2018 GPR Watch-Let Me Call It Now On Caldwell

Desiree Caldwell

I first met Ray Caldwell, coach of San Antonio Finest, when my daughter was a freshman or sophomore at Texas A&M. He introduced himself and told me he also had a daughter that played so that would have put Recee in the 6th grade I believe. That following year, I had a chance to see her play and after two or three minutes, I was sold and you heard it from me before anyone else figured it. His younger daughter, Desiree, was always hanging around and just observing everything. The difference between her and Recee was the maturity but of course Desiree is 4 years younger and to be honest I didn't know what to expect the first time I saw her playing up on one of his teams last year with young ladies almost 4 years older. Watching her go through the warm-ups I was thinking this should be interesting as I was thinking this might have been a bit much however once she stepped on the floor under the bright lights, I immediately saw the fire and energy as she got a couple of steals and went coast to coast and I mentioned last year she had D1 written all over her. I have watched videos and observed her progression and to say she's a next level player isn't enough because the upside on this kid might have her going over and beyond what big sister has accomplished and her big sister is a MDAA lock for 2014.

Caldwell sisters remix of Sister Act 2

I've seen some really good sister acts from Texas like Stephanie and Brianna Gilbreath and I've seen one really great one from Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike. All were over 6'2. all were MDAA's and all played together not only in high school but also in college.

The next potential great sister act might come from Recee and Desiree Caldwell but other than being sisters with a chance to both be named MDAA, the similarities I mentioned from the above group end there.

First of all, I don't think either one will be 6'2 nor play together in high school or college but nevertheless they could become another set of sisters to do big things from Texas, one of which I already called was Top 100 after watching Desiree play last year, read more

Recee was a can't miss the moment I saw her play however I sort of expected her to be really good after meeting her and her dad after an A&M game years ago. Recee had a certain swagger about herself and seemed more mature than her years, while also analyzing certain things about the game she just watched better than a lot of adults who have parents believing they are basketball geniuses right now

Desiree was a different story, she seemed shy and sweet and at times a little timid until I found out she was a 2018. I still saw those same characteristics last season, that is until she stepped on the court and the only analogy I think would fit would be comparing this innocent young lady to a "silent assassin" ready to show the big girls "I am not scared of you"

Recee is a MDAA lock, no debate there please . I haven't seen everyone in Desiree's class but I know she's Top 100 caliber and after watching several of the so called top players from her class this summer, like the Jeffersons, "she's moving on up"

Oh yeah, all the acts are better than Whoopi's sequel!

Caldwell name staying hot as 2018 Desiree accepts torch

Desiree Caldwell will be among the names being mentioned from the Texas 2018 class by many college coaches and in turn, be on their short lists. Two or three years ago, I said the young lady was a national D1 caliber and if I said it, well.......

Caldwell will be among the top middle school players at the Hoop-A-Holics camp on Decmber 15th at the Bobby Knight Fieldhouse in Duncanville. This is an OPEN camp, early bird discount ends December 6th, click on link below to sign up

REGISTER

And also, a special treat

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Texas Tip Sheet from #4040JohnLucas

Monique Terry and Deja Kelly

I wanted to a teaser headline like " Big Trade In San Antonio" and then in the body pf the story I was going to type, no silly, not the Spurs or Silver Stars but the Hoyas and Finest, well in a way I guess I did it any way however let me say this, the San Antonio area continues to climb up the charts and rightfully so as that old reliable hashtag #TalentIsEverywhere is true to form.

Desiree Caldwell and Kianna Williams

 Part of the reason behind the emergence, well explosion would have to be Theresa Nunn's Hoyas annd Ray Caldwell's Finest organizations as they both continue to help place players in the right situation to go the next level. Caldwell's daughter Recee was called a can't miss by yours truly, when I call you bet answer so listen closely, his younger daughter Desiree and Theresa's daughter Deja are #BCSLocks and both have legitimate MDAA shots

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Past, present and future of San Antonio national stars

I know Recee Caldwell has another year left but I couldn't say, Present, Present and Future. Well maybe I could but like I tell people when they have "suggestions" in my post happy hour voice, getting a blog is free, write it yourself. Caldwell is passing the torch over to 2016 Amber Ramirez as she and Mackenzie Calvert leave their marks from 2014 on a national level, while Kyra Lambert has 2015 on lock

The buzz is already out on Desiree Caldwell being one of the top 2018 players in the country, hmmm, that sounds familiar

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With so much talent at various levels, San Antonio basketball will be in great shape over the next few years as 2020 Deja Kelly too will be one to watch out for nationally, no glasses or contacts needed, get it, 20/20

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'18 Caldwell in for #40/40Combine

I saw the future years ago and when I call it. well we all know. Desiree Caldwell showed me a little something even before I saw her perform on the court when she was watching older sister Recee going completely off time and time again, yep called her too, so when I had a chance to see DC in action, well I don't write for the comic book but I knew this young lady had powers, hopefully you caught that, but even if you didn't, Caldwell will be on hand for the John Lucas 40/40 Combine

Next weekend, me and the staff are at #SBEX

22018 Desiree Caldwell is all smiles and so am I as I will catch her and her exciting young teammates next weekend at the She's Ballin' Extravaganza in San Antonio. In case you don't remember, I called it on the money for Caldwell's older sister Recee, MDAA, UCLA signee, etc, etc, etc when she was only in the 7th grade and if memory serves correct, I think Desi was in the 5th grade when I dialed but that's not important, what is important is I was right and I will be again

Stay tuned

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DFW Fall Finish-San Antonio's Guards Are Second To None

Desiree Caldwell is only in the 6th grade and although I won't put pressure on her, yet, I do some things that show me she will be someone to keep an eye on. First of all, her sister is one of the top guards in the country and more times than not, the younger ones are around the game so much at an earlier age, they get to observe things many kids that are young as they are don't. The first thing I noticed about Desiree was her handles and she brought the house down as she exploded to the basket for a floater between to defenders. No, it didn't go in but it will! The main thing about what she did was the fact that she's playing on an 8th grade team that was playing against older players.

Amber Ramirez could start on many high school teams right now and when you see her vision, her court sense and of course, her flair for the game as she sometimes looks like a magician with the ball, you'll know your watching the kid develop into a prime time player right before your eyes. These guards are from around the San Antonio area and they are only a few. I've talked about several of the kids over the summer, the Rohawks, Hoyas and Xpress, all have shown that next level talent is out there from the area, you just have to know where to look and my next story on the Sophia Young team is a perfect example.

For more on San Antonio's guards, check out the story on GPR

Foundation isn't dry-more coming from The Blueprint

I'm heading back to San Antonio Friday but I'll throw a GPR Tip Sheet from The Blueprint before I hit the road and of course bring you mini stories later however my moments with Desiree Caldwell always enlighten me. After she let me know I had already taken countless pictures of her, I explained that I wasn't truly a visionary and I should have been taking pictures of the players when they were younger like her sister Recee, Re-Shay. She cracked and corrected me on the pronunciation, Re-say and I'm think wow


I'm thinking wow about the her game as she continues to be one of the 2018's I'm expecting big things from and in case you missed it, here's my Full Court Tip  Sheet from The Blueprint

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#TexasCamp attendees reads like Who's Who

I knew this picture of Lashaan Higgs and Jordan Hosey was going to come in handy however I asked them to pose together because I felt both would make the McDonald's All American team. Nevertheless, these two young ladies have already committed to the University of Texas and are two of the top 2015 players in the country. I wasn't smart enough to get Shae Routt and Charli Collier together, both have already committed to the Longhorns and get this, both are from the 2018 class. Here are some of the exciting stars of the future that will be on hand

Texas commits

Lashaan Higgs, 2015

Jordan Hosey, 2015

Shae Routt, 2018

Charli Collier, 2018

Jada Underwood, 2016

Kianna Ray, 2016

Alecia Sutton, 2016

Natasha Mack, 2016

Aaliyah Wilson, 2016

Arleighshya McElroy, 2016

Ciera Johnson, 2016

DiDi Richards, 2017

Kianna Suber, 2017

Brianna Suber, 2017

Kianna Williams, 2017

Desiree Caldwell, 2018

ZarielleGreen, 2018

Sedona Prince, 2018

Jaden Owens, 2019

Deja Kelly, 2020

And many more

Stars galore at The Blueprint

I'm still buzzing from The Blueprint which followed a Big State Flava that was off the chain as well and I'll be bring you tidbits and whatever else I draw up all through the week from both before I head back to the Metroplex for Prime Time Nationals. I've watched Amber Ramirez do just about everything I can imagine except drop double digit threes in a game, well scratch that one off the list

Desiree Caldwell hasn't scored her first basket in HS yet this picture sort of describes how some defenders may feel guarding her as she simply dazzles you with, well everything. The thing I continue to see is that more younger players are coming up with a higher basketball IQ which is good a good thing

These young ladies still have more MS ball to go but just watching the ball handling and shooting exhibitions they put on throughout the tournament during halftime gives me a glimpse of what's up with the future and the young lady below is already letting me know things will still be fine in 2029, hopefully I'm still here to say, I told you so, again

2015 Region 4 favorites TABC and IDK

I put the IDK in the subject because I don't know who the favorite is. I know Carroll did okay in the KISD event but to say R4 is wide open, well all of the regions appear to be except R3.

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Although I hate patting myself on the back about assessing young talent, oh who am I kidding, I DO KNOW I was right yet again about Johnson freshman Desiree Caldwell

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After Flava, it's a different taste #TheBlueprint

I already know there will be talent at every stop and what better stop than San Antonio to catch Desiree Caldwell, one of the top 2018 prospects in the country, wait, also I'll catch another top 2018 prospect in Tatum "TV" Veitenheimer. These are a couple, there will be plenty of trouble on the court as I get it done in the Alamo City, this follows #BigState2014

Big Tyme Fall Finish Showcase September 29th-30th

I remember last season when I went to the Big Tyme Fall Finish Showcase, formerly DFW Fall Finish, I was talking with my good friends, DFW Elite coaches Daryl Horton and Irving Butler, about this kid doing some amazing things at the camp and they both replied, that's Tana Driver, she can go.

Well go she did as in what she did on the floor and where she stands in her class, like going up the ladder, this young lady was a pleasant surprise. I also had a chance to see a couple of Top 100 can't miss players from San Antonio, Amber Ramirez and Desiree Caldwell not to mention countless other next level players from not only Texas, but the surrounding states as well

Needless to say, I'll be back again in full force and here is the link to register

BigTyme Fall Finish

GPR Subscribers please contact me for additional info

San Antonio Finest give me a taste at #MarchFest on what to expect in #SBEX

DFW Elite's Madison Williams and Najala Howell are always #AutoAwesome, even without the picture and in this photo, Williams is coming down from up, up and away. My first look at San Antonio Finest Diamonds proved to be gem and I tweeted young Desiree Caldwell gave me a headache watching her yo-yo the ball as if it was on a string. I'll catch more of the finest next weekend in San Antonio as I host the She's Ballin' Extravaganza and more on both of these talented teams in the week

4th and goal, Tip Sheet audible from March Fest

Desiree Caldwell is probably wondering what I'm doing, hey at times even I don't know so after getting with my staff, we've come to the conclusion it was just too much talent at the DFW Elite March Fest to day just one major Tip Sheet, so we've drawn up a plan and this is how I'm gonna roll with it

Major Tip Sheets from Odyssey Sims, Brittany Griner and a mixture of the OTHER divisions coming up tomorrow.

2018 #MarchFest Tip Sheet

My overused line of comparing players to Steve Miller's hit "Fly Like an Eagle" sums this #AutoAwesome photo up of Madison Williams but these ten players I've picked will more than likely fly into high school next season and soar eventually. Many played up or dominated their age group during the March Fest so here we go

Madison Williams-6'0 forward-DFW Elite Super Girls- Williams played up and like this picture and a phrase I've used already with this team, up, up and away. Here's the deal, she doesn't realize how good she is and once she does, all bets are off on how high she'll soar. She can handle the ball, attack from the wings and simply overpower you inside with her athleticism

Taloer Pruitt-5'4 guard- DFW Elite Super Girls-Didn't realize she was as young as she was until I looked at the roster and then I realized who she was. Her mannerisms have changed and her game has matured even more. She's a tough defender that didn't back down against the older players and she showed she could handle the pressure defenses sent her way

Kayla White-5'8 guard-DFW Elite Power Puffs- White almost mirrors Williams with her athleticism, she gets off the ground as quickly as many of the elite high  school players do now, she can recover if she misses the steal and she can score and I mean score in bunches. This young lady has to potential to be able to take over games on both ends

Keziah and Jhakya Dilworth-6'0 wings-AD Elite- I listed them as wings because these twins can fly, they were both always athletic but since I caught back up with them, their skill set has definitely taken a turn upwards as they are showing they can put in on the floor and score facing the basket.

Paris Netherly-5'9 guard-Houston Elite White-Good size and ability grabbed me when I first saw her which was about four years ago. Two years ago, her scoring, especially under pressure and now she's playing against players four years older at times and not being fazed, on either end.

Desiree Caldwell-5'6 guard-San Antonio Finest- Watching her older sister over the years probably gives her a slight edge on some things but she get's it and gives it as well. Her ball handling is off the charts as well as her ability to see the floor and get to the basket but I need to see if she could shoot from the outside as well, she can

Jasmine Smith-5'6 guard-Cy Fair Nike 15U- Basketball savvy at an early age helped when I caught her a couple of years ago and she is simply fearless on the floor. She's a defensive stopper, a point guard that can take over games in the flow and set her teammates up for point blank opportunities

Tatum Veitenheimer-5'6 guard-Texas Adidas Elite- Tatum is just one of those players that is so far ahead of the game in so many aspects that your head will spin. I thought she was at least a sophomore last season, her passion and knowledge of the game at this age speaks volumes and she's one of those players that loves to be "the girl" in clutch situations where she continues to deliver

Sophia Ramos-5'9 guard-South Texas Hoyas- Ramos just keeps getting better, she's poised on the court and is deceptive when you're trying to guard her. She appears to have grown another inch and being a big guard that can score like she's showing me she can will keep her mailbox full

Charli Collier-6'3 forward- Cy Fair Nike 15U- Okay a couple of months ago I saw her handling the ball coast to coast, a few weeks ago she added a crossover and over the weekend, she faced the basket and knocked down the mid-range. Don't get me wrong, she still dominates in the paint, on both ends and she isn't through with adding stuff to her arsenal


There you go, I gave you eleven instead, more to come later

No DC for GPR at #cyfairinvite

I didn't get a chance to see Desiree Caldwell play either but I already know she would have made my IANB "Tip Sheet". I've mentioned her several times, search bar works just fine when you type in but I will be catching her soon

SBISD Tournament-Super Saturday Championships

Cy Falls is improving with each game after their preseason opener which is scary and here's what yours truly had to say about them after their first game. "This seasons squad is all over the place and whether they are attacking the basket or launching the missiles, I expect them to be one of the more explosive ones before it's all said and done". It's too early to say wrap it up, especially since our area has at least 10 teams that could actually get hot at the right time and represent R3, but you may want to start looking at wrapping paper. Cy Falls demolished everyone prior to the championship game against Klein Forest but as I always say, "It's not what you do, it's who you do it against" and the pressure they put on the other Eagles in the first quarter, they led (30-10) after one,  set the tone for the game. KF could get no closer than 10 the rest of the game, they wound up losing (72-50) but this loss will go a long way toward them competing for the district title and throughout the playoffs. Had Klein Forest's post not transferred during her freshman season, KF would be the next Cy Falls, they start four sophomores and a junior, their post is 5'9, maybe, but Carol Willie and Erin Caldwell were just too much down low. Falls Fantastic Four guard lineup gives you four different's players that can score 20 or more on any given night but this week we'll see just how good the Eagles are

Westside took a 36 point pounding from Falls on Friday and they had to face Memorial who lost to KF during the last few minutes twice last week, so just when I think the Wolves are about to hide in their den for the season, they pull off the big upset to capture 3rd place. Like I said about KF, that big loss will do more for Westside in the long run than you can imagine and they are going to need everyone on the same page if they want to compete with Bellaire for the district title. On the flip side, Memorial has fallen apart in the second half against KF twice and today against Westside but they have missed a key player in each of those games. Their district was one of the toughest last season and it appears to be headed down the same path again.

A Cienna Rivera (less) Cy Ranch was just what the doctor ordered for Klein to get back on track as they won the 5th place game. It appears Klein will have to battle Klein Oak again this season for that final playoff spot and they have the nucleus to do so with point guard Ashley Alexander leading the way. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAYA!

ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM


Ashley Alexander (Klein)
Kelli Wilson (Memorial)
Jamiyla DeBoise (Westside)
Alexis Hill (Westside)
Ekiyah Gray (Klein Forest)
Desiree Davis (Klein Forest)
Loryn Goodwin (Cy Fall
Shernise Robertson (Cy Falls)
Kit Metoyer (Cy Falls) MVP

ASHLEY ALEXANDER

KELLI WILSON

JAMIYLA DEBOISE & ALEXIS HILL

EKIYAH GRAY & DESIREE DAVIS

LORYN GOODWIN

SHERNISE ROBERTSON

KIT METOYER (MVP)

Caldwell sisters invade Cy Fair Invitational

Desiree, star of the future and Recee, star of the now and future at the next level , UCLA,were on hand this weekend at the Cy Fair Invitational. I didn't get a chance to see DC however I'm sure she's added a little something to her game. I did get a chance to see Recee and she has added even more  to her already loaded arsenal as she and Amber Ramirez gives San Antonio Finest not only one of the top back-courts in the state but one of the most potent offensive duos as the "pick your poison" phrase just popped into my head.

That's coming up later so be prepared for yet another long list of stories from yet another great event. Also, as far as the "Tip Sheets" , I'm going to do something a little different as I'll do one for Saturday and a another one for Sunday and guess what, although Friday was short, I'm throwing in a freebie just to name more players. Stay tuned!