"Temple Of Doom" Invading Texas Invitational

Alyssa Jones

I remember seeing Temple putting a whipping on someone in the HISD Tournament a few years ago and although I had mixed emotions about the game both ways, there was no doubt that Temple had several talented players on their squad including Alyssa Jones and Katera Chapel and even back then I commented to a novice that both were D1 players. Chapel will be signing with Mississippi State while Jones hasn't made her decision, these two are the nucleus of a team that could come down here and do some damage as they are pooled with Desoto, North Shore and Klein Collins, all three of the top teams in the state last season and all three hurt by that monster 2012 class graduating

Jomnes and Chapel, along with Tyesha Taylor, played for Austin Elite and are coming off fantastic summers. Taylor has emerged as one of the top posts from the 2014 class, and this could be the start of something big for the Wildcats and if everyone stays healthy, you never know how this could turn out in the long run

Timberview's Triple Threat

Lili Thompson wants to close her career out with a bang at Mansfield Timberview, meaning a trip to Austin before heading to Stanford and if all goes well, she along with a couple of other bright young stars, set the foundation for what could be a sleeper team, read more

Alix will be sealing deal very soon

I've seen good players, very good players and great players who could rise to the occasion and place a team on their back whenever they needed to. AJ Alix falls into the latter and as she enters her senior season at Bellaire High, it seems like she's one of the few" four year senior type playerson the court" to have played in the area after watching what she has done since a freshman, read more

Nebo makes it official

Any list not having Kim Nebo listed as one of the top players in the area is, well just not credible. Year after year, Nebo has flown under the radar as far as accolades however like the beast she is in the classroom, she's equally electrifying on the court as shown by one writers, well me, summary of what she did at the BigTyme Fall Finsish 

Whether it was during the school season with Cy Lakes, during the summer with Texas Preps Elite or even as a guest player with the Houston Wildcats at the Fall Finish, Nebo simply was dominant and now she will be hitting the books and the boards at Southern Illinois after speaking with TPE head coach Ben Perkins.

Young ballers keep momentum going

Karrington "KK" Donald

So many middle school players showed a lot of promise over the past season and to keep speaking about upcoming talent in the state over the next few years probably is starting to sound like a broken record however one thing I've learned is that repetition works on and off the court. 2017 Karrington Donald played up for 3T and like many of the other young ladies yet to enroll in high school she shows a lot of promise

The season and tournaments are right around the corner and several of the freshmen will make their presence felt off the top. Stay tuned for what I feel will truly be one of the most wide opened seasons in a very long time

New faces may keep North Shore in same place

North Shore is coming off of back to back R3 F4 appearances and although many thought that might have been it for the Mustangs, they had a group of talented young players that would keep them in the district hunt despite losing Courtney Williams and Mo Bedford. Two move ins, Shea'lea Scott and Valencia Nelson might be the boost to make them a contender for yet another area F4 performance, in fact, well you never know how this stuff will turn out.

The Mustangs are bunched in the same pool with Temple, Desoto and Klein Collins at the Texas Invitational so it won't be long to see the new look

Lubbock Christian heads NAIA preseason list

Sharpshooter Ashlyn Hargraves helped lead a potent offensive attack at The Woodlands last season, in fact the Highlanders were one of the best teams in the state and even though staying under the radar for most of the season, I playfully called them the unranked Woodlands.

Now as a freshman, Hargraves is on the preseason top NAIA Division 1 team, Lubbock Christian, read more

Oilers may produce gusher as sleeper

The Pearland Oilers could be on the verge of something big after watching many of their players make dramatic jumps over the summer. Last season, I was impressed with their youth at the Texas Invitational and this year they'll be back, this time playing in the Division 1 and opening up on Thursday against two TABC ranked teams, Mansfield Summit and Bellaire then closing Friday against Cinco Ranch before heading to bracket play.


This team is full of young stars including Keara Hudnall and Jasmine Butler, in fact if you use the search bar I mentioned Hudnall would be a Top 100 player if she was two inches taller. Butler has added several new dimensions to her game and the same could be said for guard Miranda LeJune. Throw that in with dominant inside play from Kaila Chizer and LaNeetra Guillory and as Gomer Pyle once said, "surprise surprise" but as I'm saying don't be

Texas Invitational

Comments and negative remarks

If you have any questions or responses based on what I've published please email me, the email addresses are simmie@girlzprepreport and girlzprepreport@yahoo.com, both are listed on this blog. There is nothing more irritating than ignorant responses, I spend a lot of time doing this and I can only present what's presented to me and once again anything negative regarding players will not be published. I'm always accessible at games, stop by and say hi!

TABC Rankings are out

The TABC preseason girl's basketball rankings came out yesterday and as usual their will be some debate on who is listed but most importantly who isn't, here's the list

Manvel, Clear Springs and Dekaney are their top three teams in the area, which is as easy as picking Brianna Turner and Brooke McCarty for MDAA shoe ins however after that it get's interesting. Cy Falls had the best record over the past three seasons however the majority of their offense is gone, same with Hightower and as good as AJ Alix is, losing Raven Burns and Bianca Winslow will leave some questions to be answered this season for Bellaire

Seven Lakes was a team I expected to make a run a couple of years ago however with Christin Inman and a healthy Sydney Buchel, they might be able to put something together down the stretch even though they too are missing a key component from the past couple of seasons.

In my opinion, Cy Ranch and North Shore should be considered to be among the top teams right now in R3 while Klein Forest continues to be sort of like the Rodney Dangerfield squad in R2 but they have the talent to beat Dekaney outright in district.

Sleepers? Pearland and Bush have the potential to be threats when it counts the most. The great news is that the tournaments will give everyone an idea of what's in store this season

EVENTS

Nwosah unleashes the beast

This picture says it all as you can see by the determination in the players eyes and Texas Preps Elite's Ann Nwosah sandwiched between Austin Elite's Troi Swain Ketara Chapel sent a message heard loud and clear over the summer. Now as Nwosah get's ready to help lead Lamar Consolidated in a wide open R3-4A race to Austin, she'll have a chance to join fellow teammates Merissa Becerra and the Palmer sisters, Kiana and Marleah in the Spring Branch ISD Tournament

Checking out the bracket, it looks like they will probably be going head to head against one of the favorites in R2-5A Klein Forest on Friday

Jones ready to light em up for Lufkin

The first time I saw Kassie Jones play was in the Aldine Tournament a few seasons ago and I was impressed by her range and quick release. Over the years I've watched her consistently improve with the Houstonians and develop into one of the top offensive area threats for the 2013 class. I'll have a chance to watch her in person at the Conroe Tournament in a few weeks, November 8th-10th

Cy Creek's Fielder elevates status on and off the court

Okay let me put it to you like this. She's over 6'0, she can shoot the three, she's ULTRA athletic and she is ready to unleash the beast I've seen her develop into over the course of four seasons. Yes I'm talking about Dani Fielder, a 2013 player who is UTR for whatever reasons and shouldn't be. This kid is solid and is also definitely a next level player.

I'll catch her in the Conroe Tournament, November 8th-10th. Ultra athletic is just something I use to add a little more to overly used terms and catching the ball in mid -air shows, well just watch the video

Westside's Turner grows up fast over summer

When you talk about genes and sports, sometimes it really doesn't equate to offspring or relatives but in the case of Westside's Maddisen Turner were talking Levi's. Her mom was an All American and her aunt played in the WNBA, how's that for the starters and Turner hold the distinct honor of being the youngest player I labeled can't miss when she was four

Now after coming off a brilliant summer which saw the 2015 standout make leaps and bounds, Turner is ready to take charge for the Wolves as they will challenge Bellaire once again for top honors in district. Westside will be on board for the Spring Branch ISD Tournament November 8th-10th

San Antonio star Harris commits

6'1 forward Aleeya Harris sliced and diced her way to the basket for buckets so many times during the BigTyme Fall Finish for the South Texas Hoyas that she caught my eye right off the top and kept my attention throughout the event. As she heads into her final season at John Jay, it was apparent that others had been watching as well and after narrowing down her choices, Harris has decided Western Kentucky will be her next stop

Klein Oak's new look to be unveiled in Conroe Tournament

Sasha Cedeno

So many teams will have a different look this season and as many try and figure out the right nucleus on the court in order to make the playoffs, certain things need to take place. Klein Oak happens to be one of those teams and this will be a make or break year for Sasha Cedeno. At 6'0, Cedeno can play all five positions and after watching her numerous times, I really don't believe she realizes how good she can be. Already one of the top 2014 players in the area, Cedeno has the potential to be a dominating force on the floor.

Texas Invitational will answer early questions

Cy Falls Carol Willie (TCU commit)

Cy Falls, Klein Collins,North Shore, Bellaire and The Woodlands have been among the top teams in the area over the past three seasons however all took hits from that monster 2012 classes graduation. Desoto was a powerhouse in R2, they too lost some heavy hitters not to mention state champion Mansfield Summit having to reorganize. One thing remains, three teams are and will be in the hunt for that coveted trip to Austin but others are ready to step up, read more

Nash and Dillingham keep "Dynamic Duo" going

Jasmine Nash (2014)

As Veja Hamilton get's ready for her freshman season at TCU, Klein Collins will have to fill in the pieces left by their all time leading scorer. Have no fear, Dominique Dillingham, who has already committed (Mississippi State) and Jasmine Nash, one of the top 2014 players you may not know about are ready and capable to keep Klein Collins in the district hunt as they will battle Dekaney and Klein Forest for that top spot.

Dillingham is one of if not the toughest player in the city and she knows how to play the game only one way, the way it should be played. Nash is coming off a confidence building summer which saw her playing multiple positions and being to go to player which should help her a lot this season. I'll get to see Klein Collins early, first in the Conroe Tigerette Tournament and then in the Texas Invitational and remember to check the EVENTS tab on my website to see where I'll be, that way you'll know what's coming

Westfield's Jones ready for final run

So many times very good players get overlooked for whatever reasons however pound for pound, inch for inch, Kylah Jones has shown she's one of the toughest players in her class. Can she score? Yes on a variety of ways and from a variety of spots on the court however she can run a team as well and has developed into one of the top point guards in the area for her class but her biggest attribute is what she brings on defense, usually guarding the top scoring guard on the opposing team. I'll get a chance to see Jones and Westfield in a few weeks at the Conroe Tournament, which will be held November 8th-11th and always remember to check out the GPR website for events I'll be covering

EVENTS

New Season Brings New Stars

2016 FAITH COOK

Is Faith Cook ready to explode? You better believe it as she and a host of others are ready to prove they can play with the big girls. Wait, they've already shown it, read more

Micarah Malone keeps finding right fit as she commits

I first spotted Micarah Malone as she was getting ready to enter her freshman season in high school and was impressed by her athleticism and hustle. Standing close to 6'0 at the time, along with a nice wingspan, I knew a few tweaks here and there would put her in a position to get to the next level.

After biting the bullet and deciding she needed a fresh start, Malone transferred to St Pius and helped lead them to the state final four last season. Then this season she changed club teams to a program that was a better fit for her and it has paid off as she committed to Lamar University while on her official visit this weekend.

Malone was one of my "UTR" players listed on the website, that's  under the radar for the new followers, and  what she did this summer helped seal the deal.

Micarah's parents are elated not only because of how hard she worked to get this done but as her dad Wilton said "We are extremely proud of Micarah and believe she will excel at Lamar"

I would have to lay odds that with her mindset and work ethic that won't be a problem

Spring Branch ISD Tournament set

Westside, Memorial and Cy Falls all lost the bulk of their offense through graduation last season so the Spring Branch ISD Tournament will give a preview on how the teams have adjusted but keep in mind, several players are ready to fill in the missing pieces including Memorial's Olivia Podaras

Klein Forest and Cy Ranch are among top teams in their regions this season and once the playoffs start, you just never know. Klein Forest's Ekiyah Gray blew completely up over the summer, although I labeled her can't miss in the 8th grade while Ashley O'Block gives Cy Ranch yet another deadly shooter so this should be interesting. Tournament starts November 8th.


Brackets

Breanna Hayden takes official

I've been writing about Breanna Hayden since she was a freshman and watched her not only put in the work but solidify herself as one of the top players in her class. This weekend she's taking her official visit in Waco, home of the defending national champions, the Baylor Bears. Hayden's older sister, Kimetria, is one of the stars on Baylor's team

6'3 Williams standing tall for 2017

Jade Williams missed the official GPR DFW Elite Swift team photo however her teammates said she had a good reason, she went to eat. After the performance she put on the floor, I could understand why because this young lady showed me how hungry she was, even taking time to work out in between games with her mom who I could tell played some ball herself.

Williams is 6'3, she's going to play college basketball whether she get's any better or not, just because of her height. Well she's going to get better, in fact she's pretty good right now and with 10-15 extra pounds she probably could help a few of the smaller college teams now.

Watching the young lady do little things in a big way tells me she's is going to being creating problems over the next few years and of course she has the 2017 signature pose down

Red Oak JV learning and growing

2014 Victoria Hopping

Diamonds in the rough, progression, upside are things you see me write about over and over and it's not always about the ready made product because at the end of the day, this about getting better and hoping to achieve what many of these young ladies are doing this for, a chance to play at the next level

2015 Faith Wright

Several JV players on Red Oak's team put in some work during the BigTyme Fall Finish and I'm sure the experience they got from playing against tough competition will help them in the long run. With a varsity team loaded with seniors, there will be a lot of spots available next season and Victoria Hopping, Faith Wright and Ashile Sanders will be among those in the running

2014 Ashile Sanders

DeSoto's Lewis elevates to next level

Adrienne Lewis, all 6'2 of her, has shown her ability to be able to control the paint over and over and after as you can see by her ability to get off the floor, with her height, she will be doing some damage at the next level for Stephen F Austin.

The Ladyjacks have recruited some exceptional players from the 2013 class including area standouts Brentney Branch and Lexi Fatheree and Lewis will help solidify their inside game. I'll have a chance to see Lewis in a few weeks as DeSoto returns to the Texas Invitational

Landry's solid Fall Finish raises stock

Zavier Landry was one of the area's top 2013 guards since since I saw her as a freshmen and as she get's ready to close out her career at Faith West this season, her performance for the Houston Wildcats at the BigTyme Fall Finish showed nothing has changed. Over the years, the combo guard has shown she can run a team and score when needed but the defense has continued to improve and she has to be one of the top on ball defenders in the area

DFW Swift duo breakout at Fall Finish

Alexandria Crain

I had a chance to see both Alexandria Crain and Ariana Whitfield prior to the BigTyme Fall Finish so I already knew two things, they could play and they are going to play at the next level, that's a no brainer. What they did at the Fall Finish was raise their stock and to be honest with you if these young ladies keep progressing, there is really no telling how high they can go. Crain simply showed the ability to take over a game briefly during day 2 and with her length, she was able to get her shot off whenever she wanted

Ariana Whitfield

Whitfield is strong and powerful and had no problem on either end against the older girls as she not only held her own but showed the ability to create not only for herself but for others as well, not to mention when she's on it's a task in itself trying to contain her because she can be explosive. These two young ladies showed me a lot and the impressive thing is that the best is yet to come.

Metoyer wastes little time

Whether it was Canterbury Episcopal HS or DFW Elite, Claire Metoyer showed me time and time again she could score from just about anywhere on the floor. Summer after summer, I watched this young lady come into her own and after an official to Seattle University, Metoyer has decided that is where her journey will continue joining her DFW Elite teammate Wilma Afungo who committed a couple of weeks ago

Add 2017 Babineaux to list

I caught Ilya Babineaux a few months ago with the Cy Fair Heat and was impressed by her footwork and hands. I had a chance to see how much she's grown at the BigTyme Fall Finish with DFW Elite Swift and it appears at least an inch  in height but her game has made leaps and bounds.

When I talk about diamonds in the rough, Babineaux fits the bill because as she continues to grow, she'll become a premium because colleges love size and when you add what her game is developing into, the next level won't be a problem at all

DFW Elite Team-Otis had several stars shining

2015 Chrystina Propes was one of several standouts performing for DFW Team-Otis at the BigTyme Fall Finish. Propes showed me something back in June when I caught her at the Tyrone Johnson Showcase and I think my exact words were she was the catalyst, actually I know they were because I just looked, and when you have players that can make things happen without the ball, well you have something to work with and believe me this team had several

Sarah Cantu and Claire Metoyer continued to show they could do more than shoot the three, while Erin Maxwell was a force to be reckoned with inside. Jewel Angelo also gave me a glimpse of how strong Manvel should be as she ran the team quite well and all have been on the road since the #FallFinish, taking their official visits to various colleges

Anytime I get to see Taylor Lewis (2014) play, I'm expecting a treat and to this day she hasn't let me down as her game continues to grow. Lewis will have added help at Little Rock-Central this season as she will be joined by Alaysia Ready, Emily Ridgell and Kiara Williams, three 2016 players that caught my eye for the Arkansas Mavericks

"Ragin Cajuns" land 2014 gem

2014 Wendion Bibbins has commhat's itted to Louisiana Lafayette as the "Ragin Cajuns" land yet another solid recruit. Bibbins is long and athletic, can attack from the wing and even give some post players fits with her 6'1 height. She plays at Helen Cox HS in New Orleans and played club ball for the D&R Lady Blue Devils where she had a stellar summer this season. She is also the cousin of Tulane player Whitney Bibbens and was being recruited by Memphis, Ole Miss, Mississippi St, Tulane, Southern Miss plus every state school in Louisiana.

2017 Deauzya Richards

I guess this is the new pose for GBB so it's for me update my profile pic as well however there is definitely a young lady whose profile has no need to be updated and that's Deauzya Richards. I was so impressed by the young lady that she received front page status a few months ago, ironically the same pose, read more

Even though she played with a high ankle sprain at the BigTyme Fall Finish for 2017 DFW Swift, the young lady went out and competed and was definitely one of the best players in the event, so just imagine what's coming when she's healed. Okay I have the pose down, headband just won't work for me

Bush like Victoria no longer a secret

Victoria Kemokai

If you don't know the story, use the search bar but Victoria Kemokai is another middle school baller I projected big things from and after helping lead her team to within a game of a district crown, Bush has to be one of the favorites in District 23. Kemokai put on a dazzling performance throughout the summe with the Houston Wildcats and it seemed like everywhere I was, Dallas, Louisiana or even Kentucky, she was doing the same thing over and over

Crystal Chidomere

Kemokai was joined at the BigTyme Fall Finish with teammates Crystal Chidomere, Cierra Palmer and Shana Rogers at the event. Chidomer is one of the top 2014 players in the area while 6'1 Palmer seems to be getting better each time I see her. Rogers, along with Victoria's younger sister Samaria will give the Broncos opponents heat from the back-court and we all know iff you can't stand the heat........

Allen ready to guide Eastern Hills

Armani Allen

2015 Armani Allen was so under control at the BigTyme Fall Finish that should translate into a boost for Eastern Hills HS this season. The relatively young team showed promise however Allen was and will be the key this school season

Chania Wright

Also let me give a s/o to a couple of 2017 players that suited up for Eastern Hills in the #FallFinish, Alexus Seaton and Chania Wright did more than hold their own against the big girls, I guess I should say older girls because this duo played big themselves. You may remember me mentioning Wright when I covered the Tyrone Johnson Showcase which further proves one thing, it doesn't take me long

Duncanville ready to defend Texas Invitational title

Ariel Atkins

I'm getting a bit antsy about not only the start of the 2012-13 GBB season but what is fast becoming one of the top tournaments in the state, the Texas Invitational which will be held  November 15-17

This was a monster event last season as state champion Duncanville came down and gave a preview of what to expect defeating the two top teams in R3, Cy Falls and Clear Springs sending a message to everyone on what was in store.


The Pantherettes graduated Empress Davenport and Morgan Bolton but they are still loaded and led by Kiara Perry (SMU) Antoina Robinson (North Texas) and two of the best 2014 players in the country, Tasia Foman and Ariel Atkins, Atkins put on a clinic at Basketball on the Bayou and made my Full Court tip sheet

This year should be equally interesting as the Pantherettes, Clear Springs and Manvel should all be ranked in the Top 5 for the state

Here's a list of teams and believe me some sleepers are about to wake up, read more

Once again "It's On"

Akia Taplin sandwiched between Oklahoma Magic's Koby McIntosh and  Samanth Williams

2016 Sentreal Gregory made a cameo  appearance on Saturday at the BigTyme  Fall Finish and had some buzz rolling after she performed dual duties in the Metroplex with both Westside at another event and also Houston It's On at the Fall Finish. One of the top freshmen in the area will be running where the game starts for the Wolves, at the one as they try to make a run in this wide open race

Ja'danrian Thompson

2013 Ja'danrian Thompson and 2014 Akia Taplin controlled the inside for HIO. Taplin btw has got to be one of the most improved players I've seen since the start of the season and also on hand was guest player 2013 Bria Goodman who said she was in the process of making a decision real soon on where she'll play

Bria Goodman