Uncategorized

The grassroots season has come to a close and as we shift gears to camps (Cream of The Crop, Southwest Regional) and the scholastic season on the horizon, we gather our notes from a busy spring/summer in Texas. Recruitment, analysis, expectations and more tidbits your way from the staff at Texasboysbasketball.com

Texas Impact 4:13

• 2020 big man Jonathan Aku more than held his own at the 17U level. Received offers from Texas A&M, LSU & Tulsa.
• KJ Cunningham’s stock rose in the summer. Talented, steady guard that produces on a consistent basis. Holds offers from Weber State, Tulsa, Longwood and several more.
• 2019 Joshua Miller had an up and down season. Finished out strong against D1 Minnesota in Vegas. A player that we expect to have a big season at Red Oak.
• 2019 Trezarian White played the  “Jaylan Walker” role for Impact. Undersized but a animal on the glass, and a prospect that makes plays on the court.

Texas Hardwork

• The July addition of 2019 Will Baker was a piece to help make UAA Finals run for Hardwork. Baker showcased why he is one of the top players in his class.
• 2021 KJ Adams game has made long strides. One of the premier prospects in his class.
• 2020 Micah Peavy displayed a versatile skill-set. He is treading the right direction and kept his Top 10 status.
• Hardwork possess a promising young but experienced crop with KJ Adams, 21’s Langston Love, Joseph Venzent, Coleton Benson & 2022 Austin Nunez.

Houston Hoops

• The Hoops went 8-4 with the addition of Kentucky Commit Tyrese Maxey during the EYBL Sessions. Maxey cemented his status as the top player in Texas.
• 2020 JaQuan Scott saw a fast rise in the rankings with his play. Played with grit, showcased more elements to his game as he received offers from Illinois and TCU.
• 15U Team won Peach Jam. See a lot of promise in 2021 Connor Redrow. 21’s Devin Martin & Reuben Fatheree anchored frontline this season.
• 2019 Donovan Williams exploded onto the scenes. Great showing at the NBPA Top 100 Camp – impactful two-way wing that the staff has been high on since the scholastic season. Texas is favorites to land the talented wing.

Dallas Showtyme

• An incredible July! Wins over Houston Hoops, Drive Nation, YGC36 were spearheaded by stellar play from 2019 Tre Jones and Cobe Williams. 2019 Kimball product Deaunte Lee was a threat from deep.
• the 2018 Summer edition of Erven “Big E” Davis’ Guard Factory didn’t disappoint. Tre Darthard, Lee and Williams were a handful for opposing backcourt prospects.
• 2019 Xavier Cork out of Sulphur Springs contributed in several ways for Showtyme. On the boards, swatting shots, being a vertical spacer. Holds offer from Texas State
• Kenyawn Bowie, who was a solid contributor in the paint throughout the season received an offer from Mississippi Valley State. Strong, rugged front-line prospect that uses strength to create angels.

Urban ASAK

• 2020 Jamal Shead is a fearless, confident play-maker. Making case for being top 10 player in 2020 class.
• 2019 Darius McBride was efficient on the floor. Made a statement as a top 40 prospect in his class. Texas State, Incarnate Word, Sam Houston, Denver, Brown, Hartford, UT Permian Basin have offered the talented wing out of Austin.

Urban DFW

• 2019 Marcus Sasser continued strong school season with an even stronger grassroots stint. SMU, Houston, UTEP & Colorado State consist his top 4. SMU & Houston according to sources are front-runners.
• 2021 Wade Taylor produced at the 17U level for Urban DFW.  Top 10 player in 2021 class.
• Another big contributor on the 17U team was Duncan Powell. Widening his game and showcased game that translates.
• After a stellar UIL State Championship performance for Dallas Carter;  2019 Zahad Munford compiled a string of  steady of performances in the summer as the 2-guard committed to Grambling State.

BMM

• 2020 Caleb Lohner started out the season with high level scoring outings. Pushing into the top 5 in the class. Up and down July but still one of the best prospects in his class.
• 2020 Quevian Adger is equipped with ample amount of talent. Plays with a lot of emotion which can work for him and against him at times. Received an offer from Central Connecticut in April, Creighton in July.
• 21′ Elijah Taylor manned the point. Steady, dependable guard that will crack our top 30. 2020 KJ Pruitt was added in July as he played downhill with the ball in his hands. Interesting to see when he will turn the corner.
• 2019 Le’Jon Doss received and committed to UTSA. High motor forward that has ability to be a glue guy for the Road Runners.

Drive Nation 17U

• Samuell Williamson by the spring could become the top player in 2019. Has refined his game and hasn’t shown a glaring weakness. Released top 10 Schools, could he go to his mom’s Alma Mater (Kansas)?
• Montavious Murphy committed to Kansas State. Wildcats were named front runner in June and actually gave a verbal in June according to sources. Murphy provides an intriguing inside and out scoring package.
• 2019 Drew Timme edged in the battle against other top big man Will Baker. Timme’s production hasn’t gone unnoticed to the staff and the country. Has released his top 10 schools as well. Front-line teammate 2019 Victor Iwuakor has been a priority for high major programs. Received 6 offers since July (LSU, Oregon, TCU, Illinois, Florida, Georgia. Arkansas is considered favorites according to sources.
• 2019 Avery Anderson’s production was up and down. When playing with confidence,  he is one of the premier guards in his class. Oklahoma State, LSU are considered favorites.
• 2019 Jahmius Ramsey generates issues for opposing defenders. Strong, relentless scorer that told the staff he will make his decision in the Spring of 2019

NXT Level Raiders

• Love what 21′ Zachary Clemence brings to the table. Big man that can shoot it, is skilled and could be a top prospect in his class when it’s all said and done. Will be heading to Findlay Prep in the Fall.
• Byron Armstrong – another 2021 is a big game performer. Aggressive scorer with a good feel.

Texas Pro

• In what maybe considered a down year for Marland Lowe’s group – Texas Pro still possessed prospects that are on the staff’s radar.
• 2019 Delore Johnson was a consistent producer on several categories. Garnered Sam Houston State offer and received Longwood offer after strong outings at the Center Court in Vegas.
• 20′ Pierce Spencer can shoot the cover out the basketball. Plays with some toughness and gets things done.

Mudiay Elite

• 20′ RJ Hampton is an electrifying scorer. Sound decision maker and is one of the top players in the country. Will he be the next Texas prospect to go to a Blue Blood?
• 2019 Tyreek Smith is an animal on the glass. Long, athletic and hasn’t scratched surface of his potential. Choosing from 3-4 schools. More on his recruitment will be coming soon.
• 20′ Darius Miles looks every bit of the part. Still trying to figure it out, but in spurts looked like a top 10 player.
• Curious case of 2019 Rodrigo Soares. Receiving D1 interest, but athleticism is a knock. Has mature, grown mans game and is a reliable scoring option.

3D Sports Bizness

• Night and day in comparison to 2019 Sam Freeman’s game from this time last year to now. Freeman is starting to figure it out. Vegas he was up and down but at the Lonestar Classic on Sunday, was an monster in the paint.  Minnesota, Old Dominion, TCU, UNT, Houston, UTA, LA Tech have offered according to Freeman
• Can’t leave 2019 Max Abmas space to shoot it. Abmas has shown he can run the point, hold his own defensively as Navy and Oral Roberts offered in July.
• 2019 Terrell Williams was a very dependable producer for 3D. Has visited UTA, we expect a D1 program to pull the trigger during the scholastic season. Teammate Jonathan McGhee is also intriguing. Tough, rebounds well for position and offensively further along than given credit.

TJ Ford – Austin

• Effort is a key piece for a big man that will translate to success. 2019 DJ Thorpe in July played with a lot more effort as he imposed his will in the paint. Kansas State, TCU, Cal-Berkley, Texas A&M and Tennessee are in the mix, but the Volunteers appear to be front-runners.
• 2019 Quinton Ford can put the ball through the hoop. Talented two-guard holds offer from Northern Colorado & UTA.
• Another talented scoring guard is 2019 Zach Taylor. He commands attention from defenses, scores in bunches and should see recruitment pick up. Big school season ahead for Taylor.

Edited by AB

I thought the 100-105 degree Texas heat couldn’t be beat this summer but the 110 dry heat in Las Vegas proved me completely wrong. The weather wasn’t the only heated element here in Vegas as the match-ups the TBB staff has watch have also been “fire.” Prospects from the Lone Star State have stood out in events such as the Las Vegas Center Court presented by Stacy Houston of DJH5 Reports, The Fab 48, Las Vegas Classic and the list continues. Wednesday and Thursday’s action was a memorable one as we take a look at our top performers.

Premier 2020 Prospects Made Their Mark

Drive Nation 16U

It was night and day in comparison’s to 2020 Cade Cunningham’s performances on Wednesday night to Thursday’s game. On Wednesday, Cunningham didn’t play well, energy wasn’t where it needed to be as he never got in a groove. However, he bounced back and orchestrated a very sound performance on Thursday vs New Jersey Playaz. He set up his teammates for open looks as his unselfish play rubbed off on his teammates. Cunningham’s versatility and IQ made him a tough cover. The frontcourt of Montreal Pena and Jay Wilson were also impressive as they both played with a lot of energy and looked to punish the rim when the opportunity was present.

Nike ProSkills 16U

2020 Joey Madimba really stood out to me with his hustle and  nose for the basketball. The wing against Woodz Elite produced 21 points. Zaakir Sawyer was also impressive adding  10 points into the equation but also fighting on the glass. Cody  Dean exploded for 25 points and 21 of those points came from the three point line. The Louisiana native couldn’t miss from deep and wanted the ball in his hands when the game was getting tight.

Houston Defenders 16U

It’s like watching a long boxing match; eventually a lot of body/head shots will wear down an opponent. Well watching  Eddie Lampkin relentlessly throw his big body around in the paint in a 32 minute ball game has the same effect to opposing big men as the physical post for the Houston Defenders was a handful in the paint. Lampkin against the Louisiana Supreme 16U recorded a double-double.  Hayden Hefner played with more aggression on Wednesday, as he was hunting for his shots, playing fast and showcased why he is getting recruited by high end D1 programs.

Texas Titans 16U

Skilled forward Jakobe Coles gets a lot done for the Texas Titans as the 4-man that goes to Denton Guyer connected on shots from deep, racked up a couple of assist and did the little things to effect the outcome of the game. His front-court mate Eduardo Andre was very solid as well as the lefty forward is intriguing with a developing skill-set that the staff is high about. Mike Miles continued to run the show as he executed on scoring opportunities and set the table up for his teammates.

YGC36 2020

Julian Larry is a blur in transition and there wasn’t anyone that could stay in front of him on Thursday at the Fab 48. Thailand Wesley game has grown on me and his ability to hunt for rebounds at his position, finish above the rim and knock down shots made him a standout. Nathan Dominick and 2021 Harrison Ingram also provided firm and steady production in YGC36’s win.

Team Harden 16U

2022 Bryce Griggs is was very productive for Team Harden, the rising freshman has done a good job all spring and summer taking the lead for the 16U team and we will continue to keep track of this promising prospect. 2020 Deuce Guidry shot it well from deep, he made defenders pay when given space.

Mo Taylor Elite

2020 Isaiah LeBlanc put together a scoring exhibition on Thursday at the Las Vegas Classic. He knocked down 6 Trey balls as he got in a rhythm early. 2020 Jayden Colleymore has a chance to be really good once he figures it out. Athletic, has a good looking jumper and recorded 7 rebounds in the first half for Mo Taylor. 2021 standouts Jerrell Colbert and Jimel Cofer provided plays that stood out to the staff. Colbert, who has a chance to be the top player in his class, had an up and down performance but he is equipped with things you can’t teach. Cofer was skying above defenders and was lethal in the open court.

RJ Hampton Produced

Top 2020 prospect RJ Hampton has been efficient at the Center Court. He showcased great range on his jumper as he exudes a lot of confidence when he played. Hampton orchestrated a 20 point outing and his blend of athleticism, size and skill makes him one of the top players in the country.

The Main Floor at Mansfield Legacy has been loaded with talent and college coaches. Thursday’s action included a headlined match-up between two of the premier grassroots programs in Texas with Texas Hardwork going toe to toe against Drive Nation. Will Baker or Drew Timme; who won the matchup? Jared Garcia comes back to Texas and a lot more content ahead.

The Matchup

This wasn’t just a battle between two of the top big men the state has to offer, 2019 Will Baker and Drew Timme are considered two of the best big men prospects in the country. Timme of Drive Nation from the beginning had his eyes zeroed in at the rim, orchestrated moves on top of moves on the block to generate a clean look. Baker of Texas Hardwork answered back with finishes around the rim, albeit not making shots from deep that he is accustomed to executing. When Timme scored, Baker would answer back with an assist or a bucket of his own. When Will gained momentum, Timme would power his way to the cup and shift the tide towards his direction. Drew finished with 16 points as we counted 9 rebounds and Baker strung together a near double-double himself with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists.

The Verdict: Performance wise I give the slight edge to Timme due to his efficiency from the field but when comparing prospects it’s more of a preference of what someone likes more than who is better. Both are highly skilled as Drew is better on the block offensively and plays with a little more of an edge but Baker, who is solid in the post, has a great feel, handles it and contains a smooth looking jumper that he regularly connects at a high clip from deep.

Jared Garcia Comes Back To Texas

2019 Jared Garcia, who originally attended Cypress Lakes (TX) during his freshman campaign is a student at St. Thomas More in Connecticut. Garcia, who was playing for grassroots programs up north, has decided to finish out his final summer season back home with the Houston Defenders. It’s been over two years since we have seen Jared and his game has gotten better since we saw him as a pup at Cy Lakes. He is a bowling bowl as he drives inside, his jumper has improved and on Thursday, Garcia strung together two solid performances and he will see his name on the TBB rankings going into the fall.

Evan Anderson’s Shines At The Main Floor

I enjoy watching the Hebron product play as there has been a maturation of his game in the past 12 months. Evan Anderson has always been able to really shoot the basketball but his decision making his made leaps towards the right direction. Anderson was a major key in 3D Empire’s win in the night cap game vs Houston Defenders.

Performers

Jahmius Jamsey, 2019 Guard – Drive Nation: Ramsey had a quiet first half against Texas Hardwork but orchestrated a strong second half for Drive Nation, scoring 12 points and pushing the momentum towards his team with an emphatic jam late in the second half.

Micah Peavy, 2020 Wing – Texas Hardwork: Peavy showed he belongs amongst the top tier in his class with his performance on Thursday. He managed to put together a 14 point outing but one play that still stays in my memory bank was him following up his own miss and throwing it down in traffic.

Max Abmas, 2019 PG -3D Empire: When 3D Sports were down early and by a good amount on Thursday, Abmas stayed poise and led his team to victory against TJ Ford – Austin: Abmas made shots, defended and has upped his stock this week.

Josh Davis, 2019 PG – Mudiay Elite: Davis is a tough, talented guard that has been effective offensively at the Main Floor. His play in the past two days has garnered the attention of college coaches and he was influential in Mudiay Elite beating BMM on Thursday.

Zach Taylor, 2019 SG  TJ Ford – Austin: One thing Taylor knows how to do is put that ball through the nets. Taylor made defenders pay when left open and Zach on both days has showcased his scoring abilities the first two days.

Donte Houston, 2020 SF/PF – Lonestar Elite: Houston has been one of the top 2020 performers at the Main Floor and Thursday in Mansfield, showcased his ability to rebound, score inside and out and is a prospect that has also seen a rise in his stock.

Jarius Hicklen, 2019 PG – Crab5 Elite: Hicklen was automatic from deep in Crab5’s win vs Mudiay Elite. Jarius knows how to play and the guard out of Desoto continues to impress.

Edited by AB

Mansfield Legacy High School was the place to be on a extremely hot 107 degree day in the DFW. The Main Floor presented by Stacy Houston of the DJH5 Report and Texasboysbasketball.com consisted of an ample amount of D1 prospects and college coaches. Who makes our Creme De La Creme from Wednesday’s action from the Main Floor? Big E with Dallas Showtyme does it again. Check out our notes from an eventful day in Mansfield.

Creme De La Creme

Samuel Williamson, 2019 Wing – Drive Nation: Williamson’s mid-post game on Wednesday was like watching poetry in motion. Utilizing his size and footwork, Williamson rises up on the defender, knocking down shots with ease. Williamson showcased why he is a coveted prospect for high major programs.

Tre Jones, 2019 PF – Dallas Showtyme: Jones was a standout, and he more than held his own as he took the tall task of guarding top 5 prospect Drew Timme of Drive Nation. Jones plays with an edge, blocked shots, knocked down a few jumpers and converted on baskets in the paint as Dallas Showtyme came out victorious against Drive Nation.

Will Baker, 2019 PF/C – Texas Hardwork: The #2 prospect on TBB, Baker size, skillset and motor was on display at the Main Floor. Baker put together a double-double against BMM on Wednesday and we are looking towards a premier matchup on Thursday against Drew Timme.

RJ Hampton, 2020 PG – Mudiay Elite: Hampton exploded for 25 points against Ballers Nation. Hampton gets whatever shot he wants off the dribble, make tough contested jumpers.

Wed.  Standouts

Caleb Lohner, 2020 Wing – BMM: Lohner was solid against Texas Hardwork. The top 10 prospect in the 2020 class for texasboysbasketball.com hit shots from deep and his performances solidified his position from the staff.

KJ Adams, 2021 Wing – Hardwork: Adams is a workhorse. He’s strong, athletic and the rising sophomore strung together a commendable game against BMM.

Cobe Williams, 2019 PG – Dallas Showtyme: The speedy guard was a handful for Drive Nation especially in the open court. Williams got to the paint, finished and did a good job running the team for Dallas Showtyme.

Jackson Kennedy, 2019 SF/PF – Ballers Nation: Kennedy, in a lose, helped his stock against Mudiay Elite. He put together 21 points, knocked down 3 trey balls and showcased a skillset that translates to the D1 level.

Drew Timme, 2019 PF – Drive Nation: Despite by Tre Jones giving him fits, Timme was still productive. Drew is a talented post prospect that showcased his high level skill set on the block.

Edite by AB

Sunday at the Lonestar Classic was… a classic, as teams coming from Atlanta at the UA Challenge and South Carolina from the Peach State flew back home and competed. Who won the matchup between Jacob Germany and Sam Freeman? Is Tre Jones out of Kennedale about to blow up? we have those answers here in our Sunday’s Edition of The Lonestar Classic.

Sam Freeman, Jacob Germany Went Toe to Toe

Court 1 at 12:20 featured a premier match-up of 3D Sports vs Team Griffin as the big men headlined the bout. Finding room to view the game was an obstacle in itself but after the game Jacob Germany of Team Griffin and Sam Freeman of 3D showcased why they are sure fire D1 prospects. Freeman started the game looking to dunk on Jacob coming off a drop step from the block. Early on, as the physically imposing Freeman threw his weight around in the paint, seemed to be dominating the match-up. Germany answered back, running the floor, finishing in transition and displaying the ability to shoot it from the perimeter. Freeman continued to be a handful in the paint as he got the edge in this one.

Tre Jones Caught Our Attention

The high flying forward out of Kennedale High School put on a aerial assault on Sunday. Tre Jones plays with a lot of energy, can impact the game without scoring the basketball, but also has shown strides as a offensive player. Jones recruitment should heat up this month and we are going to continue to keep track of the talented forward.

Big Man Austin Brewer Has Made Strides in His Game

When I first took a glimpse of the 2020 big man Austin Brewer; he was very raw, but showed promise. Brewer, who still has some ways to go is night and day from my first viewing. He runs the floor, knocks down shots from deep and plays with more of an edge. We will see Brewer at the Main Floor and we will see if he continues with his performances.

2022 Chris Marshall, Kamayau Blac More Than Held Their Own On The 17U Level

When watching #5 of the Houston Superstars, the TBB staff were very impressed with his ability to get to his spots and score. When we found out he was just going to be an freshman, we were even more impressed by Chris Marshall. What Chris showed this past weekend, he has been one of the top 3-5 prospects in his class in Houston. This is actually the second year Kamayau Blac for BigTyme Sports has played on the 17U level at the Lonestar Classic. Compared to last year, Blac looks way more comfortable on the court and the talented wing did his part to help his team and his stock.

Standouts

Jeremiah Keys, 2019 CG – Texas Impact 4:13: Keys was in our opinion the top guard performer for Texas Impact on Sunday at the Lonestar Classic. His athleticism definitely stands out but it was his sound decision making with the ball that impressed us.

Jonathan Aku, 2020 C – Texas Impact 4:13: Aku is a highly sought after big man in the 2020 class and the post for Texas Impact 4:13 was an impact performer in their comeback win vs Houston Superstars. Aku was blocking and changing shots at the rim and defensively made life difficult for anyone that went into the paint.

Jarius Hicklen, 2019 PG – Crab5 Elite: Hicklen just recently received an offer from Oklahoma Baptist and the Desoto product has made the most out of the July Live Period by stringing together strong scoring numbers and at the Lonestar Classic, he scored in a array of ways.

Jackson Kennedy, 2019 SF/PF – Ballers Nation: Other than catching a Region XIV Game, the TBB staff may head towards East Texas to keep up with Cumberland Academy forward Jackson Kennedy. Against the Dallas Mustangs, Jackson had two emphatic dunks on their big men that caught our attention. Kennedy has a promising looking jumper and is an intriguing prospect in the 2019 class.

Kenyawn Bowie, 2019 C- Dallas Showtyme: Bowie played and moved with a lot more confidence  as the strong big man out of Kimball HS played rebounded, was physical and offensively showed different parts of his game. We hope this carries into the Main Floor for Bowie.

Isaiah Range, 2019 SG – Dallas Mustangs: It was a tale of two halves for Isaiah Range as the first half against Ballers Nation, he was passive, afraid to make a mistake but in the second half, he was more engaged and was very influential in his team’s win.

Bryndon Looney, 2020 SF – The Program 17U: Looney is big, but he moves very well for a player his size, he knocked down shots from deep, has a solid handle and was a matchup problem in the The Program’s games at the Lonestar Classic.

Max Abmas, 2019 PG – 3D Sports: The marksman out of Dallas Jesuit connected on several shots from deep on Sunday. Max is savvy, he held his own defensively and made defenders pay when given space to shoot.

Ronald Harleston, 2019 Wing – Houston Superstars: When talking about a player that flies up and down the court, Ronald Harleston is that player. You see the Houston Madison wing jump for every rebound, try to dunk when the opportunity presents itself as he is a competitor.

Edited By AB

The 2018 Edition of the Lonestar Top 100 Camp provided live stats as all the games were streamed as well. A mass amount of Division 1 prospects were on hand at The Drive Nation Facility as college coaches also were present to find their next player. The TBB staff takes a look at the top standouts from the Lonestar Top 100 Camp. Texas Boys Basketball are excited about our new set of eyes. Rob Wright brings as much experience walking in the country. Once again we are excited to expand the wisdom.

Sam Freeman, 2019 C: Freeman was physical inside, throwing his body around and showcasing an improved game on the block. Sam will see a rise in his rankings when the updated list comes out. Freeman has been very impressive in the past 30 days.

Marcus Sasser, 2019 PG: Sasser on Wednesday made the right plays. He displayed his ability to score at a high clip as the talented guard out of Red Oak is primed for a huge July.

Terrell Williams, 2019 Wing: Williams is another prospect that has a chance to blow up in the July Live Period. Williams has good positional size and at the Lonestar Top 100 Camp showcased more of his game.

Djibril Diange, 2019 PF: Arguably the best prospect at the camp. When you combine his size, skill and athleticism, Diange is a definite D1 prospect. Competed and impacted the games he played on both ends.

Javveon Coleman, 2020 SF/PF: The forward out of Desoto caught the staff’s eyes about two weeks ago and at the Lonestar Top 100 Camp, he strung together a few strong performances on Wednesday. Coleman is long, has a nice game 15 ft in as he is a prospect that college coaches will need to take a look at.

Toney Green, 2021 Wing: Green has a strong frame and the rising sophomore knows how to use it. Green finished through contact, competed on the defensive end and the promising wing out of Fort Worth OD Wyatt caught our eye at the camp.

Scottie Turner, 2019 Wing: Turner’s size and built pops out as the strong wing out of Tyler, TX played with a lot of energy, blocked shots, showed a promising looking jumper and hunted for rebounds.

Jayden Colleymore, 2020 Wing: A very intriguing prospect for the staff  Jayden Colleymore out of Cinco Ranch. He has a good body, a nice scoring package and showed why he is a top 40 prospect in his class with his performances at the Lonestar Top 100 Camp.

Francisco Cicalese, 2019 PF: Cicalese is skilled and the forward for D1 Houston shined at the Lonestar Top 100 Camp. Francisco exhibited a solid in and out game and strung together a double double in the game we watched.

Angel Dibwa, 2020 C: Dibwa impossed his will in Wednesday’s action at Drive Nation. The big man for Urban DFW finished above the rim when the opportunity was present and finished around the basket well.

Jalin Conyers, 2020 SF: Conyers is an intriguing prospect out of West Texas. He’s strong, can do a little bit of everything on the court as he put together a very solid outing this week at camp.

Leroy Adderley, 2019 SF: Adderley first caught my eye with a two handed jam on a defender. Leroy is athletic, Plays hard and flies up and down the court.

Edited By AB

As we say in the texasboysbasketball.com office. “We’ll be where the players are,” and the players this past weekend were at Duncanville Fieldhouse for the third annual Elite 32 presented by Terry Thomas of Texas Impact 4:13 and Kenny Wright of The Program. Sam Freeman prove he is the best center in Dallas? Where does he compare to the top big men in the state of Texas. We dive in as the TBB staff delivers their thoughts.

Sam Freeman Ruled The Paint

The 2019  Justin Northwest post made a statement this past weekend at the Elite 32 with two strong outings against high quality competition with YGC36 and Oklahoma PWP. Freeman, who plays with 3-D Sports recently received an offer from Minnesota, has noticeably gotten stronger and his skill set has improved as well. He imposed his will in the paint and got clean looks around the basket, collected double digit rebounds in both games and blocked or altered shots at the rim. In regards to centers, Will Baker out of Austin Westlake is the best player in that class and you have DJ Thorpe (Lake Travis) and Nigel Johns (Homeschool) also in the mix but if this is the Freeman that we will going forward, he is right behind Baker in regards to prospects in this class.

The 2020 Crop YGC36 Possess

We got a good look at YGC36’s 17U and 16U group and we were impressed with top 20 prospect Julian Larry,  big man Gethro Muscadin and bouncy guard Thailand Wesley. Larry, who is a blur when he pushes the ball in transition put constant pressure on the defense, attacking the gaps and making sound decisions with the ball. Muscadin impacts the game both ways due to his ability to rebound the ball offensively and defensively. He has a skillset to build on to as the forward for Sunrise Christian has received offers from SMU, LA Tech and Wichita State. Wesley plays above the rim, a threat to throw it down when the opportunity presents itself as he has a lot to work with.

Notables

Latrell Jossell, 2020 PG – Texas Playmakers: Latrell is strong and he is a pest defensively. The guard for the Playmakerz continued to attack the gaps and accumulated multiple double digit outings.

Ronnie Sanders, 2019 CG – FIRM: Sanders is a fearless shot taker that scores in bunches. Sanders played downhill and is a top 100 player in his class.

Max Abmas, 2019 PG – 3-D Sports: There aren’t many outing I can recollect from where Abmas wasn’t efficient from the field and at the Elite 32, it was more of the same. Max has great range on his jumper and he did a solid job running his team.

Michael Hall, 2021 SF/PF – The Program: Hall knows to stay in the game as the active forward rebounds, defends and plays with an aggressive nature. Hall is an intriguing prospect that we will keep an eye going into July.

Preston Okereke , 2019 PF – Texas Impact 4:13 Zeque: Preston looks the part of a D1 basketball player. His skill is coming along but we liked how hard he was playing. Okereke shot it well from three and exhibited some toughness.

As the sun fully sets in on what was a 104 degree day, the “Rumble in The Jungle” presented by Erven Davis of the Dallas Showtyme commenced that evening. Who won the individual matchups in the pivotal evening game between Texas Impact 4:13 and Dallas Mustangs?  Friday’s action hosted several big time prospects but also revealed new prospects that caught the staffs eyes.

Texas Impact 4:13 & Dallas Mustangs Highlight Game of The Night

It was all about matchups in this contest between Texas Impact 4:13 and the Dallas Mustangs. Impact garnered the win as they won by a double digit margin but let’s take a look at the individual battles.

2019 Davian Sanders (Mustangs) & 2019 KJ Cunningham (Texas Impact)

In a anticipated guard matchup between two TBB prospects, Davian Sanders and KJ Cunningham gave each other their best shot. Cunningham found his teammates for open looks and he shot the ball well from the perimeter. Sanders was aggressive, looking to get to the teeth of the defense and was playing the role of a pesky defender. One didn’t completely outplay the other but Cunningham was more efficient.

2019 Joshua Miller (Texas Impact) & 2019 Jakevan Leftridge (Mustangs)

Miller in the first 10 minutes looked as if he was going to be the player of the game…. period! He rebounded, had his hands in the passing lanes and just played with an aggressive nature but he calmed after that.  Leftridge strung together a solid performance,finishing around the basket, playing sound defense as he nearly collected a double double.Miller was great the beginning of the game but Leftridge was steady throughout.

2019 DJ Bassey (Mustangs) & 2020 Jonathan Aku (Texas Impact)

In my eyes I consider this matchup a tie as the big man battle between 2019 DJ Bassey and 2020 Jonathan Aku provided a tug of war in the paint. Aku changed shots at the rim and did a solid job rebounding however was in foul trouble early.  Bassey excelled in his role as a rebounder and rim protector as the rising senior added second and third chance opportunities for his team. Both are still raw when it comes to their skill offensively but these big men show promise.

Standouts

Caleb Lohner, 2020 SF – BMM: Lohner is a tough cover, he scores on all three levels Ashe tallied 18 points in BMM’s win on Friday night.

Jeremiah Keys, 2019 SG – Texas Impact 4:13: Keys was hitting on all cylinders at Duncanville Fieldhouse. He exuded confidence and put together a strong 20 point outing.

Donte Houston, 2020 PF – Lonestar Elite: Houston utilized his size and was a matchup problem for his opponents on Friday night. He notched a double double in Lonestar Elite’s win.

Christian Turner, 2020 CF – Mudiay Elite: Turner’s stock keeps raising on Texasboysbasketball.com as he continues to look fluid out on the perimeter. He knocked down a couple shots from beyond the three point line as he was influential in Mudiay Elite securing a 1-0 record heading into Saturday.

Samazha Hart, 2019 SF – E.A.D: Hart put on the black and green uni’s and played for E.A.D on Friday. Hart, who is a top 30 prospect at TBB scored in an array of ways and kept his team within striking distance against Mudiay Elite.

Intriguing Prospect Storylines

2020 Lias, Richardson Shined in Back & Forth Affair

The 16U teams of the Dallas Mustangs and Urban DFW fought tooth and nail but the Mustangs came out victorious. DaVeontae Lias was productive with a 22 point outing as he got to his spots and used his body to create separation from defenders. Ahmad Richardson is a smooth operator and although he only had five points, the way got his shots off in an effortless approach impressed the texasboysbasketball.com. Both prospects stood out as we will take a deeper look at them more this weekend. 

Dallas Showtyme’s North Duo Lead the Way

At a slight glimpse, I saw two long intriguing looking prospects battle on the glass in a tight matchup. One plays with an edge, is physical and hunts for offensive rebounds and that is 2020 Wallace Onditi who goes to Justin Northwest. The other one is a TBB prospect in Donald Ghostone, who impacted the game on both ends and carries a nice scoring package. Wallace and Donald manned the front court and provided a scoring punch and production on the boards that led to a overtime win. 

A Promising Prospect Out Of Atlanta, TX

Entering the game for the Dallas Mustangs 17U is this lanky prospect that sports these goggles equivalent to what Horace Grant use to wear. We could tell he was probably younger and in the limited minutes he received, his presence was felt. 2021 Daimion Collins flew up and down the court, cleaned up one shot with a put back dunk, blocked multiple shots including a dunk attempt at the end of the game. Collins is raw, but the energy he plays with and the physical tools he possesses definitely caught our eye and we will definitely keep looking at the talented, young prospect going forward. 

Edited by AB

The NBPA Top 100 Camp provides an environment that the staff at texasboysbasketball.com can evaluate at an elite level. Last year at the John Paul Jones Arena, Tyrese Maxey confirmed he was a 5 Star prospect and fast forwarding 12 months, another Texas prospect has utilized the opportunity given. 2019 standout Donovan Williams out of Houston, TX showcased his high level, two way production at Charlottesville, VA and he talks to TBB about his recruitment and performances. 

“Stretch” as he is called by his peers, talks about his mindset coming into the camp. 

“My family back home (Houston) just told me to not be a bust so I wanted to come out and make them proud. Everybody in this camp is good so I knew coming in I would have to show that I can impact the game than just scoring the ball,” Williams said. “If it’s making the right pass, playing hard defensively, getting the rebound, I just wanted to show my game on both ends of the floor.”

Houston, SMU and Sam Houston State offered the talented wing from Ft. Bend Elkins as Donovan fielded three offers during his time at NBPA Top 100 Camp from Arizona State, Old Dominion and Virginia Tech. 

Williams talked to the assistant coaches at Arizona State. 

“Arizona State called me Wednesday actually, and I had a really good conversation with the staff,” Williams said. “That was worked by a family connection but the staff is great, they talked about the program and I think it’s a place where I can play right away.”

Associate HC Steve Roccaforte of Virginia Tech was the one that talked to Donovan. 

“Virginia Tech called me right before this last game (On Friday) and offered me so I’m going to do my research on them and find out if this is a really good place for me but it seems like it is.”

On Jun 19th, Williams will go on a unofficial visit to University of Texas and he holds a strong relationship with Assistant Coach Jai Lucas that goes for some years. 

“I talk to Jai (Lucas)  a lot and I consider coach family,” Williams said. “I’ve known Coach Lucas since I was real young and Texas is definitely a spot I would consider going to because I know Jai will look out for me.”

Williams talks about what will impact his decision process.

“I want to go somewhere that feels like home. Being here (Virginia) I got a glimpse of what college life looks like. I also want to play right away. I don’t want to redshirt and I‘m not expecting to come in as a freshman and play thousands of minutes but I know I’ll be ready to contribute when I step on campus.” 

Williams, who is very familiar with his spot on texasboysbasketball.com (#21) will see a rise in his rankings and could potentially crack the top 10 by the end of the summer. Williams has a strong basketbdall lineage and he will  only be 17 when he graduates. His best basketball is ahead of him as he possess the positional size, ability and promising skillset that college coaches want. 

Edited by AB

Day 2 of the NBPA Top 100 Camp was a good one for a majority of Texas prospects. Thursday was a coming out party for 2019 Wing Donovan Williams and we break down the 12 prospects that played at the John Paul Arena. 

Donovan Williams’ Stock Trending Upwards

The second day of the NBPA Top 100 Camp, The Ft. Bend Elkins product was the top performer out of all the Texas prospects. Williams has great length and his two-way production was on full display. Williams is in the conversation in the TBB office as a top 10 player in the class. 

Will Baker, Drew Timme Performed

We mentioned how Will Baker is possibly mirroring his performances from last year’s presentation at John Paul Jones Arena and we might be on to something. After a so-so day on Wednesday, on Thursday Baker played with more confidence and produced a 11 pt 10 reb double double at the night cap game. Baker has a lot of ability but sometimes can leave you wanting more after he plays. When the Westlake big man is assertive, he makes a lot of things happen on the court. Timme averaged 8 points and 6 rebounds on Thursday as he has been a steady, productive performer at the camp. The JJ Pearce forward is skilled and has been rebounding at a high rate which has been most noticeable. 

Jahmius Ramsey, Tyreek Smith’s Energy

What can’t be denied is how hard and brass Jahmius Ramsey and Tyreek Smith play. Ramsey is playing with a sense of urgency, constantly looking to put pressure on the defense and mixing it up inside, playing physical amongst the bigs. Tyreek strung together a 12 pt 6reb performance in which he was changing shots in the paint, finishing above the rim and seemed to have made a play on every possession he was in. 

Above the Rim With Greg Brown

Greg Brown is arguably the best prospect at the camp and the high flying forward for Team Faith anted up his play a notch. Brown averaged 15 points 6 rebounds on Thursday. Greg imposed his will and has been a standout in Charlottesville, VA. 

Avery Anderson, 2019 PG – Los Angeles Lakers: Avery Anderson averaged 5 points 3 ast 2stls a game on Thursday. Anderson continues to showcase his high level scoring ability and has been very solid at the point position. 

Sahvir Wheeler, 2019 PG – Golden State Warriors: Wheeler has been racking up on the steals department averaging a little over two of them a game. Wheeler averaged 6 asts a game on Thursday and has done a great job getting his teammates involved. 

DJ Thorpe, 2019 C – Houston Rockets: A very quiet day for DJ as he hasn’t put his imprint on any games yet. Thorpe is very talented and can use these last two days as a mulligan. 

Chris Harris Jr. – Boston Celtics: Harris didn’t torch the nets like he did on Wednesday but Harris still put together two sound performances averaging 9 points and 2 assists. Harris has showcased his ability to knock down shots and make plays.

Grant Sherfield, 2019 PG – New York Knicks: Sherfield put together an 11 pt 4 ast outing at his afternoon game on Thursday. He struggled to find a rhythm in the second game but on Thursday was able to showcase his scoring prowess. 

Cade Cunningham, 2020 Wing – Miami Heat: Cunningham wasn’t as aggressive on Day 2 than he was on Wednesday. Cunningham has a great feel for the game and is versatile but didn’t impose his will. 

Edited By AB

University of Virginia is the landing spot for Texasboysbasketball.com as this year’s edition of the NBPA Top 100 Camp holds an abundance of Division 1 prospects, players we will see on TV at the High Major level and potentially one day in the NBA. Texas contains 9% percent of the camp as 14 players accepted their invite and competed at the John Paul Jones Arena (2019 Jalen Wilson can’t participate due to injury). We take a look at each player’s performance from the first day at camp.

Chris Harris Torches The Nets

Texas A&M Commit Chris Harris Jr. has built a reputation for being able to score the ball as the South Garland product in two games showed why that is. Harris is the second leading scorer after the first day of camp averaging 18 points per game.

Cade Cunningham’s Point-Forward Ability Was On Display

2020 Cade Cunningham on Wednesday strung together two sound performances in Charlottesville. Cade found his groove in the second half of the first game and that carried over and equated a strong outing in his second. Cade excelled playing on the ball, running the show and getting his teammates involved. Number three in the #TBB database, Cade is making a push to the number one spot.

Greg Brown Finding Ways To Impact The Game

Talking to 2020 Greg Brown after his first game, he mentioned finding a way to make a play when the ball isn’t given to him.  The super athletic forward out of Austin was able to do that as he impacted games when he crashed the boards and gathered offensive rebounds. Brown is making use of the opportunities given when he has the ball in his hands as he is looking to get to the rim and throw it down. We will see if Brown can continue to find his role on the team and shine in it.

Notables

Jahmius Ramsey, 2019 SG – Chicago Bulls: Ramsey’s energy and activity has equated to scoring opportunities and contributions in other areas on the court. Jahmius went 3-7 from the field with 9 points, 2 assists and a steal in his first game. The 3 turnovers is a knock but Ramsey showcased why he is a top 10 prospect in Texas as his stock continues to rise due to his ability to produce on both ends of the floor.

Samuell Williamson, 2019 Wing – Milwaukee Bucks: The number 4 prospect in Texasboysbasketball.com, Williamson had a solid outing as he was making the right plays regardless if the ball was in his hands or not. We would like for Sam to be more aggressive but we believe the upcoming days, Williamson will showcase his full repertoire.

Tyreek Smith, 2019 PF – Houston Rockets: Smith defensive presence was on full display as he was looking to block shots, rebound, run the floors and finish with dunks when the opportunity was present. Smith is a competitor and showcased that fearlessness on the first day.

Will Baker, 2019 C – Milwaukee Bucks: Will Baker’s first day at NBPA Top 100 Camp was equivalent to his first day last year. Will seemed to still try to figure out his environment and didn’t look comfortable at first but came along as the day went on. If he mirrors what he did last year, the upcoming days will be a compilation of high level outings for the big man out of Westlake.

Sahvir Wheeler, 2019 PG – Golden State Warriors: The Texas A&M commit made contributions on the court on both ends. Although he didn’t shoot it well, he had a solid first game accumulating 8 points, 4 steals and 4 rebounds.

Donovan Williams, 2019 Wing – San Antonio Spurs: Williams in his first outing shot the ball well going 3-6 with 9 points, 1 block and 1 steal. Donovan is in the mix as the top prospect in Houston for 2019 as this week he can make a statement.

Avery Anderson, 2019 PG – Los Angeles Lakers: In Anderson’s 8 point, 2 stl outing, Avery looked to attack when the opportunities were present and although he didn’t gain an assist, Anderson was looking to get the ball to his teammates

DJ Thorpe, 2019 C – Houston Rockets: Thorpe struggled some during his first game at John Paul Jones Arena but in his second game he played harder and found a flow. He played with more aggression and in the upcoming days we will see if Thorpe find ways where he can make more of an impact.

Drew Timme, 2019 PF – Boston Celtics: Timme showed his ability to score inside and out as the JJ Pearce big man put together two solid performances on Wednesday.

Grant Sherfield, 2019 PG – New York Knicks: It was our first time seeing Grant play this Spring and he provided a scoring punch for his Knicks squad. Grant competed on the defensive end and the UCLA commit looked comfortable on the floor.

Edited by  AB

Texasboysbasketball.com recalls over the last 12-15  years the D1 prospects that have graced the uniforms of two of the longer standing and respected (Oak Cliff) Dallas based grassroots programs. NBA Players such as Darrell Arthur, Jordan Mickey, Jalen Jones are part of a rich pedigree and tradition that Dallas Showtyme and Urban DFW possess and at the King Arthur Classic  (Darrell Arthur’s name sake)  TBB’s staff witness a high energy,  memorable affair that remained a one to two possession game all the way to the end. The Dallas Showtyme vs Urban DFW Elite match up never disappoints and here are some of the next D1 prospects that stepped on center court (Duncanville Fieldhouse).

The Young Ones

Urban edged Showtyme in a 63-59 slugfest lead by the ‘Young Ones’ in 2021 Duncan Powell and Wade Taylor continue to play major roles in Urban DFW’s success this season. The rising sophomores gathered 24 points collectively (Taylor 15, Powell 9) as they found a home at the free throw line attempting 15 free throws all together. Powell has been high on Texasboysbasbetball.com list for a while and we like where his development is heading towards. Taylor has used the scholastic and grassroots season to emerge as arguably the top guard in his class and is receiving and being offered by high major programs.

Lee, Cork, Williams Produced

If there is one position Erven “Big E” Davis has always contained in his arsenal, it is strong guard play. 2019 Cobe Williams strung together a 11 point outing against Urban DFW as the guard for Dallas Can Academy is lehtal in the open court. Deaunte Lee is a threat from beyond the arc as the Kimball product knocked down 3 threes on his way to being the high point man for Showtyme with 15 points. He isn’t a guard, but 2019 Xavier Cork out of Sulphur Springs impacted the game and deserves to be mentioned in his recap. Cork accumulated 12 points and we have seen tougher player out of Cork in the past three months.

Sasser Has Elevated His Game

Along with Wade Taylor, 2019 Marcus Sasser scored 15 points in his team’s win vs Dallas Showtyme. Marcus continuously drew fouls and knocked down 9 free throws but no matter what team or player has matched up against Sasser, the guard out of Red Oak has produced. In a loaded 2019 class, Sasser is in the conversation as a top 5 guard in his class as his trajectory keeps trending upwards.

Written and edited by AB

Houston, TX, in what is considered a down year for the rising senior class (2019) in the city, the TBB staff saw promise in several prospects from the Bayou City. There is a 2018 prospect from Ridge Point that is getting attention and we take a look at a few 2021 prospects in our second part of the 10 Day Analysis.

Elijah Elliot, 2020 PG – D1 Houston: A 2020 guard that has done himself some good in front of the TBB staff has been Elijah Elliott. He’s still has some ways to go  but the talented guard for D1 Houston produced.

Jordan Wallace, 2018 Wing – Mo Taylor Elite: We don’t use the word sleeper or under the radar much when we talk about players but a kid that has flown under the radar has been Jordan Wallace. The unsign senior is expected to have a big summer and has generated some buzz due to his play.

Jordan Turner, 2019 SF – Team Faith: Turner possess a lot of talent and during Memorial Day Weekend he showed why he is a division 1 prospect. There’s more Turner can show but in spurts where he turned up the notch, he looked really good.

DJ Young, 2019 CG – Houston Superstars: Young shot the ball very well for Houston Superstars. DJ has deep range, notched double figure totals in match-ups we watched and provided stability at the guard spot for John Eury’s group.

Ronald Harleston, 2019 SG – Houston Superstars: Harelston has shown strides in his game from 12 months  ago and yes, athletically he stands out but Harleston skillset has been coming along. A top 65 prospect in the 2019 class, the staff is waiting to see if he will turn the corner.

Nate Martin, 2020 PF – Texas Pro 16U: Talking about producing, that’s exactly what Nate Martin did for Texas Pro 16U vs Drive Nation’s 16U team. He put together 19 points and Nate continues to impress when the staff watches him play.

Marcus Merchant, 2018 PF – Texas Pro 17U: We last saw Merchant at the “Get Ready, Go Live” Event in Houston in April and Marcus again excelled in his role as a rim runner and rebounder.

Trey Singleton, 2019 Wing – TESA: Singleton is another TBB prospect that has put together a  compilations of solid performances in front of the staff. Trey’s motor and athleticism was on full display.

Jourdan Smith, 2019 SF – Team Harden: The New Orleans native has been a bright spot for Team Harden. He’ll give you everything hes  got on the court and at the Adidas Qualifier in Dallas, Smith put together good numbers on the stat sheet.

2021 Notables

PJ Neal, 2021 PG – Team Faith 16U: It’s been a while since I watched Neal play and what stood out was he noticeably put in the work to expand his offensive game. A rising sophomore that did a very solid job playing in the 17U division.

Chris Felix, 2021 Wing – Nike ProSkills 16U: Felix play was up and down but when he got in a groove he showed why the staff is high on the wing from Hightower. Felix is definitely a to 25 prospect in the 2021 class.

Basketball in the Central Texas Region continues to grow.  As Austin and San Antonio continue to produce more and more collegiate prospects, TBB continues to maintain tabs on I-35. In the first part of our 10 Day Analysis, texasboysbasketball.com takes a look at 10 prospects from Central Texas.

Greg Brown, 2020 SF – Team Faith: Brown was jumping out of the gym on Memorial Day Weekend. The forward out of Vandegrift High School was a presence on both ends of the floor and showed why he is one of the best players in his class.

Kwabena Davis, 2019 SG – Texas Tigers: Davis and his Tiger’s group gave Team Faith a run for their money when the two teams matched up. Davis stayed in attack mode and was very solid in the outings the staff watched him play.

Derek Luna, 2020 Wing – VRE Elite: Luna knows how to play and his versatility offensively and sound skillset caught the attention of the TBB staff. A prospect that could crack a top 50 spot in his class.

Brendan Wenzel, 2019 SG – HD Toros: Wenzel torched the nets as he shot the ball at a very high clip. A prospect that has seen the trajectory of his stock go up, up, and up as he possesses a skillset that translates.

Shaydon Campbell, 2019 PG – HD Toros: A tough minded guard for the Toros that put together a string of strong outings during Memorial Day Weekend. Campbell contributed in a variety of ways for his team.

Jamal Shead, 2020 PG – Urban ASAK:  Jamal Shead looks to be on a steady climb in the 2020 class. Shead produces, point blank but his fearlessness and ability to lead a group of upper clansmen has not gone unnoticed.

DJ Thorpe, 2019 PF/C – TJ Ford Austin: Thorpe was a handful in the paint as the big man from Lake Travis showcased his improved post game to the TBB staff. Thorpe still has some things to figure out but he is one of the best big men in his class.

Zach Taylor, 2019 Guard- TJ Ford Austin: Taylor  is a bucket getter and he was on fire on the court during memorial day weekend. Taylor received an offer from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs as UTRGV and Incarnate Word have shown interest in the promising guard out of Austin.

Tyrone Perry, 2019 PG – THP Elite: Perry has done himself a favor this spring/summer for THP Elite. Perry has made plays on both ends of the floor and produced in big games.

Kyle Castille, 2020 CG – SABO: Castille stays in attack mode and his contributions on the boards don’t go unnotticed. A tough guard that put up near double-double performances.

Jalen Brittain, 2020 PF – Nike ProSkills 16U: Brittain is a prospect out of West Texas, but we will plug him in here. Jalen is a strong, tough forward that got his points scoring inside and out. Brittain was very impressive at the UIL State Championships and was equally as impressive with his performances during Memorial Day Weekend.

Edited by AB

Duncanville High School was the landing spot for the Under Armour Next Combine Series. In it’s third year of existence, Under Armour travels across America in the Spring/Summer to identify the top rising freshmen. In their stop to the DFW, texasboysbasketball.com was on the scene to locate for our own sake what the 2022 class has to bring to the table.

Cason Wallace, 2022 CG:  Wallace was one, if not the best guard performer at the camp. A prospect that we have seen excel playing above his age group and at Duncanville did more of the same.

Mark Mitchell, 2022 CF (MO): Mitchell was the best prospect in the camp as his makeup shows all the signs of a big time D1 prospect in the future. Mitchell exploited mismatches and scored inside and out.

Nick Smith, 2022 SG (AR): You could argue who performed better between Cason Wallace and Nick Smith and both guards would provide strong arguments. A smooth guard that scores the ball at a high level.

Adam Stewart, 2022 C: Stewart continues to keep getting better as the developing big man showcased parts of his game that we didn’t see before. He still has ways to go, but his size and progressions each year makes the staff believe the Cream of The Crop Alum will be a big time player when it’s all said and done.

Emma Zuberu, 2022 C: Another big man that has a chance to be really good when it’s all said and done, Emma Zuberu impacted  the game on both ends of the floor and was a top 5 player in the camp.

Jeremiah Johnson, 2022 PG (OK): Johnson was productive in the games at the UA Next Combine. He can shoot it from deep and the crafty guard out of Oklahoma showed a lot of promise.

Austin Nunez, 2022 PG: Nunez had an up and down day but when he got in a rythym he showcased his ability to score and facilitate. Nunez has been one of the top guards we have seen in his class in Texas.

Dallas Hobbs, 2022 PG: We like what Hobbs can bring to the table, and when he let the game come to him and not force the issue so much, he looked good. The staff will continue to keep track of Hobbs throughout the process.

Cameron Amboree, 2022 PG: Another guard that struggled to consistently find a rhythm in games but Amboree has deep range on his jumper, can handle it and has shown the staff his ability to put the ball through the hole and produce.

Noah Shelby, 2022 PG: Shelby had a real solid outing. Noah can really shoot it as the sharpshooting  guard looks to make strides in his ability to run a team.

Taj Manning, 2022 CF (MO): Manning was a tough cover for opposing forwards as his motor and ability to score inside and out made him a standout at Duncanville HS.

Cameron Crockett, 2022 Wing: We have been high on Crockett in the past but the talented wing out of Houston left us wanting more. Ability is there but we think the ceiling is high for Crockett.

Edited by AB

If you have read our stories, the word “translate” is used many of times in regards to what level of college basketball a player’s game translate to. When we watch Greg Brown,  a super talented forward for Team Faith, many parts of his game translate to the collegiate level. “Little Greg” as he is called, in which his father Greg Brown II or “Big Greg” (Albeit being over 4inches taller than his dad)  spoke to texasboysbasketball.com about  recruitment and progressions in “Little Greg’s” game.

“We are looking for somewhere that he can compete, win and just somewhere he can be himself on the court,” Greg Brown Sr. Said. “I just want to be myself when I am out there on the court. I just want to go to a school that will embrace who I am as a person and player,” Greg Brown III said.

Greg has offers from Oklahoma, Rutgers, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, Kansas, University of Cal, Berkeley as Memphis, Cincinnati and Florida have offered in the month of May. North Carolina and UCLA has shown interest in the super talented forward from Austin.

Texas, Texas A&M and Memphis have been pursuing Greg Brown the most according to his father. Mike Miller, who played 17 years in the NBA and is now an Assistant Coach at Memphis has contacted the Greg II on a daily basis. Both Greg Sr and the son have build a strong relationship with UT’s staff especially with Assistant Coach Jai Lucas and Head Coach Shaka Smart. For Texas A&M, Assistant Coach Ulric Maligi is who Greg Brown II has mainly communicated with.

“Memphis has made a strong push for Greg (III) ever since they offered him. I talk to Mike Miller every single day. He doesn’t let a day go by without reaching out to me and talking,”

“At Texas I talk to Jai Lucas most of the time (About 3-4 times a week) and I talk to Shaka (Smart) quite a bit. Shaka (Smart) has told me he will let Greg (III) be himself at UT. Let him rebound, bring the ball up the floor when the opportunity is there and utilize his strengths. Ever since my son was in 8th grade, he has gone to UT quite a bit and played pick-up ball over there.”

“I mainly talk to Ulric Maligi at Texas A&M and we have also gone to Texas A&M a few times to play pick-up and I really like what they are doing over there at (Texas) A&M.”

When the term “bad chick” is used, it is term used for an attractive female. Yes, this does have relevance in regards to this article and Greg Brown Sr. dives in on valuing teams that have made his son a priority early on as he wonders why a “Blue Blood” program hasn’t offered his son yet.

“We have been taking the recruiting process more serious as of late but we are kind of upset that the Blue Bloods haven’t said anything. I understand, they are the “Bad Chick” in the club, and they don’t come until later (In the recruitment process) but we really value the schools that make us a priority now and those will be the ones on the forefront when it comes down to making a decision,” Greg Brown II. said. ” We will take a few schools in that come later one but someone will be left off.”

Brown III plans on taking a couple of unofficial visits after the summer is over with and when school is starting up.

“I want to finish up the summer before I take any (unofficial) visits but there are some schools that I do really want to visit.”

” We will take some unofficial visits at the beginning of the school year. We are always at Texas but we will plan on visiting (Texas) A&M again. We also plan on going to SMU, TCU, UCLA and Memphis for sure,” Greg Brown II. said. Those schools are the ones we are in touch with the most and plan to visit in the fall.”

His Game

Brown during the memorial day weekend put on an Arial assault. He flew up and down the court with highlight worthy blocks and dunks. While he made plays that will get thousands of views on the internet, it was Greg’s effort and improved skill set that stuck out to the staff.

“My strength has improved and that has allowed me to finish at the rim better with contact. I have made it a focus for myself to run the floors harder and I know my jumper needs to get better so I am trying to attack the rim any chance I get.” Greg Brown III said.

Brown defensively impacted the game, he talks about why he has improved as an interior defender.

“My focus defensively has just been to better my IQ. I feel like I always tried hard defensively but I wasn’t reading things quick enough. Now I have anticipated the play happening before it happens and I am blocking shots and making more plays.”

Both the father and the son talked about winning, and stepping up for his teammates as he has became a leader for his Team Faith squad.

“My teammates need me out there to make plays and it pushes me to become a leader on the court. So if that is rebounding, blocking shots, scoring or all three, I just want to do that at a high level for my team,” Greg Brown III said. “I just want him to keep competing and make smart basketball plays. Whatever he has to do for the team to win, he just needs to do it because he is relied upon to make things happen.

Edited by: AB

There was an abundance of prospects the TBB staff covered on a busy Memorial Day Weekend in the DFW and It’s been four months since Texasboysbasketball.com have brought our subscribers the “TBB Recruitment 5.” We revived the series for the grassroots season and in this round we breakdown the performance and recruitment of five prospects at the Advantage Sports Complex in Carrolton, Tx.

Cade Cunningham, 2020 Wing – Drive Nation 16U

The rendition Cade Cunningham put together Saturday impressed the staff. A top three player in his class, Cunningham’s multidimensional skill set was on full display. Kansas, LSU, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Tulsa have offered the productive small forward out of Arlington and Kentucky has shown interest. Cade talked briefly to TBB about what he looks for in a program. 

“I want to go somewhere that I can play and get minutes immediately and somewhere that fits my style of play,” Cunningham said. “I like a team that keys on defense and at the end of the day let me play my game.” 

Cade talks about location.

“I love Texas obviously and but if I find a school outside of Texas that fits me better, that’s where I will go. 

Brendan Wenzel, 2019 SG – HD Toros

It was night and day when comparing the halves for the talented HD Toros prospect. Wenzel was decent in the first half against Dallas Mustangs but his squad was down by 20 points. It clicked for Brendan in the second half as he accumulated over points and had 18 second half points with eight minutes left to play as his team closed the game to as small has three points at one point. Wenzel has three offers right now and that is from Incarnate Word, Army and Northern Colorado. Utah State and Rice have inquired recently about the guard. 

Davonte Davis, 2020 PG – Woodz Elite 16U

Davis was picking apart defenses on Saturday for Woodz Elite. He impacted the games he played without having to score as he produced near double digit assist outings. Davis told TBB he has offers from Oklahoma State, Florida, Arkansas, SMU, Southern Miss, Ole Miss. and Auburn and UNC have called his grassroots coaches and shown interest.  

Camden Patterson, 2019 PF/C – Oklahoma Impact

Patterson for Oklahoma Impact recorded a double double in the contest the staff watched. The Ringwood HS product showcased a skill set that translated and will keep evaluating him this weekend. Camden will be at Sunrise Christian (KS) this upcoming school year as Patterson has an offer from University of Central Oklahoma and has received interest from Texas State and Northern Colorado.

 Donte Houston, 2020 Forward – Lonestar Elite

Donte had a solid showing on Saturday. The rising junior has seen his stock go up but Donte has been on texasboysbasketball.com radar for a while now. TCU, Kansas State, Colorado state, Texas Tech, West Virginia and SMU have inquired about the young forward out of Garland according to his grassroots coach Darius Coleman of Lonestar Elite.

Edited by AB

There were plenty of promising prospects that were on hand for “The Platform” presented by Rossi Carron of University Sports and as we left Houston, Tx, Texasboysbasketball.com found answers to questions the staff needed to find. We dive in on the story-lines from a memorable weekend of hoops. 

Who was the Top Underclassman Big Man?

There are a good deal of front court prospects in the 2020 and 2021 class in Texas. At “The Platform” a couple of them showcased their developing skill set and what is needed in order for them to maximize their potential. It was our first time seeing 2021 Samuel Onu of YIIS Elevation this year and he was impressive on Saturday. The big man runs the floor, block shots and has shown strides in his development offensively. A prospect when it’s all said and done could be a top 5 player in his class. 2020 Eddie Lampkin of the Houston Defenders is a load in the paint and won the matchup against Onu as Lampkin used his size and strength to get good position on the block. Lampkin was the top big man performer at “The Platform” and showed why he is one of the top big men in his class. Now Lampkin is one half of what I call the “Defender Towers” as 2020 Nathan Clover shares the front-court with Lampkin and was a handful to deal with inside also. Clover recently has heard from Providence and has received an offer from UTSA. While Lampkin was the best performer, 2021 Jerrell Colbert of Basketball University was the best prospect. When the light is on for Colbert, he heavily impacts the game on both ends and although Colbert still has aspects of his game he really needs to work on, the talent is one thing that the kid doesn’t lack at all. 

Smith, Adger Performed

2019 Jourdan Smith of Team Harden caught the attention of the TBB staff in October with Cy Fair Learning Center and the Louisiana native produced a string of strong outings at “The Platform.” Smith plays with a fire and you can tell he hates to lose. He made plays down the stretch for Team Harden and showed why he is ranked on Texasboysbasketball.com. 2020 Quevian Adger for BMM showcased his versatility and his performance against Game Elite. Adger put together his best game the staff HS seen him play this spring. Adger is a top 15 prospect and showed why. 

Wheeler, Cryer Backcourt is Potent

“The Conductor” is what I called 2019 Sahvir Wheeler in my last article as he sets the table up for his teammates to eat. Wheeler and 2020 guard LJ Cryer of Basketball University (BU)  may not have ideal size that you would want in your backcourt but they are a strong duo especially on the offensive end. Wheeler gets to wherever he wants on the floor  and Cryer, who recently received an offer from The University of Texas can score 20 points in his sleep. We have been impressed by how well these two have worked together in backcourt as they led BU to a perfect record this past weekend. 

YIIS Elevation Possess Some Intriguing Prospects

The TBB Staff has been familiar with 2021 Samuel Onu but a couple more prospects stood out to the staff. 2020 guard Elfurat Mohtar, forward Daniel Ferrer and forward D’Andre Dues exhibited size and skill that will land them in our updates rankings. Mohtar shot it very well from deep, Ferrer is a workhorse and Dues is a jack of all trades type of player. 

Notables 

Zachary Iyeyemi, 2019 C – Team Harden: Zachary was a tough cover for opposing bigs as the burly big man was very physical inside and knocked down some shots from the perimeter as well. Iyeyemi recruitment has picked up in the past 30 days with offers from Coastal Carolina, McNeese State and Houston Baptist. 

Caleb Lohner, 2020 Wing – BMM: Lohner struggled finding a rhythm offensively on Saturday but Lohner still impacted the game in other ways for BMM and showed why the staff is high on him. 

Ky Blodget, 2019 SG – Hyperfuse: Another productive prospect that excels as a slasher. Blodget filled the stat sheet and produced. 

Jiwen Taylor, 2019 Wing – Hyperfuse: Taylor plays with grit and in the open court, caused havoc as he got to the paint and finished in many instances. 

Elijah Elliott, 2020 CG – D1 Houston: Elliott caught the attention of the staff with his scoring abilities and poise. Elliott has no problem taking the lead role.

Out Of State Love

Ashton Hagans, 2019 PG – Game Elite: was the first time watching Hagans since NBPA Top 100 Camp and Hagans displayed terrific vision. The Kentucky Wildcat commit showed why he is nationally known in the basketball world. 

Josh Nickelberry, 2019 SG – Game Elite: Nickelberry can flat out score the basketball. The Fayetteville native is hard to stop when he gets going offensively. 

Jariyon Wilkens, 2019 Wing – Mississippi Kings: Wilkens was all over the court. He was a hard matchup for opposing teams and was the leader of the comeback win vs BMM. 

Edited by AB

The school year is nearing it’s end; graduations are being planned/prepared and as students start mentally preparing for the transition from middle school to high school or high school to college, we at TBB are graduating a class as well. This is one of the final editions of the Freshman Report featuring the 2021 class and when the summer hits, we will welcome the 2022 class to the report, who the top prospects will also headline our annual Cream of The Crop Camp in August.  At “The Platform” in Houston there were several 2021 standouts and the TBB staff added a few to our radar.

Onu, Colbert Excel

As mentioned in the previous article (here) Samuel Onu of YIIS Elevation and Jerrell Colbert of Basketball University performed well at the MI3 center. Onu has show progressions in his skill-set and is looking a lot more comfortable on the floor. Colbert oozes with potential and seeing how the big man runs, jumps and finishes at the rim, Colbert showed why he maybe the best player in his class.

Perry, Farmer Made The TBB Radar

It was our first time seeing Team Kemistry this spring and two prospects that stood out to us was 2021 Brian Perry and Joshua Farmer. Both prospects go to Sharpstown High School and have a chance to be really good when it’s all said and done. Perry plays hard as he shot the ball well from three, Farmer moves very well for his size and one of the top 5 performers in his class from this past weekend.

Guard Play Spear Texas Hardwork To Success At “The Platform”

2021 guard Coleton Benson, Kajion Thornton, Jasean Jackson and Joseph Venzent were key to Hardwork’s success this past weekend. Benson is has a smooth shooting stroke and is ready to launch whenever he catches the ball, Thornton plays with a lot of energy and was effective on both sides of the ball, Jackson continues to be a productive two-way guard and Venzent, although struggled at times, still impacted games with his rebounding and relentlessness getting to the basket.

Powell, Taylor and The 17U Division

At Texasboysbasketball.com, we are fans of players playing up an age group and 2021 Duncan Powell and Wade Taylor of Urban DFW have been doing more than holding their own in the 17U division. Both prospects played as if they have a few years under their belt playing at this level and have been benefactors in “The U” success

A Cy Creek Product Shined At “The Platform”

DJ Richards for Basketball University was consistently productive all weekend. Richards knocked down shots from three at a high clip and made defenders pay when given space. He shares the back-court with another TBB 2021 prospect in Kaleb Stewart, and Steward exhibited why we are high on the floor general.

Notables

Noah Kon, 2021 PG – Houston Defenders: Kon flies up and down the court and this past weekend showed how much of a threat he is when the game is going fast. Kon has solid outings for the Houston Defenders 16U as they went undefeated.

Demari Williams, 2021 SG – Houston Defenders: The light turns on and off for Williams but the staff likes what we saw from him at “The Platform” he shows promise and he was strong in spurts.

Griffin Datcher, 2021 SF – Basketball University: Datcher embraces his role on the team and the athletic forward ran the lanes hard and finished with dunks.

A Brief Look at Whats Coming Up

Looking at the 2022 class in Texas, I don’t see the depth in the class compared to the 2021 group but there is a lot of promise. Three guards that stood out playing up were Cam Amboree of the Houston Defenders 15U, Austin Nunez of Texas Hardwork 16U and Bryce Griggs of Team Harden 16U. Amboree showcased his nice shooting touch and handle, Nunez has made strides in his game and exploded for 16  first half points against Griggs and Team Harden and Bryce showed a lot of heart playing this weekend and producing when his team needed him.

They are young and it’s very early but Mohammad Ngom of Team Elevation has been one of the best prospects we have seen in that class in the past 12 months. Ngom averaged a double-double in his outings at “The Platform” and I have a feeling his name will be on the Freshman Report a couple more time in the next year.

Cameron Crockett is another player that had a solid outing playing 15U with The Houston Defenders. this past weekend as Crockett followed up a strong string of performances at the Lonestar Challenge with a showing at “The Platform.”

Out Of State Love

Brandon Vigne, 2021 PG – Louisiana Kings: Vigne is a scrappy guard that was the engine that spearheaded runs for Louisiana Kings. A prospect out of Louisiana that the staff was impressed by.

Edited By AB

The staff at texasboysbasketball.com rode down I45 to Houston, Tx for “The Platform” presented by Rossi Carron of University Sports. In the event’s second year of existence, “The Platform” this year provided a plethora of major match ups that allowed TBB to get a strong look at the division one prospects from multiple states. In the first segment, we handout our awards from a talent filled event at the MI3 Center.

The Set Up Man Award

Sahvir Wheeler, 2019 PG – Basketball University: “The Conductor,” The Texas A&M Commit set up his teammates for open looks all weekend as the savvy guard continues to make a major impact in games without having to score.

The Who is That? Award

Ty McMillan, 2018 PF – Basketball University: The high flying forward performed like he had a chip on his shoulder. The staff haven’t seen Ty play with this much passion and toughness. The unsign senior could possibly prep but is a prospect that does a possess a game that definitely translates to the collegiate level

Biggest Stock Booster

Jalen White, 2020 SG – Houston Defenders 16U: Ever hear someone say, “he scored a quiet 20 points” well Jalen White is one of those players that does that. White is a quiet kid, that plays with a calm demeanor and possess a smooth game. White generated multiple “quiet” double digit performances and has a chance of being a top 25 player in his class.

Best Sophomore Award

Jamal Shead, 2020 PG, Urban ASAK: Mr. Alan Branch has a saying “Let him play up against the fire and eventually he will be the fire,” and tracking 2020 Jamal Shead in the past two years, he played against the fire and now has become the “fire.” Shead accumulated 14 second half points in a comeback win for Urban ASAK against Team Harden as he put his team on his back in crunch time.

Bucket Getter Award

Tyrone Henry, 2019 PG – Cooz Elite: Henry had the highest scoring outing at “The Platform” with 39 points in a loss against Urban DFW. Henry couldn’t be stopped getting to where he wanted on the court as the talented guard from Shadow Creek put on a show on Sunday.

Marcus Sasser, 2019 CG -Urban DFW: Talking about putting on a show, Sasser put on a scoring clinic against Basketball University. Sasser put together a 29 point performance and only remembering him missing no more than four shots. A top 35 prospect in his class. Sasser will see ups-tick in his ranking.

Edited by AB

In the third and final segment of this series, the staff takes a look at the prospects from the power forward/center position and  what they brought to the table during the April Live Period. Jonathan Aku steps onto the scene at the Lonestar Challenge, how good can Eduardo Andre be? Texasboysbasketball.com has your answers and analysis from six full days of basketball.

Jonathan Aku, 2020 C – Texas Impact 4:13: A top 15 prospect in the 202 class, Aku shows flashes of becoming a top 5 player in his class when it’s all said and done. Still has ways to go but the staff will see if he turns the corner.

Trezarian White, 2019 PF – Texas Impact 4:13: White is vey active on the glass. Has a nose for the ball and averaged over 10 rebounds during the April Live Period.

David Ekezie, 2018 PF/C – Houston Superstars: Ekezie makes life in the paint hard for his opponents. A physical, strong big man that is one of the top available prospects in Texas in his class.

Xavier Cork, 2019 PF – Dallas Showtyme: The TBB staff has seen strides in Cork’s development. Recently received a Texas State offer and has proven to be a legitimate D1 prospect.

Kenyawn Bowie, 2019 C – Dallas Showtyme: Bowie does the “dirty work” for Dallas Showtyme. Intensity on the court doesn’t go unnoticed and will see his name on our top 100 list.

DJ Bassey, 2019 C – Dallas Mustangs: Bassey’s stock has seen a rise as the big man from Mesquite seems to continually play with more confidence and get better.

Eduardo Andre, 2020 PF – Dallas Mustangs: Andre is another prospect that has top 10 potential in his class. Moves well and the times the switch turns on, Andre showcases his full repertoire.

Bonke Maring, 2019 C – Houston Raptors: Maring has an intriguing skill set and belongs in the top 75 of our rankings. Maring still has holed he will need to fill inn his game but a promising prospect that has helped himself in the spring.

DJ Thorpe, 2019 PF – TJ Ford Austin: Thorpe proved he is one of the top big men in his class. DJ brought a row of college coaches every game he played at the Lonestar Challenge and impressed with his mix of size, athleticism  and skill.

Montreal Pena, 2020 PF – Drive Nation 16U: Pena has a chance to be a top ten prospect in his class and very well could be right now. Pena plays hard, long and moves very well. Definite stock riser!

In the Second Segment of our April Live Period evaluations, the Texasboysbasketball.com staff takes a look at the wings/forwards.Flower Mound’s Caleb Lohner proved his worth, Jay Wilson has shown very noticeable strides in his game from a year ago and which 2021 prospect from Houston was very intriguing to the staff?

Caleb Lohner, 2020 Wing – BMM: Lohner proved why he is a top 10 prospect in the state of Texas. Lohner was influential in BMM’s 5-0 record during the first live period.

Quevian Adger, 2020 Wing – BMM: Another talented wing that plays alongside Lohner is Quevian Adger. Adger plays with a edge, produced on both ends and garnered a Central Connecticut offer on the first day of the April live period.

Joshua Miller, 2019 Wing – Texas Impact 4:13: Miller struggled to gain a consistent rhythm during the April live period. Miller still was able to showcase some of his versatility on the offensive end and gained an offer from Air Force and UTEP.

Ty Caswell, 2019 SF – Texas Impact 4:13: Caswell will see a small bump in his stock from his performances. The Wichita Falls native showcased his smooth shooting stroke from beyond the arc and was consistently productive.

Darius McBride, 2019 Wing – Urban ASAK: McBride preformed at a high level during the second weekend. Darius exhibited a skill set that impressed the staff. A potential top 50 prospect in his class, McBride received an offer from Sam Houston State after the first live period weekend and went on a unofficial visit to SMU right after the second.

Jay Wilson, 2020 SF – Drive Nation 16U: Wilson’s skillet has improved as he has displayed the ability to score more efficiently off the bounce. A top 25 prospect in 2020, the staff is impressed by Wilson’s growth.

Jackson Kennedy, 2019 SF – Ballers Nation: A definite top 75 prospect in his class, Jackson Kennedy seems to be more comfortable out on the floor each game we have watched him play. A intriguing prospect that has shown noticeable growth in the last two months and could potentially be another D1 prospect out of East Texas.

Cameron Crockett, 2021 Wing – Houston Defenders 15U: Crockett is a long, talented wing that shot shows a lot of promise. Cameron at the Lonestar Challenge strung together contributions on both ends of the floor that left the staff with positive impressions and could see his name in the top 25 in his class.

Christian Caldwell, 2020 Wing – All 4 Sports Dream Team: Christian flies up and down the court and the Wing for All4Sports is a prospect the staff will continually keep their eye on as we will take a closer look at the Louisiana native in the upcoming months.

Norman Beckford, 2020 SF – Texas Hardwork: The two-way production Beckford have to Hardwork didn’t go unnoticed. Beckford is long, moves well and a top 50 talent in his class.

Jakevan Leftridge, 2018 SF – Dallas Mustangs: The Wilmer Hutchins product was sound during April. His scoring production and contributions on the boards proved his worth.

Demarcus Morris, 2018 CF – Houston Superstars: Another unsign senior that is worth coaches taking a look at. Morris’ mix of skill and athleticism impressed the staff.

One of the busiest times of the year for the TBB staff is the April Live Period. With a plethora of D1 prospects manning the floors in front of hundreds of college coaches, we at texasboysbasketball.com had our work cut out for us. However, we are delivering a three part series in which we take a look at the backcourt, wing/forward, and front line prospects from the Lonestar State. The guards cover our first piece as we analyze over 15 prospects and which direction their stock went.

Max Abmas, 2019 CG – 3-D Sports: Abmas ripped the nets as the sharpshooting guard, who recently received an offer from Army shot at a high clip from beyond the arc. Abmas has continued to build on hisskills set as his decision making and ballhandling ability has shown progressions.

KJ Cunningham, 2019 PG – Texas Impact 4:13: The highest stock riser in the 2019 class, Cunningham has jumped from number 50 to 28 in the state of Texas. Cunningham defended, impacted games in a multitude of ways as he was very impressive in bouts where he only scored four points. KJ has a skill set that translates, and the staff expects his recruitment to ante up.

Joe Rollins, 2019 PG – Team Stackz: Rollins provide stability at the point guard spot for Stackz Elite. Rollins in both live period weekends showcased a skill set that translates as he got to his spots, fed his teammates the ball in scoring opportunities and created separation to generate his own look. Rollins holds a Pacific offer and the Atascocita product impressed the staff.

Uzoma Dibiamaka, 2019 CG – Team Stackz: “Uzo” as his team calls him shares the backcourt with Joe Rollins at Stackz Elite. Uzo plays with poise and knows how to play. A prospect that looked comfortable at both guard spots during the live period.

Jahari Long, 2020 PG – Cooz Elite 16U: A top 20 prospect in the 2020 class, Jahari Long showcased why he is one of the better guards in his class. He held down his position in the live period with a string of solid performances.

Davian Houston, 2020 PG – Cooz Elite 16U: A heady guard that helped lead his Cooz Elite squad a championship in the second live period weekend. Houston shot it well from behind the arc and his mix of athleticism and scoring ability was on full display at the live period.

Jamal Shead, 2020 PG – Urban ASAK: Shead is an impact player for Urban ASAK and his stock has seen a rise as well. Shead who picked up an offer from Texas State after the second live period weekend has also been hearing from Drexel.

Caleb Asberry, 2018 CG – THP Elite: An unsign senior that was one of the top five guard performers in the second live period weekend. Asberry, who is bouncy and possess a good feel, is another available guard that possess a skill set that translates.

Cobe Williams, 2019 PG – Dallas Showtyme: Williams was as efficient in both live period weekends as the speedy Dallas Can Academy product shown improvement as a decision maker and showed why he is a top 35 prospect in his class.

Deaunte Lee, 2019 SG – Dallas Showtyme: Lee was dangerous from deep throughout the whole April live period as the talented two guard continuously knocked down shots hand in his face. Lee has picked up offers from UT Rio Grand Valley and Lamar and the Kimball High School product will be in our 2019 updated database.

Karey McLeish, 2018 SG – TJ Ford Houston: McLeish was a standout at the Lonestar Challenge as the lanky two-guard showcased his ability to put the ball through the net. McLeish scored in double figures in each game the staff watched and is an available prospect that possess a skill set that translates to the next level.

Quinton Ford, 2019 CG – TJ Ford Austin: Ford scored the ball at a high level and is a sound decision maker. Ford will see his name in our updated 2019 rankings as the staff is high on the Copperas Cove guard.

Davian Sanders, 2019 PG- Dallas Mustangs: Sanders plays with grit and an edge that benefits him and his teammates. Sanders got to the paint on a consistent basis and at the Lonestar Challenge, Sanders showcased why he is a top 75 prospect in his class.

Kobe Jones, 2020 PG – Court of Dreams: Another prospect that put together a compilation of strong performances at The Lonestar Challenge. Jones is the leader for the Court of Dreams group and will see his name in our 2020 rankings.

Elijah Taylor, 2021 PG – BMM 17U: Starting at point guard for the BMM 17U level team, Taylor struggles at times but shows bounce back. Taylor plays within the flow of the offense and could made a strong argument to make a top 25 spot in 2021 in Texas.

Tim Eldrigde, 2019 CG – Houston Raptors: Eldridge scored in double figures each game the staff watched the Houston Raptors. Eldridge knows how to score and could have possibly secured a top 75 spot in our 2019 database.

Austin Nunez, 2022 PG – Texas Hardwork: Nunez played multiple grades up in April and more than held his own. There has been noteable growth in Austin’s game in the past 6 months and the staff is impressed by it.

Edited by AB

A prospect that brought a large college coaches following at the Lonestar Challenge was TJ Ford Austin’s talented big man, DJ Thorpe. A row of coaches were present in every game Thorpe played in as Kansas State, Texas A&M, Houston, TCU, Tennessee, Virginia and several other High Major programs came down to see one of the top big men in the 2019 class. This weekend DJ provided why Power 5 Conference programs are making him a priority.

The son of former NBA player and All Star, Otis Thorpe, DJ at the Lonestar Challenge has widen his game and his ability to finish at a high clip in the paint, his size, strength and skill was in full display. Thorpe holds offers from Tennessee, Kansas State, Virginia, Oklahoma State, TCU, Tulsa and Texas A&M. The Lake Travis product has received interest from programs in the Big East, Big 12 and ACC.

“Out of all the schools that have offered, I have heard most from Virginia, Kansas State, Tennessee. I have received new interest from Texas Tech, Notre Dame, Georgetown and Creighton.”

The only school that Thorpe has visited is Texas A&M, which is where his sister goes to school. However, Thorpe has had two home visits and he talks to Texasboysbasketball.com about it.

“I have only taken unnoficial visits to Texas A&M as my sister  goes to school there, but I plan on visiting more schools later in the summer, probably around July,” Thorpe said. “I have had two home visits from Tennessee and Penn State and both went very good. Both schools are very high on me, see me as a fit in their program and believe I can come right away and produce.”

Thorpe has been on the texasboysbasketball.com radar since his 8th grade year and now, a prospect that is in the process of turning the corner, Thorpe is potential top 10 prospect in his class and DJ discusses the two things that he tries to control in order to maximize his abilities.

“Two most consistent things are motor and consistency. I’ve stressed on myself  to continue to have those attributes to my development and as long as I’m consistent on working on my craft and working out, good things will come.”

The number 12 prospect in the 2019 class, Thorpe is building a body of work on making a case to be a top 10 player in his class. With Charles Bassey in a class of his own in the PF/C department, the staff believe Thorpe is there in the mix with the other high major big men Talent such as Drew Timme, Tyreek Smith and Will Baker.

Edited by AB

Dallas was the hotspot for the first live period weekend as Adidas, Nike and Under Armour Associations were running their Circuits in The DFW. The Lonestar Challenge is in conjunction with Under Armour possesses a history of bringing the top independent teams to Dallas in April to showcase their prospects to an abundance of college coaches. This year was no different as 100 plus college coaches ranging from D2 to schools in Power 5 Conferences made their way to find their next recruit as the varsity elite division possessed anywhere to 140-160 collegiate prospects. Grassroots programs from 10 different states were present at the Lonestar Challenge as California  Supreme, Team Auto Nation from Florida, TMPW Xplorers from West Virginia, Example Sports & Fundamental U from Illinois and representatives from Louisiana, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Kansas showcased their talent to the amplitude of college coaches present.

Jonathan Aku and the 2020 Big Man Class

Jonathan Aku, 2020 C – Texas Impact 4:13: There is a new addition to the 2020 class in big man Jonathan Aku as the promising center looks to block shots, rebound and although raw offensively, showed flashes of becoming a dependable post option. Aku is a top 15 Talent in his class and with a crop of Eddie Lampkin, Darius Miles, Kylon Owens and Allen Udemadu, Aku falls in the middle of that pack right now but with a very strong summer in the 17U level, Aku will find himself as the top big man in the state.

Quevian Adger picks Up First Offer

Central Connecticut Head Coach Donyell Marshall was in to witness Adger’s first game at the Lonestar Challenge and offered the BMM Wing that night. Adger, who is multidimensional, plays with an edge and moxie that is exuded on the court, compiled a double double against Team Stackz. Adger who is the number 12 player in the 2020 class, will continue to garner more attention as the grassroots season goes on.

Stock Risers

Max Abmas, 2019 CG – 3D-Sports: Abmas has a smooth shooting stroke and it was on display against Cal Supreme. The Dallas Jesuit product’s ability to score it from deep opened up driving lanes for his teammates. Abmas has proven to be a division one prospect.

Jeremiah Keys, 2019 CG – Texas Impact 4:13: Keys did himself a favor Friday night as the explosive guard from Fort Worth finished above the rim and skyrocketed to pin shots off the back board. Keys has made strides as a primary ball handler and could become one of the top guards in the state if he turns the corner.

Xavier Cork, 2019 PF – Dallas Showtyme Elite: Another prospect that has made strides is Xavier Cork. The lengthy 4-Man for Dallas Showtyme finished around the rim and showed fluidity facing up and generating a bucket. A top 60 prospect on Texasboysbasketball.com Xavier saw a bump in his stock.

DJ Bassey, 2019 C – Dallas Mustangs 17U: Bassey is moving a lot better than the last time the staff witness him play during the scholastic season. Bassey’s body has looked to have made progressions which have allowed him to excel in his duties as a rim protector and glass cleaner. The Dallas Mustangs caught the attention of coaches and the TBB staff on Friday.

Donovan Souter, 2019 SG – E.A.D Elite: Souter is ready to shoot it at any time he catches the ball, the quick trigger 2-guard for EAD plays to his strengths and displayed playmaking abilities that the staff hasn’t ever seen from him.  Souter is in a primary role and excelling in it allows the top 75 prospect’s stock to grow.

Friday Notables

Hunter Staten, 2019 C – ProSkills Oklahoma: Staten shot it very well from 15-17 ft out and the burly big man knows how to use his body to carve space around the basket. Staten produced 12 points against Texas Impact on Friday.

Amir Adams, 2019 SG – Cal Supreme: Adams’ array of ways to impact the game was on display. He has good bounce, long and is lethal in the open court. Adams showed a skill set that translates to the next level.

Samuell Griffin, 2019 PG – Team Auto Nation: Griffin is a pure point that dictated pace, knows how to move without the ball and made the right plays. Griffin is the engine that gets it going for Auto Nation and his playmaking and decision making impressed the staff.

Edited by AB

A slew of division one prospects were on hand for the Ball Out Event: “Get Ready, Go Live”. The TBB staff left Dobie High School with a handful of prospects that produced a strong argument on becoming a top 50-75 player in the respective class. There was an intriguing prospect out of East Texas and is Eddie Lampkin the top big man in 2020?

Ronnie Sanders, 2019 SG – DFW Defenders: The Crowley native put his talents on display all weekend. His ability to score off the dribble, defend impressed the TBB staff. Sanders against Texas Pro was vital in the Defenders win producing 15 points.

Biar Gurang, 2019 Wing – Stackz Elite: Biar comes from Australia and the talented wing is versatile, shoots it from beyond the arc and plays with a motor that rubs off to his teammates. Gurang will see himself in our TBB database in the 2019 class and has the chance to crack a top 50 slot in our rankings.

Delore Johnson, 2019 SG – Texas Pro: Johnson makes plays without the basketball and his ability to finish around the rim, punish opponents in the open court was on display at Dobie High School. Delore performed and his mix of skill and positional size will put him in our database.

Jackson Kennedy, 2019 CF – Ballers Nation: Another prospect that will definitley see himself in our rankings is Jackson Kennedy. The talented forward shot over 50% from three, finished above the rim and competed on the defensive side.If Kennedy carries this over to the Lonestar Challenge, the East Texas prospect could gain the attention from division one coaches.

Eddie Lampkin, 2020 C – Houston Defenders: Lampkin was the main attraction at “Get Ready, Go Live”. The Sophomore big man imposed his will on the block and possessing a slimmer frame than previous sitings, Eddie has shown the ability to finish above the rim in traffic. Lampkin has cracked a top 10 spot in his class and there is a strong argument on him being the top center in the 2020 class.

Bonke Maring, 2019 C – Houston Raptors: Bonke steps onto the scene and Maring was a walking double-double last weekend. Maring is still raw but he understands his strengths and is a good interior presence for the Raptors

Edited by AB

The grassroots season is underway as the texasboysbasketball.com staff drove down I45 for the Ballout Events Get Ready, Get Live Tournament at Dobie High School. Big men and wings primarily stood out in Friday’s action in Houston as there was a crop of underclassmen that produced that TBB got a strong evaluation of.

Eddie Lampkin, 2020 C – Houston Defenders:Lampkin has lost another 20 lbs (according to sources) and you can tell what impact that has made towards his development. Running the floors, finishing g above the rim consistently, Big Eddie was a force in the paint Friday. Lampkin possess offers from TCU and Oklahoma as he has received interest from UofH, Mississippi State, Butler, Oklahoma State, Texas and Baylor.

EJ Jones, 2020 C -Basketball University: Watching this promising big man three years ago, to where he is now has shown a level of commitment to his development. Jones still has ways to go but has became a dependable post option, and a more active rebounder and rim protector.

Abdul Alatishe, 2018 PF – Basketball University: Abdul has a nose for the ball as every loose ball he seemed to grab possession of and on the boards, collected close to 15 rebounds against the Defenders. A highly active, versatile defender, Abdul has received interest from several schools he told #TBB but is still looking for an offer.

Sahvir Wheeler, 2019 PG – Basketball University: Wheeler contributed to 18 PF the first 22 points for BU. The Texas A&M commit knifed his way through the defense, finished in traffic and defensively was a pest, guarding full length of the court

Keon Edwards, 2021 Wing – Upside: Keon is long and the multidimensional Wing impacted the game in multiple ways. Blocked shots down the stretch, handles pressure as he wore different hats in Upside’s win Friday.

Will Young, 2021 Guard – Select One: Young’s tenacity and ability to guard the full length of the court impresses the TBB staff. The the long, lefty guard gets to his spots, changes speeds, and scores in bunches.

Nathan Clover, 2020 C – Houston Defenders: Clover shares the frontcourt with Eddie Lampkin and the strong body big man is physical inside, rebounds and accumulated a near double double against Basketball University. The Port Arthur native has interest from Lamar and UofH.

Terrance Robinson, 2018 PF – M&E Elite: Robinson’s length mixed with his motor and lateral quickness allowed him to contribute on both ends of the floor. Needs to get stronger but an available prospect that is definitely can play at the collegiate level.

Larenz Williams, 2019 Wing- Houston Defenders: a long, high motor Wing that plays without the ball and rebounds it well for his position. Williams showed ability to hit the open jumper but his contributions came in the open court.

Jerrell Colbert, 2021 PF – Basketball University: Colbert in the staffs eyes was the best prospect in the gym Friday. In his 10 min of action in the 17U level, Colbert competed, rebounded and looked to finish above the rim when the opportunity was present. Colbert is very long, moves well and maybe the top player in his class in 2021.

Edited by AB

It’s Championship Saturday and the last day of the scholastic season was a memorable one. Dallas Carter and Silsbee produced arguably the most entertaining game all season. Port Arthur Memorial, Justin Northwest looked to make history as it took an extra period to decide the contest between Allen and Katy Tompkins.

Justin Northwest vs Port Arthur Memorial (5A State Final)

1st Soph Julien Smith Of Justin Northwest knocks down a transition three to make the score 5-2 in Texan’s favor. Sr Thailan Wesley for Memorial answers back with a three of his own to tie the ball game. It was a back and forth affair in the first quarter until Northwest locked in on defense, forcing Memorial to contested jumpers and imposing their will inside with the combination of Sr Mason Hix and Jr Sam Freeman. Another Wesley three pointer trimmed the deficit to six as the Texans head to the second quarter up 16-10.

2nd Sr. Jacob Keys for Northwest has played his role for his squad with five points, 2 rebounds and a block. He started the second quarter securing a rebound and knocking down two free throws. Mason Hix connected on two straight jumpers from beyond the arc which pushed the Texan’s lead to double digits. Sr Jomard Valsin For Memorial was effective in the second quarter handling the pressure in the backcourt and going on his own 4-0 run to keep Memorial in striking distance. Memorial began seeking shots in the paint and withered the margin to three points going into the half. Texans up 36-33

3rd The beginning of he second half was sloppy as four turnovers were recorded in a minute span.avery Anderson picked up his fourth foul with 5:09 left in the third as Memorial seek to make a push with Northwest star guard on the bench. Wesley knocks down a much needed three pointer to end the third to keep it a two/three possession game. 50-45 Northwest.

4th Memorial’s Sr Darion Chatman goes on a 6-0 surge in the beginning of the fourth and give it he Titans the lead for the first time since the first quarter. Chatman continued to play the alpha male role for Memorial and strung together a 10 point four quarter performance. Mason Hix knocks down a trey ball with 1:27 left in the game to make the score 68-62 Memorial’s way but the Titans made freethrows, strung together stops and hung on to win 75-69 for their first State Title.

Player Analysis
Mason Hix, Sr Forward – Justin Northwest: Hix was aggressive from tip-off as he crashed the boards, made jumpers from beyond the arc and executed on shots inside through contact.

Sam Freeman, Jr C – Justin Northwest: Freeman is showing the signs of turning the corner. Looked to finish above the rim multiple times and contested every shot at the rim. He finished with 11 points 15 rebounds.

Thailan Wesley, Sr SG – Port Arthur Memorial: Wesley constructed a strong outing with a 21 point outing. He added two blocks and three rebounds in the process but his ability to bounce back when his shots weren’t falling early and get to the line to find a rhythm (8-10 on Ft) won’t go unnoticed.

Darion Chatman, Sr PG – Port Arthur Memorial: Chatman received MVP honors and his fourth quarter performance propelled him to the award and onto the notable player list. He went on his own 10-0 run in the fourth quarter and rallied his team to a victory.

Silsbee vs Dallas Carter (4A State Title)

1st The beginning of the matchup stared the way the staff imagined. An exchange of baskets, fast pace and physical. Dallas Carter started off leading 4-0 but Silsbee’s Jr Wing Devon McCain produced 5 quick points and Soph Braelon Bush knocked down 3 threes in the first quarter as well and Silsbee led 22-18. A mix of Jr Zahad Munford and Sr Malek Butler gave Carter the lead as the finished the first quarter up 29-26.

2nd Carter goes on a 6-0 run after Jr Kyree Rodgers executed on a three point play and Malek Butler knocks down a three pointer making it 35-26. Braelon Bush answers back with his 4th and 5th three pointer and a McCain layup trims the deficit to one. Silsbee takes the lead and McCain records eight points and assists in the quarter. The tigers up 50-46 at half.

3rd The second half started off the same way the first half operated. Points were exchanged and the pace of the game was very fast. Silsbee orchestrated two straight stops and five straight points to take a 64-55 lead. Devon McCain continued to impose his will and finished with 29 pts after three. Dallas Carter made a wave of runs and tied the game on multiple occasions as Kyree Rodgers and Zahad Munford led those charges. Tigers lead 78-73 going into the fourth quarter.

4th With 8 minutes left in the season, Silsbee looked to continue their dominance in 4A and Carter seeked their first championship in over 20 years. Silsbee’s seven point lead after a Sr Jadon Bass three seemed to have evaporated as the Cowboys trimmed the lead to one. Devon McCain and Braelon Bush continued their explosive scoring performance as they scored the last 8 points for Silsbee. Dallas Carter rallied back in the game but the Tigers held on for their second straight 4A Title and Head Coach Joe Sigler’s 700 win 104-101.

Player Analysis

Devon McCain, Jr Wing – Silsbee: what a performance by McCain as he tallied 39 points and added 11 rebounds and six assists. McCain bullied his way into the paint and found the open man when he drove to the basket.

Braelon Bush, Soph PG – Silsbee: Bush produced a whopping 31 points in Silsbee’s win. Braelon connected on four shots from beyond the arc as he orchestrated his own personal runs in the first and second half. What Bush lacks in height, he makes up with toughness, skill and feel.

Zahad Muford, Jr Wing – Dallas Carter: Munford burst onto the scenes after his string of performances in the state tournament. He put together a 37 point performance and the strong body Wing will see his name on our database.

Malek Butler, Sr PG – Dallas Carter: Butler was knocking down shots off the bounce. He produced 16 points and defensively deflected passes and showcased ability to defend multiple positions.

Katy Tompkins vs Allen (6A State Title Game)

1st Sr Jamal Bieniemy for Tompkins started off hot scoring the first six points for the Falcons. Jr Isaiah Stevens knocked down a three pointer and Sr Jaylen Walker for Allen contributed with buckets in the paint and in the boards. Tompkins hot start helped hold the lead 14-9 after the first quarter.

2nd Tompkins starts the second quarter with a alley oop Slam which was finished by Jr Kristian Sjolund. Allen Jr Donovan Parham executed a layup and his energy coming off the bench kept the Eagles within striking distance. Bieniemy and Katy Tompkins up 22-19 going into the half.

3rd Jaylen Walker was efficient all across the board as he secured two rebounds, got an assist and finished a layup through contact. CJ Washington went on a 4-0 run, attacking the paint, drawing fouls and making the defense retreat back on defense. Efficient offensive production from Walker and Isaiah Stevens gave Allen the lead 35-32 going into the fourth.

4th it was a back and forth affair in the fourth quarter as both squads had to scrap and fight to produce a bucket. Bieniemy took the alpha dog role and made plays for himself and others down the stretch. Jr Jaylon Scott for Allen produced four points in the quarter and Mr. Reliable Jaylen Walker hit some tough shots down the stretch but a miss jumper at the buzzer from Walker tied the ball game up 44-44 and this one went to overtime.

OT only two field goals were made in OT as Sr Eden Holt connected on the first one with a three pointer to give Tompkins the lead 47-45. Walker knocks down two big time free throws to tie it up and a crucial turnover from Bieniemy allowed Donovan Parham with five seconds left to dribble down the court unguarded and make a layup with one second left. Tompkins failed to get a clean look at the basket and Allen makes history and wins the 6A State Title

Player Analysis

Jaylen Walker, Sr Forward – Allen: The Navy Signee has produced for Allen all season and the Alamo Dome in front of 10k people wasn’t a stage too big for him either. Walker orchestrated 18 points and garnered MVP honors for the tournament

Isaiah Stevens, Jr PG – Allen: Stevens finished with 11 points 5 assists and 3 rebounds as the talented guard got to his spots, shot 60% from the field and his ability to pick apart the defense gained open jumpers for his teammates.

Jamal Bieniemy, Sr SG – Katy Tompkins: Bieniemy almost produced a double double with points and assists as he gathered 15 points and 8 assists. If Tompkins would of pulled it off, The Future Oklahoma Sooner would of been the staff’s vote for MVP.

CJ Washington, Sr PG – Katy Tompkins: Washington finished with 15 points and his pursuit to get to the paint was a plus for the Falcons. Washington’s performance in the playoffs was terrific and stepped up to the occasion.

Friday’s slate of game consisted of the 4A and 6A State Semifinal Matchups. Thousands of fans from each program traveled to the Alamo Dome in anticipation of witnessing their  team punch a ticket to Saturday’s Title game. Tyrese Maxey placed himself in the record books and now that the table is set for Saturday, texasboysbasketball.com breaks down the games from a action packed Friday.

Dallas Carter vs. Seminole (4A Semi-Finals)

1st Qtr: Sr Dante Stearn Of Dallas Carter collects the first four points of the game as the Cowboys high octane style of play disrupted the Indians rhythm. A combination of inside baskets between Sr. Reese Moore and Soph. Jalen Brattain led the way for Seminole with a combined total of 9 points, 8 rebounds in the first quarter. Carter led 16-15 after one.

2nd Qtr: Seminole tied the ball game 19-19 after Moore made two free throws. The Cowboys full court press took a toll on the Indians as turnovers started occurring before reaching half court. Soph Jalen Williams came off the bench and brought energy for Carter on as he knocked down a momentum stopping three and made life difficult for the opposing guards to initiate their offense. Carter strung together a a 6-0 Run and lead going into halftime 33-25

3rd Qtr: Carter came out hot after a halftime speech from Head Coach Lyndon Love as the Cowboys go on a 12-2 Run in the first minute and a half. Jr Zahad Munford lead the Run with six points and two rebounds. Brattain kept his team within striking distance as he finished with 6 rebounds and 6 points after three to notch a double double. Carter stopped the momentum and increased the lead to as much as 19 points as they head into the 4th quarter up 59-41.

4th Qtr: Sr big man and Texas Longhorn Football Signee Reese Moore threw his big body around on the block. Finished through contact and led a 4th quarter surge for Seminole. Munford and his Dallas Carter group continued to dictate the pace of the game and went on their own 7-0 run to widen the gape The Cowboys shooting at a high clip from behind the arc, receiving strong production from their upper class men and defending with intensity for 32 minutes led to a 80-62 win and ticket to the state title game on Saturday.

Player Analysis

Jalen Brittain, Soph PF – Seminole: Brittain orchestrated a strong outing for the Indians as he produced a 17 point, 13 rebound double double. Brittain made shots from 12ft out. Looked to grab every missed shot and plays with a good feel for the game. A prospect that will definitely be in our database after his performance.

Jahad Munford, Jr Wing – Dallas Carter: Munford came alive in the second half with 15 points (2 in the 1st) Munford shot 7-9 from the field, was active on the defensive end and become the vocal leader for his group.

Dante Stearns, 2018 Wing – Dallas Carter: Stearns shot 86% percent from the floor (6-7 from the field) and had a solid stat line across the board with 6 rebounds, two assists, blocks and steals.

Silsbee vs Somerset (4A Semi-Final)

1st Qtr: Silsbee took control of the game early with a 15-2 lead over Somerset with 5 min left in the first. Soph Braelon Bush and juniors Devon McCain and Jordyn Adams produced 11 of the firs 15 points. Isaiah Rivera was a bright spot for Somerset. Handling the pressure Silsbee brought and getting to the paint. Silsbee trio of Bush, McCain and Adams has been too much for Somerset as they lead 30-9 after one.

2nd Qtr: Jordyn Adams connects on a three pointer to stretch the lead 35-9. Somerset starting picking through the press and found a rhythm early. Silsbee’s high octane offense and depth continued to impact the game and led by as much as 33 points in the first half. The Tigers led 48-20 after two.

3rd Qtr: The theme stayed the same in the second half. Silsbee came out of the gate finding their way into the paint, Winning the battle on the boards. Sr big man Jacob Harvey Of Somerset Played more aggressive in the paint as he used his length to block shots and finish inside. Despite a 16 point quarter, the Bulldogs were still down 69-39 after three.

4th Qtr: With a commanding lead going into the fourth quarter, Adams, Bush and McCain played two minutes before being subbed out. Rivera for the Bulldogs continued to knife his way to the paint and went on his own 6-0 run in the fourth. Somerset outscored Silsbee 22 -11 in the quarter but the Bulldogs were too much for Somerset and won 80-61 to head to the State Title Game with a matchup against Dallas Carter.

Player Analysis

Jordyn Adams, Jr SG – Silsbee: Adams led the way for Silsbee with a 20 point performance. Adams collected steals, made open jumpers and had an emphatic jam in the first half. A TBB Top 30 prospect and Adams showed why he is today.

Braelon Bush, Soph PG – Silsbee: Bush is known as a scorer but he dictated pace, got his teammates involved and ended up with 14 points shooting 50% from the field. Bush played with a mature poise and when he is playing at a high level, Silsbee is very hard to contain.

Isaiah Rivera, Sr. PG – Somerset: Rivera continued to play hard and was one of the few bright spots on Friday for Somerset. He strung together 19 points but was even more impressive was his eight rebounds from the point guard spot.

Katy Tompkins vs South Garland (6A Semifinal)

1st Qtr: Both squads looked to play up-tempo in the early going. Katy Tompkins won the battle on the boards early and mainly scored in the paint. Jr duo Tyrese Maxey and Chris Harris Jr paced the Colonels with 8 of their 11 points and Sr Jamal Bieniemy recorded 4 blocks in the first quarter as the Falcons lead 12-11 after one.

2nd Qtr: The South Garland Duo recorded the first 11 points for the Colonels as they took a 22-17 lead over Tompkins. Maxey orchestrated a shooting clinic in the second quarter but a combination Kristian Sjolund, Jamal Bieniemy and CJ Washington withstood the run from the Colonels and got the deficit within two points. It’s 27 all going into halftime

3rd Qtr: Tyrese Maxey started the second half where he left off. Adding 5 points in the first minute and a half. The free throw line has been the home for CJ Washington as he has been on the line 10 times. Tompkins strung together a 9-0 run to take a 42-41 lead as Bieniemy produced 8 points in the quarter. All tied up going into the 4th quarter 50-50.

4th Qtr: Tompkins scores the first 7 points in the quarter as the momentum they gathered at the end of the third carried over to the fourth. Tyrese Maxey slowed the Falcons momentum after he executed on three point play. Tompkins had a comfortable 67 to 59 lead with 1:46 seconds left but after a timeout from the Colonels, Maxey and Harris Jr produced a 10-0 run and led 69-67 with 40 seconds left. After a rare occasion we’re Maxey goes empty from the charity strike, Bieniemy dribbles up and knocks down a clutch three pointer to go up 70-69. Maxey knocked down 2 clutch free throws with 3 seconds left as we head to overtime 71-71.

OT: It was still a back and forth affair but CJ Washington continued his aggressive pursuit to the rim as he scored 4 points in the extra quarter. Maxey executed in another 3 point play as the Colonels took a 74-72 lead. Jamal Bieniemy took his team on his shoulders making key layups down the stretch, knocking down 2 free throws and making it a two possession game and hold on to a 80-76 win in the most entertaining game so far in the Alamo Dome.

Player Analysis

Tyrese Maxey, Jr PG – South Garland: Maxey made history with his 46 point performance as he tied the UIL State Championship Tournament record for most points in a game (Marcus Freidberger, 1947). Maxey made clutch play after clutch play and showed he can wear any hat the Colonels need him to wear.

Jamal Bieniemy, Sr Wing – Katy Tompkins: Speaking Of clutch plays, Bieniemy answered the call when Tompkins needed points. Jamal finished with 25 points, 7 rebounds 4 blocks and the win. Oklahoma Head Coach Lon Kruger picked up a key asset for his Sooner squad.

CJ Washington, Sr PG – Katy Tompkins: Two things generally happened when Washington got to the paint. Either he drew a foul or he made the layup. CJ lived at the free throw line as he was 13-19 from the charity stripe.

Allen vs Austin Westlake (6A Semifinals)

1st Qtr: Allen takes the early 5-3 lead until Jr Big Man Will Baker finishes off a putback to tie it up for the Chaparrals. The duo of Jr Isaiah Stevens and Sr Jaylen Walker produced 11 points to lead the Eagles to a 16-13 game vs Westlake after one.

2nd Qtr: Austin Westlake saw a rise in their offensive production in the second quarter. Future Baylor Bear Matthew Mayer and Texas Longhorn signee Brock Cunningham led the charge for the Chaparrals and trimmed the deficit to one point. Jaylen Walker provided another four points this quarter and led all scorers with 10 going into half. Eagles up 30-28 after two.

3rd Qtr: Will Baker for Westlake started showcasing why he is a high major prospect with 5 straight points and added three rebounds in a two and a half minute span. Allen withstood the Baker run as Isaiah Stevens took the lead and strung four straight points himself. A momentum shifting three pointer by Allen Sr Brenton Mills increases Allen’s lead by 8. A layup by Sr Donovan Parham for the Eagles bumped the lead to 10 points as Allen leads 50-40 going into the 4th.

4th Qtr: Allen Increased the lead by as many as 15 points within the first two minutes of the quarter. A combination of Sr Jaylon Scott and Jerritt Dixon lead the early surge for Allen. For Westlake, Sr Luke Pluymen knocked down two shots and Xavier Signee Keonte Kennedy contributed 12 points as they continued to fight to keep Westlake in the game.

Player Analysis

Isaiah Stevens, Jr PG – Allen: Stevens was the floor general as he dictated pace, continued to be the vocal leader on the floor and scored when the momentum was getting away from his team. He shot a remarkable 71% from the floor as he contributed 12 points.

Jaylen Walker, Sr Forward – Allen: Walker came to play as he provided 14 points and an impressive defensive performance against the D1 talent Westlake possesses.

Will Baker, Jr Center – Austin Westlake: The staff left the game wanting more from Will Baker. He had a early third quarter stretch where he flashed his full repertoire, but didn’t put it all together in longer periods of time. He produced 10 points, 8 rebs and recorded a block as he showed his nice shooting stroke from beyond the arc and fluidity running the floor.

Edited By: AB

By: Brian Crawford

Reflecting back on the fall semester of Region 14 basketball, the North vs South zone matchups consisted of highly competitive and exciting basketball. I still can recall my times at Navarro College being on the sideline in those heated battles, fighting for position in the standings right before the Christmas Break. At this point I’ve watched 8 of the 14 teams in the league and two contests have stood out to me and that was the heated battles between Angelina and Tyler Junior College, followed by the Lee College versus Kilgore College. Both bouts went blow for blow, round for round, like a heavy weight fight that resulted in one team landing the final blow to seal the victory. The league is still filled with great coaches and many talented athletes, so I am excited about the upcoming Spring semester of Region 14 hoops as well. Notable prospects such as Micah Thomas for TJC has been impressive showcasing his skill set mixed with his athleticism and size. Gilbert Thomas for Angelina is a high motor forward that is good for a double double every night and Davon Newton for Kilgore College has produced on both ends, showcasing his impressive leaping abilities and improved ball skills. To date the overall standings are as follows; Trinity Valley, Paris, and Bossier Paris are tied for first with a 3-0 record. They are followed by Navarro and Tyler that sit at 2-1 for second place, and Angelina, Blinn, Coastal Bend, San Jac, Kilgore, Lee, Jacksonville, and Panola are all at a multi-team tied as well sitting at 1-2. Now speaking from my 3 years of experience at this point of the season, these records indicate nothing, as each program has to continually fight through injuries, player academic short-falls, and off the court matters that take place not only junior college, but collegiate basketball as a whole.

Some of my favorite upcoming matchups that I am excited to see, as we embark upon the second half of season are Blinn versus TJC on January 8 at Tyler, followed by San Jac at Trinity Valley on January 13. I’ll be looking to see how player’s such as Brian White for TJC brings in the second half of the season as he has been effective as a playmaker, shot creator and defender. Panola’s super-athlete Marlon Taylor will also be fun to watch again, as he aims to lead his team back to the National Tournament again this year. Last but definitely not least, the talented Trinity Valley team will be a force to be reckoned with, as they are lead by Baylor transfer Wendell Mitchell, who has a great supporting cast with Andres Ibaguen, Jaime Echenique, and Robinson Idehen. The Spring semester heading into the tournament for each team will be hard fought and tough contests night in and out, and I am looking forward to seeing the other teams and talented players this semester, as tournament play vastly approaches us.

Edited by AB

It was Primetime Thursday at the Alamo Dome where the matchups were prospect heavy  for texasboysbasketball.com. Port Arthur Memorial made their first trip to the State Semifinals in school history and Midlothian, who is led by TCU signee Kaden Archie also punched their ticket to the state tournament. Justin Northwest had unfinished business due to last year’s semifinal exit but Alamo Heights have their own aspirations of a state championship. The game and prospect analysis tells the story.

Port Arthur vs. Midlothian

1st: 15 to 12 Port Arthur  game statically balanced with exception of one more made three ball. Archie tied the game with a deep 3-ptr at the half way mark of the second quarter.

2nd: The duo of Jamyus Jones from the three point line and Jordan Valsin with paint touches at will while 4-4 from the line. Wesley provides the go ahead 3 pointer to give Port Arthur the 24-21 at the half.

3rd: The second half resumed where the first half started as each bucket was hard earned. Sr. Caleb Jordan and Evan Marshall  for Midlothian produced 9 points in the third quarter as Archie was in pursuit to find his way to the paint which resulted in something positive for his team. Sr. Thailan Wesley answered to Midlothian’s early run with 7 points in the last 4 minutes of the third quarter. Memorial up 37-33 after three

4th: The contest got chippy as the intensity of this bout saw an increase in intensity.  A rare double foul was issued as the players started jawing back and forth at each other in the beginning of the last period. No point was scored in the fourth quarter until the 6 minute mark as Wesley nailed a contested three pointer to make it 40-33 for the Titans. Midlothian scored it’s first point in the fourth with 3:33 left but Memorial steadily increased their lead and got up by as much as 16 points until the Panthers first bucket. Memorial withstood Midlothian’s late surge and won 61-49 to advance to the title game.

Player Analysis

Kaden Archie, Sr. Wing- Midlothian: didn’t have a efficient scoring outing (4-13 from the field) and forced the issue at times (7 turnovers), Kaden continued to apply pressure to the Titans defense and got to the line 12 times. Along with 18 points, Archie secured 7 rebounds and blocked 5 shots.

Evan Marshall, Sr. PF – Midlothian: The Air Force signee came out of the gate with an aggressive approach as he played the role as the rim protector on defense. Evan has shown progressive strides throughout the regular season and this semifinal game showed the steady growth in his game. Marshall stat line was 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks.

Thailan Wesley, Sr. SG – Port Arthur Memorial: for Memorial added 24 points as he went 4-8 from three. Wesley grabbed 7 rebounds as the Sr. sharpshooter showcased his quick trigger and went on a 10-0 scoring by himself in the second half.

Nathan Clover, Soph C – Port Arthur Memorial: Clover was very solid in the Titans outing vs Midlothian. He made life difficult for opposing guards to get a clean look in the paint (3 Blocks) and although shots in the paint didn’t go in as much  as he would of liked, Clover showed comfort operating on the block and generating his own look.

1st: Jr. Avery Anderson of Justin Northwest began the second  tilt on Thursday night with a pull up jumper for the first points of the game. Sr. Brandon Johnson scored 8 of the first ten points for Alamo Heights as he displayed his smooth shooting stroke from beyond the arc. The Texans utilized their size advantage as UTA signee Mason Hix, Oklahoma Football signee Darrell Simpson and 2019 big man Sam Freeman combined for 7 points and 10 rebounds in the first quarter. Northwest up 15-12 after one.

2nd: The Mules obtained their first lead in this contest as they put together a quick 5-0 run in the first minute of the second quarter to go up 17-15. Soph. Charlie Dewitt knocked down a corner three and brought a great dose of energy for Alamo Heights. Jr. Sam Freeman gathered 7 rebounds in the second quarter as he secured 13 boards after two periods and Soph Julien Smith strung together a strong quarter with 5 points and 2 assists in a three minutes time frame.

3rd: Sr. Evan Carcanagues for Alamo Heights contributed the first points in the third quarter as he finished through contact on a layup for the and one opportunity. Northwest applied pressure on the defensive side of the ball as Sam Freeman was the anchor on that side of the floor for the Texans. Alamo City came alive in the third quarter with a 6-2 run but the major rebounding differential in Northwest’s favor allowed them to maintain a double digit lead after 3. 49-36 Northwest

4th: Northwest expanded the lead to 17 points as Julien Smith and Avery Anderson orchestrated the first 6 points for the Texans. Brandon Johnson and The Mules continued to fight to stay in the game as they shrunk the lead within 7 points until Avery Anderson answered with the execution of an and one layup and a block on a jumper in the next sequence. Northwest winning the rebounding battle(37-26) and four players in double figures compensated to the shooting woes the Texans faced early which allowed them to hold on and beat Alamo Heights 65-54.

Coaches Corner

Head Coach for The Texans Mike Hatch talked to TBB about the finale against Port Arthur on Saturday.

“Our players were anxious today but I’m confident on Saturday we will play calmer and closer to our  normal nature of play. The atmosphere and the first game here since last year brought a lot of nerves but we will be better on Saturday.”

Player Analysis

Avery Anderson, Jr. PG – Justin Northwest: Anderson produced 16 points and added 3 assists  and steals in the process. Anderson shot a very solid 47% from the field and his impact on both ends of the floor was critical in the Texan’s win on Thursday.

Sam Freeman, Jr. C – Justin Northwest: Freeman was a monster in the interior on Thursday night as he compiled a double double with 13 pts, 17 rebounds and multiple blocks. Freeman scored on the block, cleaned up on the glass and when he is playing with this energy, it is hard to bet against Northwest on Saturday.

Brandon Johnson, Sr. SG – Alamo Heights: Johnson shot 50% from the field on his way to a 20 point game. Brandon shot 5-8 from beyond the arc and was the leader in the fourth quarter surge for The Mules. Johnson refused to let the game get out of hand as he hit must needed jumpers to keep his team alive.

Edited By: AB

There were no shortage of division 1 prospects on hand at the National Hoopfest. EPLAY Sports provided the live stats as the fans were able to keep up with the numbers all Saturday. We give our 7 player take on our Saturday in Lancaster, TX.

Mike Miles, 2020 PG – Lancaster: Lancaster’s matchup was a good evaluation game for TBB prospect Mike Miles against Oak Hill. Defended by bigger, longer guards, the staff wanted to see if Miles would consistently generate a clean look and be effective and on Saturday he did. Mike got to the lane, finished against length and knocked down jumpers without being bothered by the contest. He produced 21 points and kept his team in the game.

Blake Hinson, 2019 CF – Sunrise Christian: Hinson is a mismatch problem with his size, strength and ability to space the floor. He led his Sunrise Christian squad in scoring with 22 and gave South Garland fits for four quarters.

Keyontae Johnson, 2018 Wing – Oak Hill: The strong, cut-up wing for Oak Hill value on the defensive side of the ball didn’t go unnoticed. Was active in help-side and kept up with the quick guards Lancaster possesses. Johnson added 27 points in the process as the Florida commit was effective on both ends of the floor.

Chris Harris Jr, 2019 SG – South Garland: Harris Jr. Couldn’t miss in the beginning of The Colonels outing vs Sunrise as he produced 10 of South Garlands first 12 points. Harris doesn’t need much space to get his shot off and his ability to get to the right spots on the floor allows him score. Finished with 19 points and the win on Saturday.

Larry Wise, 2018 Wing – Waxahachie: Wise produced what looked like an easy 12 point, 6 rebounds and 3 assists outing for Waxahachie. Wise is crafty around the cup and uses his length to make plays on both ends. The Indians ultimately lost to Chicago Simeon but Wise played an integral part in keeping his team within striking distance.

Jahmar Young, 2018 C – Desoto: Young was challenging everything at the rim and was aggressive as a help side defender. Whitney Young didn’t have anyone who could consistently match with the size and athleticism Young possess which warranted double teams on the talented post. Young finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks.

Talen Horton-Tucker, 2018 Wing – Chicago Simeon: Tucker is strong, and used his size to bully his way into the paint on Saturday. He possess range on his jumper and concluded the night for Simeon with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 assists.

Edited by AB

The TBB staff made a routine stop at Ellis Davis Field House to watch Kimball and Cedar Hill as multiple state winning coach Snoop Johnson got inducted into the Kimball Walk of Honor. We made a pit stop to Irving to catch a nice guard matchup and we finished up in South Garland and Lancaster to catch a slew of big time matchups.

Cobe Williams, 2019 PG – Dallas Can Academy: Williams utilizes his quickness to get to the cup and against Universal Academy, was able to finish in traffic consistently. It was a blowout lost for Can Academy, but Williams produced and showed why he is a top 35 TBB prospect.

Jaylin Posey, 2020 PG – Universal Academy: Posey scores in high volumes and it doesn’t take long for him to connect on 6-8 points in a row. The staff is high on Posey as a prospect and can crawl up in the top 10 in the 2020 class. Posey has received interest from UT-Austin and Washington State per source.

RJ Hampton, 2020 PG – Little Elm: Hampton is one if not the best scorers in Texas regardless of class as he showed his ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Hampton orchestrated a very solid outing versus South Garland with 18 points and displayed playmaking abilities by racking up several assists in the process

Tyrese Maxey, 2019 PG – South Garland: Talking about top scorers in Texas period, Maxey is another guard prospect that contends for that title. Maxey produced 19 points against Little Elm and 27 vs Sunrise Christian. Maxey’s range goes way beyond the arc and showed a more attacking nature, getting into the paint and finishing.

Montre Gibson, 2018 PG – Waxahachie: Gibson is a steady guard that uses his body well to navigate and make plays. His ability to be smooth and efficient with the ball brings value to his Waxahachie squad and Montre is one of the better guards left on the board in the 2018 class.

Feron Hunt, 2018 CF – Desoto: Feron was flying on both ends of the floor and his motor and willingness to hunt for loose balls put Desoto in a position to win vs Whitney Young. Hunt notched a double-double on Saturday with 20 points, 10 rebounds.

Messiah Jones, 2018 PF – Chicago Simeon: Jones plays with a little bit of a mean streak and that was vital in Simeon’s win vs Waxahachie. He cleaned up on the glass, imposed his will from time to time on the block and that led him into conducting 23 points and 12 rebounds on Saturday.

N’Faly Dante, 2020 C – Sunrise Christian: Dante has the physical makeup of a high major big man and recorded a double double Saturday against South Garland with 10 points, 10 rebounds. Dante moves fluid up and down the court and his athleticism is of top notch as well.

Cole Williams, 2019 CG – Kimball: Williams second half performance was key in Kimball’s win vs Cedar Hill on Tuesday. Williams has range on his jumper, and was efficient scoring when fast break opportunities presented itself. Their are aspects of his game that Williams will need to improve in order to get what he wants in the recruiting trail but a talented guard that has attributes in his game that translates.

High Major prospects have participated in the past at wthe Scout Focus Elite 80 Camps. From Current UT guard Andrew Jones, SMU forward Everette Ray, 2019 Wing Samuel Williamson and a plethora more. The texasboysbasketball.com staff was on hand at Hebron HS this past weekend and took a look at the prospects that manned the floors.

Jordan Simmons, 2019 PG – Green Hill School: Simmons was the top guard in the camp. Plays with a great feel, shot it well and is a prospect that possess a skillset that translates to the division 1 level.

Jerrand Bradley, 2021 SF – Frisco Lone Star: Bradley was a spectacle in the air as he flew to the rim and looked to throw it down at any chance. A prospect in the 2021 class that has a lot of room to grow and displayed promise.

Justin Crawford, 2020 CG – Arlington Seguin: Crawford is fast with the ball and knows how to put the ball through the net. Crawford puts pressure on the defense as he continued to attack the teeth of the defense and made plays in the open court.

Tyrese Davis, 2018 C – Frisco: Davis body and size stood out amongst the talented crop of players at the Elite 80. Strong in the post, aggressive with his finishes around the paint and is an available prospect that is intriguing.

Zavion Jackson, 2019 CF – White Hall HS (Ark): Jackson was a handful as he looked to throw down a dunk when given the slightest of space. Jackson plays hard, runs the floor and although he still has things he needs to work on, there’s still a lot to like about him.

Saxon McClure, 2020 PF – Emerald High School: McClure is a wide body forward that knows how to use his size. Saxon’s ability to space the floor and take space impresses the TBB staff.

Michael Unga, 2021 C – South Grand Prairie: Unga has came a long way from when the staff saw the big man play as a 7th grader. He accumulated a beavy Of dunks in his last game of the camp as the the developing big man has shown progressions each yr texasboysbasketball.com see him.

Emma Aruna, 2022 C – Delay Middle School: Aruna was the youngest, tallest and arguably the top prospect at the camp. Really runs the floor, good hands and once he adds weight & strength, Emma has a chance to become a big time prospect.

Jacob Profit, 2019 Wing – ESTEM HS (Ark.) Profit has been a regular at the Scout Focus Camp and he looks to be turning the corner. Versatile, improved looking jumper and playing with a edge. The staff was impressed with his development and will take a look at him some more this grassroots season.

Legend Barrett, 2019 PF – Lake Ridge HS: Barrett is a burly, strong 4-man that knows how to play. Legend is undersized for his position but plays very hard and made plays consistently at the Elite 80

Caleb Mosley, 2020, Smithson Valley High: A player that was quietly productive but continued to make plays on both ends was Caleb Mosley. Having grown in the past yr, Mosley is a prospect that can blossom in the next yr as he continues to grow and develop.

KJ Pruitt, 2020 CG – Universal Academy: Elite 80 did good for KJ’s stock. He has improved in his shot creating and feel for the game. A top 20 prospect on texasboysbasketbal.com, the staff will take another look at the Lewisville product at the TCAL Championship in San Antonio.

South Garland “BIG” addition can shake things up and which players utilized the platform to prove their worth. The second edition of the Rescue Rooter National Hoopfest took place in Lancaster, TX and the TBB staff takes a look at the top stories.

South Garland’s “Big Three”

The Colonels are 2-0 since the addition of 2019 big man Dearon Tucker with impressive wins vs Little Elm and Sunrise Christian. Tucker’s interior production on both ends of the floor has been key for South Garland.2019 Tyrese Maxey was hitting on all cylinders on Sunday to his way to 27 points against Sunrise. Sharpshooter Chris Harris added 19 points and the South Garland trio accounted for a heavy portion of their team’s points. The Colonels were missing an interior presence and the inclusion of Tucker in the lineup gives them an opportunity to make a playoff run.

Underclassmen Lead Lancaster to Near Upset

The TBB staff noted the tall task Lancaster had to encounter on Saturday night with national powerhouse Oak Hill on the other side but the young guns answered the challenge. 2020 Mike Miles attributed 21 points and when Oak Hill looked to extend pressure, Miles showed poise and got to his spots on the floor. 2020 Marco Foster came off the bench and came out firing from beyond the arc, knocking down 7 three pointers and bringing value on the defensive end of the floor. 2021 Wade Taylor showed he belongs amongst the top guards in the 2021 class with a 20 pt performance and showcasing abilities to make plays for his teammates. Lancaster led by as many as 10 pts but Oak Hill’s size was too much for the Tigers down the stretch and lost 87-78.

Freeman is a Strong Pickup for Valparaiso

Valparaiso Commit Javon Freeman executed with efficiency offensively. He’s a savvy wing that is able to score on all three levels. Freeman contributed 31 points in a comeback win vs Desoto and mix of skill and length will be welcomed when he steps on to the campus in Indiana.

Keldon Johnson Displays 5 Star Talent

2018 Keldon Johnson is a powerful wing that can mix it up offensively scoring inside and out. The Kentucky Commit put his Oak Hill squad on his shoulder and led the rally against and motivated Lancaster squad adding 26 points and 10 rebounds in the process. The staff got to witness Johnson in Virginia at the NBPA Top 100 Camp and Keldon continues to show why he’s among the top players in the country.

Marqualan Grant Shows His Value

Waxahachie is primed for a state title and West Texas A&M Commit Marqualan Grant will be one of the leaders in charge for making that happen. The strong body guard made timely plays when Chicago Simeon was prepared to make a big run and was fearless attacking the basket. The TBB prospect will see a rise in his status.

Edited By AB

Part II of our January Prospect Series takes a look at intriguing prospects ranging from the 2018-2021 class. Is the big man from Skyline the top player in his class? Tariq Aman is looking to secure a scholarship offer and how good can Jaylin Posey be? These questions are being answered by our TBB staff.

Xavier Rhodes, 2021 Post – Skyline: Rhodes has secured a top 5 spot in 2021 with his compilation of performances in front of the staff. He is long, runs the floor and has a nice touch around the rim. He is contending for the top spot in the 2021 class but the staff will need to see more out of him. Rhodes looks the part and has held his own coming in as a starter on varsity for Head Coach Paul Graham.

Tariq Aman, 2019 PG – Coppell: Aman quarterbacks for the Cowboys and against Skyline he sliced his way onto the paint, shot it well from deep and continued to get his teammates involved.

KJ Liggins, 2021 PG – Coppell: Liggins has a good frame and plays with a mature feel for the game. Liggins at Skyline had no problems finishing through contact, knocking down jumpers and getting his teammates involved

Quevian Adger, 2020 SF – Coppell: Adger plays with a physical nature that passes through to his teammates. He compiled a double double in Coppell’s win vs Skyline and showed why he is a top 15 prospect on TBB.

Jase Townsend, 2018 CG – Skyline: Townsend didn’t shoot it well from deep but did solid job facilitating as the staff counted 5 assists for Townsend. The Denver commit still shot it with confidence and accounted for 9 straight points in Skyline’s second half push.

Jaylin Posey, 2020 PG – Universal Academy: Posey is an intriguing prospect. Size, length and potential scoring prowess has the staff high on him. Against Southwest Christian he scored 12 points and locked in defensively. Consistency is key for Posey going forward as he is a top 5 Talent in the 2020 but doesn’t consistently  show it.

Arthur Kaluma, 2021 SF – Universal Academy: In a game where there was potentially over 10 D1 prospects manning the floor, in stretches Arthur Kaluma was the best player on the court. Kaluma notched a double double against Southwest Christian and has taken the lead role in the scoring department for Universal Academy.

Tre White, 2019 SF – Mansfield Timberview: Speaking Of double doubles, Tre White has compiled a few in January in front of the staff. He’s strong, bouncy and has performed in his role for Timberview.

Shakur Daniels, 2018 PG – Southwest Christian: Shakur runs the point for Southwest Christian with fluidity and ease. Gets to his spots, gets his teammates involved and provides a strong scoring punch. Shakur produced 18 points against Universal Academy as he showcased a skillset that translates.

Edited by AB

At Texasboysbasketball.com we continue to take a glance at the prospects the staff evaluates each month. Arlington Martin possess a promising, talented power forward that is high on the TBB database. 2019 Joshua Miller and Marcus Sasser for Red Oak have built chemistry on the court and providing instant scoring for the Hawks. Let’s dive in on part 1.

Joshua Miller, 2019 Wing – Red Oak: Miller has been a productive key piece to Red Oak’s run to a playoff birth. He was able to get to his spots on the floor and accumulated 22 pts to go along 5 blocks in their matchup vs Mansfield Timberview.

Marcus Sasser, 2019 CG – Red Oak: Sasser struggled early on against Timberview as he couldn’t generate a clean release early but in the fourth quarter and overtime, Sasser produced when his team needed, as he accounted for the last 8points in regulation.

Chris Mullins, 2018 PG – Mansfield Timberview: The Rice Owl Commit has orchestrated strong performances when the lights are on. He looks to disrupt opposing guards defensively and offensively against Red Oak, produced 22 points and the win.

Isaac Likeleke, 2018 Wing – Mansfield Timberview: Likeleke continues to fill the stat sheet up as he plays any role that his team needs from him in order to win. If that’s guard the best player, become the primary playmaker or take the lead as a shot creator, Isaac put on different hats to lead his Timberview squad to a quest of another 5A State Title.

Montreal Pena, 2020 Post – Arlington Martin: Pena has a lot of upside and the talented big man showed flashes of what he will become down the road when the light stays on. The number 15 TBB prospect against Arlington HS rebounded, blocked shots and has a nice touch around the rim.

Jadaun Slack, 2020 SF – Arlington High School: A bruising forward that plays with physicality. Slack is a TBB Top 50 prospect in the 2020 class and he has the tools to become a D1 prospect.

Connor Redrow, 2021 C – Universal Academy: Redrow is starting to come around, his effort and activity on the boards and in the paint has resulted in a increase in minutes. Still ways to go for Redrow but he provided rebounding and a interior presence in Universal Academy’s win against Southwest Christian.

edited by AB

North Texas vs The Nation; Some of the countries prestigious and storied programs will battle it out against some of the better schools in the DFW as The ARS National Hoopfest tour will stop by at Lancaster, TX to host a slate of games that the TBB staff will be on hand.

Highland Park vs Chicago Simeon 4:30 PM Friday

Highland Park has accumulated 6 wins in the season so far with an impressive victory against Trinity Christian Cedar Hill. Highland Park have been able to execute as a team and will need to operate at a high level vs Talen-Horton Tucker led squad. Tucker has a chance to win MR. Basketball in the State of Illinois and a program whose alumni consist Derrick Rose, Jabari Parker that have dawn the blue and Gold, Tucker looks to join the club in adding a Illinois 4A State Title on his resume.

South Garland vs Sunrise Christian 2:30 PM Saturday

The dynamic duo of 2019 Chris Harris and Tyrese Maxey will be heavily relied upon in South Garland’s heavyweight matchup vs Sunrise Christian. Harris is following a explosive 40 point performance against Lancaster and is one of if not the best shooter in the 2019 class in Texas. One of the premier guards in the country in Tyrese Maxey has proven his status so far this season and recently produced a eye-catching second half performance against Allen.  Sunrise Christian advantage comes in the front court as they mann great size, length and depth at the 4 & 5 slots. 2020 N’Faly Dante is an impact big man that makes his mark on both ends of the floor and shown potential to stretch the floor. With him is 2019 Blaise Keita, a rim running, shotblocking big that possess good feet and hands and showed to be a solid post option at the Elite 14 in October.  2019 TBB prospect Jordan Turner will also be suited up for the Buffaloes and the staff will take a look at his progress. If South Garland stay within two or three possessions in the fourth quarter, that will allow Maxey and Harris to finish.

Desoto vs Whitney Young 4:00 PM Saturday

The pg matchup is an intriguing one between unsign senior guard RJ Mason (Desoto) and USF commit in 2018 Xavier Castanada (Whitney Young). Mason, who is  playing with an edge and a  chip on his shoulder will look to rise to the occasion to prove his worth. On paper, this is one of the more evenly matched up games but big contributions from SMU signees Feron Hunt and Jahmar Young are needed for the Eagles squad to come up on top. Valpo commit Javon Freeman is a talented wing that excels in a a variety of ways on the court for Whitney Young. 2021 Duncan Powell for Desoto has stepped up and excelled in his role at Desoto and this is a test that the staff will be able to see how he performs in the bright lights.

Waxahachie vs Chicago Simeon 5:30 PM Saturday

The Indians of Waxahachie contain a trio of prospects that have produced on a consistent basis for their school with 2018 Drake signee Larry Wise, 2018 strong body guards Montre Gipson and Marqualen Grant. Wise has displayed an ability to score off the dribble, finish around the rim and connect on a nice percentage of shots from beyond the arc. Gipson embraces contact and plays with a good feel and motor. Grant is another guard that utilizes his strength to get in the paint and scores within the flow of the game. The Indians have a tall task in containing 2018 Iowa State Commit  Talen Horton – Tucker. Tucker is a strong, athletic wing that scores on all three levels as 2018 Xavier Pinson and Zion Young have added to the scoring punch for Simeon.

Lancaster vs Oak Hill Academy 7:00 PM Saturday

Lancaster depend on a bevy of guards for production with 2020 TBB prospect Mike Miles running the show at the point. 2018 LaQuan Butler can get hot quick on the perimeter as he is capable of going for 20 points in any game. 2021 Wade Taylor has emerged as one of the top guard prospects in the freshman class, and can hold or boost his stock with a strong outing against Oak Hill. Oak Hill is filled with talent with Oregon Ducks commit in Will Richardson, Kentucky commit Keldon Johnson on the wing and Kansas commit David McCormack controlling the paint. McCormack imposes his will in the paint, relagates action inside and will have the opportunity to contribute right away when he arrives to Lawrence, KS. Recent Virginia Tech decommit BJ Mack runs the 4 spot for Oak Hill as Lancaster will have to contain both Mack and McCormack on the glass to have a chance in this game.

edited by AB

Cedar Hill hosted the Lions Club Tournament and the staff was on hand to view some of the “sleeper prospects” in the 2018-2020 class. 2019 Marcus Sasser discusses his recruitment to TBB as we analyze one of the top unsign senior forwards in the 2018 class in Texas and a promising 2020 big man from   Forth Worth.

Marcus Sasser, 2019, CG – Red Oak: Sasser knows how to put the ball through the net. Off the bounce, Marcus found the seams in the defense to attack, averaged over 20 ppg and led his team to a championship. Kansas State, North Texas, UT Arlington, Tulsa as UTA and Tulsa have stayed in contact with the promising guard on a weekly basis. Sasser told TBB he plans on visiting the campus of the schools interested when the scholastic season ends.

Tyreek Smith, 2019 PF – TCCH: Smith presence was felt in the paint as his activity altering shots inside led to opponents thinking twice before attacking the cup. He was mixing it up on the block, facing up, scoring with his back to the basket and how far he’s came along in stretching his game.

Ray Pugh, 2018 CG – Pugh shot the ball at a nice clip at the Lions Club Tournament as he was a threat from the perimeter off the catch. Pugh has improved as a playmaker, looking to get his teammates involved and in spots they can excel. Arkansas Pine Bluff, Hofstra, Southern have shown interest in the point man for Cedar Hill as Hofstra made the trip to see the guard this past week. Pin-Bluff assistant coach has been in contact with Pugh on a weekly basis he told texasboysbasketball.com.

Justin Nimmer, 2018 SF – Waxahachie Life: Nimmer will see his name in our TBB database as the unsign senior versatility was in full display at Cedar Hill. He shot it well from the perimeter, showing to be dependent on knocking down the open three. He hunted for loose balls, able to defend off switches, and was in control handling the ball in the open court and making the right read.

Dominique Jackson, 2018 SG – TCCH: Jackson is another unsign senior that impressed the staff. He produced efficient scoring outings and defended with a sense of urgency. His length, strength and ability to score in variety of ways this past week presented mismatch problems on opposing guards.

Mark Freeney, 2019 SF – Red Oak: Freeney activity on both ends can’t go unnoticed to the staff. He finished around the rim in traffic, runs the lanes hard in transition and impacted shots in the paint. Freeney is a strong glue guy with his ability to defend multiple positions, rebound, and score off of straight hustle.

CJ Weathers, 2018 PF – CHANT: Weather’s used his size to score over defenders on the block and high post. He can stretch the floor out, being able to knock down a three pointer when open but also take slower bigs off the dribble from the wing.

Jeremiah Keys,2019 WING – FW Dunbar: Keys can launch out a flurry of buckets when in a rythym. Shot selection is questionable but Keys mix of athleticism, speed and a solid looking shooting stroke allows him score inside and out and a danger in the open court.

Tim Hartman, 2020 Post – FW Dunbar: Hartman is a developing big man that showed some promising aspects to his game to the staff. A floor runner with solid hands and feet, Hartman looks to secure rebounds in his area and shown to have a decent touch around the basket.

Edited By AB

Going into February, the regular season is winding down and the TBB staff dives in to the third part of our available prospect series. Players have come out and performed their way on the list and other talents are waiting out the process.

Zach Wrightsil, 2018 SF – Prosper: Wrightsil has accumulated several eye popping performances in district play and the forward has shown the ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions and excel in the open court.

Tre Gipson, 2018 PG – Waxahachie: Gipson has utilized the scholastic season to up his stock as he has been the floor leader for TABC’s Number 1 Team in the state in 5A. Gipson is a strong decision maker, a plus defender and shown ability to generate his own shot.

Brenton Mills, 2018 SG – Allen: Mills has stepped up for Allen and in the summer produced in front of the staff. Mills has a strong body, shoots it from beyond the arc and is a good athlete.

Justin Nimmer, 2018 SF – Waxahachie Life: Nimmer’s versatility and length makes him an intriguing prospect. With his size mixed with his strong playmaking abilities, Nimmer sits at 56 in our TBB database. Has followed up sound performances in Vegas with a series of strong performances in the school season.

Brick Fosnight, 2018 SF – Clear Springs: Fostnight 14 pt performance against Mac Irvin Fire in Vegas stood out to the staff. His size, smooth shooting stroke and readiness to release whenever he catches the ball translates to the next level.

Zach Nutall, 2018 CG – Bryan: The explosive guard from Bryan may have his school in mind and the staff expects a decision soon after the season. Nutall is a talented guard that makes plays in the open court and quick off the dribble.

Calvashawn Darthard, 2018 CG – Denton Guyer: Another talented two way guard that has recovered from his leg injury and has produced for Denton Guyer. Darthard is a prospect that the staff believe will be effective and produce for the program he joins for next fall.

Zach Watson, 2018 PF – Frisco Liberty: Watson’s athleticism stands out as the powerful 4-man for Frisco Liberty finishes above the rim, rebounds and really effective when he plays to his strengths.

Khaliel Spear, 2018 SF – The Colony: Spear has recently received an offer from Buckner and Arkansas State offered the forward in the Summer. Spear is amongst the top available 3-men in Texas as his length, an improvement as a scorer on the wing has been on display at The Colony.

David Nzekwesi, 2018 C – Byron Nelson: Nzekwesi accumulated offers due to his play during the summer. Nzekwesi has chose to wait it out and the staff recently spoke with David and told us his recruitment is still open. Interested to see what happens in his recruitment and who picks up the burly, skilled big man.

Zakari Hart, 2018 Post – Universal Academy: Hart has shown flashes of his upside and with his size and ability to shoot the ball, Hart is an intriguing prospect. When he commits himself consistently to the right things, he looks like a D1 prospect. An intriguing available prospect in 2018.

Nabil Rurangwa, 2018 C – Timber Creek: Talking about intriguing big men, Nabil is another prospect on our list as the developing big man has come along in the past 365 days. He has become a solid post option for his squad and starting to understand how to be consistent.

Steven Samuels, 2018 SF – Bishop Lynch: Samuels possess length, athleticism and has been one of those prospects that still has ways to go but his development gives the staff confidence on his potential at the next level.

edited by AB

Tournament season is in full throttle in the high school season as the TBB staff traveled through several cities in North Texas this past week.Tyrese Maxey took on the alpha male role in crunch time as we take a look at the talented 2019 guard from Wilmer Hutchins and were he could land in our 2019 database.

Tyrese Maxey, 2019 PG – South Garland: The early portion of the South Garland v Allen game was heavily one sided as Allen possesses a 18 point advantage over the Colonels. Maxey in the second half went on a scoring tear on his way to 36 points and a overtime victory for his squad. Whenever the game is close and Maxey is on the floor, it can be hard to bet against the 5 star guard knowing the ball will be in his hands.

Chris Harris Jr, 2019 SG – South Garland: Harris was another prospect that rose to the moment for South Garland as he connected on multiple jumpers from the perimeter. Harris decision making was shaky operating off the bounce but bounced back and stepped up when his team needed him.

Isaiah Stevens, 2019 PG – Allen: Stevens produced an efficient 15 pts in Allen’s overtime lost against South Garland. Stevens has a good feel, plays with a motor and is a crafty finisher in traffic. Isaiah has been one of Texasboysbasketball.com’s biggest stock risers and continues to produce in the scholastic season.

Brenton Mills, 2018 Guard – Allen: Mills shot the ball well from the perimeter and the strong body guard displayed solid playmaking ability this past Saturday. The unsign senior guard continued to impress being able to score on the move, and defend with physicality.

Quentin Grimes, 2018 Guard – College Park: Grimes scoring abilities was on full display in Mansfield. Athleticism mixed with his ability to score off the bounce efficiently made the Kansas Jayhawk commit a handful for opposing defenses.

Daveion Sanders, 2019 PG – Wilmer Hutchins: Sanders impressed  the staff with his speed, quickness and physcial nature he displays in his game. Sanders utilizes his speed in the open court, a capable shooter from the perimeter and brought value on the defensive side this past week.

Grayson Carter, 2018  PF – Denton Guyer: Carter orchestrated several strong performances in Mansfield as he gobbled up on the boards and played with a motor and toughness that the staff wanted to see. The Georgetown commit has found a rhythm in the strong Wildcat’s starting lineup and continuing to provide solid interior play.

Edited by AB

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.

The Hype Sports Winter Jam has become one of the Premier middle school basketball events in the Lone Star State. It is one of the 4 middle school events the staff covers on a yearly basis. We will continue to a look at how this class compares to previous classes at this point in their young careers. We will watch to track there development as you watch their names roll through TBB for next 5-6 years.

Cam Amboree, 2022 PG – Hardwork: Amboree shot the ball at a high clip from the perimeter. Has a quick trigger and averaged over 12 points at the Winter Jam.

Cason Wallace: The Younger brother of UTSA standout guard Keaton Wallace, Cason has a good feel, defends and shows a natural ability of putting the ball through the net.

Collin Smith, 2022 SF – Hardwork: Smith length and versatility was on display at the Winter Jam. Smith oozes with talent and his ceiling is high. When Smith elevates his game, Hardwork is a dangerous team to match up against.

PF Jaden Robinson, 2022 CF – Higher Goals: Robinson down the line could turn out to be one of the top Texas prospects in the 2022 class from this event. Can shoot it from beyond the arc, handle the ball with fluidity in the open court and is long.

CJ Ford, 2022 PG – Dallas Mustangs: Ford is Quick with the ball and produced high scoring totals and most notably against Team FOE. Ford was one of the best scoring guards at the Winter Jam.

Kamayua Blac, 2022 SF – Dallas Mustangs: Blac has a promising stroke from the perimeter and has range even past the three point line. Still needs to get tougher, but can turn out to be a TBB prospect once he enters high school.

Xavier Martinez, 2022 PG – Hardwork: Martinez produced at the semis and championship game. Xavier has some toughness to his game and made big time plays in pressure situations.

Kevin Garcia, 2022 PF – Hardwork Black: Garcia has slimmed down and has stretched his game. Garcia produced consecutive 20 point outings and although he still has ways to go, Garcia has shown improvement.

Isaiah Foster, 2022 PG – Team FOE: Foster is a young talented guard that is crafty with the basketball. Still developing as a floor leader but shows promise.

JD Legarde, 2022 PG – TSI: Legarde has grown in the past year. A Cream of The Crop Alum is Quick and developing into an efficient point guard.

Kobe Bratton, 2022 PG – TSI: Another Cream of The Crop Alum, Bratton has a good body for his age and scored off the bounce. A talented guard that has a high upside.

Omari Abor, 2022 CF – Team FOE: Abor is strong and knows how to carve out space in the paint. Shot the ball well from beyond the arc, connecting on multiple jumpers each contest the staff watched.

The stage was set at Shands Arena in Lufkin, TX for a Saturday showdown between Region
XIV programs Angelina College and the Apaches of Tyler Junior College. TJC arrived on
Saturday with an unblemished 10-0 record to start the season and Angelina have accumulated
impressive wins against Ranger and South Plains College. Conference play just began but the
atmosphere at Shane’s Arena possessed every bit of the vibe of a conference
championship matchup in March. For the Roadrunners, sophomore forward Gilbert Thomas (16
pts, 15 reb) set the tone early with his infectious energy on both ends for the Roadrunners by
finishing with an impressive double-double. Thomas’s teammate, sophomore wing Bryan
Mitchell (21 pts) is a lengthy athlete that is very dangerous in transition, along with doing a really
good job getting into the lanes and finishing in the half-court, was also very efficient as well for
Angelina. They both were followed by freshman Deedy Guano (18 pts) who is an athletic guard
that’s creative off the bounce and plays with a high motor on both ends, as he lead the charge
as the floor general for Angelina. Sharpshooter sophomore guard Angel Bullock (14 pts) a solid
athlete who shot it well with range from behind the arc for the Roadrunners against the lengthy
and athletic Apache zone. Other notable performers for Angelina included sophomore forward
Nylek Cobb (11pts) a long and wiry athlete that slashes well and showed the ability to knock
down the outside shots when needed for the roadrunners. Lastly, freshman guard Kevin
Norman (6 pts) a strong body athlete that is a really good slasher that plays with a toughness
and tenacity on both ends of the floor for his team.

Top performers for the TJC Apaches were sophomore Brian Warren (26 pts) an crafty, talented
guard who plays with toughness, good vision and strong IQ for his team. Warren was followed
by UTA commit Tiandre Jackson (13pts) a bouncy athlete that is a deadly shooter from outside,
who caught fire and hit some big shots for the Apaches during second half of the game.
Other notable performers for TJC were freshman guard, Cameron Johnson (11 pts) an athletic
guard who does a great job getting into the lane and finishing with traffic, along with Micah
Thomas (11 pts) a lengthy athletic wing who shoots it really well from behind the arc, both were
key contributors for the Apaches as well. Lastly, sophomore Tajuan Agee (8 pts) a tough strong
body athlete that is very active on both ends of the court, also made a solid impact during the
course of the game that resulted in a 81-76 loss to the Angelina Roadrunners.

Edited By AB

North Texas was a hotspot for Hoops last week with battles between UIL 4A-6A schools and TBB prospects. Get to know Demarcus Fisher’s game and of top performers from last week.

Jakevan Leftridge, 2019 SF – Wilmer Hutchins: Leftridge has an intriguing skill-set as the forward plays with length and made his offensive contributions operating off the bounce and finishing on put back opportunities. The long, slender forward has been impressive in the last 10 days and is a prospect to continue to look at throughout the year.

Jalen Wilson, 2019 SF – Denton Guyer: Wilson has collaborated constant efficient performances for Denton Guyer as the TBB high major prospect. Wilson has shown a diverse skill set in the process as he is a tough, physical player who has the ability to shoot off the catch and moves well without the ball.

De’Vion Harmon, 2019 PG – Denton Guyer: Harmon nabbed the MVP for the Spring Creek Tournament as the gritty, talented guard imposes his will in ball games. He has a relentless approach in attacking the basket and makes defenses pay when they are lax defensively. Harmon has performed just as good if not better than any guard in the state of Texas so far in the season.

Jae LeDee, 2018 PF – Kinkaid: Talking about players that have been imposing their will, Buckeye commit Jae LeDee has been making his mark in the paint and has an impressive double-double average to start the season. Jae handles the ball in the open court and was able to consistently convert on shots through contact.

Isaiah LeBlanc, 2020 Guard – Kinkaid: LeBlanc in the half-court setting was efficient as he was able to keep his defender guessing when operating off the triple threat. LeBlanc has shown steady improvement over the summer and texasboysbasketball.com will keep track of Isaiah throughout the season.

Wade Taylor, 2021 PG – Lancaster: Taylor against South Oak Cliff was in the staff’s opinion the best player on the court last Tuesday. He handled pressure, fires away off the dribble, off the catch and has a competitive spirit about him. Taylor constructed a 25 pt performance which was vital in a back and forth battle vs SOC.

Kylon Owens, 2020 PF – South Oak Cliff: “KO” stat line doesn’t draw a viewer but his time on the court, Owen’s showed that he has put time in stretching his game. He possess a solid release from 12 ft out and nabbed the ball coming off the rim consistently.

Demarcus Fisher, 2018 PF – Roosevelt: The unsign senior forward has been a strong interior presence for Roosevelt. Blocking, shots, corralling rebounds in his area and finishing above the rim when the opportunity presents itself.

Edited by AB

There is a dynamic duo from El Paso Burges that did themselves a favor at the Cy Creek Classic. The TBB staff got a good look at the talented duo and which long rangy wing has one of the Blue Blood Programs inquiring about him?

Jawaun Newton, 2018 CG – EP Burges

Jawaun strung together multiple efficient scoring outing at the CY Creek Classic as he was able to score on the move and found a home at the free throw line, being able to draw contact while attacking the basket. Jawaun possess a nice stroke with range and brought value on the defensive end for EP Burges.

Recruitment

Jawaun currently has offers from Jackson State and West Texas A&M as Jackson State has shown the most interest in the rising guard. Texas Tech, New Mexico and UTEP have inquired about Newton as he has taken unnoficials at Texas Tech, UTEP, West Texas A&M and Northern Colorado. Jawaun plans on waiting until the spring to decide and with performances like the compilation he put together this past weekend, his recruitment could  jump.

Tristen Newton, 2019 PG – EP Burges

Equipped with good positional size, length and athleticism, the talented 2019 guard prospect jumped out to the TBB staff after EP Burges win vs College Park and Kansas bound number one prospect Grimes. Newton produced 32 points as he handled pressure, attack with either hand and used his length to finish in traffic. Newton all tournament was a standout and was one of the best players regardless of class at the Cy Creek Classic.

Recruitment

Jackson State is the lone offer on the table for Tristen as a USC assistant was in attendance for his game against College Park and spoke to his father after the game. He has also received interest from New Mexico State and UTEP.

Donovan Williams, 2019 Wing – FB Elkins

“Stretch” as his teammates like to call him, and it’s very obvious why as the wing for FB Elkins is equipped with arms that allow him to conveniently scratch his knees and when he elevates to shoot or finish in the paint, he utilizes his length very well. Although his team suffered defeat in the hands of a extremely talented Denton Guyer squad, Williams produced a solid performance showing the ability to score off the bounce and excel in the open court.

Recruitment

Williams offers include Sam Houston State (offered first) and followed by SMU and Houston. Sam Houston State has been in pursuit the hardest for Donovan as Williams has been contact with Assistant Coach Chris Mudge daily. Williams has also been in contact with the coaches at SMU and Houston on a weekly basis. Williams was on a unofficial at Uof H last weekend and plans on taking a visit to SMU in the next week or two he told TBB. Richmond, San Diego, Texas A&M, Tulsa have also shown interest and been in contact with the talented wing and Williams has had multiple conversations with Associate Head Coach Jeff Capel from Duke since the summer.

TBB was at the MI3 Center for the first day of John Lucas Right Way. The 2017 edition marks the 10yr the staff has evaluated some of the top 8th graders in the south.

Terrance Arceneaux, 2022 Wing: Tyler was the top performer on Wednesday as the talented prospect possess length, size and developing skill set to become a big time player in the future.

Tre White, 2022 Wing: A Cream of The Crop Alum, White imposed his will as he got to the paint and finished through contact. Tre was a mismatch problem in the 5 on 5 setting.

Adam Stewart, 2022 C: Another Cream of The Crop Alum, The staff was impressed with Stewart’s shooting stroke. Still has ways to go as a big man but showed improvement since August.

Colin Smith, 2022 SF: Smith has a chance to be talked about heavily from the TBB staff till his senior year. Although the light flickers on and off, Smith is a prospect with a high ceiling.

Austin Nuñez, 2022 PG: Nunez competes and that’s one aspect of his performance on Wednesday that the staff liked. Has a promising shooting stroke.

Cameron Crocket, 2022 SG: Crocket made getting a bucket off the dribble look easy. Long, fairly skilled and made his mark at Camp Right Way.

Nehikhare Igiehon, 2022 CF: A forward that threw his body around and displayed some fluidity handling the ball. One of the top standouts from the camp.

Jacolb Cole, 2023 PG:Cole plays with a mature poise and has a good feel for his age. Had one of the top performances from a 2023 guard at the camp.

Bryce Griggs, 2022 PG: A prospect that has a chance to be near the top of his class from freshman to senior year. Strong, has tight handle and knows how to play.

Jaland Lowe, 2023 PG: Lowe made plays on both ends. Lowe got his nose in and hunted for loose balls. A promising guard that plays hard.

Noah Wright, 2022 Wing: Wright knows how to play without the ball. Seemed to make the right play when ball was in his hands.

Christopher Lockett, 2023 PG: One of the quickest guards with the ball in his hands, Lockett got to where he wanted on the court and made plays.

David Martinez, 2022: Scoring guard that is able to get to his spots. Got hurt on Wednesday but showed grit and still played solid through injury

Cameron Amboree, 2022 PG: Cam handled pressure and looks to make the right play with the ball. Not quick late.

Joyful Hawkins, 2022 PF/C: Joyful is long and has a solid touch inside. Runs well and made his presence known inside.

Javonte Smart compiled the best scoring performances ever in  the Thanksgiving Hoopfest and who’s presence in the paint garnered the defensive player award at the Hoopfest? Texasboysbasketball hand out our awards from a hoopsfilled weekend at the Sandrow Meadows Arena.

MVP of The Hoopfest: Javonte Smart, 2018 PG – Scotlandville

Smart had a string of performances that was unprecedented scoring 102 points in two games on 46 shots as he shot 71 percent from the field to go with his 51 ppg average. Smart scored 43 points on Friday against Lincoln and followed up with a 59 point outing vs Little Elm as the LSU commit played in his own pace, shot it well from 3 and when his jumper was off, was able to find his way into the paint with a finish or a foul. Smart takes the MVP honors and it was a no brainer after Saturday as his team went 2-0 on the Hoopfest and look to gain another state title.

Defensive Player of The Hoopfest: Sam Freeman, 2019 C – Justin Northwest

Freeman presence defensively was not matched at the Hoopfest as his performance against Booker T Washington, he contributed 7 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks. Freeman altered many shots as players thought twice about taking shots in the paint when Freeman was around. There was a big difference in points in the paint when Freeman was in the game vs when he was out and that’s why the promising big man wins defensive player of the weekend.

Offensive Player of The Hoopfest: De’Vion Harmon, 2019 PG – Denton Guyer

Harmon was in contention for MVP on Friday but Smart’s performances on Saturday sealed the deal. Nonetheless, Harmon’s performances cannot go unnoticed as the OU commit was the most entertaining  player to watch. Slicing through defenses, playing with aggression on the defensive end and knocking down key jumpers to slow down the opposing team’s momentum as he averaged 30 points a game. Harmon was a star at the Hoopfest and his team is primed to making it to the Alamo Dome if they continue to build off these performances.

Breakout Performer(s): Dearon Tucker, 2019 C – Universal Academy & Jakobe Coles, 2020 PF – Denton Guyer

Jakobe Coles

Coles compiled two strong  performances for Denton Guyer in their win vs  South Garland and Austin Westlake. When Coles is playing to his strengths, he can impact game with a nice touch on his turnaround jumper and cleaning up on the glass. Coles play on Saturday garnered an offer from North Texas as they were in attendance to watch him. He already has a SMU offer as well with Tulane, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State having shown interest in the young 4-man.

Dearon Tucker

Tucker contributed 12 points, 6 rebounds and I accounted two blocks in Universal Academy’s win vs Woodrow Wilson. Tucker got his nose in and played with physicality and a little bit of a meanstreak. He was a viable post up option for the Eagles and his performance caught the TBB staff eye as we believe the switch will stay on for the gifted post-man.

Edited by AB

Who does the staff view as the top shotblocker in 2019? Two of the top candidates made their claim as their respective teams competed in the holidays. The TBB staff dives in on the second part of our Takeaways as we review the 2019 class in a week full of basketball in North Texas.

Bryce Cook, 2019 PG – South Grand Prairie: Bryce is a tough cover due to his quickness with the ball and his high level shot making abilities. He started the Whataburger Tournament with a 30 point outing and continued to impress earning All Tournament honors.

Karlyn Kenner, 2019 SG – South Grand Prairie: Kenner will see his name in our TBB 2018 database as Karlyn plays with grit and toughness at the guard spot that the staff was impressed by. Kenner knocked down jumpers and committed himself on the boards and defense.

Tyrese Maxey, 2019 CG – South Garland: Maxey produced for South Garland and led them to a consolation championship at the Whataburger Tournament. Maxey made tough shots from beyond the arc and was making strong decisions with the ball.

Chris Harris, 2019 SG – South Garland: Harris can get hot quick from the field and did just that at the consolation championship. He contributed 31 points but going into the second quarter with only 2 points. When Harris and Maxey are playing off each other, South Garland are tough to beat.

Grant Sherfield, 2019 PG – North Crowley: Sherfield produced steady play all week at the Whataburger. Sherfield was huge in North Crowley’s win vs Sam Houston and the UCLA Commit didn’t need much space to get his shot off.

Sam Freeman, 2019 C – Justin Northwest: Freeman played his role as a rim protector and rebounder. One of the top 3 shot blockers in the 2019 class, Freeman has shown some strides offensively this past week.

Tyreek Smith, 2019 PF -Trinity Christian Cedar Hill: Talking about shot blockers, Smith in my opinion is the top shot blocker not only in 2019 but in the state regardless of class. Smith offensively scored inside and out as he made a strong statement as to why he is a top 3 prospect in his class.

DJ Thorpe, 2019 Post – Lake Travis: Thorpe is big and strong as the efficient big man not only looks the part of a high major prospect but plays the part as well. More on him later this week at texasboysbasketball.com

Trezarian White, 2019 Wing – Mansfield Timberview: White garnered All Tournament honors at the Whataburger and his activity on both ends of the floor was instrumental in Timberview winning the championship. White is an intriguing prospect that the staff will continue to take a look at.

Isaiah Range, 2019 Wing – Trinity Christian Cedar Hill: Range wins the DISD Tournament MVP as he was an integral part in TCCH Success all week. A top 70 prospect in TBB, Range’s mix of athleticism and improved skill was on display.

Jalen Jackson, 2019 PG – SA Wagner: Jackson’s defensive contributions for Wagner doesn’t go unnoticed to the staff. But along with his impact defensively, Jackson knifed his way to the paint and finished on a consistent basis.

Contributing Tournament Editor: Erven Davis 

Saturday’s slate of games from the Thanksgiving Hoopfest provided individual and team performances that will be remembered. Denton Guyer added a convincing win against top ranked 6A program Austin Westlake, hear thoughts on how good the really are. We analyze RJ Hampton’s performance and who is in hard pursuit for 2019 guard Justin Webster?

Justin Webster, 2019 Guard – Prestonwood: Webster was lights out from the perimeter engineering a 29 point performance in Prestonwood’s win vs Lee High School. Webster was scoring off the closeout and he continued to get to the spots on the floor which generated open looks for him. A top 30 TBB prospect Webster told TBB he has offers from Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Tulsa with Tulsa pursuing him strong contacting him on a day to day basis.

Grayson Carter, 2018 PF – Denton Guyer: The Georgetown commit played with more activity and toughness on Saturday. Matched up with UT signee Brock Cunningham, Carter rose to the occasion and finished the night with a near double double and more importantly the win.

Chris Harris Jr, 2019 SG – South Garland: When Harris was aggressive looking to get his shot, South Garland was tough to beat. On Saturday he came out of the blocks the same way he ended on Friday and that is putting pressure on the defense. Harris stole a pass with 10 seconds left in the game vs Houston Christian and hit a smooth looking pull-up jumper for the win.

Tyrese Maxey, 2019 PG – South Garland: Maxey was lethal from deep all weekend and he pulled together another strong performance with 21 points in S. Garland’s win vs Houston Christian. Maxey exudes confidence on the floor and worked to get to his spots. Tyrese continues to solidify his five star status.

Will Baker, 2019 C – Austin Westlake: Baker had a strong showing on Saturday finishing through contact and looking to finish at the rim. He  showed capabilities of scoring with either hand on the block and he has a nice stroke when shooting from beyond the arc. Baker, the highest ranked center in TBB showed why high majors are calling.

RJ Hampton, 2020 PG – Little Elm: Hampton was noticeably upset after Little Elm’s lost against Scotlandville (And Javonte Smart’s 59 pt outing) but the young, highly talented guard showed bounce back in the second half. With only providing eight points in the first half, RJ orchestrated 32 points after intermission to put his team within two/three possessions afterwards. It was a learning experience for Hampton as he had lapses on the defensive end that but with all that,  it was good to see him continue to fight in the battle against the experienced Smart.

Eduardo Andre, 20120 PF – Woodrow Wilson: This was the first time witnessing the long big man for Woodrow Wilson and Andre does some things on the court that can slide him into the top 25 status in 2020. He is a solid re-bounder, runs the floor, plays with a motor and doesn’t think twice about pulling the trigger from 15 ft out. We will continue to get a body of work on Andre but he gave us a good initial impression.

Jalon Clark, 2018 SF – Houston Christian: Clark couldn’t miss from three in the first half as he was a threat from beyond the arc. The Texas A&M Corpus Christi commit made shots with a hand in his face and when his team needed a bucket, he provided that by exploiting the size advantage he had on the block as he finished with 19 pts.

Miller Kopp, 2018 SF – Houston Christian: Kopp’s game continues to grow on me every time I watch him play. He is skilled, is prepared to shoot it everytime he touches the ball and Northwestern State got a strong pickup with the addition of Kopp. Miller finished with 21 points and had solid numbers in the rebound and assist department.

Edited by AB

It may not have been an ideal start of the season for the Universal Academy, but only sporting three upperclassmen and a roster with several TBB prospects, there is a mass amount of potential for the program out of Coppell, TX. At the Thanksgiving Hoopfest, two freshman played a large part in the UA Eagles victory against a talented Woodrow Wilson squad.

Kamryn Waites

They say the days of the traditional back to the basket big men are dead,but 6’10 260 lb Kamryn Waites has something to say about that. This is the third time the staff has gotten to see Kamryn in the scholastic season and he moves well on the court for his size and he knows how to use his large frame to generate a bucket in the paint. The long front court Woodrow Wilson possessed caused issues early for the talented big man but Waites continued to scrap and engineered a near double double in UA’s victory.

Devin Martin

Martin is a recent addition for the Eagles as he transferred from Mesquite Horn. Devin has a strong body, big calves and his path to the basket didn’t see many roadblocks. He knows how to impose his will and has a bully-style type of game. One aspect of his game that won’t go unnoticed is his capabilities to shoot it from the perimeter. Martin notched 17 points to go with 8 rebounds on Saturday and will see himself in the 2021 player rankings.

Notables

Previously stated in the beginning of the article, this is the staffs third time witnessing Universal Academy but big man Connor Redrow, who saw a few minutes on Saturday is a prospect to continue to look at. Long, a capable shooter from 12 ft out and can score off either shoulder. The speed and physicality of the varsity level he will grow accustomed as time passes.

Arthur Kaluma was not available on Saturday but he is another freshman on that squad that has been very impressive. A skilled forward with a good feel for the game and has at moments in games, looked to be the best player on the floor.

Noah Kon for Houston Christian stood up to the task of defending top 2019 guard Tyrese Maxey in spurts. Kon is a competitor and has ascended to the starting lineup for his Houston Christian squad contributing on both ends.

From the In N Out Allen Invitational, DISD Tournament and the Whataburger Tournament, the TBB staff were able to evaluate over 60 prospects in 3 days. We begin our Takeaways with the 2018 class as several unsign senior prospects made a statement on the big stage.

Brenton Mills, 2018 CG – Allen: With an injury from 2019 PG Isaiah Stevens, Mills picked up the playmaking and scoring load for Allen. Mills was in attack mode all week and compiled several impressive scoring outputs that help lead Allen to a championship in the In N Out Burger Tournament.

Kaden Archie, 2018 Wing – Midlothian: Archie Exploded with a 40 point outing on Thursday and led his Midlothian squad to the semifinals in the Allen Holiday Invitational. Archie sustained an ankle injury and played through it as he exhibited toughness and rallied his team within striking distance against Allen.

Jawaun Evans, 2018 CG – EP Burges: Evans knows how to put the ball through the net and the talented unsign senior guard out of El Paso displayed his shot making abilities.

Isaac Likeleke, 2018 Wing – Mansfield Timberview: When talking about competitors in the 2018 class, Isaac name is amongst the top. Leading his Timberview squad to wins vs Katy Tompkins, Desoto & Waxahachie, Likeleke does what is needed to place his team in position to win ball games.

Chris Mullins, 2018 PG – Mansfield Timberview: Mullins was another guard with a string of solid outings at the Whataburger Tournament. Mullins was effective on both ends of the floor and produced 11 points in the championship game for Timberview.

Gerald Liddell, 2018 SF – Cibolo Steele: Liddell oozes with talent and the gifted forward’s multidimensional offensive game was on display. If Liddell puts it all together on a consistent basis, he will reach his high ceiling.

Jayden Martinez, 2018 Post – Cibolo Steele: Martinez plays with a motor and is going to hunt for loose balls and rebounds. The New Hampshire commit has a edge to him and averaged a near double double at the Allen Invitational.

Tre Gipson, 2018 PG – Waxahachie: Gipson has emerged as one of the top unsign senior guards in 2018. He produced 27 points in Waxahachie’s win vs Denton Guyer and was solid all week at the Whataburger tournament.

Mar’Qualan Grant, 2018 PG – Waxahachie: West Texas A&M got a good pickup with Mar’Qualan Grant. Has a strong body and ran the point effectively at the Whataburger Tournament. Grant committed himself defensively and made timely plays down the stretch for Waxahachie.

Tre Darthard, 2018 SG – Denton Guyer: Darthard’s stats weren’t eye popping at the Whataburger Tournament but he made plays off the ball and was effective as a defender as well. Just coming back from injury, the TBB staff expects a couple breakout games from the talented two way guard.

DJ Peavy, 2018 PG – Spring Dekany: Peavy received All Tournament honors at the Whataburger and the Mercer commit made plays off the bounce that generated Easy looks for himself and his teammates. Peavy was in double figures each game this past week.

Dominique Jackson, 2018 Wing – Trinity Christian Cedar Hill: Jackson has emerged as a sleeper prospect in 2018. Has good size, finished at the rim and playing with more and more confidence.

It has started to become tradition for the staff to spend the day after Thanksgiving in Duncanville TX for the Thanksgiving Hoopfest and if Saturday is anything like Friday night, the 9th year of this event will be one to remember. Look at what Harmon told John Calipari about his recruiting process. Hosted by Glenn Smith, this year’s edition of the Hoopfest has provided the audience premier guard and big matchups that allowed the players to compete center court in front of hundreds of fans,multiple scouts and college coaches.

Maxey, Harmon Put on A Show to Remember

The scene was set at Sandra Meadows Arena as 6A State Title contenders Denton Guyer, who possesses one of the best rosters in the Lone Star State battled it out against the high octane squad of South Garland High. Two of the top prospects in 2019 in De’Vion Harmon (Guyer) and Maxey (South Garland) went toe to toe with a 2015 Andrew Jones v De’Aaron Fox feel on the court. The stands were filled, oohs and aahhs after each impressive bucket.  Kentucky Head Coach John Calipari  came to watch Maxey after Maxey’s midnight madness visit to Lexington. Each prospect put constant pressure on the opposing defenses as Harmon willed his way to the paint and with a full head of steam, there wasn’t much South Garland could do to slow him down. Maxey exhibited great range on his jumper as he knocked down three pointers from 25 ft out, exuding confidence on the floor. Harmon took notice of coach Cal sitting front and center at their game and on two made baskets stared down the Blue Blood coach yelling “Should of Offered Me.” In a up and down battle, Guyer came out victorious as Harmon finished with 37 points for the Wildcats as Maxey finished with 33 points.

Javonte Smart Puts on A Show

2018 LSU commit Javonte Smart was one point shy of tying the scoring record at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest as he accumulated 43 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Smart plays with a mature poise as the double-teams didn’t rattle the high major point guard as he continued to get to his spots on the floor. He shot it well from the perimeter and Javonte percentage from the field eclipsed over the 65% mark on Friday.

Timme & Smith Make Cases for Top PF Supremacy

The premier big man matchup at the Hoopfest was 2019 Drew Timme of JJ Pearce vs 2019 Tyreek Smith of Trinity Christian Cedar Hill. Timme’s skill set was on full display as he notched a near double-double with 23 points 9 rebounds  5 assists and 4 blocks on 8-9 shooting. Smith orchestrated a near double-double performance as well with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks.Timme’s squad won the match and Drew won the matchup on this day vs Smith but both staked their claim as the two best power forwards in their class by a good distance.

2020 Duo lead Booker T Washington Over Northwest

Booker T Washington traveled to Texas Friday in sight of a impressive victory vs Justin Northwest and got exactly that. 2020 guards Trey Phipps and Bryce Thompson combined for 57 points (31 for Thompson, 26 for Phipps) as they compiled a hefty 15 three pointers between the two.  Booker T Washington’s fast pace offense traveled well, Northwest had trouble finding the shooters in transitions and Thompson and Phipps made them pay. Down by 1 with one 50 seconds left, Thompson hits a step back three and knocked down two free throws at the end to seal the victory. The staff was wondering how the young guards would respond the added pressure Northwest showed in the fourth quarter, and although the Mavericks came back into the game and at one point led by 4, Booker T Washington showed nice bounce back and the tandem attributed to the last 15 points.

The Reliables

When your team needs a stop, a rebound, a bucket or whatever in the process of winning a basketball game, it’s good to have a player that produces just that in the nick of time. 2018 Jordan Keys of Justin Northwest and 2019 Jalen Wilson of Denton Guyer were those guys for their respective squads on Friday.Wilson finished with 20 points to go with 5 rebounds, a block and 2 assists and when South Garland made their runs against Denton Guyer, Wilson seemed to be key in getting a stop, or collecting an offensive rebound for the and 1 opportunity to stretch the lead. Keys finished with 22 points, 6 rebounds 2 assists and 2 blocks on Saturday and was vital in his Mavericks second half surge against Booker T Washington. Keys has been consistently productive for Northwest and will see his name in our updated 2018 list.

Edited by AB

The slate of games on Thursday at the Whataburger Tournament was must see basketball with many TBB prospects in the building. Texasboysbasketball.com is handing out our starting five from a full plate of hoops and many notable performances.

De’Vion Harmon, 2019 PG- Denton Guyer: Harmon starts at point as he possessed the most efficient performance on Thursday, going 11 for 11 on shots as he got his teammates involved and the ball to their spots consistently. He has become a strong leader for his Wildcats squad as they continue to have no blemish on their record.

Avery Anderson, 2019 CG – Justin Northwest: Although Avery primarily plays the one, he is efffective off the ball and is scoring outing Thursday gave me no choice but to add him in the starting 5. Anderson a lethal scorer and he orchestrated 24 points in the second half with a 15 straight scoring spurt in a two minute span in the 4th quarter. Avery put his Northwest squad on his back and garnered a win.

Kevin McCullar, 2019 Wing – SA Wagner:
McCullar starts at the three as he was very influential in Wagner’s overtime win vs South Grand Prairie.Kevin produced 30 points and has become one of the hottest rising prospects in Texas.

Duncan Powell, 2021 PF – Desoto: In a game which sported multiple mid to high major prospects, Powell in stretches was the best player on the court. Starting at the four for me, Powell put together 18 points as he did his damage operating from the block and gobbling up close to 10 rebounds in the process.

Drew Timme, 2019 PF – JJ Pearce: Timme begins at the 5 in our starting lineup but the talented forward displayed his versatility on offense. Timme moves fluid and was a mismatch problem due to his ability to score inside and out.

Reserves

Micah Peavy, 2020 SF – Dekany: Peavy produced 13 points, several rebounds and assists in Dekany’s blowout vs Bowie. Versatile forward that the staff will expand on this week.

Kendric Davis, 2018 PG – Sam Houston: It was tough decision on who starts at the one but Harmon’s efficiency and defense gave him the slight nod over Kendric. Davis scored 31 points and exhibited his quickness with the ball in his hands.

Larry Wise, 2018 Wing – Waxahachie: Wise performance against North Crowley was a compilation of plays made off the bounce that looked effortless. Larry produced 29 points and The Fast Break Club (Waxahachie) advance.

Dearon Tucker, 2019 C – South Garland: Tucker was a physical presence in the paint for South Garland as the big man’s point total isn’t eye popping but Tucker took the role as a rim protector, blocking shots, standing his ground and gobbling up rebounds.

Jamal Bienemy, 2018 SG – Katy Tompkins: This group of ten will get out and run and although ideally would want to add another big man, the Sooners Commit performance Thursday allows him to be implemented in the rotation. Jamal made plays for others, scored in a variety of ways in his way to scoring 22 points and was solid on the boards.

The big men dominate this edition of the recruitment series as TBB interviewed some of the top performers at Sandra Meadows Arena at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest. Which schools came to see Tyreek Smith? And the crowd got a nice surprise in the premier late night bout on Friday.

Julius Marble, 2019 PF – Dallas Jesuit

Marble had a solid outing producing 11 points and added 7 rebounds in the process. Marble in the second half played with more activity on the glass and orchestrated a solid defensive outing.

The Recruitment

Pepperdine, UTSA, Florida International have offered the talented 4-man and been in contact with him on a daily basis. Marble in October traveled to San Antonio on a unnoficial to UTSA and plans on taking a unnoficial to Florida International in the upcoming months. Julius has received interest from San Diego, North Texas and Richmond as each program has stayed in contact with him on a weekly basis.

Evan Marshall, 2018 PF – Midlothian

Marshall was on fire from the perimeter as he connected on four three pointers in the first half. Marshall was moving well without the ball and the TBB prospect created issues in the pick and pop scenario for Grace Prep.  Evan finished with 24 points and displayed a skill set that translates.

The Recruitment

Air Force is the only offer on the table and Marshall tells TBB that he is looking for more as the season progresses. Evan will travel to Colorado Springs in January for a visit to Air Force and he has received interest from Loyola-New Orleans and from Ivy League programs such as Dartmouth and Brown.

Tyrese Maxey, 2019 Guard – South Garland

Maxey shot with confidence jumpers from way beyond the three point line. As double – teams arrived, Maxey still found a way to generate a bucket (Finished with 33 points). He was key in South Garland’s second half run vs Denton Guyer but it wasn’t his scoring in the second half that allowed his team to creep back in the contest but his ability to get others involved. Maxey commands attention from opposing defenses and made solid reads on Friday.

The Recruitment

Head Coach John Callipari of Kentucky was in attendance in Maxey’s much anticipated matchup against Denton Guyer as the five star guard and top guard in the 2019 class in Texas has been a priority for the Wildcats.

Tyreek Smith, 2019 PF – Trinity Christian Cedar Hill

The number three prospect in our database for 2019 displayed his high level athleticism, swatting/altering shots in the paint, finishing above the rim and soaring for rebounds. Smith finished with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks against JJ Pearce as he engineered a solid performance on Friday.

The Recruitment

Smith holds numerous of offers from Virginia Tech, LSU (who came to see him Friday), TCU, SMU, Houston, Georgia Tech, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Kansas State. Baylor and VCU have shown interest in the highly touted prospect as VCU was in the building to watch him play Friday. So far Smith has taken a unnoficial to LSU and the staff feels that LSU will be in the mix for the Louisiana native towards the end.

Drew Timme, 2019 PF – JJ Pearce

Timme possessed the most efficient offensive outings at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest as Drew went 8-9 from the field for 23 points and 10 rebounds. Timme also collected 5 assists where his versatility and skill set inside makes him a tough matchup for opposing bigs.

The Recruitment

Timme holds several offers as Creighton, Gonzaga, Oklahoma State are among the many that have requested his services. Colorado is the most recent program to show interest in Timme but also has received interest from Wake Forest as well. Wake Forest came to see Timme in October and Drew’s last unnoficial visit was to Oklahoma which was in October as well.

Edited by AB

Texasboysbasketball.com landed in Houston, Tx this past week for the first time in the scholastic season as the highly anticipated McDonald’s Texas Invitational was occurring. Which point guard has made a strong case as a top 40 TBB prospect and which Sun Belt Conference program came to Pasadena to watch an available 2018 prospect?

Isaiah Stevens, 2019 PG – Allen

The Body of Work
Stevens had the best string of performances from the point at the Texas Invitational. He racked up at least 5 assists each game and shot it at a high clip from the perimeter. Stevens has a real good feel and was able to finish in an array of ways in traffic. A prospect that will see a nice jump in our rankings.

The Recruitment
Programs ranging from the Western Athletic Conference, Sun Belt, Conference USA and among others have reached out or have offered Stevens as he possesses offers from University of Albany, UT Arlington and University of North Texas. He has visited the UNT campus twice already and has taken a unofficial to UTA once so far. Stevens has picked up interest from Liberty, UAB, South Dakota State, Cal State Bakersfield, Sam Houston State, and Air Force reaching out to him on a weekly basis.

Bryson Etienne, 2018 SG – Fort Bend Bush

The Body of Work
Etienne was in attack mode all week and his focus on getting to the cup generated finishes at the rim or foul call. He recorded double digit rebounding numbers in the games we watched as he generated second and third chance opportunities for his team.

The Recruitment

Etienne currently has no offers but has heard from Nicholls State, Nebraska, UTEP and most recently Texas State. Texas State came to watch Etienne on Thursday according to Bryson and have been in communication with him multiple times a week.

Tramon Mark, 2020 SG – Dickinson

The Body of Work

Mark in my opinion was the best player at the whole event regardless of class. His ability to score on all three levels and handle pressure impressed the staff. He plays the passing lanes well and has the physical tools to becoming a very valuable defender.

The Recruitment
TCU, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and UCLA have offers on the table for Tramon as Texas A&M came to see the skilled guard play on Thursday. All the schools that have offered Mark has came to see him at practice as well along with Rice University stopping by.

Eddie Lampkin, 2020 C – Morton Ranch

The Body of Work
Lampkin weight lost and commitment to being in shape has molded himself into being one of the top post prospects in his class. The wide bodied post for Morton Ranch was able to seal good position on the block and showcase a solid touch inside. He has a solid feel with his back to the basket and Lampkin is a discipline defender as well, not jumping on ball fakes and standing his ground.

The Recruitment
Lampkins holds an offer from TCU which came on Sept 22 and Oklahoma came to see him in practice in September as well. Eddie took an unofficial visit to OU on Oct. 7 and along with those two Big 12 programs, LA Tech and University of Houston has expressed interest in the young interior talent per source.

Mike Miles, 2020 PG – Lancaster

The Body of Work
Miles is taking on a new role as the vocal leader for his Lancaster squad and has done a solid job so far in the early season. He can score on the move or off the catch and is a good decision maker with the ball. Defensively he can make his mark on that end but consistency is key.

The Recruitment
Mike has four offers right with LSU, Old Dominion, TCU and Oklahoma State requesting his services. On 10/14 Miles took a unnoficial to Stillwater at the Oklahoma State Campus.

Edited by AB

As Alan Branch would tell me, “go where the players are,”  and in my opinion that is the main rule of thumb as a basketball evaluator. Mr. Kevin Allen set up a small but talent heavy three game showcase at St. Thomas High School that boasted prospects that are high in the TBB database. We got to take a strong look at the young guard for the talented Houston Yates squad and where he fares in the 2020 class with impressive guard depth.

Jock Hughes, 2018 SG – Houston Yates: Hughes struggled putting the ball through the rim in the first 10 minutes of Yates game against St. Thomas but when the SFA commit connected one of his transition threes, the landscape of the game tilted afterwards. Jock went on a tear and engineered 15 straight points to open up the lead for the Lions and finished with 29 points in the win.

Mitchell Seriale, 2018 PF – Houston Yates: Seriale terrorized the rim with multiple above the rim finishes as the SFA Lumberjack signee possesses good length and athleticism that  allows him to impact games in the interior on both sides of the floor. Other parts of his game will need to grow as he will need to develop a dependable 10-12 ft jumper but you can see where he can make his impact for HC Kyle Keller.

Ruben Jones, 2020 PG – Houston Yates: The lefty set-up man for Yates has good snap on his passes and shot it well on Saturday from the three point line. The speed of the game is an adjustment for the the young talented pg but once he settled himself, he got to his spots and made plays on the offensive end. Jones now isn’t in the very top tier category for 2020 in the guard department  but has good upside and wouldn’t be surprised if he was when it is all said and done.

Jahari Long, 2020 PG – Episcopal: A top 15 prospect in 2020, Long is a smooth operating lead guard that looks to get his teammates involved first. He has a understanding to when he needs to get his own shot and did a good job manufacturing a good look off the bounce. Talent is in no question in regards to Jahari Long and the staff will keep tabs of him throughout the season.

Adam Kanafani, 2020 Wing – Episcopal: Kanafani played his role for his team being placed at the four-spot but showcased a skill set that the staff witness at the Scout Focus Elite 80 in Houston in September. He is a solid finisher around the rim but has a nice stroke from beyond the arc and showed flashes of a scorer off the dribble.

DJ Peavy, 2018 PG – Dekaney: DJ did a good job dictating pace and looking to get the ball to his teammates. He connected on a high percentage of his jumpers on Saturday and has no problem keeping the ball in his hands and score in any looks the defense give him.

Micah Peavy, 2020 SF – Dekaney: Micah is a top 5 prospect in 2020 as the wing for Dekaney is a crafty finisher in the paint and excels as the ball handler in the open court. Peavy has a good feel for the game and cracked the 20 point mark in the Wildcats win vs St. Pius.

Edited by AB

This edition of the Freshman Report, the TBB staff drove down I45 for the McDonald’s Texas Invitational and witness four 2021 prospects that not only produced on varsity, but three of them were integrated into the starting lineup. The physicality and speed of the game was an adjustment for these young prospects but the texasboysbasketball.com staff left Houston impressed.

Cream of The Crop Alum Chris Felix continued to get better as each game approached. The first half in Hightower’s bout against Allen, Felix struggled to find a way to impact the game but in the second half he played with more activity and produced off offensive glass. The two-guard for the Hightower Canes began to gain confidence as he started putting the ball on the floor, finished around the rim and became a disturbance on the defensive side in his Saturday’s game against Dickinson. Felix is a solid shooter that has range that extends from beyond the arc and I believe can turn into a 3rd scoring option for the canes going into district play.

Kaleb Stewart has burst into the 2021 prospect scene and will definitely be in out database. Equipped with good length, skill, instincts and the ability to dictate tempo, the point guard out of Crosby doesn’t play like a freshman. Stewart looks to get his teammates involved as he will attack the gaps of the defense and showed capable of scoring off the bounce. Another standout attribute to his game is his ability to rebound. Against Sam Rayburn, several instances when the game got out of control, he would secure the board and slow the game down. A talented young guard that we will continue to keep an eye on.

There have been a lot of positives things that have been said about Keon Edwards (Sam Rayburn) upside and skill-set that is mixed with his size but one thing TBB was impressed with the young wing on, is his ability to handle pressure and get his teammates involved in the offense. He was put in position to run the point for Sam Rayburn and took upon himself to get his teammates the ball where they needed it to be. Edwards has the makeup of becoming a high major player but that road will be a long one for the talented wing.

Allen has been on a hot start in the beginning of the season winning their first five contest and we have seen a build up in Manny Obaseki’s confidence and minutes for the Eagles. The long, wiry frame guard possess good bounce and feel for the game. He was able to rebound and push the ball in tranisition, executing off of fast break opportunities when his team had numbers. Obaseki will need to get in better shape to stay in longer on the varsity level but he has become one of if not the most productive bench player for Allen.

Edited by AB

Who is the best 2020 guard in Houston? The staff was present Thursday at Pasadena, TX for the McDonald’s Texas Invitational and one highly touted TBB prospect stepped up on the court and provided that answer.

Tramon Mark, 2020 G – Dickinson: Mark engineered two strong performances as Dickinson went undefeated in pool play. He avg. 20 points on Thursday and has been the best player so far at the Texas Invitational regardless of class. Tramon possesses a smooth perimeter stroke as he can score on all three levels and brought a lot of value on the defensive side of the ball by having good instincts and utilizing his quicks hands & feet.

LJ Cryer, 2020 PG – Morton Ranch: Putting the ball through the hoop has not been an issue for Cryer and hasn’t for some time now but the staff is looking for him to get his teammates involved more. Nonetheless, Cryer showed some bounce back vs Fort Bend Bush and was key to his team’s second half run which resulted in a win for Morton Ranch. Cryer handled the pressure FB Bush applied and made plays down the stretch to win.

Isaiah Stevens, 2019 PG – Allen: Stevens has continued to build off the last strong performance the TBB staff witness and the quick set-up man played with a lot of poise and dictated the pace of the game. He connected on multiple jumpers from behind the arc as well and been a big factor in Allen’s early hot start this season.

Bryson Etienne, 2018 Guard – Fort Bend Bush: Etienne found his way to the cup on Thursday as he showed a relentless effort to get in the paint and finish. He tallied 24 points against Morton Ranch and coveted over 12 rebounded in the process.

Nigael Ceasar, 2018 PF – Ridgepoint: Ceasar produced offensively as he amassed the 30 point mark and collected over 10 boards. Nigel shot it well from 12 ft out, blocked shots and played with a high motor. Although Ridge Point fell short against Allen, Nigael helped weather the storm and led the rally to get his team back within 2 possessions.

Mike Miles, 2020 PG – Lancaster: Miles is was more efficient running the point at the varsity level. He looked to get his teammates involved and provides the ability to thread the ball through the needle. Miles scored within the flow of the offense and took steps as a leader on Thursday.

There was no better way to spend a Saturday than to watch the matchups that were put together at the Cow-Town Tipoff in North Crowley. It is starting to click for post Sam Freeman and one could argue he was the best front line prospect in the gym (No rebuttals from this staff). Let’s take a look at how one of the (32) teams could be one of the most talent high school teams in Texas, who we could  be seeing in the Alamo Dome in March with their roster of prospects.

Denton Guyer vs Justin Northwest

Several TBB prospects got in the trenches at the 5:15 pm game as Denton Guyer was too much for Justin Northwest and sealed up a 97-82 win. The premier guard match-up between 2019 Avery Anderson (Northwest) and De’Vion Harmon (Guyer) was one to take note of as Harmon produced an efficient scoring outing with 22 pts as he got to his spots, manned the troops and fed his teammates the ball where they needed it to be. Avery couldn’t get in much of a rhythm and struggled getting the ball through the net but still found ways being productive by finding the open man coming off a pick and fighting on the glass when 2019 Sam Freeman was out of the game due to foul trouble. Speaking of Freeman, the switch is on for the promising post that the staff is flirting with the HM label for Sam. Playing with more activity, rebounding, blocking shots, running the floors hard, Freeman also has made strides offensively and had the strongest showing out of all the bigs. 2019 Jalen Wilson (Guyer) and Mason Hix (Northwest) produced strong scoring outings as Wilson put up 30 points and 28 of those came after three quarters. Wilson found his home in the paint and when he got inside he either finished or drew a foul. Hix scored 32 points and what I like about the UTA commit is his short memory on misses. He continued to take his shots although he struggled early and the second half he carried the offensive load for the Cowboys.

Sulphur Springs vs Arlington Bowie

One of the most competitive games on Saturday at the Cow-Town Tipoff was Sulphur Springs and Arlington Bowie. Sulphur Springs pulled out the victory with a 66-58 win where Alan Branch told the staff at North Crowley High School , “Victor Iwakwu is a high major Small Forward.” The athletic forward made plays above the rim, punishing it any chance he had. He has shown improvement as a ball handler and defensively contained 2020 high major prospect Cade Cunningham to 9 points. Sulphur springs is one of the few schools in the lone star state to possess 5 potential division 1 players as point guard Keaston Willis will join the TBB database after a strong showing and 2020 forward Michael Jefferson produced a top 20 prospect performance. 2019 big man Xavier Cork is intriguing as he rebounded it well in his area and is a solid post option for his Sulphur Springs squad. Still things he needs to work on but a promising player that has the tools and skill set that we believe will translate to the D1 level. 2020 3/4  Gods Gift produced coming off the bench as he plays physical, makes plays without the ball and can score from inside and out

Desoto vs Mansfield Timberview

In a hard fought battle between the reigning 5A state champs Mansfield Timberview and 6A powerhouse Desoto, Timberview fell just short against the Eagles 65-60. 2018 SMU commit Feron Hunt received a tech early and didn’t come back into the game but his teammate and another SMU commit Jahmar Young held down the fort in Hunt’s absence with 16 points. Young made his presence known in the paint on both ends of the floor but ultimately fouled out in the beginning of the fourth quarter. 2018 TBB unsign senior guard RJ Mason stepped up in a big way as he knocked down big shots and became the alpha dog when his team needed him to be. 2021 Duncan Powell stepped up his play by playing his role and doing the dirty work needed for Desoto to win. More on Powell’s performance later on today. For Timberview, Isaace Likeleke was an issue in the first half with 17 points. Isaac is the leader of that squad and when he wants the ball in his hands he goes for the rebound and makes sure his teammates are where they needed to be. The Fresno State commit put his team in a position to win and orchestrated a double-double in the process.

Midlothian vs South Garland

The night cap game at North Crowley High School was between Midlothian and South Garland. The 8:30 matchup actually started around 9pm but the stands would still have been full if the game started two hours later. On one end you have 2018 TCU commit Kaden Archie (Midlothian) and on the other side there is 2019 highly touted guard Tyrese Maxey (S. Garland). Midlothian was able to contain Maxey for the most part of the game throwing double teams at him and making him get it out of his hands early. Chris Harris had very solid first quarter but being in foul trouble kept him on the bench a lot longer than usual.  Archie was taking what the defense was giving him as he knocked down jumpers, finished around the cup and most of all control the glass with 24 rebounds. When it looked like Midlothian was going to run away with it, Maxey put the team on his shoulders with the help of  and with a 11 pt 4th quarter outing, South Garland closed it two points in the final minutes of the game. Maxey hit the back of the rim in a potential game winning three pointer and 2018 Caleb Jordan of Midlothian sealed the game knocking down 2 freethrows in the final seconds to push the lead to four. Jordan’s performance cannot go unnoticed by the staff as he manufactured 27 points and scrappy defensive play. With Nevada commit Vincent Lee having transferred, questions rose on who would step up for the Panthers and tonight Jordan did.  Archie finishing with 30 points, he and Caleb combined for 77% of  Midlothian’s points. Maxey had 25 points, the bounce back after a tough start impressed the TBB staff and showed why he is the top guard in 2019 in Texas.

Edited by AB

With a group that are led by upper class-men, The Desoto Eagles possess a roster that has a  chance to make a state title run. Freshman Duncan Powell is the only player in the 2021 class that Head Coach Chris Dyer has put on varsity and when the call was made for Duncan to play on Saturday, Powell made the most of his opportunity.

Desoto had a tall task ahead of them with 5A defending champions Mansfield Timberview matched up against them at the Cow-Town Tipoff but they left North Crowley High School with a 65-60 win. With 2018 Feron Hunt receiving a first half technical foul, Powell stepped up as him and 2018 SMU commit Jahmar Young manned the paint on both ends a playing well off each other.

When the fourth quarter began,Young fouled out leaving Duncan Powell, the freshman to be the man in the middle and provide an interior presence.  The two blocks, five rebounds and four points in the fourth quarter, Powell played his role and was one of the main reasons his Eagles squad starts out the season 1-0.

Texasboysbasketball.com has kept track of Duncan throughout the grassroots season with Basketball Means More as we have seen him compete and thrive in games on the 17u level which has the chance to translate well in varsity basketball. The staff has seen growth in Duncan as player.

Duncan has a good body and strength that allows himself to hold his own against varsity level competition. He showcases the ability to put the ball on the floor and score from 12 ft out but his focus on the defensive side of the ball, moving laterally and altering shots that came inside was a big lift for Desoto. The season is in its adolescent stages but with the highs, there will be lows in the process and the staff will see how the young forward responds. There are still blemishes in Duncan’s game that he will need to improve on in order to becoming the prospect we believe he can be but with a solid mix of toughness, skill and athleticism blended together to go with his height, he showed the staff why we believe he is a top 5 player in his class.

The Cowtown Tip-Off Classic has arrived to find there place on the calendar of top 10 high school basketball events in Texas. If a fan, college coach or media/scouting service was looking for prospects, North Crowley was the place to be. Let’s also look at the face that this event was the first time the shot clock was implemented at a UIL game (prospects vs the masses). Is it right or wrong for TX is the question.

Friday night was opening night/short night for the Cowtown Tip-Off Classic but the stage and performance was up to par with 2019 Drew Timme a 6’9″ power forward that ranks top 5 at TBB in the state.  Drew opened up for a star studded Saturday on Friday by turning in the top performance of the weekend 37pts/21rbs/8ast.  I knew it would be hard to top this but he is one top 10 prospects in Texas regardless of class. Timme showed the most valued attribute in 21st century basketball “versatility” that maintains through his activity, IQ and mindset. There is not a more recruitable prospect in Texas regardless of class.  There are Power 5 conferences full of programs that would take Timme and continues to show why.

Rockwall HS 2019 Samuel Williamson 6’7″ SG was in the other gym (Crowley HS) where we were informed by (Texas Impact Staff) that he delivered a 24pt/14rb/4ast performance.  Sam is a top 10 player with multiple power 5 conference offers.  He reportedly showed his usual balanced high IQ game. Sam’s willingness to rebound has obviously improved which potentially develops him into an impact guy.

The Elephant in the gym was the 30 second shot clock.  There were many debates amongst credible and un-credible individuals leading up to Friday’s Cowtown Tip-Off.  The one fact that came out of this trial/experiment was that it is a doable piece and the game could be better for it.  There were three shot clock violations and four operator mistakes (watching the game and not restarting the clock on the change of possession)  in the ten games I watched at North Crowley high school. The two major arguments can it be staff and does hurt the less talented teams. I (Alan Branch) knows that it presents a additional learning curve for college freshmen.

SMU has landed their second commitment in the 2018 class and their second commit from a Desoto Eagle (Jahmar Young)  this year as Feron Hunt signs to take his talents to the national rising program in the AAC Conference.

Hunt originally committed to TCU on Sept. 3 but reopened his recruitment on Oct. 20 with Texas A&M and SMU being the front-runners for his services per source.

“I really like the relationship that the staff and I have and I felt like it was the best fit for me. (Assistant) Coach (Shawn) Forrest and (Head) Coach (Tim) Jankovich have been in pursuit of me the most. Out of the seven days of the week, I know they were in contact with me five days weekly,” Hunt said. “They stayed in contact with me and I built a real strong relationship with them.”

Feron most recently visited the SMU campus on Nov. 2 according to Hunt.

“I visited the campus last week actually, on Thursday I went to see the academic advisor to make sure that the (The Academics) was where it needed to be. I also got a chance to take a tour on the campus and got to watch practice,” Hunt said.”I like the campus, it’s not too big, not too small, just has a calming atmosphere.”

Texasboysbasketball.com staff believe Hunt will thrive in the offense SMU runs and his multi dimensional skill set mixed with his length and athleticism will put him in position to potentially see a lot of minutes as a freshman.

“They are getting a very versatile athlete that will be able to make plays in the Pony Up Tempo and in the 4 out, 1 in sets that they run. I’m strong in transition and I feel that I can come in early and make a impact.”

Hunt’s steady rise in the spring and summer on the TBB database came after a tough, long battle recovering from a torn ACL injury in his sophomore year.

“First I want to thank God. I also want to thank my mom because their were plenty times during rehab that I wanted to quit and she kept pushing me and believing in me,” Hunt said. “After going through that, I knew I could make it through anything and I’m blessed to be in this position today.”

Hunt’s mother Khadijah Marshall has been his biggest motivation. The 8hr work shifts, the support and care she gives day in and day out makes him want to give it back.

“My mom motivates me. I mean she’s done so much for me. She gets up and works a 9-5 and still has time to support me and be there for me which has been great. I’m glad we can share this moment together because we both have worked hard for this.”

For recruiting news and updates Texasboysbasketball.com is where you can find it! Follow us on Twitter @texasboysbasketbal & @ani_umana. Coming Soon: texasboysbasketball.com content will be available for only $3.95 a month. For a little over 13 cents a day you can get weekly content from players in the High School/Grassroots scene to Region XIV JUCO. Stay Tuned.

Texasboysbasketball.com evaluates the prospects in each event the staff covers with in-depth scouting reports. College coaches, subscribe to the site to receive reports as we assess hundreds of prospects from the state of Texas.

Becoming a freshman on varsity is an impressive feat but contributing to the cause and becoming a viable option stands out. In the pinnacle level of high school basketball, which draws similarities to 17U basketball in the spring, a young collegiate aspiring prospect can get ahead of the learning curve playing in the speed and physicality that “big boy ball” presents. In an environment that the Elite 14 presented with a plethora of recruitable athletes occupying the gymnasiums, three freshman displayed a skill set that translates to the varsity level and could potentially translate to the next level if they continue to build.

I had the chance to talk to the coaches at Houston Christian prior to their outing against Southwest Christian (AR) and assistant coach Teddy Wheeler mentioned point guard Noah Kon (2021) had the opportunity to be the 6th man and still finish out games. Kon’s play kept himself on the court as the hard nosed guard played physical defense, made plays without the ball and shot it solid off the bounce against division one length. Noah keeps opposing defenses on their feet as he looks to get to the cup but can get himself caught up in a jam. The Houston Christian product is a top 25 TBB prospect in 2021 and Kon’s motor, athleticism and solid skill set makes him a prospect to keep looking at.

Looking at the speed Lancaster possesses especially with the guards is a sight to see and scoring guard Wade Taylor (2021) deameanor and poise in varsity competition felt as if he had years of experience. Taylor can light it up quick from the perimeter and even though he didn’t score a lot, he got to his spots on the floor as he  looked to get his teammates involved. Defensively he competed on that side of the ball and when he wanted the ball in his hands he looked to crash the glass. Another top 25 prospect in 2021 that did himself a favor.

With the front court size The Colony possess in 2019 Bryce Okpoh and 2018 Kahliel Spears, Tay Mosher (2021) understands his role at the forward position and made the most of it. Mosher has a promising stroke from 3, finished in the paint with either hand and made a strong contribution on the offensive glass. Mosher was not in the TBB radar before The Elite 14 but now he is and we will keep track of his performances going forward.

Edited by: AB

Traylyn Spencer leads the way both on and off the court.

Traylyn a 6’7″ SF/PF at O. D. Wyatt H.S. past, present and future says he is leading. We at Texasboysbasketball.com are taking a look at why and where Spencer goes from here and how he got to this point. The 2018 signee has worked his way through the classroom, three grassroot seasons and is beginning his third season on varsity.  Spencer has sealed his verbal commitment to University of Arkansas at Little Rock as UALR is a competitive member of the NCAA division one Sun Belt League where the league RPI was in the top twelve of the (34) division one leagues in the country.  ULAR is a huge opportunity for Spencer and from time to time, stable D1 programs have the opportunity to bring in a prospect with this kind of upside and potential on and off the court.

Traylyn has the responsibility to lead as shown here with his four younger siblings.  Being a senior, a three year varsity starter, holding a 950 verbal/math SAT score with 3.0 gpa  and now the first D1 signee for fourth year head coach Demarqus James who is in his first high school job, Traylyn epitomizes the words first, pioneer, and leader as he has demonstrated with his body of work that he is up to the task.

Basketball is huge vehicle for Spencer but he loves the game as he expresses on dead balls with his contagious smile.  The 6’7″ versatile forward said,”On defense I am most comfortable from the basket to 15 ft out with opportunities to rebound and block/contest shots/steal the ball. Then I love when it is time to run to the other end with more opportunities.”

Spencer is active 4/3 forward with good length who has proven he can and does affect the game in a positive way on both ends. The Sun Belt league allows the appropriate level for Spencer to develop and potentially shine at the national D1 level.  There is a huge opportunity for Spencer, in my (Alan Branch) opinion we will get a good look this 2017-18 season where pre-season top 15 O. D. Wyatt will be in pursuit to a deep playoff run.

For recruiting news and updates Texasboysbasketball.com is where you can find it!  Follow us on Twitter @texasboysbasketbal & @ani_umana.

Texasboysbasketball.com evaluates the prospects in each event the staff covers with in-depth scouting reports. College coaches, subscribe to the site to receive reports as we assess hundreds of prospects from the state of Texas.

The Elite 14 has grown into a national spotlighted event that HS teams, media and college coaches from all over the country mark in their calendars to attend.   See why Alan Branch thinks Sam Freeman could blow up, meanwhile several players put themselves in a good spot on Saturday and may see a rise in their stock.

Braelon Seals, 2020 G – SA Wagner: Long, skilled  guard that plays with a good feel and possess ability to score off the bounce. A smooth offensive player that continued to make plays on Saturday which lead to a solid full stat line on Saturday.

Jalen Roberts 2019 PG – Lancaster: Attacking, heady guard that knifed his way through the defense. Jalen scored an easy 11 points in Lancaster’s win against Hirshi as he constantly put pressure on the defense and scored in a variety of ways. A guard prospect that has a chance in seeing his name in our TBB top 75 in the 2019 class.

Jaquan Scott, 2020 PF – Mansfield Timberview: Scott plays his role very well for Timberview as he blocks shots, rebounds and finishes inside. His length bothered opposing big men and is cementing himself as a top 25 player in the state of Texas.

Chris Baguma, 2018 SF- CYM: Baguma unloaded the full repertoire on Saturday as he has shown improvement as a player on the perimeter. He plays with a good feel, rebounds, defends and plays with a edge to him that translates. A no brainer stock booster.

Garren Davis, 2019 CG – The Colony: There weren’t many hurdles in Davis’ path to the basket as he finished through contact and embraced physicality. Davis averaged 11 pts, 4 rebounds and 4 assists on Saturday and is a guard the staff will keep their eye on.

Trezarin White, 2019 Wing – Mansfield Timberview: Flying is the best word to describe what White was doing at the Elite 14 as he soared on the boards, finished above the rim and had a highlighted two handed block. White did himself a favor this Saturday and he mixes his strong athleticism with a very solid skill- set.

Sam Freeman, 2019 C – Justin Northwest: Freeman’s play put him in another category with the staff and Alan Branch as he rebounded, blocked shots and cleaned up everything in his area. Sam is making a hard push cracking the top 20 in our 2018 prospect database. Alan Branch said “Sam Freeman has located the switch, now can he find his way back to it everyday”. “You can’t teach size, size just has to want to”

Oklahoma University has received their first commitment in the 2019 class with highly touted Denton Guyer PG De’Vion Harmon pledging to dawn the Crimson & Cream.

Harmon is the 5th 2019 TBB prospect to commit and he talks to texasboysbasketball.com about his decision. De’Vion chose Oklahoma over Texas, Oklahoma State, Marquette and Baylor.

“From the coaching staff all the way down to the city of Norman led me to want to go to Oklahoma,” Harmon said. “The city is great and everytime I go down there (Norman, OK) I get to do everything from playing video games with the guys on the team to watching football games and hanging out.

On Harmon’s last unnoficial visit to Oklahoma on Sept. 12, De’Vion talks about the effect it had on steering him to become a Sooner.

“In the last visit something clicked. I just kept thinking about it everyday and I came to the  conclusion that I wanted to play at Oklahoma which has become a reality today.”

In our last conversation with Harmon he mentioned his strong relationship with the whole staff at Oklahoma from top to bottom. Harmon received weekly calls and texts. from Head Coach Lon Kruger and Associate Head Coach Chris Crutchfield.

“Coach Kruger and Coach Crutchfield pursued me hard. They made me a priority and even when the communication slowed down in some moments they would always try to check up on me,” Harmon said. “I build a strong, trustworthy relationship with them and I’m glad to be apart of the family.”

The staff first got a glance at De’Vion in January of his 8th grade year. Things have changed as he played the 3-spot at the time but two aspects of his game that has stayed with him as he was in the process of developing into a high major point guard has been his toughness and leadership qualities.

“I felt that I was a good leader at that time and I became a stronger leader since. Over time you are going to get better if you stay in the gym and work on your game but my pursuit of the game has allowed me to be where I am.”

The summer of his Freshman year, Harmon decided to put the cleats up and give up football to pursue his dream of basketball. A sense of urgency  and mentality came to the Denton Guyer product the day he announced it.

“First I really love the game of basketball and although I liked playing football and I was good at it, I knew I wanted to pursue basketball in the long run,” Harmon said. “The day I made that decision, I knew I had to put in a lot of work in after the 5-6 months of playing football, now I got to be in the gym and just work!”

Harmon has big aspirations as a player in Oklahoma but he wants to be remembered not just as a great player that performs in the Lloyd Noble Center but leave a lasting impression as a great person.

I just want to be remembered that not only was I a good player but a great person. A person that likes to laugh, have a lot of fun and not just with my teammates but with everybody on the campus. I just want people remember me as a person that always has a smile in his face.”

Edited: AB

For recruiting news and updates Texasboysbasketball.com is where you can find it!  Follow us on Twitter @texasboysbasketbal & @ani_umana. Coming Soon: texasboysbasketball.com content will be available for only $3.95 a month. For a little over 13 cents a day you can get weekly content from players in the High School/Grassroots scene to Region XIV JUCO. Stay Tuned.

Texasboysbasketball.com evaluates the prospects in each event the staff covers with in-depth scouting reports. College coaches, subscribe to the site to receive reports as we assess hundreds of prospects from the state of Texas.

2019 high major prospect De’Vion Harmon generated buzz in the recruiting trail this past week by announcing  his top 5 programs. Three days later Harmon revealed he will make his verbal commitment on Friday Nov. 3 with Texas, OU, Oklahoma State, Baylor and Marquette still in the running for the point guard’s services. Harmon breaks down his top 5 to TBB.

Marquette

Marquette is the only program in his top 5 that Harmon hasn’t taken a visit to but he has a quality relationship with the staff.

“I have built a strong relationship with the staff. (Head) Coach (Steve) Wojciechowski, and (Assistant) Coach (Stan) Johnson have been pursuing me since April and that’s before they offered me in June.”

Harmon talks about what the staff believes he will bring to the Golden Eagles program.

“Leadership and strong, steady play from the point guard position,” Harmon said. “They feel that I can come in and be a big part of their program early.”

Baylor

Harmon has been on campus three times and most recently took a unofficial on Sept. 9th.

“The campus is great. It’s A good atmosphere and it’s only about a hour and half away so the proximity is a plus.”

De’Vion talks about his relationship with the staff.

“I have a bond with everybody on the staff. They are great to talk to and have made it clear where they envision me to be if I commit to them.”

Harmon can see himself as the next big time point guard for Baylor. From Pierre Jackson, Lester Medford and Senior Manu Lecomte, The Bears have gotten high level play from their point guards in the past 5 years.

“They think I can come in and make a major impact. I can thrive in their system and bring strong leadership to the program. It has a family atmosphere there which would help me thrive as well.”

Texas

The Longhorns offered Harmon in November of 2016 and De’Vion told TBB he has been on the campus five times. With his fellow RM5 teammate 2018 Gerald Liddell having committed to Texas, could Harmon follow suite to the Burnt Orange Nation?

“The city of Austin is vibrant and the campus is great. The facilities, I mean everything about it is really good,” Harmon said. “The whole coaching staff I am familiar with and build a good relationship with.”

Harmon continues to talk about the staff.

“From (Head) Coach Shaka Smart to (Assistant) Coach (Jai) Lucas, they all have been great and the atmosphere around the locker room feels like family.”

Harmon enjoys the pace the Longhorns play in and confident he would excel in it.

“Texas gets up and down and I like that. They like that I can bring leadership at the point guard position, the toughness I play with and the intensity I play on the defensive side.

Oklahoma

Out of the 5 programs, Harmon has visited OU the most (6x) he told texasboysbasketball.com.

“Everything about Oklahoma I like. From the coaching staff, campus, environment, the team, overall It’s just a great place to be.”

The Sooners offered De’Vion in July of 2016 and Harmon tells the staff they have made him a top priority.

“They told me upfront I am a top priority for them. I’ve enjoyed each visit I’ve had over there,” Harmon said. “I can see myself flourishing over there and playing to my strengths.”

Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State offered the Denton Guyer product on September (2016).

“Oklahoma State is another program that I have a strong relationship with the staff. Actually (Former Head) Coach Brad Underwood was the one that was recruiting me and offered,” Harmon said. “(Current Head) Coach (Mike) Boynton is a great person and he has stayed in contact with me since taking the head coaching job. He told me I was a top priority and is a coach that would be great to play for.”

De’Vion has been to Stillwater three times to visit the campus and talks to us about his visits.

“Stillwater is a one of those college towns so the atmosphere is great. Definitely a great spot to be as a student.”

The prospects Denton Guyer possess this year is noteworthy with all starters being talented enough to play at a D1 level. With Georgetown commit 2018 Grayson Carter, 2019 higher major prospect Jalen Wilson, top 20 TBB prospect Jakobe Coles, and two way guard in 2018 prospect Calvashawn Darthard that the staff is high on. Harmon looks to be a leader and do whatever it takes to win.

“We are talented enough to win state but we as a team need to be all in mentally for it to work,” Harmon said. “Difference between good and great teams are how well they are bought in to each other and the system.”

Harmon continues to talk about what it’ll take to come out of San Antonio in March on top.

“We as a whole have to take everything seriously. Not just do it because the coaches tell us to but because we understand that’ll help us get what we want and I think all of that will happen. We are all on the same mission.”

Next Friday Harmon will be the fourth 2019 Texasboybasketball.com prospect to commit to a school (Sahvir Wheeler (Texas A&M), Grant Sherfield (UCLA) and Darian Gibson (UTSA) are the other two) and it isn’t very common for a prospect to commit in his junior year but De’Vion told the staff that he is ready to take the next step in his life.

“The recruiting process is fun but I’ve matured and it’s time for me to make a decision. It’s  just part of the growing up process for me and I’m confident the time is now to make my decision and close this chapter.”

Harmon tells TBB his mind isn’t completely made up on who he will choose on Friday but has a good feel on who he will commit to. The staff believe Harmon will take his talents to Norman, OK and play for Lon Kruger at Oklahoma but on Nov. 3 we will find out.

Edited: AB

For recruiting news and updates Texasboysbasketball.com is where you can find it!  Follow us on Twitter @texasboysbasketbal & ani_umana

Texasboysbasketball.com evaluates the prospects in each event the staff covers with in-depth scouting reports. College coaches, subscribe to the site to receive reports as we assess hundreds of prospects from the state of Texas.