We are in the heart of district play and the Texasboysbasketball.com staff looks back at some of the storylines from the scholastic season. Who is the top 2019 prospect in Houston? Where does DJ Thorpe rank amongst a crop of talented big men in the 2019 class? We dive in to those subjects in our TBB Storylines
Isaac Likeleke In-Season Production Ranks amongst Top in State of Texas
Future Fresno State Bulldog Isaac Likeleke has produced at a high level for his Mansfield Timberview squad as he has been the engine that makes the car go for the Wolves. Rebounding, willing his way to the paint, and taking the task of guarding the opposing team’s top perimeter player, regardless of thoughts of the next level projection as far as where it translates for Isaac, there is no doubting his production during the season as he has led Timberview to a 16-5 record and 4-2 in conference play.
DJ Thorpe Rises in Rankings, Becoming a Legitimate High Major Prospect
The hottest rising prospect in the 2019 class in the Lone Star State is DJ Thorpe of Lake Travis. The 6’10 big man moves well, possess athleticism and motor that high major coaches are taking notice. With recent offers from Texas A&M, UVA, TCU and Kansas State, the #13 ranked player on Texasboysbasketball.com can see himself in the top 10 with productive performances against high level bigs.
Donovan Williams The Top 2019 prospect in Houston?
There is a lot to like about the Elkins standout as “Stretch” which he is called utilizes his length when he competes. The staff has gotten the chance to see Williams a few times this season and his strong performances and high upside has landed him number 25 in the TBB database (#2 in Houston RCS). By the scholastic season’s end which gives the staff more of a body of work, the way it’s trending, Williams will see the jump and be the number 1 prospect in Houston.
Freshmen Making Strong Contributions on Varsity Level
We have kept track of the 2021 class with our Freshman Report. While it’s been a while for the 5th edition (coming soon) several freshman have logged in heavy minutes for their varsity squads. Arthur Kaluma of Universal Academy has played in contests where he looked to be the best player on the court with other D1 prospects manning the floor. Xavier Rhodes for Skyline has grown 4 inches since 8th grade and his feet, hands, length and touch translates to a top 5 spot when our 2021 rankings release. Duncan Powell of Desoto, has provided strong-production coming off the bench as the talented forward has seen a smooth transition to the speed and physicality of the game. Probably the most productive guard in the 21’ class in Wade Taylor as the Lancaster product has manufactured powerful performances in big games for the Tigers (20 pts against Oak Hill, 26 pts vs South Oak Cliff). Houston possess several promising prospects with the Sam Rayburn tandem of Keon Edwards and Jerel Colbert, which both could see their name in our top 5 in 2021. Cream of the Crop Alum PJ Neal for The Heights has been averaging over 6 assists a game as the starting point guard and another Cream of the Crop Alum Chris Felix of Hightower has excelled in his role for the Hurricanes. Another prospect I am high on is Kaleb Stewart of Crosby and Noah Kon of Houston Christian. Both have produced when the staff has watched them play and have used the school season to boost their stock.
Larry Wise Chooses A Program That He Will Thrive In
Wise was among the top unsign seniors when the fall rolled around and the talented wing for Waxahachie committed to play for Drake University next fall. Drake, who currently is 1st in the Missouri Valley League will be losing 5 of their 6 top scorers next year and Wise will have the opportunity to come in and contribute right away. The staff views Wise chose was a great fit for him and believe he will be a All Conference Standout for the Bulldogs and manufacture a nice four year career at Des Moines.