Rising Star Event-part 3

HERE THEY COME

I've had a chance to watch so many talented players over the years and I still get a kick out of seeing players who know that the only way to keep up or stay ahead of the game is to keep working. Next year should prove to be interesting, especially in Region 3 where it appears, just like last year, the "Road To Austin" will be up for grabs.

I will continue to drop a few lines about the kids I had a chance to see throughout the year, so until then, to the left to the left!

Klein Forest has a group of talented freshmen, like Daryon Fields, that will play off the top and probably have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs, something I can't remember ever happening

Caitlin Modesett is not just a 3 point shooter and should fit right into Friendswoods system as a frosh.

Although not from R-3, Victoria's own Jessiah Johnson will be 100% again, which is bad news for opponents. The silky smooth scorer has an arsenal of offensive weapons.

Like Jessiah, Bryce Owens is not from R-3, she plays for DeSoto. Blessed with one of the quickest first steps around, her court awareness coupled with her defensive ability make her one of the point guards to watch, at all times.

Alandrai Johnson has improved so much from last season and she plans on taking it to another level this school year.

Justin Crisp is another one of those players that has worked very hard on her game. She can score from anywhere on the court and take it to anyone.

Kiana Ingram has been plagued over the last few months with minor injuries however her tremendous upside and the fact that she's only in the Class of 2013 let's you know she's someone to keep an eye on.

Michele Bevan put on a shooting exhibition and I can't wait to see Clements this season.



Westside was one game away from the Region 3 Final Four last season, which left me speechless for more reasons than one. Jasmine King and Nikayla"Tootie" Richards are the backcourt of the future for the Wolves, right now they have to wait their turn behind Tiffany Davis, one of the top 2012 players in the city.

Aundrea Pipkins is just a joy to be around. She keeps her teammates loose and cracks folks up. That, plus the fact that she's 6'3 has the the folks at Madison hoping for the glory days of yesteryear once again.

Rising Star Event-part 2

INSIDERS VS HBA BLAZERS

Both of these squads represented the Class of 2013 well, even though both teams had starters missing .




The Blazers are another program with some of the best young talent and some of their players are actually about to enter the 9th grade, which puts them in the Class of 2014.

CAT-5

Another team with a group of kids that play baseline to basseline the whole game. Last season I saw up close and personal what they can do and I was impressed, nothing has changed.

CY FAIR SHOCK

I've had a chance to follow most of these kids for three years and with the exception of 2 players, this is really a 2013 team and what they have put together has been pretty impressive.

For the record, this team will be splitting up however that should be a big deal because there is a lot of talent remaining for both squads. Alexis Jones left a great organization and has flourished, so it can be done, I've seen it first hand with ours.

Two on the verge of breaking out this season!

TKO VS FT BEND STARS

TKO is one of the up and coming organizations. They have several teams representing various age groups and to top that off, showcase some of the kids you will be hearing about for a very long time.

The Fort Bend Stars have been around for as long as I can remember and they too have talent spread out among numerous age groups.

Coach Winn has done a great job in getting these youngsters to buy into his system and you can see the progress.

H-TOWN SOULJAHZ

Having a 3 point specialist like Laura Chavez opens up so much for a team but rest assured she isn't their only weapon.

RISING STAR EVENT

Let me jump ahead of myself, I know I promised more from New Orleans and believe me it's coming. Last week we held our first annual Rising Star event. I had a chance to personally profile close to 100 kids from as young as the Class of 2017, many of whom will be on my tip sheets, watchlist or rankings for various classes. At the end of the tournament, over 30 kids were selected by the various coaches from other teams as Rising Stars, that will come later as well.

The main thing that should be stressed is to continue working as much as possible. There are so many good players in the area and in the long run, those who continue to get better usually rise to the top.

First, I wanted to give a special shout out to a few kids that remind me of "Energizer Bunnies" every time they step on the court.

At 4'9, Chelsi Grimes does not let her height stop her from bringing it every play on the court. This kid keeps her teammates pumped up and does whatever it takes to win.

Micarah Malone has improved in every tournament I've had a chance to see her play in. She brings so much energy to the game that it's truly contagious.

We're hard on Shanice Williams because we expect so much from her. She too brings it every play.

Once again I called it. If you look back at the article I wrote about the Rice camp. I mentioned Recee' Caldwell as being one of the top 2014 guards, in the country. It appears others feel the same way as ASGR has her ranked #5 in the nation, which shows once again, the GURU knows his stuff. Pictured at Texas A&M with my daughter Sydney and her younger sister Desiree, Recee is a special player that will only get better. Can't wait to see the little one get on the court.