High School Season Starts in Texas

Start of 2019-2020 HS Season in Texas
 
On Wednesday, October 23 ^rd Texas girls basketball programs were permitted to begin their official practices. After the start of school and a few weekends of shootouts, the coaches were finally allowed hours outside of school to work with their teams. Many players and coaches had a daily countdown going via social media and some even compared the wait to the night before Christmas. 
 
I was able to stick my head in a couple practices this week (Austin Westlake and Cedar Park) and I appreciate the coaches for letting me stop by. As expected, I was able to pick up some nuggets of knowledge in both practices and have some really good early season basketball conversations. 
 
I checked in with several more coaches throughout the state and could feel their excitement and enthusiasm through the phone. Many were kind enough to share some thoughts on their respective teams and send some pictures to include. The common thing about great coaches is their willingness to share and their propensity to want to talk about their players and their program standards and culture first and foremost. These are the things that grow the game and help players love the game and I applaud them all!
 
 
Thursday, October 24 | 630am  | Westlake HS  |  Head Coach: Katie Hensle


 
Possibly the most unique thing I took away from this practice is that I heard the gym before I saw it. What I mean by that is I could hear balls bouncing, shoes squeaking, and teammates talking (all seemingly normal, right?), but also music blaring. Which again, in pre-practice is not uncommon these days. However, Coach Hensle has music playing throughout practice in order to add a layer of chaos and distraction so the players and coaches have to take their communication to a higher level – both verbally and nonverbally. Brilliant! I have never been in a practice where there was deliberate noise like that during its entirety. 
 
The other thing early that really stood out to me is that the players completed their dynamic warm up with a very detailed specificity. Amazingly, they all did each of the actions correctly and completely. I have been in many college practices where the players half-effort this vital component to not only the warm up, but also injury prevention and recovery. Coach Hensle credited Varsity Assistant coach extraordinaire, Erin Floyd. 
 
First, Westlake did fundamental work on both ends with their position groups. They began with simple actions and then ran drills that incorporated elements of their offense. I am a big believer in setting the tone for your practices with fundamental discipline and of course the work in the specific offensive actions helps drill the players to “play” (vs just execute progressions) within the offense and to train the elements and actions. The thing I was most impressed with was that they were multiple skill drills: dribble, pass, shoot – just as the game is played. 
 
As they were doing drills, the nugget that I picked up from Varsity Assistant Erin Floyd was as post players finished with a score on their actions, she had them immediately grab the ball out of the net and put it back in the bucket (presumably) as a way to build the offensive rebounding habits. So many players assume layups are going to be makes (both the defenders and the offensive teams) and this is a GREAT way to make rebounding in the paint an automatic habit. I love it! 
 
I think Westlake has a real chance at some serious success this season. They have a senior group that has been together on this level for four years now and many minutes logged together. They also have some young players that will support those seniors and a few of them look more than capable. The players on this team seem to have an understanding of their roles and they work to excel in those spots. They all take the defensive end seriously. Westlake has some depth now at the ball handling positions that they have missed the last couple of years. 
 
Senior  Shay Holle is headed to play at Texas next year and she will have a big year statistically. She is the key on this team and her leadership may very well dictate how long their journey lasts. 
 
Senior  Presley Bennett is headed to Texas State next year and as the PG, her consistent play will be very important as this team finds its grove to reach its peak. 
 
Senior  Bailee Chynoweth is what I would call the glue on this team.. She plays with all out effort and has grown in her leadership abilities. She has found what I observe as comfort in her role and it has allowed her to shoot the ball better and be more efficient. Chynoweth is uncommitted, but look for her to create some opportunities with her play this year. 
 
Gwen Gilmore is a junior who missed some time last year, but upon watching this practice, I couldn’t tell. Gilmore is a versatile forward with a really nice natural knack for playing the game. Look for her to have some breakout performances this season. 
 
Seniors  Emily Seghers and  Emily Marquis as well as junior Malena Delascurain are also vital glue/role players for this team that will provide important minutes.  
 
There are two freshman who may see some decent time in  Pace Rickard and Peyton Freiermuth. Rickard did some really good things in the practice. I can see her being a solid contributor as she is skilled and confident and more athletic than opponents may think. 
 
I enjoyed my time at Westlake’s practice. To finish I have to share what I loved the most about it: Every single thing they did (outside of the early fundamental breakdowns) lead to a transition possession. Whether it was 5 on 5 or 5 on 0, there was particular emphasis paid to getting the ball out and going! Everyone says they want to “play fast”, but they do not know what it means. It is a mentality and it is a habit and Westlake is building very good habits. 
 
Coach Hensle runs a high level practice and has built a very good program. You can catch them at the  SHE GOT GAME Classic – DALLAS event in December (more below). 



“The focus of our season is to find the joy in what we are doing every day. To live in the moment. We want to become the best versions of ourselves as a team and individuals. I love where we are starting from and I can’t wait to see where we go!” – Westlake Head Coach Katie Hensle. 
 
Thursday, October 24  |  230pm |  Cedar Park  HS | Head Coach Donny Ott  


 
Coach Ott is as welcoming as they come. He met me in the parking lot and into the gym we went. The players were in the gym and practice was to start a few minutes later. As we were visiting, I could tell Coach Ott was observing his players’ pre-practice habits. They eyes of a coach do not miss much. 
 
Before they began their stretching and warm up, Coach Ott had found a teaching moment. Cedar Park has had particular success since he arrived, as evidenced by their undefeated district record and playoff runs. So, he in no way will allow slippage from what got them there. He took the time to remind his team of the discipline that it takes to succeed and emphasized what it means to be ready to practice when the clock hits 230pm. His message was well received as he coached not just the “what”, but the “why” in a direct manner. Players appreciate that.
 
There was not an un-enthusiastic moment for the rest of the practice – from the players or the coaches. They began with a transition layup drill, which incorporated multiple skills as well as a conditioning element. Coach Ott has “self accountability” elements built into each drill. Meaning, there are particular standards of details or makes, etc. that if not met, the player owes a simple make up drill or consequence for points of emphasis not achieved (Examples: pushups or Mikan Drill for missed layups). 
 
Next came fundamental drills on both ends – not a foot of space wasted on the court: passing drills, shooting drills, and finishing drills. 
 
Cedar Park moved on to breakdown drills with elements of their offense vs live defense. Coach Ott mentioned that they run an offense that will allow the players to showcase a versatile skill set. He does a good job of teaching how to play freely with objectives in their offense. He reminded the players during this particular time that “three defenders should have to play our ball screens if we are doing it right.” The players understood what this meant – be aggressive and execute it correctly because even if they do not score off of the initial action, they will have created a breakdown and/or an opportunity for a teammate to make a play. 
 
A couple things that I really liked: 
 
In between teaching portions of his practices, Coach Ott incorporates competitive shooting drills so as to not overload his team too much early on and to keep the energy high. They did a 4 min shooting drill that has levels the team must meet with minimal misses, and if they do hit the miss mark, they have to start over from the beginning; however short they are of the final level and goal number dictates how much running they have after the drill. 
 
Also, once a drill ends and when they may go for water, the coaches remind the players to get in some “PT’s” = Positive Touches. This is to keep things positive, connect one another as a team, and to keep the vibe loose during practice. Very effective. 
 
Here are some other nuggets Coach Ott shared about things they do in their program:
 
“Validation Free Throws” : If  your team wins a drill in practice, you have to make free throws to validate your win or you run with the losing team. The losing team shoots a free throw to dictate the severity of their sprint. This is an excellent way to simulate game like free throw pressure or even add a “game winner” type of situation for players to experience in practice. 
 
Leadership Council - Six members on the team in three leadership categories: Offense, Defense, and Communication. When the team meets once a week off the court, those individuals lead the talk in their respective categories and assignments. What a great way to build confidence and help the players take ownership and accountability among themselves, right? Excellent stuff, Coach Ott. 
 
Cedar Park returns some very valuable pieces to their program, but also adds one too.
 
Senior PG  Hanna Wheeler is headed to Incarnate Word to play next year. She is an all-around PG who really sets the table for her teammates.
 
Senior  Nicole Leff is headed to Texas State next year. She is a strong inside presence and has worked to add a perimeter game that must be honored. She battles on the boards and can facilitate away from the rim. 
 
Sophomore  Shelby Hayes is a much-improved player from last year. She has a very nice natural feel in the post, particularly in her footwork. She is a threat from the mid-range area and she battles hard inside. 
 
Junior  Alisa Knight is a glue type athlete on this roster. She is very athletic and is one of those who can guard 1-5 at the HS level. She fills the holes for this team and is hard to keep off the glass on both ends
 
Freshman  Gisella Maul is as good as a freshman in the state of Texas. She has all-around game and Coach Ott plans to let her utilize her skills – as long as her intensity and urgency to compete in all aspects continue to grow. 


"We have wrapped up a great week of practice. It’s very exciting to have these kids working like they are at this stage. They’re competing and trying to sharpen up the fine details in preparation for the upcoming season. We as coaches couldn’t be any happier at this point, after week one, with their focus and intensity level." -- Cedar Park Head Coach Donny Ott.  


A handful of coaches were kind enough to share some thoughts on their first few days with me as well as some pictures from practice:  
 
DeSoto HS  |  HC Andrea Robinson 


 “First week of practice has been marked by high intensity and very competitive. New leaders are emerging and players are stepping up to fill new roles and take on more responsibility.”– Varsity Assistant Kadi Creel
 
South Grand Prairie HS  |  HC Bryon Raven


Thoughts going into the season:

• Building on last seasons success
• Lose 1 senior that played heavy minutes, all other key contributors returning
• Guard heavy and lacks post depth but will play to their strength
  • Can execute
  • Can play fast
  • Multiple scorers (last year had 7 different players lead time in scoring)
• A mix of shooters and defenders

 
Mansfield Lakeridge HS  |  HC Stephani Gray 


“This group is extremely fun to coach. They genuinely care about each other, they celebrate each other and they are very passionate about the game. We are excited to watch them grow!” 
 
San Antonio Veteran’s Memorial HS  |  HC Christina Camacho

          
“I am extremely excited about this group. With the graduation of one senior (Ariana Aguirre) we have 4 starters back. Out of those four returning starters three of them are the seniors that opened up the school with us, and are state finalists and regional finalists. The experience they are bringing to this year’s team is important and exciting. Returning seniors are  Vivian Castro,  Sahara Jones and  Brenna Perez.”
 
 
Denton Guyer HS  |  HC Amie Kilgore




“We’re coming off a successful preseason and look forward to start playing. The first few days went well -  lots of energy and effort.  Now it’s embracing the chase and preparing for the journey. We just have focus on getting better every day! One. Day At. A. Time.”
 
 
Cy Creek HS  |  HC Jennifer Alexander




“At the start of every season, there’s always an added excitement that comes with practices. With this group, the intensity and competitiveness has amped up quite a bit. It’s neat to not only see it with our varsity group, but with our freshman and JV squads as well. The girls are hungry. Their attitude is just different. You can feel and hear the fight to do whatever it takes to get the job done. This group is going to be fun to watch & root for. As their coach, I’m proud of the work they’ve put in up to this point , and the drive they have day in and day out.” 
 

 
Premier Basketball is bringing the  SHE GOT GAME Classic brand (scholastic High School events) to Texas in December. The SHE GOT GAME event in DC (mid-December) brings over 130 teams together for a weekend and the SHE GOT GAME event in Atlanta (first weekend in January) brings 60+ teams together for some major matchups across state lines.
 
The  SHE GOT GAME Classic – DALLAS will be December 5-8 at Fieldhouse USA in Mansfield. It will have interstate matchups and two teams from Australia. This event includes All-American candidate matchups including a matchup of two of the more historic programs in the country, Duncanville (TX) vs Bishop McNamara (MD).
 
This is a must-see event for coaches and players. DO NOT miss SHE GOT GAME Classic 2020 next year. Contact us ASAP to claim your spot:  shane@premierbasketballreport.com. Our commitment list is growing and it will fill up. We are bringing teams from out of state to play TEXAS teams .. who is willing to meet that challenge?
 
SGG – DALLAS TEAM LIST:  https://www.shegotgameclassic.com/2019-dallas-area-team-list/ 
 
SHE GOT GAME Classic website for more info:  https://www.shegotgameclassic.com