting the ball well from behind the arc. ’19 Hannah Groff and ’17 Kayley McCalmont knocked down multiple threes, and Groff had some really nice takes to the rim for finishes and to draw fouls. She really gave them a nice contribution in the second half.
’19 Kaylee Cunningham gave Westlake a nice spark on both ends in the second half. Defensively, she kept the ball in front of her and offensively she made the easy buckets she needed to, and got to the free throw line. ’20 Presley Bennett (foul trouble in the first half) knocked down some timely threes and sparked offense out of the press for Westlake as well. ’20 Lexi Zurovec made her presence known as well by rebounding and posting on the block. She also showed the ability to guard out on the perimeter.
Westlake won the game 57-44. ’20 Shay Holle led the way with 16 points and 15 rebounds. ’20 Presley Bennett had a solid 8 points and 4 rebounds and did the brunt of the ballhandling for her team.
This Westlake team is an intriguing young group, and it will be interesting to watch Katie Hensle help them grow.
The Round Rock group should make a hard push for a solid playoff spot once Alex Nance is back and healthy, as she will add to their ability to spread the floor, shoot, and attack the rim. She and PG ’17 Trinity Collins play well off of each other.
November 8, 2016
MANSFIELD TIMBERVIEW at DUNCANVILLE
By: Jason Key
This first game for me of the high school regular season will be hard to top…. Chennedy Carter’s (MT) ball handling is ridiculous. Terrific shooter off the bounce once she gets her rhythm, her next evolution is to become as comfortable off of the catch shooting the ball…. Really impressed with ability to overcome 3 missed free throws in regulation that would have clinched the game…. Zarielle Green (Dun) is one of the most undervalued players in the 2018 class nationally… has added elite passing/vision off the bounce to her game… becoming a very good wing defender with excellent use of her length….stroke from 3 is pure, really likes the corners…. Starr Jacobs (Dun) looks fully recovered from knee injury… extremely athletic and bouncy, excellent in transition… Hailee Walls (MT) hit multiple critical jumpers late in the game, seems to really enjoy the big shot… speaking of, how many big shots have I seen Aniya Thomas make….?? Loves the big shots and has very quick hands defensively, underrated player in the 2018 class… Taylah Thomas (MT) is athletic with a soft touch around the rim… Treylynn Tyler (MT) has a nice handle and pull up off the bounce… Lauryn Thompson (MT) is a physical load at times, struggled a little this game but has size and can shoot… Timberview may be the best team in the country…. Nina Alvarez (Dun) is everywhere on the court defensively, brings energy every game….. Fresh Hannah Gusters (Dun) has a chance to be special, very good footwork in the post and showed a soft touch down low…. GREAT GAME!! And the best part? A possible re-match in the finals of the Frisco ISD tournament this weekend. Stay tuned! PBR will be there..
Timberview (MT) 78 – Duncanville (Dun) 75 (OT)
November 10-12, 2016
AUSTIN BOWIE BE-YOU-TIFUL CLASSIC
By: Shane Laflin
http://www.premierbasketballreport.com/news/2016-be-you-tiful-classic
7 TH ANNUAL FRISCO ISD TIP-OFF CLASSIC
By: Jason Key
The Duncanville vs Mansfield Timberview rematch could have never lived up to their game on Tuesday…. Duncanville was on a mission and wasn’t going to be denied… Refs had more of a say in the game than they should have… Zarielle Green (Duncanville) has really raised her game – the Texas Top 10 in 2018 may be the best collective recruiting class in the state’s history…. 2017 Nina Alvarez and 2018 Aniya Thomas are extremely gritty, make plays and Thomas really has a penchant for making big shots – one of the most underrated backcourts in the state…. Mansfield Summit has three 2017 next level prospects still open in Taylah Thomas, Trelynn Tyler and Hailee Walls…. Texas A&M won the Chennedy Carter sweepstakes – she is simply breathtaking at times, must watch player for any fan of the game… Northwestern got in a steal in 2017 Jordan Hamilton, same for Tulsa in 2017 Rebecca Lescay (both of Frisco Liberty)… 2019 Mia Deck (Frisco Lone Star) can flat out shoot it from 3; highly recruited 2018 Mallory Adams (Frisco Lone Star) showed her versatile game throughout the tourney…. 2018 Texas Tech commit Addison Ryan (Frisco Wakeland) is highly skilled – nice handle and ability to shoot from deep; 2018 Trinity Bell (Frisco Wakeland) competes every possession, love the energy… 2018 Jamie Means (Denton) has a big upside and is continuing to improve…. 2018 Braylyn Dollar (Lubbock Monterey) is one to watch, good size and athleticism to go with her motor… 2017 Chelsea Hunter (Lubbock Monterey) is a true PG, good strength, handles, and can shoot the spot up 3 – underrated
PG in the class… 2017 Amber Dixon (Mansfield Summit) looks completely healthy from her knee injury, big time athlete with big upside… 2020 Tommisha Lampkin (Mansfield Summit) is a name to know, huge upside…I saw some growth in 2018 Quincy Noble (McKinney) – game is starting to match athletic ability – big upside at the next level…. 2017 Kayla Moutry can flat play, terrific passer off the dribble… 2020 Chelsea Wooten (McKinney North) is a name to know…. Plano’s 2018 Lolo Davenport was out with an injury, should be back in a couple of weeks… 2018 Emma Halverson, Katie Ferrell, and 2020 Jordyn Merritt of Plano are fun to watch, when you add in Lolo they are one of the most talented teams in the state… 2019 Noelle Yancy (Richardson) is coming along – terrific handles and tough defender… Sachse has two 2019’s in Avery Crouse and Kayla Demus that will play at the next level… 2018 Madi Miller (Wylie) is highly skilled and can flat SHOOT it….
November 15, 2016
DALLAS SKYLINE 63 MCKINNEY NORTH 45
By: Jason Key
2017 Jaylan Gulley (Dallas Skyline) is one of the best unsigned point guards left in the state. No clear weakness – handles, shoots, plays with a high IQ…. 2018 Jade Bradley (Dallas Skyline) played well – multiple traffic finishes and 3’s made… keeping an eye on 2020 Takaylan Busby (Dallas Skyline) – showed some real promise… 2017 New Mexico signee Tia Wright played well before getting injured in the 4 th in a hustle-play scrum – nice wiggle with ball and vision off the bounce…. 2020 Chelsea Wooten (McKinney North) caught my attention again – going to be a very nice player.
November 17-19, 2016
McDONALD's TEXAS INVITATIONAL
By: Shane Laflin
http://www.premierbasketballreport.com/news/2016-mcdonalds-texas-invitational
November 21, 2016
ROUND ROCK McNEIL VS LIBERTY HILL
The Texas #3 ranked 4A school ( TABC) was in action Monday night vs District 13-6A Round Rock McNeil.
Liberty Hill is coming off a trip to the 4A State Tournament last season. McNeil has a relatively young and guard oriented roster.
The defense really set the tone early for Liberty Hill. With 2018 6’7” Texas commit Sedona Prince on the inside, McNeil had a hard time getting a shot off within 15 feet of the basket. Coupled with the fact that Liberty Hill got into a 1.2.1.1 full court press after makes, they jumped on McNeil early and created a heavy deficit from which never really looked back.
McNeil relied on dribble penetration and some drive and kick, but just did not shoot the ball well. They mixed in a couple sets in the half court and got some easy looks off of a back screen on a couple occasions. They showed some zone defense as well as some man to man with some attempts at help on the post.
Liberty Hill played primarily man defense and mixed in some full court man pressing. Early on they showed signs of running the old school “Carolina” sideline break and found 2018 G/Fwd Kandyn Faurie off of the ball reversal + back screen for an easy look.
Prince led the way with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 8 blocks and one pretty impressive coast to coast take to the rim (after a steal in the press) in 21 minutes of play. 2018 Kasye Bevers knocked down some threes and seems to have a very nice quick trigger stroke from the perimeter for Liberty Hill. 2017 Andrea House is a nice spark for this team. She is fundamental and skilled and plays hard for them. She is very active and facilitated well for her team.
Coach Chris Lange and his squad look like they should have a good opportunity to make another run at State. They won the game 73-23.
November 22, 2016
AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL vs ANDERSON HIGH SCHOOL
Thanksgiving week brings some afternoon games and Tuesday brought us District 25-5A Austin High School at District 14-6A Anderson High School.
Anderson was missing starting guard and team Co-Captain 2017 Mia Spennato, who is expected to be back next week. 2017 Co-Captain Caitlyn Latson showed great effort and playmaking in trying to lead the way without her injured teammate. 2020 Cai Wilson started the game and proved to be a very capable defender on ball with her quickness. She also knocked down a couple of timely three point shots.
Led by a very quick 10 points from 2018 Mia Heide, Austin HS jumped out to a 16-1 lead in the first quarter before Anderson Head Coach Katrina Hall called a timeout.
Austin HS plays primarily a 2.3 zone. Heide roams the middle and 2018 Ellen Hagen and 2019 Maddy McGuire are active in their zone at the top. It was hard for Anderson to get anywhere near the paint early on in the game.
Anderson started the game in a man-to-man defensive scheme with some weak-side help to try to limit Heide’s touches. After their late first quarter timeout, it looked like Anderson came out in a "box-and-1" type of scheme on Heide, which is rare for a post player to see. This allowed Anderson to be a bit more physical with her and double her around the block and in the mid-post area.
It proved effective early on as the score was 23-17 at the half. The defensive change and some costly turnovers for Austin HS allowed Anderson to fight to get back into the game. Austin HS countered with a more perimeter oriented attack and Hagen knocked down a three to emphasize the point.
The third quarter was back and forth and once Anderson got back within six, back to back long and crisp outlet passes by Heide and 2019 Tiana Gardner led to an easy layup and a trip to the free throw line by McGuire. This gave Austin HS a nine point lead that they would not relinquish. The final score was 48-35.
Coach Tricia Hughes and her team go into the break with a victory. Mia Heide provided a solid all around effort with 13 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 blocks.
November 25-25, 2016
TENNESSEE TURKEY JAMM (Murfreesboro)
http://www.premierbasketballreport.com/news/2016-tennessee-turkey-jamm
December 9-11, 2016
SHE GOT GAME CLASSIC (DC)
http://www.premierbasketballreport.com/news/2016-she-got-game-classic
December 19-22, 2016
NIKE TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS (Phoenix)
http://www.premierbasketballreport.com/news/2016-nike-tournament-of-champions
December 28-30, 2016
SANDRA MEADOWS CLASSIC (Duncanville) & MANSFIELD SPRING CREEK INVITATIONAL
http://www.premierbasketballreport.com/news/sandra-meadows-classic-mansfield-spring-creek-invitational
December 29, 2016
Cedar Park vs Waco Midway / Boswell vs Round Rock Westwood
MT RICE TOURNAMENT (Waco Midway HS)
By: Shane Laflin
I was able to catch some bracket play action on the last day at the MT Rice Tournament that is annually hosted at Waco Midway HS. All four of the teams I caught had made their way to the top bracket by winning their respective four-team pools.
Barbara Benson (2017 - Waco Midway unsigned senior) good feel and even a little bit of flare to her game. Likes to drop the no look dime and flourishes in their press; you can see she likes to play in transition and create. She can get to the rim; the jumper needs a bit of fine tuning, but the release is nice. She is the type of kid who seems like she loves to play the game.
Danielle Davalos (2019 – Westwood) gritty and tough! She competes the whole time she is on the floor and has that “coach on the floor” look about her (her dad is her HS Coach – former Texas State men’s HC, Doug Davalos). She has serious RANGE on her 3 ball and sets her feet to get it off quickly. She is a capable PG and uses her solid handle and ability to keep defenders off balance with her shooting threat to get to the rim and to the FT line.
Hanna Wheeler (2020 – Cedar Park) True PG mentality in that she is looking to advance the ball up the floor and to distribute to make teammates better; she handles the ball well and talks constantly on defense. She has shown she has a good IQ in her decision making; she is one of which to be aware and get eyes on soon.
Nicole Leff (2020 – Cedar Park) Tough and physical! She does not back down from an opponent and seems to really like to mix it up with the upperclassmen in the paint; she is strong and she holds her own rebounding the ball. As she becomes increasingly more comfortable away from the paint, her stock will rise. She has a solid foundation of fundamental skills and bball IQ.
Audrey Warren (2018 - Boswell) The best player in the tournament, hands down. She is a HOOPER (not a term I use lightly). She is a 6’0 “all around game” type of player. She is a really good athlete and makes play after play. She can shoot it, creatively handle it, distribute it… She rebounds, will catch you on a post up, and D's up, regardless of position. She is being recruited by many schools, but I expect that to heat up even further very soon. Don’t sleep!
