Rachel Arthur Is Ready

I expected big things from Atascocita last season however untimely injuries can sometimes ruin storybook endings. Loaded with several next level players, "The Taz" didn't make it to state however expect them to be a contender again this season. After all, they have one of the top guards in the country in Curtyce Knox and one of the best wings in the city with Lauren Price, but the also have a kid who can nail the long ball and that's Arthur. Rachel has stepped into what ever role her coach has asked her to and her maturity over the years shows on the court today.

Austin Elite's Rising Stars Alyssa Jones and Jazzmen Ortiz

The first time I saw these kids I was impressed and it seems like every time I watch them play I become more sold. AE has some very talented players, many from Temple High School so don't blink this season because they may sneak up on you and give you a big surprise. As a coach I respect a lot simply put it, 2013 Jones has "uncommon speed" and since I mentioned sneaking up on you, this kid has the ball and is gone the other way before you know what hit you. Ortiz is toning her skills at the point guard and has shown improvement each time I have watched her. With a slew of talented guards in the 2014 class, Ortiz hopes to have her name mentioned along them.

Last Shot For Rudder

Three years ago, Rudder was high on almost everyones list as a team that had a chance to make it to state. Several factors contributed to that not happening however lack of talent wasn't one of them. Those "Fantastic Freshmen" are now seniors and led by Marche Amerson this might be their year.

Fatima Adams and Lamaria  Cole team with Amerson to give them a seasoned threesome that can make a run and close out what was supposed to be a storybook finish to their careers.

Austin Elite Does It Again

Even though the Monroe twins, Kaylin and Kayrin, have moved on, Austin Elite continues to have some of the most exciting and entertaining players and tournaments around. Powerhouses such as DFW Elite, Houston Elite and Team Express were on hand, not to mention always solid  Austin Glory, Coast to Coast and Houston Insiders. In all, there was close to 50 teams on hand this weekend for the Tyrone Johnson Classic and although many of the top players were away at various camps, the University of Texas camp was going on right in town, there was no shortage of talent. National names such as Courtney Williams and "Tank" Youngblood were in attendance however several rising stars I had never seen were on hand as well including three point specialists Candace Glee from DFW Elite and Erica Hernandez of the South Texas Hoyas. Stay tuned for more info throughout the week and keep smiling!

Don't Sleep on Klein Oak

 Klein Oak lost a tiebreaker with Klein last season for the final playoff spot in 13-5A despite splitting their two games, 6 point loss and 18 point win. This season will be just as tough as Westfield, Tomball and Spring will join those two in a fight for a playoff spot, barring anything drastic Klein Forest, Dekaney and Klein Collins should be favorites. A key to Oak's success will be the play of Alicia Scott who was so valuable as the sixth man last season and will be looked upon for a bigger role this season. If her steady summer play, not mentioning winning the One on One Championship at the Texas A&M Position Camp last week is any indication, the Panthers may sneak in.

Next Step For North Shore

The Mustangs have been around the top of my list of schools capable of making a run even before Courtney Williams showed up. During the years of the great Lauren Flores, they would always run into Kelsey Bone led Dulles in the playoffs. Last year they had a golden opportunity to adnance to state and losing seniors TJ Jefferson and Katira Young out of the starting lineup will be a blow, not to mention La'Kevia Castillo who could come in and provide an offensive boost.

Ready to lessen the blow will be juniors Kierra Robinson and Tyranee Bostic as they move up from JV and have shown they are RFPT, even though there will be an adjustment process. North Shore will once again be a contender, Williams is one of the top players in the country and other players feed off of her, so don't count the "Stangs" out!

2011 TSU Camp

I attended the TSU Camp over the weekend and although there were happy faces in the crowd, it was all business on the court

Head Coach Yolanda Broughton was doing her thing and that is teaching and showing the young ladies in attendance what it takes to play at the next level

I spoke with former Hightower standout Azalea Hall who will be entering her sophomore year and she talked about the adjustment process and is ready to take charge this season at TSU. If you had a chance to see the young lady in high school, believe what she says

Some of the noted 2012 players in attendance were Camille Williams who gave Cy Woods a boost at the end of the season and help them propel past Bellaire in the playoffs. Shanice Williams, no relation, is ready to help give Hardin that boost and possibly make a run

Also in attendance was Elkins own Jazmynne Howard who will be asked to take on a much bigger role since Donielle Breaux has moved on to Kansas . Keep and eye on Angleton who have a lot of young talent on board, including sophomore Kenisha Minor 

 

 

                                                                                                                       

 It's all about learning and getting ready for the next level and these young ladies were all ears whenever Coach Broughton and staff were giving out instructions         

         

As Hall spoke of adjustments, these two young ladies are about to make them as well. Brynae Thompson will be heading to Jersey Village and going straight to varsity while although only heading to the 8th grade, Sentreal  Gregory knows the competition will be tougher than last season. Keep an eye and ear out for these young ladies.

Okay they had a little fun

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

Last weekend I saw one of the best 5th grade teams I have ever seen and believe me I have seen some great ones. I never got the specifics I needed however I was told they finished in the Top 10 at AAU Nationals last season. Throughout the years there have always been young kids that hadn't reached middle school that stood out, especially for their knowledge of the game, speed and athleticism. To have multiple players that are RFPT right now is simply amazing.

The kids traveled from New Orleans and let everyone know it was all business. As one fan blurted "Ain't no fun when the rabbit got the gun", I couldn't help but chuckle, simply because it was funny, several people were asking what it meant and I had never heard that before. So many times kids peak early, athleticism and height aren't a factor in high school and several other variables can be placed in the equation where the superstars of yesteryear become average players. This squad could potentially break the mold and it will be fun watching their progression.

Speaking of progression, Tyra Cormier has come a long way from the last time I saw her. If she keeps growing and improving, she has a chance to add her name to the list of dominant "bigs" that have come through the city. I caught a glimpse of Taylor Johnson for the first time and although raw, something tells me to keep an eye on her.

MORE COVERAGE

The reason I started doing thses articles was because the girls don't get enough coverage. The reason I started the scouting service was to to try and narrow that gap because there are several kids who still go unnoticed that can play at the next level, however you can't scout what you don't see and even though I hold a very high opinion of what I can do, I just can't do that because it isn't fair. Too much emphasis has been placed on the wrong things  and what all of this should be about and that's  putting kids in the right position to succeed or putting it bluntly getting to the next level if all possible. As we all get ready for the all important July exposure events, I wanted to pick up the pace a bit and start shooting more info out to you. If your kid has the ability to play at the next level and  you're not getting the right answers or any answers at all, please feel free to contact me .


I've added a story about  Dani Fielder on GPR, a kid whose stock is about to rise, please enjoy!

Houstonian Summer Jam-June 24-26 at Dobie HS

I remember the days of yesteryear when I hooped at the Rec against the likes of Rob Williams and other greats you probably don't remember. The Fonde was where my daughters were first introduced to club ball and the the Houstonians have been a big part of Houston's success turning out several players that have gone on to play at the next level, including Adoara Elonu who just won a National Championship at Texas A&M while her sister Akunna helped lead Elsik to the state Final Four, marking only the second time sisters have participated in the Final 4 in both college and high school during the same season, at leastt in Houston