Holiday Hoops Tour Review | January 2020

The high school basketball season tipped off across the country in early November for some and even early December for others. One thing rings true for all of those teams from now until then: things move pretty fast as there are events every weekend. 
 
Premier Basketball has covered a lot in the last eight weeks and we have coined it our #HolidayHoopsTour as many of the events are centered and themed around the holidays – one more reason THE Game is unique and should be celebrated. 
 
We have made stops at the following events since the HS season started:
 

• Troy Giordano Pelican State Extravaganza  |  Baton Rouge, LA
• Frisco ISD Fall Classic  |  DFW, TX
• Austin Bowie Be-YOU-tiful Classic  | CENTEX
• Lady Eagle Hoopfest  |  DFW, TX
• Flower Mound Tournament  |  DFW, TX
• Michigan Mega Scrimmage  | Detroit, MI
• SHE GOT GAME Classic – DALLAS  |  TX
• SHE GOT GAME Classic – DC  |  DMV
• Nike TOC – Phoenix  |  AZ
• Sandra Meadows Classic  | Duncanville, TX
• Spring Creek Invitational  | Mansfield, TX
• SHE GOT GAME Classic – ATLANTA  | Georgia 

 
Amongst numerous individual games during the weeks… 
 
There are high-level matchups being played all over the place. We commend the coaches and schools for doing the work it takes to organize and sometimes travel to these events. The experiences and competition makes it all worth it. High-level coaches and players thrive when there is so much on the line, and, as a fan, it is fantastic to watch. 
 

Lakeway Christian's Maggie Vick attempts to power around Winter Haven's Shelby Ricks.                                                                
PC: itsbybritt


Notre Dame signee Alasia Hayes of Riverdale HS keeps her eyes on the ball with the follow through to accent vs Luella.                            
PC: itsbybritt                          


Georgia Westlake's Brianna Turnage survey's the floor at SGG-Atlanta. She is an exceptional passer.                                                         
PC: itsbybritt


This is a display of great teammates as both Lakeway Christian and Winter Haven helps teammates up.                                              
PC: itsbybritt


Purdue commit Sacha Washington of Collins Hill  is one of the top players in the 2021 class.                                                            
PC: itsbybritt                              


2021 Knisha Godfrey of Tampa Bay Tech had a great showing at SGG-DC.                                                              
PC: Victory Vision Photography


SGG-DC night 1 matchup: UNC signee and Southeast Raleigh's Anya Poole vs Tampa Bay Tech's ('22) Janiah Barker.   
PC: Victory Vision Photography


Long Island Lutheran guard Emma Von Essen reads the floor at SGG-DC.                                                                          
PC: Victory Vision Photography


'22 Kaylene Smikel put on a shooting show during SGG-DC, and from distance!                                                               
PC: Victory Vision Photography


Paris Clark's stock contiues to rise. The matchup of Long Island Lutheran vs McDonough was must see.                  
PC: Victory Vision Photography                      


KiKi Rice of Sidwell Friends has added rise and efficiency to her pull up jumper. It was on display at SGG-DC.                
PC: Victory Vision Photography


'22 KiKi Rice pushes the ball in transition vs Bethlehem Catholic at SGG-DC.                                                                       
PC: Victory Vision Photography


'21 Olivia Miles of Blair Academy has a knack for playing with flair.                                                                                
PC: Victory Vision Photography


Olivia Miles gets to the rim vs Bradford Christian, who won the game at SGG-DC.                                                                
PC: Victory Vision Photography


Bradford Christian's HC Scott Hazelton communicates defensive instructions vs '21 Dom Darius of Blair Academy.    
PC: Victory Vision Photography


Bradford Christian's UCONN signee Piath Gabriel vs '22 Tabitha Amanze of Blair Academy was a good matchup.      
PC: Victory Vision Photography


UNC signee Deja Kelly of Duncanville after the dagger vs Bishop McNamara at SGG-DALLAS.                                                      
PC: itsbybritt


Issy Morgan of Aussie Travelers made a name for herself at SGG-DALLAS.                                                                                                 
PC: itsbybritt


Sophomore Lauren Betts of Grandview goes where not many can go to finish at SGG-DALLAS.                                                              
PC: itsbybritt


Bishop McNamara '22 Yonta Vaughn had herself quite a weekend at SGG-DALLAS.                                                                                   
PC: itsbybritt


Matchups like this one made SGG-DALLAS spectacular. Stanford bound Jana Van Gytenbeek (Cherry Creek) vs MacArthur's Jordyn Newsome.
PC: itsbybritt

 
2020 UNSIGNED
Bailee Chynoweth – Westlake HS
Kiersten Nelson – Ursuline HS (LA)
Lafeadria Green – Ouachita Parish HS (LA)
Kyrstin Green – Zachary HS (LA)
Autumn Chassion – Lafayette Christian Academy (LA)
Makalah Robinson – Cedar Hill HS
Lucy Rogers – Frisco Centennial HS
Rayna Ross – Waxahachie HS
Reagan Warren – Rowlett HS
Zayla Tinner – Amarillo HS
Shanequa Henry – Pleasant Grove HS
Miaya Ware – Pleasant Grove HS
Taryn Mahoney – Aussie Travelers 
Stavanisty Porter – McKinney HS
Micah Cooper – Red Oak HS
Arriana Faulks – Killeen Ellison HS
Di’Ambria Whyte – Killeen Ellison HS
Iyana Dorsey – Birdville HS
Maggie Robbins – Plano HS
Jadah Pickens – Conway HS (AR)
Tiarah Starks – Braswell HS (TX)
Daelyn Craig – McEachern HS (GA)
Jordan Webster – Plano Prestonwood
Mailyn Wilkerson – Summer Creek (TX)
Courtlyn Loudermill - Hebron HS (TX)
 
2021
STARS:
Alana Micheaux – Wayne Memorial HS (MI)
Jillian Brown – East Grand Rapids HS (MI)
Breanne Salenbien – Lenawee Christian HS (MI)
Damiya Hagemann – DEPSA (MI)
Morasha Wiggins – Kalamazoo Central HS (MI)
Jada Malone – The Village School (TX)
Isabelle Morgan – Aussie Travelers 
Kindyll Wetta – Valor Christian (CO)
Sandrine Clesca – Winston Salem Christian 
Kayla Blackshear – Lake Highlands Prep (FL)
Knisha Godfrey – Tampa Bay Tech
Olivia Westphal – Bethal Park HS (PA)
AJ Marotte – 2021 Vista Ridge 
Dominique Darius – Blair Academy 
Sania Feagin – Forest Park HS
Olivia Miles – Blair Academy 
Emma Calvert – Fremont HS (UT)
Madison Connor – Perry HS (AZ)
Paige Bradley – Bishop Lynch  **Texas Commit
Kyndall Hunter – Cypress Creek 
Rori Harmon – Cypress Creek 
KiKi Iriafen – Harvard-Westlake (CA)
O’Mariah Gordon – Braden River HS (FL)
Briana Turnage – Georgia Westlake HS
Raven Johnson – Georgia Westlake HS

RISING:
Bria McClure – Cibolo Steele HS
Nyah Wilson – Duncanville HS
Jeriah Warren – LaGrange HS
Nika Dorsey – Detroit Renaissance HS
Shannon Wheeler – Detroit Renaissance HS
Lachelle Austin – Wayne Memorial HS
Madison Ott – Frisco Centennial HS
Tymberlin Criswell – The Village School (TX)
Kayla James – South Grand Prairie
Kiara Jackson – South Grand Prairie
Zaria Rufus – Duncanville HS
Kendall McGruder – South Grand Prairie HS
Jordyn Newsome – Irving MacArthur
Taylor Gibson – Bishop McNamara 
Laila Jewett – Bishop Ireton 
Rebecca Booth – Germantown Academy (PA)
Malaya Cowles – Winston Salem Christian 
Aniay Gourdine – St Frances (MD)
Isabella Perkins – Paul VI (VA)
Jayla Oden – McDonogh School (MD)
Samara Spencer – St. Thomas Aquinas  **Arkansas Commit
Jasmine Stevens – Forest Park HS (GA)
Michelle Duchemin – Windward (CA)
Tineya Hylton – Hamilton Heights (TN)
Katie Springs – Archbishop Mitty (CA)
Olivia Williams – Archbishop Mitty (CA)
Marisa Davis – Valley Vista (AZ)
Lashae Dwyer – Hamilton Heights (TN)
Denim Deshields – McEachern HS (GA)
Bella Earle – Denton Guyer HS
Kendall Brown – DeSoto HS
Diona Reed – Briarcrest Christian (TN)
Jasmine Shavers – Mesquite Horn 
Trinity Hardy – Winter Haven HS (FL)
Ja’Leah Williams – Blanche Ely (FL)
Malia Fisher – Hebron Christian (GA)
Maggie Vick – Lakeway Christian (TN)
Evie Goetz – Denton Guyer HS  **TCU Commit 
Amoura Graves – Ponchatoula (LA)
 
UNDER THE RADAR:
Kailee Davis – Detroit Renaissance HS
Autumn Smith – Arlington Martin HS
Kaia Ponder – Richardson HS
Mariah Roberts – Arlington Martin HS
Alicia Mills – Allen HS
Hope Lamelle – Duncanville HS
Anaya Bernard – Duncanville HS
Vasana Kearney – South Grand Prairie 
Mackenzie Wurm – Allen HS
A’Mari Dickerson – Arlington Bowie HS
Nya Harmon – Arlington Bowie HS
Jenna Siebert – Valor Christian (CO)
Emily Sekarak – Bethlehem Catholic (PA)
Jasmine Peaks – Tampa Bay Tech
Lee Volker – Paul VI (VA)
Doreen Ariik – New Jersey Life Center
Andrea Daley – Miami Country Day
Kayla Glover – DeSoto HS
Trinity White – McKinney HS
Amaya Brannon – Plano HS
Taylor Jackson – Cypress Creek
Aniyah Johnson – Red Oak HS
Taylor Henderson – Myers Park HS (NC)
Jordaynia Ivie – Lakeway Christian (TN)
Rebecca Kinkevicius – Lakeway Christian (TN)
Erin Turral – Lincoln HS (FL)
Kiayara Ellis – Captain Shreve (LA)
Jazzy Anousinh - La Jolla Country Day
 
2022
STARS:
Christeen Iwuala – SA Reagan HS
Carleigh Wenzel – SA Reagan HS
Ashlon Jackson – Hardin Jefferson HS
Mya Petticord – Arbor Prep (MI)
Lemyah Hilton – Southwest Academy (CAN)
Ruby Whitehorn – DEPSA (MI)
Desiree Wooten – Timberview HS
Raegan Beers – Valor Christian (CO)
Lauren Betts – Grandview HS (CO)
Kaylene Smikle – Long Island Lutheran 
Ryanne Allen – Archbishop Wood (PA)
Paris Clark – Long Island Lutheran 
Amaya Evans – Tampa Bay Tech
Nyla Harris – Lake Highlands Prep
KiKi Rice – Sidwell Friends
Janiah Barker – Tampa Bay Tech
Isuneh Brady – Cathedral Catholic  **UConn Commit 
Kennedy Basham – Pinnacle HS (CA) 
Timea Gardiner – Fremont HS (UT)
Sa’Myah Smith – DeSoto HS
Ta’Niya Latson – Georgia Westlake HS
Paris Miller – Luella HS (GA)
 
RISING:
Rakiyah Bell – DEPSA (MI)
Lisa Tesson – TRC Academy (Canada) 
Jasmyn Lott – Frisco Memorial HS
Jazzy Owens-Barnett – Frisco Liberty HS
Jordan Conerly – Frisco Memorial 
Alyssa Tarpley – Allen HS
Cammie McKinney – Hebron HS
Piper Anderson – Aussie Travelers
Kennedy Clifton – Bishop Ireton 
Gia Cooke – Bishop McNamara
Darianna Buggs – Classen SAS (OK)
Marya Hudgins – Grandview HS (CO)
Yonta Vaughn – Bishop McNamara 
Regina Walton – Elizabeth Seton HS (MD)
Kennedy Fauntleroy – New Hope Academy 
Jalyn Brown – Riverdale Baptist
Jada Green – St. Thomas Aquinas
Emi Marshall – Sidwell Friends 
Bobbi Smith – Southeast Raleigh 
Tabitha Amanze – Blair Academy 
Mary McMorris – Centennial HS (NV)
Zahirah Walton – Eastside Catholic (WA)
Ashley Lewis – St. Mary’s Stockton 
Sydney Shaw – Miami Country Day
Madison Cockrell – Bishop Lynch 
Jamia Harris – DeSoto HS
Jiya Perry – DeSoto HS
R’Mani Taylor – Shadow Creek
Jaiden Thomas – Conway HS (AR)
Ayanna Thompson – DeSoto HS
Hannah Stines – Troy HS (CA)
Amina Muhammad – DeSoto HS
Tionna Herron – DeSoto HS
Bryana Hardy – Lovejoy HS (GA)
Tonie Morgan – Florida State University High School 
Kara Dunn – Mount Paran Christian (GA)
 
UNDER THE RADAR:
Adabugwu Anamekwe – Plano East HS
Taylor Anderson – Detroit Renaissance HS
Jazmin Chupp – Arbor Prep HS (MI)
Maeve St. John – Howell HS (MI)
Abbey Kimball – West Catholic (MI)
Briley Barnes – Amarillo HS
Aniya Cramer – Little Elm HS
Laila McLeod – Duncanville HS
Jordan Harrison – Classen SAS (OK)
Zoey Miller – Aussie Travelers 
Rose Nelson – Aussie Travelers 
Olivia Brooks – Bishop Ireton 
Emma Von Essen – Long Island Lutheran HS
Fiona Hastick – Paul VI (VA)
Keyara Walters – Bethlehem Catholic (PA)
Stefanie Ingram – Lake Highlands Prep (FL)
Kourtney Wilson – Bethlehem Catholic (PA)
Tai Sherman – St. Mary’s Stockton 
Zaria Blake – Blanche Ely
Taylor Ray – Highlands Ranch (CO)
Caelan Ellis – McEachern HS (GA)
Jacelyn Hartfield – South Grand Prairie 
Victoria Rivera – Dobie HS (TX)
Alisa Williams – Braswell HS (TX)
Ovalle Fernanda – Montverde Academy (FL)
 
2023
STARS:
Tristen Taylor – Duncanville HS
Amarachi Kimpson – Little Elm HS
Sahnya Jah – Bishop McNamara 
Jadyn Donovan – Sidwell Friends
Mikaela Quimby – McDonogh School 
Emma Risch – Florida Prep Academy 
Malia Samuels – Eastside Catholic (WA) 
Maggie Mendelson – Fremont HS (UT)
Sammie Wagner - SA Reagan HS  ** Baylor Commit
Letycia Vasconcelos – Hamilton Heights (TN)
Breya Cunningham – LaJolla Country Day 
Judea Watkins – Windward HS
Chloe Clardy – Conway HS (AR)
 
RISING:
Pace Rickard – Westlake HS
Gisela Maul – Cedar Park HS
Zeryhia-Lee Aokuso – Amarillo HS
Rylee Grays – The Village School (TX)
Meera Coburn – Aussie Travelers 
Qadence Samuels – Bishop McNamara
Khia Miller – Sidwell Friends 
Miracle Sheppard – Eastside Catholic (WA)
Kylie Marshall – Lake Ridge HS (TX)
D’Asia Thomas – Waller HS
Jayda Brown – Forest Park HS (GA)
Maddie Cox - Flower Mound HS (TX)
 
UNDER THE RADAR:
Taylor Haggan – Plano East HS
Idara Udo – Plano East HS
Jasmine Honicutt – East Grand Rapids HS (MI)
Samyiah Jefferson – Wayne Memorial HS (MI)
Micah Vaughn – Cedar Hill HS
Jadyn Atchison – Cedar Hill HS
Journee Chambers – Sachse HS
Alexis Cortez – Allen HS
Kadia Ward – Midlothian HS
Emi Steele – Colleyville Heritage HS
Jaida O’Conner – Classen SAS (OK)
Julie Bahati – Springfield Central (MA)
Kendall Bennett – Germantown Academy (PA)
Jaylin Hartman – Blair Academy (NJ)
Brooklyn Perry – St. Mary’s Stockton 
Janae Tucker – Dobie HS (TX)
Alana Goosby – Allen HS
Jasmine Matthews – East St. John’s (LA)
Cadence Dykstra – West Catholic HS (MI)
 
   
MaxPreps Xcellent 25
 
espnW Power Rankings
 
USA Today Super 25
 
The best part about preseason rankings is when they change! That’s not to say that there was anything wrong with the respective preseason TEAM or player rankings, but the point is they change once the games start and things are decided on the court. Again, hats off to these programs who are able to schedule the games and events that they do, so the top level teams and players can give some objective indication as to where they belong in these rankings. We are seeing many talented top teams take L’s in some of their matchups only to rebound from the loss to come back and get some good wins. It makes for great conversation and comparison. Obviously, there is some human element involved as not all of the teams are afforded the opportunity to travel and compete. 
 
What I have seen is that the top ranked teams have a few things in common:

• They have talent (obviously), but on paper, are not necessarily the most talented

 

• They’ve played in a National Event or two

Scheduling matters in subjective rankings; Who did you do it against? 
 

• The team is committed to playing together

These teams are committed defensively; They share the ball and create shots 
for teammates
 

• The team has semi-defined roles

Having a role is not a bad thing! When roles are defined, teams can strive. It
makes it easier to make adjustments and compete when everyone is on the 
same page .. role definition helps with this. The best teams are balanced and 
take care of the little things .. value a role in a WINNING TEAM! 
   
I think the most interesting trend for me from the first half of the season is the interstate matchups that the SHE GOT GAME Classic events brought throughout the country. Here in Texas at SHE GOT GAME Classic – DALLAS, every coach was pleased with the break it gave them from seeing the same teams from the November HS tournament schedule. With most states not playing until later in November or even until December, SGG provided the perfect timing for Texas teams to get the needed refreshing look as well as gave the out-of-staters the kickoff to the season they were looking for. This year’s matchups were DYNAMIC and gave many college coaches the matchups they wanted to see to help them make recruiting decisions. By the sounds of the commitments and interest calls we have received for next year, SGG – DALLAS 2020 is going to explode in the coming years. 
   
Texas basketball is heading into district season and a few favorites have emerged in 6A as teams compete for the right to play in San Antonio in March. 
 
Cypress Creek– 2021’s Rori Harmon & Kyndall Hunter form as good a backcourt as there is in the country. 2020 Louisiana-Monroe signee Morgan Hill & 2021 Taylor Jackson give Cypress Creek depth down low. Cypress Creek is my slight favorite to win it all as we head in January.
 
Duncanville– Deep and athletic on the perimeter, Duncanville is extremely dangerous. With 2020 North Carolina signee Deja Kelly leading the way, Duncanville is going to be an extremely tough out. 
 
Desoto– Deep and athletic with superior size, Desoto is tough to matchup with. The possible return of 2022 PG Michayla Gatewood and continued development of 2022 post Tionna Herron will be major keys. 
 
Irving McArthur– If the dynamic duo of 2020 Baylor signees Sarah Andrews and Hannah Gusters get healthy together down the stretch, Irving McArthur will become a serious contender.
 
Arlington Martin– Arlington Martin has quietly been winning consistently all year long. Martin made a huge splash in advancing to the championship of the Mansfield ISD tournament. The 2021 backcourt of Mariah Roberts & Autumn Smith form one of the best in the state.
 
South Grand Prairie– Deep at guard and with wins over both Duncanville and Desoto on its resume, SGP is a legit contender. The return of 2022 Jahcelyn Hartfield to compliment 2021’s Kendall McGruder, Kiara Jackson, and Vasana Kearney make this team extremely dangerous.
 
Austin Westlake– Senior-laden and battle tested and having experienced some adversity, Westlake has all the makings of a state championship team. Led by 2020’s Shay Holle (Texas signee), Presley Bennett (Texas State signee), and hotly-recruited unsigned Bailee Chynoweth – Westlake is going to be tough to beat on the road to San Antonio. 
 
   
As the high school season gets into district/league play, we will be out to check out the matchups as they are scheduled as well as travel to a few more events (NYC to LA). And as usual, we’ll be at the UIL Texas State Tournament as well as watch the numerous live-streamed matchups that many more are providing for viewing these days from across the country. That is much appreciated! 
 
THANK YOU to everybody for the support and hospitality as we cover THE Game. We are growing and expanding by the day and it is not possible without the support and trust of the players, parents, and events. 
 
See you in the gym…