Memorial Day Results-Saturday Report

Memorial Day Weekend is typically the end of the school year, and it's also the time when many teams make their first serious travel plans for the season.  Texas D1 has already been on the road numerous times including trips to Las Vegas, Phoenix & Denver and this weekend the groups are split between Dallas, Houston & Waco, TX.  Most teams still have players with conflicts over proms, family reunions, graduations & in some cases still studying for final exams as bad weather days have been tacked on to some schools calendars.  I must be getting old.  Did we ever go to school after Memorial Day???

Great American Shootout- Dallas, TX

Texas D1 Ambassadors-Hardge
Pool play results for Texas D1 Ambassadors-Austin were mediocre as they lost a close one late by a 62-57 score to the Dallas Mustangs.  They then followed that up by squandering a first half lead and losing to Corpus Christi Islanders 82-73 in one of the Super Pools.

It was the first tournament back for 2012 Allex Austin of San Marcos.  He is basketball rusty after taking three months off to high jump.  It was time well spent on the track though as he recorded the Nation's highes jump at 7'2", and then won the Texas State Championship with a 6'10" jump.  Austin is super bouncy and long.  He looks to have grown almost two inches and is right near 6'7".

2012 Allex Austin of San Marcos

Saturday also marked the return of 2012 Matt Gramling of San Antonio MacArthur.  The 6'2" combo was also a little rusty but looks super strong.  He's been nursing hamstring injuries and prepping for a senior year where he'll likely play QB for the Brahmas as well.  Gramling has a "soft verbal" to Army at the moment.  He recently visited Lafayette, but still is open to the right alternative if it arises.  I expect him to have a great summer.

2012 Matt Gramling of San Antonio MacArthur

Texas D1 Ambassadors-San Antonio

Coach Josephs was considering taking the weekend off when 6'9" Connor Lammert & 6'7" Shelby Lane had family functions causing them to miss this weekend's action.  This created opportunity for other players though and it also marked the return of San Antonio Player of the Year, Cole Martinez of San Antonio Central Catholic. He didn't disappoint as the area's #1 shooter who is committed to Air Force had scoring totals of 25 & 23 in his two outings. 

Left: 2011 Cole Martinez (Air Force) & Right: 2012 Adam Perez of San Antonio Clark

 
Another dual sport athlete to watch out for is 2012 F 6'5" Aaron Ramirez of tiny 2A Santa Rosa.   It was also his first hoops action of the spring. He's built like a brick wall and nearly tore the rim down twice as he freaked the oop vs the Houston Lynx, finishing with 18 points. 

Texas D1 Ambassadors-San Antonio scored an 82-63 win over Texas Blue Chips and then overcame a 9 point first half deficit to finish off the Houston Lynx 88-72.

Franchise All Stars Memorial Day Tournament-Houston, TX

Franchize All Stars 74 Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston  61
Franchize broke open a close game late by knocking down free throws as they won going away, despite 2012 Devon Turk's 24 points & 2011 Keynan Willis' 12 points & 5 boards.  Josh Gray of Houston Christian Life & Bahamian star Wannah Bail led the Franchize All Stars.

Devon Turk of Houston St. Pius

Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston  71  Pearland Stars 38
In one of those "filler" pool games, everyone got in on the act as Texas D1 was led by 2012 Chase Brogna with 15, Devon Turk had 12 & 2012 Alex Caruso also chipped in with a dozen.  2013 Johnathan Motley continues to show offensive improvement as the 6'8" F had 10 points, 5 rebounds & 2 blocks.

2012 Chase Brogna of Houston St. Thomas

Austin Bowie's Trey Lindsey Opts For Louisana Monroe

One of Austin's deep class of 2010 has committed to play for Louisiana-Monroe in the Sun Belt Conference.  After graduating from Austin Bowie, Trey Lindsey went to the Army Prep School where he had a solid year and was to be a big part of the Black Knights plans at West Point for the coming season.  (2011-12). The extra year proved quite fruitiful for the kid with the big time grades and possessor of a sweet shot from beyond the arc.

Trey Lindsey shown below with Austin Bowie

Lindsey kept growing and is now a solidly built 6'6" player ready to play the three and some four position in the Sun Belt.  His body is a far cry from when he played for legendary Bowie Coach Celester Collier.  Trey decided that the commitment to West Point and subsequent requirement to serve was ultimately not the best fit for him.  He'll now have the opportunity to provide much needed help to a Louisiana-Monroe squad that will look for dramatic improvement from their 7-24 record.

Lindsey during a timeout with Army's Prep squad this past season

I had a chance to grab a Starbuck's yesterday with Papa Jon Lindsey who filled me in on his son's decision.  Many of you remember that Jon coached, and Trey played on the Class of 2010 Texas D1 Ambassadors teams that won Hal Pastner's Kingwood Classic back to back, dropping Indiana Elite and Arkansas Hawks in the final four of what was then the most prestigious prep event in the country.

Congratulations to Trey and his Family (Jon & LeAnn) as he'll have a chance to play closer to home and pursue his education and fulfill his dreams of playing Division One basketball.-Coach Max Ivany & The D1 Ambassadors Family

Kerrville Tivy's Jonathan Perry To Dallas Baptist

One of my favorite players, and more importantly one of my favorite people, Jonathan Perry has signed with Dallas Baptist University.  Perry is a two year veteran of the Texas D1 Ambassadors and a 4 year starter and All State selection for Coach Brian Young at Kerrville Tivy. At the end of the summer of 2010, Perry was offered a scholarship by Coach Tim Floyd & UTEP.  By that time, he had committed to do a year of prep school at Fork Union. The Perry Family's word was their bond and he bypassed UTEP. 

While at For Union, Perry also received D1 offers from Winthrop, Wofford & Houston Baptist.  Once again, following his conscience and beliefs, Perry has spurned the allure of D1 and has signed with Dallas Baptist Univeristy.  I am very close to the Perry Family and have the utmost respect for his decision geared towards serving the Lord and making the world a better place. 

Perry is capable of playing the one, two or three.  He handles the ball well, shoots it out to the three point line, defends hard & rebounds much bigger than his 6'4". Congratulations to Jonathan & His Family from the D1 Ambassadors-Coach Max Ivany

Dallas Baptist Press Release
The Dallas Baptist Patriot men’s basketball team is pleased to announce the addition of four new players for the 2011-12 academic year, one of which is Kerrville Tivy High School and Fork Union Military Academy graduate Jonathan Perry. He is a 6’4” combo guard who graduated in 2010 from Tivy High School playing under the tutelage of Coach BrianYoung. During the 2010-2011 academic year, Jonathan participated in a post-grad year at the prestigious Fork Union Military Academy where he played for legendary coach Fletcher Arritt. While at Tivy High School, Jonathan averaged a combined almost 22 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 blocks, and 3 steals per game. Jonathan received All District Honors all four years of high school as well as being named to the All West Texas Team as a sophomore and All Region as a junior and senior. In addition, Jonathan was the District 27 4-A MVP as a junior and a senior and was named to the Texas Association of Basketball Coach’s All State Team as a senior. Jonathan was involved in the Capstone Mentoring program, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Fields of Faith, Relay for Life, and D.A.R.E. while in high school. During the summers, Jonathan played for Coach Max Ivany and the Texas D-I Ambassadors. At Fork Union, under the direction of COL Fletcher Arritt and CPT Brooks Berry, Jonathan helped lead the team to an incredible 26-7 record against some of the top post-graduate teams in the country.
Below: Prior to the Desert Duel, Coach Max, Rick Perry & Jonathan Perry below strapped it on in a skins game.  Young Perry came out the winner, much to the chagrine of us old timers. 

DBU Patriot coach, Blake Flickner says,” Jonathan is a versatile player with a bright future. He is skilled, athletic, and plays extremely hard. It’s obvious that he has been well coached because his understanding of how to compete and play at a high level is beyond a normal college freshman. He also possesses a special work ethic that will allow him to continue to improve every year.”

Elite 8 In The Desert Wrap Up

Sunday started out in disappointing fashion for the Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston as they laid an egg in their bracket game, losing 50-40 to the California Future.  After closing the gap to a 2 point game, texas D1 coiuld not finish around the rim missing countless layups.  Going 0-7 from the free throw line when it was a two point game with 4 minutes left sealed their fate. Nobody reached double figures, with Houston Yates 2012 F Maurice Letcher-Ellis leading the team with 8 points, 4 rebounds and 4 blocks.

The good news is that I was freed up to watch the championship bracket play of the this top class event.  Along the way, several of the favorites tumbled.  In addition to the Texas D1 Ambassadors, Belmont Shore (CA) didn't even make bracket play and the highly touted Compton Magic lost the championship game.  The top performers that I observed over the weekend in no particular order were:

2012 Alex Caruso                     Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston (TX)
Caruso stubbed his toe in his last bracket game but continues to grow his national pub with his all around play.  At almost 6'6" he can run the 1, 2 or 3.
2012 Gabe York                        Compton Magic (CA)
Smooth, scoring machine.  York is a big time player who can get to the rim at will, and when there rise above it.  He's got deep range and will be a high major star/pro down the road.
2013 Cullen Neal                       Danny Granger Hurricanes (NM)
The son of New Mexico Coach Craig "Noodles" Neal is on his way to a national rep.  Just a baby, but he understands the game, competes hard, can shoot it from anywhere on the floor and makes team mates better.
2013 Jeremiah April                  Compton Magic
The young big (6'10") has his coming out party and oozes potential at the highest level.
2012 Jimmy Elder-Chapman     San Diego Warriors (CA)
An unfortunate concussion in the semi final landed Chapman in the hospital, missing his San Diego Warriors overtime win over Compton Magic 48-46.  That's the only thing which stopped the 6'7" Chapman all weekend as he scored inside and out. 

Big props to his team mates who came into the event unheralded.  They suffered another injury in addition to Chapman's and played the championship game with no subs and not a single player over 6 foot to down the huge Compton squad.

San Antonio Churchill's Clark Lammert To Texas Tech

San Antonio Churchill & Texas D1 Ambassadors forward, 6'7" Clark Lammert has committed to play basketball for Texas Tech University.  Tech Coach Billy Gillispie has a reputation for giving his walk on players more than a fair chance to earn substantial playing time and to eventually earn a scholarship.  Lammert is extremely coachable, attentive to detail & a tireless worker who never complains.  He should fit in well with the Red Raiders as that will be their trademark.

He led Coach Tim Woods San Antonio Churchill Chargers to a 25 win season paired alongside his brother 2012 Connor Lammert.  He lists being able to share that experience with his sibling as one of the coolest things about his senior year.  He averaged 16 points & 7 rebounds for Churchill. Clark proved tough on the summer circuit as well, and led the Texas D1 Ambassadors-San Antonio to countless wins and a Great American Shootout title.

San Antonio Churchill & Texas D1 Ambassador Clark Lammert To Texas Tech

After this, his senior campaign, Lammert was named 1st Team All-District (26-5A), 1st Team All Area, & 1st Team All Region.  He was also named as All-City Super Team by the San Antonio Express-News.  Lammert runs the floor well, rebounds consistently, has a variety of nice moves close to the goal & can also step out to hit the three ball.  Congratulations to Clark, & the Lammert Family!-Coach Max Ivany

In addition to Lammert, Coach Gillispie has also added G Luke Adams to the roster.  The savvy guard from Big Spring, TX also played for the Texas D1 Ambassadors before finishing up with the New Mexico Force.  He is the son of Howard Coach Mark Adams who won a NJCAA National Championship last year.  Luke grew up under his dad's tutelage around the Howard College players and is wise beyond his years. Congratulations to the Adams Family!-Coach Max Ivany

Texas D1 Ambassadors Go 3-0 At The adidas Elite 8 in the Desert

It has been a long, but productive day in the Phoenix heat for the Texas D1 Ambassadors. They wrapped up pool play against a couple of solid opponents, including a tough late game matchup over Orange County (CA).  They head to bracket play early Sunday morning against an opponent to be determined.  This was one of those days where everyone made contributions, yet nobody stood head and shoulders above anyone else, with all 10 players seeing significant & meaningful minutes.  This should have us fresh for the bracket play tomorrow which will require 4 wins to take home the 'ship.

Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston  66  West Coast Elite (CA)  46
With 15 minutes left in the second half and only a one point lead, Texas D1 went on a big run and won going away.  2012 Alex Caruso had 13 points, 3 assists, 3 steals & 4 rebounds while 2012 Chase Brogna had 11 points & added 3 assists.  2011 G Jalen Washington  had 8 points & 8 rebounds.

Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston  68  CTB All Stars (AZ)  41
CTB was made up mostly of players from Westwind Prep School located in Phoenix, AZ.  They shot the ball well, but had no answers for Texas D1's height and athleticism.  2012 G Devon Truk led with 14 points and 2013 F 6'8" Johnathan Motley one of Texas' top emerging big men had 12 points & 9 boards.  2011 Mark Nwakamma had 6 points & controlled the boards, snagging 11 of them.

2013 F 6'8" Johnathan Motley is shown below at a leadership conference in Washington, DC. He's one of Texas emerging big men and is also an excellent student.

Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston  54  Orange County (CA)  47
Falling beind 13-1, Texas D1 out on an amzing 5 niunte run to go into the half with a 26-24 lead.  2011 Keynan Willis blocked 3 shots in a row & followed that up by running the floor and finishing with 3 emphatic dunks.  The second half was nip and tuck as Orange County went up 45-43.  Texas D1 ended the game on a 11-2 run, including 4 straight free throws from 2012 Chase Brogna to seal the deal. Nwakamma had 10 points while 2012 F Maurice Letcher-Ellis had 10 points and 6 boards.

In other notes, San Antonio Brennan's Johnny Azzinarro, one of my favorite lead guards in the Class of 2013 was in uniform with the Arizona Dream Team, leading them to a 2-1 record in Day One.  Azzinarro's family has temporarily relocated to the Phoenix area but they expect to be back in the Alamo City come the school year.   Also moonlighting for CTB was Austin St. Stephen's Parth Vakil as his Ambassadors Austin team had the week off.

2013 Johnny Azzinaro

There was a Brandon Webster sighting in the desert as the 6'10" post was attending the predraft camp at Grand Canyon University when I dropped by to see the workouts and take our guys on a campus visit.

Brandon Webster (Fresno State) goes strong to tbe cup vs Boise State in a game in 2009.

When I walked in to Grand Canyon University yesterday to watch some of the predraft workouts, I hear a "What's up Coach Max?" from Texas D1 Ambassadors & Bryan High alum Brandon Webster.  Big Webb has lost weight and looks good as he looks to continue his pro career.  He was in El Salvador most recently.  Best of luck, Webb from the D1 Ambassadors Family!-Coach Max

Texas D1 Arrives In Phoenix For The adidas Elite 8 In The Desert

The Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston arrived in Phoenix this morning for the adidas Elite 8 in the Desert to compete against some of the West's best talent in AAU powerhouses Belmont Shores (CA) & Compton Magic (CA).  The first stop was to drop by Grand Canyon University which is currently a top notch D2 program. The Head Coach at GCU is my friend, Russ Pennell one of the classiest guys in the business.  (He was the former Head Coach at Arizona, & Assistant at Oklahoma State, Arizona State & Ole Miss).

GCU is set to open it's beautiful new 5000 seat arena in August, and have applied to be accepted to the Western Athletic Conference in the next year or two.

Coach Max & Russ Pennell @ Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ

The event is organized by Chad Groth of Area Codes Basketball & Etop Udoma of the Compton Magic.  Texas D1 has already received some great advance publicity from Jeff Meadow's http://www.hoopsreport.com/ .

Chad Groth of http://www.areacodesbasketball.com/ & Coach Max Ivany @ The D1 Nation College Coaches Mixer in Houston, TX during the Final Four.

Texas D1 Ambassadors Roster For The adidas Elite 8 in the Desert

2012   Chase Brogna                   PG        6'0"            Houston St. Thomas

2012   Michael Hardge                PG        6'0"            Georgetown

2012   Alex Caruso                      CG        6'6"            College Station A&M Consolidated

2012   Devon Turk                       SG        6'3"            Houston St. Pius

2012   Maurice Letcher-Ellis       F           6'7"            Houston Yates

2013   Johnathan Motley             F           6'8"            Houston Northshore

2011   Mark Nwakamma             F           6'6"            Leander

2013   Parker Callender               F           6'7"            Houston Clear Springs

2011   Keynan Willis                    F           6'9"            Crosby 

2011   Jalen Washington              SG        6'4"           Pflugerville Hendrickson

Great American Shootout: Dallas, TX

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom,  to my grandson's mothers; Mila Ivany and Judy Jones & of course to my girl, Miss Yolanda who is nice enough to let us head out on a basketball/business trip this weekend.  :-)

This is a tough weekend to field a basketball team  because along with it being Mother's Day many players are writing the SAT or ACT, participating in high school all star games, & let's not forget proms!  The field at this GASO is so-so.  It's also one of the few times that the Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston will play in their home state of Texas before heading off to Phoenix & Chicago during the month of May.

Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston 55  Dallas Hurricanes  42
GASO uses officials who are being graded by other college level zebras for the possibility of moving into the college ranks.  Give today's crew an F, as they blew the whistle incessantly which allowed the game to have no flow.  2012 F 6'7" Maurice Letcher-Ellis of Houston Yates led the way with 14 points, 8 rebounds & 5 steals, while 2012 Devon Turk of Houston St. Pius chipped in with 10 while 2012 Joshua Hagins of Bossier City Airline (Louisiana) had 9.

2012 F 6'7" Maurice Letcher-Ellis of Houston Yates

Texas D1 Ambassadors 68  DJH5   48
2012 Devon Turk came out flicking it from deep, knocking down 15 first half points, cruising to a game high 21.  2012 Chase Brogna of Houston St. Thomas had 13 & 5 assists while 2012 Alex Caruso of College Station A&M Consolidated filled the stat sheet with 7 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists & 3 steals.

2012 Chase Brogna of Houston St. Thomas & 2012 Devon Turk (right) of Houston St. Pius

 

2012 Devon Turk (right) of Houston St. Pius

                    

That concludes their pool play, with bracket play beginning Sunday morning against the 2013 Dallas Mustangs, a talented group of Metroplex sophomores.  Texas D1 Ambassadors-Austin lost both their pool games but were super pooled to the main bracket as well.

Sunday Bracket Play

Texas D1 Ambassadors-Austin  65   Dallas Heroes  53
A close game at halftime, quickly changed to a D1 runaway as the Heroes wilted under the pressure defense.  They were led by 2012 G Michael Hardge of Georgetown with 12 points & 2011 Brooks Pawsat of Austin Hyde Park who scored 11.  The real story here is the continued development of 2013 PG T.J. Williams of Pflugerville whose leadership and feel for the game as a sophomore is superior.  He had 15 points in the win; hitting from behind the arc, in the mid range, at the rim all while looking to make his team mates better.

2012 G Michael Hardge of Georgetown

2013 T.J. Williams of Pflugerville

Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston 82 Dallas Mustangs-Booker  77
This was a great summer basketball game with lots of ebbs & flows as the Mustangs raced out to a 23-10 spurt to start the game.  Texas D1 came roaring back and took the lead at the half, 40-38.  2011 F 6'9" Keynan Willis of Crosby ended up as the games high scorer as he led Texas D1 with 23 points & 6 rebounds.  The Mustangs led 73-66 with less than 3 minutes remaining.  That's when 2012 G 6'6" Alex Caruso took his team on his shoulders down the stretch showing why he's one of the country's hottest emerging prospects this spring finishing the game on a 15-4 run for the win.

2011 G Jalen Washington          13 points   5 Assists   5 rebounds
2012 G Chase Brogna                8 points     5 assists
2012 F Maurice Letcher-Ellis    6 points 11 rebounds
2012 G Devon Turk                    12 points
2012 G Hoshua Hagins               5 points   6 assists
2012 G Alex Caruso                    14 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists & 7 steals!

2011 Jalen Washington (left) of Pflugerville Hendrickson is one of Texas' top unsigned prospects.  After having decommitted from Mount St. Mary's (MD) last November, Washington has reopened his recruitment and will be a nice summer catch for a school looking for a guard who can give you minutes at the 1, 2 or 3 positions. 
                 

2012 Alex Caruso of College Station A&M Consolidated continues to see his stock soar over the last two months.

                   

Fort Worth Firm   58  Texas D1 Ambassadors-Austin   51
Texas D1 faded down the stretch as a lack of intensity continues to plague them.  2012 G Michael Hardge led the squad with 18 points.  They'll be bolstered from this point forward by 2012 G Matt Gramling who is finally ready to make his hoops debut after dealing with ankle & hamstring issues the past two months.  He'll also be joined by the country's top prep high jumper in 2012 W 6'5" Allex Austin who goes for his State Championship today.  He holds the nation's top jump at 7'2". (His father, Charles Austin was the Olympic Champion back in the day).  Allex told me on Facebook this Saturday that hoops is his first love and he can't wait to get on the hardwood next week.  We can't wait either, Allex.  Bring home the 'ship, Baby!

Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston 64  Dallas Top Achievers Pistons  61
A serious ankle injury to Joshua Hagins of Bossier City Airline (LA) will really hamper D1 for the rest of the event as he's their best on ball defender. Hagins is tough to stay in front of on the offensive end as well so he'll be missed.
The D1 Ambassadors have a history of great players from the State of Louisiana.  Our latest is 2012 G Joshua Hagins of Bossier City Airline.  Hagins is a hardnosed defender, a court general & can also bury his shot from the perimeter.

Top Achievers trots out one Texas' most promising big men in 2012 F 6'11" Prince Ibeh.  He gave fits all game long to anyone who came around the basket, altering & blocking shots.  He has a great future.  Texas D1 overcame double digit deficits three different times during the game, the last time when it counted most. 

2011 G Jalen Washington of Pflugerville Hendrickson was money down the stretch as he finished with 17 point, 6 rebounds & 5 assists.  His last two buckets were putbacks off misses for the victory.  Credit Keynan "Slim" Willis for going at Ibeh all game long.  He finished with 16 points & 5 rebounds while Devon Turk added 17 points & Chase Brogna dropped 10.

Dallas Mustangs 77  Texas D1 Ambassadors-67
It's always fun strapping it on with my old friend, Tony Johnson and his Dallas Mustangs program.  We've had many great battles over the years.  He caught us short on this one though as with only 6 healthy players Texas D1 could not make a second half run.  There was no answer for 6'7" 265lb R.L. White as he bullied his way down low while combining a soft touch along with nifty footwork in the paint.  He was the difference.

Keynan Willis had 16 points in the first half, but cramps had him on the bench the entire second half of play. Chase Brogna continues to emerge in his lead guard role as he had 12 points & 6 assists (with only one turnover).  Brogna was our most efficient shooter all weekend by far as he shot over 50% from the field.  Devon Turk added 15 points & Maurcie Letcher Ellis had another cusotmary double double.

The Mustangs ended up losing the Championship to Flower Mound Marcus group which shows how tough a high school team they are.  Phil Forte, Marcus Smart, A.J. Luckey & Nick Banyard are TOUGH!

SA Central Catholic & Texas D1 Ambassador Cole Martinez to Air Force

2011 G Cole Martinez of San Antonio Central Catholic is flanked by his parents, Mr & Mrs. Reuben Martinez as he signs his scholarship papers to the United States Air Force Prep School

The folks over at Central Catholic had a classy news conference set up for Buttons star Cole Martinez as he confirmed his college commitment to Air Force.  My old friend, & Central Catholic Head Coach Romy Vela summed it up best when he said that "Cole was not only a great basketball player, but was on his way to serve his country and to be an officer & a gentleman".

Martinez (shown below in the Black & orange of the Texas D1 Ambassadors) is one of the most prolific scorers & classiest young men to ever wear the uniform.  He's a pure shooter who is also adding breadth to his repertoire with improved ball handling ability to create his own shot off the bounce.  His resume' includes leading the City of San Antonio in scoring & being named the Express News Player of the Year. He'll have a great career with the Falcons.

Congratulations to Cole & His Family as he continues to fly high!'Coach Max Ivany

D1Nation Live- Houston ...Results & Sweet 16 Top Prospects

Champions were crowned in 6 divisions of the D1 Nation Live-Houston event this past weekend. 

Girls Junior "WNBA"                 Lady Phenom

Girls "WNBA"                             Go Hard

Boys 13U                                      Sheldon Panthers

Boys 14U                                      Sheldon Panthers
Boys Junior Varsity                     Beaumont Hoop Stars
Boys Varsity                                Mississippi D1 Ambassadors

2012 Akilah Johnson            Fort Bend Hightower   (TX)                       Just Us
Johnson, an undersized post went hard all weekend long, averaging a double double. Great motor, she now has to concentrate on face up skills for next level play.  Older sister is a G at Sam Houston State, so she's one to watch as she develops.

2011 Mykia Jackson            Baytown Sterling          (TX)                       Boom City Hornets
Jackson was clearly the best PG in the gym this past weekend on the ladies side. Never in a hurry, but always on time in running the offense, getting her team mates a shot or choosing her spots to get her own points really caught my eye.  An unsigned senior with quality grades, someone needs to scoop her up at the JuCo or D-3 level.  She also defends well and gets more than her share of steals.

2016 Derrick Alston             Fort Bend                      (TX)                                 Houston Defenders
This razor thin, but skilled youngster can shoot the three, get to the basket and generally makes the right basketball plays.  Pops played in The League with the 76ers so Alston has good genes.  Could end up being 6'8"-6'10" before it's all said and done.

2016 Colbie Barnes              Fort Bend                      (TX)                          Houston Defenders
Barnes is a nice looking prospect.  At 6'3" and with a long, solid body he controlled the boards.  More than that though, he has a nice feel for the game and is in the right place at the right time.

2012 Ryshinique Ball           Clear Springs                (TX)                             Diva Storm
Ball, at 5'7" is a lanky prospect who has a knack for rebounding the ball, a nice face up game & the ability to alter shots. She had a game high 19 in one contest.

2013 Donte' Butler               Dexter                          (MS)                     Mississippi D1 Ambassadors

Butler was one of two super sophs in my Sweet 16.  He handles the ball well, gets to the rim and finishes once he gets there. 

2012 Albert Driver               Baytown Sterling          (TX)                      Gulf Coast Phenoms
Driver, at almost 6'4" has the body to be a college guard.  He has a nice skill set and playes above the rim.

2012 Ashley Adams              South Houston             (TX)                                          W.A.R.
Adams was the key to her team's success.  She shot the three ball, was extremely physical on the boards and defended hard on the perimeter.

2012 Domonique Criddle      Pearland Dawson        (TX)                                   Go Hard
Criddle was the regulator in the paint all weekend, as she led her Go Hard squad to the title.  She scored 20 in one game, and was almost scoreless in the championship contest but she affected the game in other ways.  Her rebounding and the way she altered shots made her an asset even when she wasn't scoring down low.

2013 Darrion Martin            Houston Yates             (TX)                                 Houston Battle
Martin was a scoring machine, including having 20 in the title game loss.  He can get to the rim with the best of them.  Just what Houston Yates needs, another cat that can flat get after it!

2012 Jarvous Hickey           Houston Yates              (TX)                     Houston Battle
Hickey had 26 in the title game loss.  He has a smooth & deadly stroke, which he can hit while pulling up off the bounce.
2012 Bryant Magee              West Marion                (MS)                  Mississippi D1 Ambassadors
Hands down the most explosive player in the gym.  Magee got to the rim most anytime he wanted, showed he also had a jumper when necessary & had a handful of highlight reel dunks where he was WAY ABOVE the rim.  At 6'2" Magee was also a tough defender and as good a shot blocker as I've seen.

2012 Avery Woodson          Wayne County              (MS)                   Mississippi D1 Ambassadors
It's not hard to see how Wayne County won the Mississippi State 6A Championship game over powerhouse Jackson Lanier with a backcourt of Woodson & Alex Lacey (see below).  Woodson showed DEEP range, and a picturte perfect jumper off the catch and shoot or the bounce.  He was unconscious, and also got to the rim when he chose that route.  Easy to see why he was at Memphis last week on an unofficial visit.  He's that caliber of player.

2013 Seth Moore                 Beaumont Ozen           (TX)                         Beaumont Hoop Stars
Moore was a scoring machine. He was a threat from any place on the floor; three point line, mid range or at the cup.

2012 Alex Lacey                  Wayne County             (MS)               Mississippi D1 Ambassadors
Lacey is a powerfully built guard who regularly got to the rim, took contact and finished in traffic for "And 1" buckets.  He showed deep range on his three as well and was a very physical defender.

2012 Darnell Theriot                   Houston St. Thomas                      All 4 Sports Dream Team

Theriot is a well built, physical guard who can score or look to get penetration then kick to get his team mates looks so they can finish.