St. Thomas High School Fall League

                    

ST. Thomas Varsity Fall League
Sept. 29,

5:00pm STHS Red (Varsity) (4-0) vs Memorial HS (3-1)
halftime score sths 24- MHS 11
final score STHS 53- MHS 30

Ian Hurley (2011) 5'10 led all scorers with 18

Christian Sanders (2012) 6'3

ST. Thomas jumped out to an early lead off early turnovers by Memorial. Ian Hurley paced St. Thomas with 18pts, while his backcourt mate Christian Sanders controlled the tempo all game. Memorial struggled to score in the half court set,  thus allowing ST. Thomas to get easy baskets.

STHS- Ian Hurley 18pts,  Christian Sanders 12pts -Jeremy King 15 rebs
MHS-  Russell Clark 11pts,


6:00pm STHS white (II) (2-2) vs ST. Pius HS (2-2)
halftime score SPHS 38- STHS 24
final score- SPHS 69- STHS 56

Chris Brown (2011) 6'4 STHS

STHS-Chris Brown 16pts, 12rebs, Chris Voss 14pts
SPHS-Trey Guidry 17pts, 12 Carl Culberson, Devon Turk 11pts,

Trey Guidry (2012)  6'6 ST.Pius HS 

ST. Pius used contant pressure to speed up the place and play,  and ST. Thomas never adjusted to the tempo of Pius. In a game of runs St. Pius was able to outlast the Eagles down the stretch, in the game of the arch rivals.

7:00pm Wheatley HS (4-0) vs Spring Woods HS(0-4)
halftime score WHS 36-SWHS 16
final score WHS 80- SWHS 46

WHS- Randy Lewis 19, Victor Preston 14,Julius Hudson 13,  Jarrion Brooks 10pts
SWHS- Faliq Gaiter 12pts
8:00pm Reagan HS (0-4) vs Second Baptist HS(1-3)
halftime score RHS 51- SBHS 37
final score
In a very heated game for a fall league game, Reagan HS pulled out its 1st victory of the league. Khalil Potts lead all scorers and controlled the tempo for the Reagan bulldogs. Second Baptist big 3 made plays, but ran out of gas in the contest.

Khalil Potts (2013) guard 5'10

RHS- Khalil Potts 24, Marcus Ballard 15,
SBHS-Charles Allen  20pts ,Khadeem lattin 15pts, Kendrick Morris 12pts

Charles Allen (2011) guard 6'1 SBHS

Khadeem Lattin 6'9 (2014) SBHS

St. Thomas High School Fall League

ST. Thomas JV Fall League
      Sept. 28

5:00pm STHS black (frosh) (1-3) vs Lamar HS JV (0-2)
halftime STHS26- LHS 12
final score STHS 53- LHS 26
ST. Thomas sprinted out the gate with a quick 8-0 run ot establish the tempo. In a game where Lamar didnt shoot well, ST. Thomas was able to extend there lead and put the game away early.

Jaime Keating (2014) 6'2 scored early and often .

Joshua Reese (2014) pg 5'8

STHS Jaimie Keating 21pts, 2blks, 11rebs, Joshua Reese 10pts, 5rebs, 5asst, Phillip Carter 10pts,
LHS- no player scored in double digits

6:00pm STHS Grey (2-2) vs Memorial HS JV (4-0)
halftime MHS 26-STHS13
final score MHS 37- STHS 27
In a sloppy game Memorial HS imposed its will against St.Thomas on the defensive end, and held on for the victory countering St. Thomas late rally attempts. Memorial used a total team effort to keep the Eagles off balance .

MHS-
STHS- Jarin Murphy 10pts,Rowan Brumant 10pts

Rowan Brumant (2012) wing 6'2

7:00pm ST. Pius JV (1-3) vs Washington HS JV (2-0)
halftime WHS 40- STPHS 22
Final score- WHS 74- STPHS 62
Washington exploded out the gate and took a commanding lead 12-3 in the opening minutes. Marquez LeBlanc dominated on both ends of the floor. ST.Pius regrouped after the half and made a charge, but Washington had to much fire power. EX-Washington legend Tack Minor was in the building to check out  his alma mater in action.

Chris Walker  6'2 (2013) St.Pius

SPHS - Chris Walker 30pts,
WHS- Marquez Walker 18pts 12rebs, Domquence Burns 15pts,

Marquez Walker (2013) 6'4 post

    

Domquence Burns (2013) 6'0 guard

D1 Nation Diamond In The Rough: 2013 W 6'1" Terrell "T Rex" Colbert of Angleton

Angleton HS made the trip up to San Marcos, TX and ran into two pretty solid teams in Leander & Laredo Nixon.  It was worth the trip though as I was on hand repping the D1 Nation and found a definite D1 Nation Diamond In The Rough.  Rail thin 2013 W 6'1" Terrell "T Rex" Colbert was a whirling dervish at all times for the Arlington Wildcats.  The sophomore poured in 20 plus points in both contests.  He did it in the high post, in transition, and was particularly effective when he slashed to the hoop when he'd cut in from the wing.

2013 Terrell "T Rex" Colbert of Angleton

Colbert did not play any summer basketball last year.  That needs to change.  Angleton's got a good one for the next three years.  College coaches alert!

Diamond In The Rough: 2011 Jyquish Mitchell of Crosby

2011 6'5 SG/SF Jyquish Mitchell of Crosby

Mitchell is a lanky slasher who has nice range on his shot.  He has an ability to get to the free throw line at will. He will also get in your jersey with his full court defensive pressure. He's a D1 Nation, Diamond In The Rough. College coaches alert!

D1 Nation Real Talk: 2012 G Carl Culberson of Houston St. Pius

I caught up with 2012 G Carl Culberson of Houston St. Pius for our Real Talk segment.

 What are some of your hobbies outside of basketball?

Girls, Chilling with friends and family, swimming, and phone.

What’s your favorite subject at school

Math

What music are you listening to before a game?

Lil Wayne, Drake, Jay-Z, Kanye, Waka.

2012 G Carl Culberson of Houston St. Pius

Who’s your favorite NBA player from Texas?

Deron Williams

List some goals you’ve set for this year.

To win state

 What’s the most memorable moment in your high school career?

Won’t have one until we win state!!!

What’s been your best “Sports Center” moment?

Game winners I hit a few game winners, but none are a really special moment 

What college or NBA player do you model your game after?

Deron Williams

Who are the top 5 colleges recruiting you the hardest?

Tulane, Witchita State,  UT-Arlington, Florida State & Texas A&M

List the Top 6 players in Austin/San Antonio right now.

Don’t really know a lot of players in that area, being from Houston, but

Jonathan Holmes from San Antonio has a solid game.

If you won a $1,000,000 what would you do with it?

Donate to a good charity then…take care of my family

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

With a degree, playing basketball.  God willing

     Carl is a scoring point guard who has a quick first step. He keeps constant pressure on the defense with his ability to penetrate.  Carl is a playmaker, a tough competitor and a good on ball defender. Currently a low to mid major D1 prospect who with his excellent work ethic could up his stock.  I first had an opportunity to evaluate him at my All American Prodigy Camp in Austin, TX-Coach Max Ivany

St. Thomas High School Fall League

September 22 Varsity Fall League Schedule

5:00pm STHS RED(Varsity) (3-0) vs ST. Pius HS (2-1) * game of the night
halftime score STHS 43- SPHS 23
box score STHS 46- SPHS 25

Christian Sanders (2012) 6'3 guard

  STHS-Andrew Jones 17pts , Ian Hurley 8pts, Christian Sanders 8pts
SPHS- Devon Turk 8pts, Trey Guidry 8pts

Trey Guidry 6'5 (2012) wing

6:00pm STHS White(II) (2-1)vs Memorial HS (2-1)
halftime score STHS 18-MHS 27
final score MHS 38- STHS 33



7:00pm Wheatley HS (3-0) vs Spring Woods HS (0-3)
halftime WHS 41- SWHS 16
final score- WHS 67- SWHS 28
WHS- Jarrion Brooks 16pts, Paul Ball 10pts, Victor Preston 10pts
SWHS-
8:00pm Second Baptist (0-3) vs Houston Reagan HS (0-3)
halftime score SBHS 38- RHS 37
final score SBHS 83- RHS 76

Khalil Potts (2013) guard

Jared Pruitt (2011) guard

RHS-Jared Pruitt 20pts, Khalil Potts 16pts,
SBHS-  Charles Allen 27pts,5rebs, 2 stls,  Julien Person 15pts 3blks,6rebs, Nicholas Madole 11,

Charles Allen (2011) guard

Julien Person (2011) 6'7 wing

Nicholas Madole (2012) 6'2

St. Thomas High School Fall League

ST. Thomas HS JV Fall League

5:00pm ST. Thomas Black (frosh) vs  Washington HS JV
halftime score Washington HS 28- STHS 22
box score Washington 70 STTH 53

Marqez LeBlanc (2013) 6'3 post



Domquence Burns (2013)



Damien Scott (2013) guard

WHS- Damien Scott 18pts, Marqez LeBlanc 14pts 8rebs 2blks,  12 pts Domquence Burns

Jaime Keating (2014) 6'2 wing

Bret Perry 6'4 (2014)  post

STHS- Jaime Keating 20pts 6rebs, Phillip Carter 10pts , Bret Perry 10 pts 5blks,
6:00pm ST. Thomas JV vs ST. Pius JV
halftime score 23 STHS 21 SPHS
box score SPHS 50 STHS 44

Chris Walker (2013) guard 6'0

SPHS-Chris Walker12pts, Sarhaan Cox 11pts

Rowan Brumant (2012 ) 6'2 wing

STHS- Rowan Brumant 10pts,
7:00pm Memorial HS JV vs Lamar HS JV
halftime score MHS 21- LHS 17

box score MHS 55 - LHS 27

D1 Nation Real Talk: 2013 P Brandon Williams of Houston Stafford

D1 Nation Contributing Editor, Orin Bailey caught up with Brandon Williams (below), a 6'8" post from Houston Stafford HS for this installment of our D1 Nation Real Talk

How old were you when you first started playing basketball?-13-years old
What are some of your hobbies outside of basketball?-fishing, cooking, video games,
What is your favorite class in school?-biology
What is your favorite food?-pizza, boneless wings
What music are you listening to before a game?
-Lil Wayne, Drake
What college player or NBA player do you model your game after?
-Kevin Garnett
What are your goals for this season?-win state championship, develop perimeter game and post moves
Who is the best player that you played against last spring or summer?-Shaquille Cleare
What is the best college conference in college basketball?-Big 12
Who are the top teams in Texas this year?-Stafford, Bush, Yates, Bellaire, Travis
Who are the top 5 players in Houston?-LJ Rose, Rasheed Sulaimon, Cameron Ridley, Andrew Harrison, Aaron Harrison
Who is your favorite NBA player?-LeBron James
Where do you see yourself in five years?
-2015 NBA Draft

Brandon (6"8) is an athletic kid, who has a high ceiling. Currently he is very raw, but his work ethic is causing him to progress at a very quick rate. He's a great rebounder and shot blocker with explosiveness.  This is only his 2nd year of organized basketball.  Mid major D1 prospect.-Orin Bailey

Brandon does not currently list any colleges currently recruiting him.  That's about to change, with the college coaches who read this site!-Coach Max Ivany

D1 Nation Houston- Event Recap (GASO- Pearland)

This past weekend I had a chance to dash over to Pearland High school the site of the Preseason GASO which featured several of the area's teams. With plenty of talent in the building here are a list of players that had a great showing in the event.

6-1 Goree Allen (2011) Allen Academy- Shot the ball well from outside and scored buckets.

6'0 Dedrick Archie (2011)  Galveston Ball- showed great quickness and seperation plus scored at will.

6'11 Sirius Berwanger (2011)  Houston Episcopal-  has great hands and feet and scores around the rim with ease. Excellent rebounder and alter shots  at a high rate.

6'5 Kinzael Bolten (2011) Humble HS  excellent rebounder, good athlete very active around the rim, his motor rarely turns off.

6'4  Josh Brannon- (2011)  Alief Taylor-, very explosive and athletic plays above the rim and simply makes plays.

5'9 Byron Coley (2011) North Shore HS- simply makes plays runs the team and provides energy for his team. His motor never stops and makes his teammates better.

6'5 Adam Drexler (2012)  ST. Thomas HS- very athletic, extremely high motor makes an impact on both ends of the floor.

6'5 Trey Guidry (2012)  ST. Pius HS- very athletic scored in waves, made an impact on both ends of the floor.

6'7 Jonathan Motley-Harvey (2013) North Shore HS- very athletic and energetic runs the floor well and plays above the rim.

6'9 Jeremy King (2012) ST. Thomas HS -blocked shots early and often and was a force on the glass.

6'8 Matt Porter (2012) Kingwood HS-  not flashy simply gets it done on both ends of the floor. Very good rebounder and shot blocker, needs to add weight and work on offensive skill, very active and plays hard.

6'3 Rasheed Sulaimon (2012) Strake Jesuit HS- great scorer who caused opposing defenses fits, makes plays and allows his teammates to play off of his high skill level. big time player.

2012 G Rasheed Sulaimon

6'0 Ken Williams (2013) Houston Episcopal HS- big time scorer who ran his team effectively despite all the attention he draws on the offensive end.

6'8 Keynan Willis (2011) Crosby HS- blocked shots and ran the court and had several easy finishes around the rim. The lefty displayed a soft touch with his midrange game.

D1 Nation Coaches Corner: Coach Deborah Mize of Fort Bend Hightower (Girls)

1. What is your alma mater? Graduated from Fort Bend Clements High School  Graduated with Bachelors from St. Edward’s University in Austin Texas M. ED from University of Houston Coach Deborah Mize of Fort Bend Hightower 2.How long have you been coaching high school basketball? 7 years 3. Who inspired you to get into coaching? I knew that after I was done playing collegiate basketball that I still wanted to have basketball as part of my life so that was one inspiration, and also one of my high school coaches, Janet Cox inspired me to think about becoming a coach. 4. What is you favorite food? Mexican Food 5.What teams will be the toughest games this year? We have a very tough pre-season schedule and I schedule it that way because I feel that if you want to be the best you have to play the best.  A few tough games for us will be: Cy-Fair, North Shore , and Clear Creek.  Those teams are always well-prepared and well-coached. 6. What is the most difficult task when coaching basketball? Figuring out how and what motivates each player on your team and in your program to perform at your highest level possible. 7.Who is you favorite college coach? Coach K from Duke on the men’s side and on the women’s side I like Sherri Coale from Oklahoma and Kim Mulkey from Baylor. 8.Give you definition of a good coach? A good coach is someone who can treat all athletes on their team the same but different.  Each player has a different personality and it’s the job of a good coach to seek out what motivates each of your players in order to get the best possible results each and every day. 9.What music do you listen to before a game? R&B, Hip Hop 10.Who is the best players you’ve ever coached? Of course, I have coached some amazing talent which has in turn blessed my career thus far, but just to name a few: Diamond Ford and Jasmine Brewer. 11. What are some goals for this season? Win District

D1 Nation Real Talk: 2011 Chris Patureau

D1 Nation Contributing Editor A.W. "Gym Range" Robinson looks toward the private school ranks for this edition of D1 Nation Real Talk.  Northeast Christian's 2011 Swingman 6'5" Chris Patureau shares his thoughts with us.

Patureau (below) freakin' the oop with Northeast Christian

How old were you when you started playing basketball? About 5 What are some of your hobbies outside of basketball? Fishing, golfing, hanging with some friends, and playing Xbox What is your favorite class in school? Math What music are you listening to before a game? Sometimes slow music to calm me down, but most of the time either jay-z or drakeWhat is your favorite food? Pasta What college or NBA player do you model your game after? Everyone always compares me to that guy from Nevada, Luke Babbit....He's now inThe League List some goals you’ve set for this year? Win another State Championship and help my teamates around me get better Who are the Top 5 colleges recruiting you the hardest? New Hampshire, Stephen F. Austin, Yale, Central Connecticut, and Pepperdine Who is the best player you played against all spring or summer? Norman Powell from the San Diego All Stars. What is the best conference in college basketball? ACC List the Top 6 players in Houston right now? Sheldon McClellan, Poppa, Deangelo Harrison, Terran Petteway, Julien Lewis, and ME What part of your game needs improvement the most? Ball-handling. Who is your favorite player NBA from Houston? Clyde "The Glyde" DrexlerDo you plan on attending any fall basketball skills camps/clinics this year? Not as of now. just trying to work on my game and hit the weights for the season Who are the Top 5 teams in 5A and 4A this year? 5A- Bush, Bellaire, Flower Mound, Ft. Bend Travis, and Strake Jesuit 4A- Yates, Jones, Dallas Lincoln, Lancaster, and LaMarque Where do you see yourself being 5 years from now? Graduating from college and either getting a job or going overseas to play the game I love

Chris Patureau is an all purpose player. He's a lefty with a lot of upside. A very underrated player with the ability to make teammates better every time he steps on the court. Can shoot lights out from the 3 point line, free throw line & midrange. He's been working on additional ballhandling skills to round his game out.  Editor'sNote: Got a chance to see him play against MBA Hoops (MS) & he went toe to toe with Laquinton Ross a top 10 player in the Nation. Chris finished with 24pts,10rebs and 6ast.  Not too bad for a "private school" kid.

St. Thomas High School Fall League

Sept. 15 ST. Thomas Varsity Fall League

5:00pm STHS Red (varsity) (2-0) 62 vs Second Baptist (0-2) 50
*Players to watch STHS- 6'9 Jeremy King(2012), 6'3 Christian Sanders(2012), 6'0 Chase Brogna(2012), 5'10 Ian Hurley(2011)
*SBHS- 6'8 Khadeem Lattin(2014), 6'6 Julien Person(2011), 6'3 LJ Rose(2012)
28 STHS-34 SBHS halftime
Final 62-50
Tonight's game had the  feel of a regular season game as the two private school powerhouses clashed. As the game progressed the intensity of both groups picked up, as neither team wanted to be outduel by the opposing team. Christian Sanders led all players with a game high of 22pts, and answer several of Second Baptist runs with key buckets down the stretch. Khadeem Lattin poured in an impressive performace for Second Baptist.
STHS- Christian Sanders 22pts, 5asst, 5 rebs, Jeremy King 14ps, 11 rebs, 4blks,  Adam Drexler 10pts, 10rebs,
SBHS- Khadeem Lattin 18pts, 5blks, 9 rebs, Kendrick Morris 15pts

Jeremy King 6'9 (2012)  14pts,11rebs, 4blks,



Christian Sanders 6'3 (2012) STHS led all scorers with 22pts



6:00pm STHS White( II) (2-0)  54vs ST. Pius X (0-1) 62
*STHS II- 6'2 Ryan Taylor(2012), 5'10 Darnell Theriot Jr(2012),
*SPHS- 6'6 Trey Guidry(2012), 6'6 John Paul(2013), 6'7 Jarvis Thibodeaux(2011), 6'0 Carl Culberson(2012)
halftime 20 STHS- 28 ST PiusX
Final Score ST. Pius 62- STHS 54
ST. Pius major players made their  debut in the Fall League and left a lasting impression for the fans. The game started out slow as both teams traded early baskets and adjusted to the tempo of the game. ST. Pius gain momentum off early turnovers and sparked several key runs that propelled the Panthers to victory. Adam Drexler  tried to rally the troops of St. Thomas with his energy and hustle on both ends of floor, but St. Pius proved to be too much this evening.


Jarvis Thibodeaux 6'7 (2011) had a triple double

 

Trey Guidry 6'6 (2012) poured in 28pts.

 SPHS- Trey Guidry 28pts, 8rebs, 3blks , Carl Culberson 14pts ,5asst  Jarvis Thibodeaux 12pts 14rebs, 10blks,
STHS- Adam Drexler 26pts, 12rebs, 3blks, Andrew Jones 11pts




Adam Drexler 6'5 (2012) scored 26pts/ 12 rebs  in a loss vs St. Pius

            

7:00pm Wheatley HS (2-0) 83  vs Houston Reagan (0-2) 73
WHS- 6'0 Jarrion Brooks(2011), 6'0 Kedron Ginn(2011), 6'3 Victor Preston(2011),6'2 Demarkus Cormier(2013),
RHS- 6'2 Kalil Potts(2013), 6'3 Kendall Ramlal(2013)
halftime Reagan 40  Wheatley 35
Fianl Score 83 Wheatley -73 Houston Reagan
Both teams came out the dressing room with their track shoes on, with both teams wanting to push the tempo as much as possible. Both teams attempted to trap the opposition and force turnovers to gain an early edge. Both teams came out blazing Wheatley was led by Kedron Ginn who made 3 early three point baskets in a row and Reagan HS countered with a balance attack on the offensive end. Once again Wheatley's depth proved to be too much for their opponent and the Wildcats came out on top.
RHS- Kalil Potts 18pts, Malcolm Ballard 10pts,
WHS- Kedron Ginn 19pts, Jarrion Brooks 15pts 5 asst, Victor Preston 12pts

8:00pm Memorial HS (2-0) 60  vs Spring Woods (0-2) 38
MHS- 6'3 Russell Clark(2011),6'1 Walker Pennigton(2013), 5'8 Kyle Dubbin(2012)
SWHS- 6'0 Falaq Gaiter(2011), 6'0 Max Gerell(2011)
halftime MHS34-SWHS18
Final Score- MHS 60- SW 38
MHS- Max Yanke 12pts, Connor Phillips 11pts, Russell Clark 12pts
SWHS- Falaq Gaiter 11pts

St. Thomas High School Fall League

ST. Thomas HS JV Tuesday Fall League Results

5:00pm STHS Black (frosh)  45 vs STHS Grey (JV) 58
In a battle of bragging rights for the "Reckling GYM" aka ST. Thomas High School GYM it was experience that outlasted the youth movement in a hard fought game. At halftime the score was 28-24 with the older guys ahead (STHS Grey). The final score was 58-45 .

STHSB- Jaime Keating 20pts, 8rebs, Joshua Reese 15pts, 5 asst, Bret Perry 10pts, 7reb 1blk
STHSG-Nick Kindla 15pts, 6rebs, Clayton Wilbanks 10pts, 5rebs, Rowan Brumant 10pts, 5rebs, 4 asst

6:00pm ST. Pius X 42 vs Memorial HS 76
Memorial sprinted out the gate to an unbeliveable 28-0 lead, stunning ST. Pius with an array of scoring options and using a suffocating defense. At the halftime the score was Memorial 43- ST. Pius 13. The remaining portion of the game the St. Pius Panthers fought hard to try to make the score respectable and to prove to their fans that the 1st half was a fluke. Memorial was just to strong for ST. Pius on this day cruising to a 76-42 victory.

Memorial- No roster was available.
SPHS- John Griffin 12pts 

7:00pm Lamar HS 39 vs Washington HS 72
The new addition teams to the league Lamar HS and Booker T Washington HS faced off in their debut.
Washington used speed and quickness and a deep bench to outrun Lamar HS in the late game of the evening.  At the half  Washington  HS 38-Lamar HS18. In the 2nd half it was Washington speeding up the tempo to runaway with the victory 72 -39.

WHS- rosters will be available next week
LHS-  rosters will be available next week

D1 Nation Real Talk: 2012 Clyde Santee of Houston Yates

D1 Nation Contributing Editor, A.W. "Gym Range" Robinson caught up with two time State Champion, and defending National Champion Clyde Santee of Houston Yates. The 2012 6'6" Small Forward gives us the inside scoop.

How old were you when you started playing basketball? 

I was nine years old

What are some of your hobbies outside of basketball?

Chillin' with my girlfriend & crankin' jokes with my friends.

What is your favorite class in school?

Alegbra with Coach Augbon

What music are you listening to before a game?

Jay-Z and Drake

What is your favorite food?

Cheese cake!

What college or NBA player do you model your game after? 

I model my game after Evan Turner

 

List some goals you’ve set for this year.

Make the A/B honor roll & win my 3rd State Championship

Who are the Top 5 colleges recruiting you the hardest?

Houston, Arizona, Marquette, Gonzaga, & Colarado

Who is the best player you played against all spring or summer?

LeBryan Nash

What is the best conference in college basketball?

Big East!!

List the Top 6 players in Houston right now?

Clyde Santee, Deangelo Harrison, Terran Petteway, Aaron Harrison, Andrew Harrison, & Shaquille Cleare.

What part of your game needs improvement the most?

Foot quickness

Who is your favorite NBA player from Houston?

Rashard Lewis

Do you plan on attending any fall basketball skills camps/clinics this year?

Not sure yet

Who are the Top 5 teams in 5A and 4A this year?

Yates, Travis, & La Marque

Where do you see yourself being 5 years from now?

Playin' basketball for money somewhere.

Clyde Santee is a smooth, long & athletic player with a wide skill set.  He can play multiple positions; 1, 2, & 3. He does not need to have the ball in his hands to be effective.  Santee will stay active with his hard nosed D and rebounding, allowing the scoring opportunities to come to him in the flow of the game.  He will be a major factor in Houston Yates' bid for another Texas 4A State Championship.

Coaches Corner: John Harmatuk of Houston Cy-Springs

Contributing Editor,  A. W. "Gym Range" Robinson spends a few minutes in the D1 Nation Coaches Corner with Houston Cy-Springs Head Coach John Harmatuk

What is your alma mater?

Austin College

How long have you been coaching high school basketball?
9th season as a head coach, 13th overall
Who inspired you to get into coaching?
I always knew this was what I wanted to do. I grew up in a basketball household, where everything centered around the game. My dad is a big influence on me. So too is Randy Gilmer.
What is you favorite food?
Seafood / Steak
What teams will be the toughest games this year?
District play is tough. Cy-Falls and Langham Creek are always tough to play. Cy-Lakes is gonna be really tough. Cy-Woods is down in talent, but are used to winning. Ft. Bend Travis has three of the best players in Houston. Strake Jesuit is always talented. Klein Forest is always a great game when we play. Those are some of the few.
What is the most difficult task when coaching basketball?
All the extra voices in these kids ears. You are what you see and hear everyday. Too many people influence these kids in the wrong way and for the wrong reasons. This has made basketball a very selfish game.

Who is you favorite college coach?
I've been studying a lot of Tom Izzo lately. So I'll say him.
Give you definition of a good coach.
Positive but demanding. Teaches teamwork and toughness everyday on and off the court.
What music do you listen to before a game? I don't listen before a game, but Biggie radio on Pandora is playing in the background as we do this interview.
Who is the best players you’ve ever coached?
I've been fortunate to coach some great players, the three most talented - Karon Bradley, Phillip McDonald (New Mexico), Erik Williams (Marquette). 
The three best kids I've coached - Randall Hopkins, Marquel McKinney, and Tim Hugele - They displayed a perfect team attitude & toughness. They gave everything they had to the team everyday for 4 years
What are some goals for this season?
We are going to be better defensively - "nothing easy" is our defensive motto. Also we need to get back to a feeling of teamwork and commitment to what we are trying to do. We have lost the spirit of team the last few seasons and we have played accordingly. I think this year we have kids who want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. That is an important step towards becoming a good team.