Colson Makes The Cut

I always stress how hard it is to play at the next level coming out of high school because less than 4% go on to play in college. My daughter was fortunate enough to be one of the top players in her class and had offers on the table while she was in middle school, so I could only imagine how she would blossom in college

 The thing about college is that you never know how things are going to turn out and after tons of bumps and bruises throughout her career, those dreaded three letters, ACL, took a little steam from the engine and coming back after only 4 months might not have been the smartest thing in the world, it showed how bad this kid wanted to help her team win and win they did as Texas A&M finished ranked in the Top 10 every year she was there

I can only imagine how happy she must be over the course of the last couple of months as she was named an Asssociated Press All American along with helping lead her team to a National Championship win. That alone would be an excellent way to close out her career, however being drafted into the WNBA and now making the New York Liberty squad makes her the first player from Houston to have done all three of those things and begins a new chapter to a storybook finish.



Can Dobie Deliver In 22-5A?

Much of that will depend on Shenequa Gaston as last seasons runner up to Deer Park ran into a second round playoff defeat at the hands of Elikns. Over the past three years, Gaston has toned her somewhat over agressiveness down to just plain out hustling you on every play, that's her mentality and you have to bring it on every possesion against her

This may be a breakout year for Dominique Davis at South Houston. At times, the team appeared to be capable of making the playoffs, however so many times they just didn't seem to finish when it counted, much of that do to the nagging injuries that plagued Davis, one of South Houston's leading scorers. Now close to 100%, Nique is hoping to lead South Houston back to the glory days of  Latoya Davis and Cat Flores. How do I remember this stuff?

Austin Elite's Tyrone Johnson Classic Coming Up

Fonzelle Martin and Tommy Gregg continue to do what they've been doing for years, helping to put ladies in the same position as they did with their own daughters and that's a chance to play at the next level. They also hold what I consider one of the must stops year after year and that's the Tyrone Johnson Classic on Juneteenth weekend

Loaded with several next level players such as All State point guard Loryn Goodwin and 6'3 frosh Tyesha Taylor, both from Temple, along with three point specialists Kendra King (Bowie) and Rachel Purl (Vista Ridge), A/E is solid at every position on boh teams. My initial meeting with the new players was cut short because of the NCAA Tournament, however I will have a full report not on here, but the GPR website as well because with all of this talent and much of it coming from Temple, my headline might be called the Temple Of Doom!

Can Elkins Go With No Breaux?

Not to mention Breanna Barnet who along with Breaux, combined for over half of the teams points. One of the smallest players on the team, Kaylan Sanders, will probably have to take the biggest step forward to try and help her team return to the post season. Sanders, like Kelechi Kalu pictured right, is a lighning fast lock em up defender. She is also one of the fastest kids baseline to baseline with the ball to come through the city, not to mention her ability to light em up from bta. When you play in the toughest district in the region, good sometimes isn't enough and Sanders is ready for the challenge.

Other Than Elsik

Being over 6 feet and athletic almost assures you a chance to play at the next level. Posts are premium and many recruiters salivate at the chance to land one who can bang and finish, having good hands doesn't hurt. The strides I've seen Raven Wilson make shows the hard work and dedication she's putting into her game. Will this be the year Macarthur challenges Elsik for first place?

If Macarthur does move ahead to challenge the Rams, they will have to jump some teams, namely Alief Taylor and Jamica Byrd. Losing Jaz Victorian is a big blow to the Lions, however Byrd and Kelechi Kalu compliment each other quite well in the backcourt, Byrd being instant offense, while Kalu is a defensive stopper. The ex factor could be Cassie Chiedu and whatever help they receive from their JV and freshmen teams

Eisenhower won't lay down either, Taylor Overton has shown leaps and bounds while Courtney Moore is always all over the place on both ends

HISD 5A

Without having a true banger down low, Bellaire dopped off considerably, taking a surprise early exit in the second round to Cy Woods. Even without a big, that wasn't supposed to happen and believe me Team ABW, Alix, Burns and Winslow, will come back with someting to prove. AJ Alix is already regarded, especially by me, as one of the top 2013 in the country. Like Reggie Jackson, if you don't know GOOGLE him, she is the straw that stirs the drink.

To make sure that drink doesn't overheat, Brianne Jolivet and Blake Hemmitt will have to keep everything cool and give them major minutes down low. These kids are on the verge of  a breakout season and this maybe the

year they step out of the shadows of the threesome.

Aundrea Pipkins id coming around nicely and being 6'2 is a premium. She and Sade "Smooth Operator" Adedapo provide an adequate one two punch that may make the district race interesting.

 Nykala Richards, above right, and Jasmine King, above, both have fought nagging injuries in their first two seasons of high school, however for Westside to show any glimpse of competing for anything other than a playoff spot, these kids along with Breanna Luton, have to be right.

Rangie Bessard will be a bright spot for Lamar as they have one of the top 2014 area posts on their roster. It may wind up being between them and Westside for third place

NOT SO PRIVATE

Westbury Christian has dominated the area private schools for a long time however that may be about to change as Bria Goodman and Dasia Batiste hope to elevate their game at Episcopal

A change of scenery by Micarah Malone will help St. Pius after losing two D-1 players

Brianna Williams has been virtually unstoppable under the basket at St. Johns during her career

Whenever Michelle Nwokedi realizes how great she can be, private and public schools will take notice. As far as anyone being able to replace WC as the top private school in the area, St. Agnes may be in the drivers seat for now

Although not a private school, Crosby is somewhat unknown to many however at one time they were one of the top 4A schools in the area. Crosby's Alea Godfrey is one of the top 2013 players in the city and that's a fact

Breakout Season For Clements Expected

There have been few times when I watched a young unknown player and had to find out who they were after seeing them go completely off the first time I saw them. Madison Wilson is one of those players as she put on a clinic, scoring at will from every position on the floor at standing close to 6' left me somewhat speechless that inaugural meeting. Over the past couple of years, I have continued to watch the young lady who is one of the top 2013's in the area you amy not know about.

Teaming with Wilson is point guard Taylor Forest who will be a key to taking Clements to the playoffs

How deep they go may depend on sharpshooter Michelle Bevan freeing it up for Wilson and Paige Marquez down low. Fort Bend has been one of, if not the toughest district in Region 3 and the early favorites are Hightower, Austin, Kempner and Clements, but you can never count Dulles out.

Caldwell Makes The Cut

I've always said if you can play, you can play and being affiliated with certain programs shouldn't have a bearing on that. Recee Caldwell is a perfect example as she has been named to the USA 16U team, the only kid from Texas selected. I called this young lady one of the best young guards in the country while she was in the 7th grade and as her growth and development continue, she will get everything she deserves. Congratulations to all of the kids that not only made it, but competed as well.



USA BASKETBALL U16 ROSTER



Recee' Caldwell, 5-8 PG (2014), San Antonio, Texas

Jordin Canada, 5-6 PG (2014), Los Angeles, Calif.

Kaela Davis, 6-2 G (2013), Suwanee, Ga.

Rebecca Greenwell, 6-1 G (2013), Owensboro, Ky.

Linnae Harper, 5-7 G (2013), Chicago, Ill.

Stephanie Mavunga, 6-3 F/C (2013), Indianapolis, Ind.

Erica McCall, 6-3 F (2013), Bakersfield, Calif.

Taya Reimer, 6-3 F (2013), Fishers, Ind.

Mercedes Russell, 6-5 P (2013), Springfield, Ore.

Jannah Tucker, 6-0 G (2013), Randallstown, Md.

Sydney Umeri, 6-1 F (2013), Acworth, Ga.

Jatarie White, 6-3 P (2014), Charlotte, N.C.

Little Girls With Big Game

It's always refreshing to see the little ones getting their feet wet. I mentioned how Spring will benefit from Bernesha Peters and the two Brittany's next season, allso watch out for Brynae Thompson at Jersey Village.

At times Thompson shows her youth by being erratic, her upside is tremendous and she may end her career being one of the best lefties to play in the city.

Speaking of upside, Kiara McElroy can already hit the open three with the best of them. Playing up has helped her confidence and the improvement shows, but the main thing is her ceiling is far from being reached and she too is someone that may explode.

Another 7th grader, who like me and Bonecrusher "ain't never scared" is Angela Harris. The epic battles between her and some of the top 8th graders shows she will be a ready for prime time player in the future and the future is now!

Khayla Mitchell teams with Harris to form one of the best young club backcourts in the city and will be one of the top freshmen in all of Fort Bend next season.