Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Converse Wagner HS Boys Preview

Last year Wagner was a deep as any school in the State. There were kids wearing the 15th jersey who could have contributed to many teams in the City of San Antonio. A young school, Wagner lost in the Regional Finals to San Antonio Madison. They'll be back with more of the same this year as Coach Clifton Ellis will have them pressing, trapping and firing up threes. Reminds me of John Reese's Bryan HS squads.

Wagner will throw waves of athletic bodies at most teams, and eventually wear them down. They may be a little vulnerable in the post compared to last season, but there may be a couple of big body footballers I'm not aware of. Early key contributors look to be:

2009 G 5'11" Eddie Ortiz
2009 G 6'0" Nathaniel Buckner
2010 W 6'2" Donte Himes

2010 W 6'5" Andre Roberson could be a difference maker. Andre will be somewhat of a late bloomer because he's still extremely thin. However he is skilled, shoots the ball well from the perimeter and is long. Pops John Roberson played for New Mexico State and 11 years professionally overseas so the kid has pedigree. His sister Ashley was a star for last years Wagner Girls, turning down basketball offers to play volleyball for the Texas Longhorns. Roberson may be one of those guys that has a good high school career, but when college comes it's where he'll make his mark.

2010 G 6'3" Jordan Clarkson is smooth. He's a great open court athlete, handles the ball well and can shoot lights out from the three point line. He's a Division 1 prospect, without a doubt. I watched him can 6 triples against Austin Bowie in last years playoff game at Seguin. He was the difference in that game.