Pflugerville-Leander-San Antonio Reagan ScrimmagesAll coaches will tell you that scrimmages aren't important. There have only been a few opportunities to practice and "run your stuff". To be sure some coaches, like SA Reagan's Jimmy Littleton will definitely put his stamp on his bunch and they'll improve as the year goes along. However, basketball is basketball and there is no denying talent. The preseason nod goes to perennial powerhouse Pflugerville who hosted the scrimmage games today. They will be State ranked, and certainly one of the top teams in the Austin-San Antonio area.
Players To Watch:
San Antonio Reagan Rattlers. Frankly, I expected more from Reagan. They've got three very nice 2011 players. They remind me of Westlake last year. They'll be good, but are a year away from really being OUTSTANDING. Looks like they need someone to step up and handle the ball. Losing 6'7" Senior Ray Chase (apparently up and quit the team) is a big blow to their frontline depth.
2011 CG 6'2" Tre Demps. Demps has put on muscle, while increasing his quickness. Along with San Antonio Taft's Dylan Elias they are the class of the 2011 guards in San Antonio. Demps is physical and can get to the rim, especially going to his right. Lay off his drive, and he'll pull up with a deadly three point arsenal.
2011 P 6'8" Darrious Hamilton. Hamilton is coming off a torn patella tendon, so he was expectedly a step slow. He's long, and according to his Pops still growing. I like his touch down low, and out to 12-15 feet.
2011 W 6'4" Max Yon. I've watched Yon since he's been a youngster. He's becoming more selective with his shots but still is indecisive at times. He has a nice first step off the dribble, expecially coming in from the wing. He can knock down the three and attacks the offensive glass with abandon.
Pflugerville Panthers
2011 PG 5'11" Deon Mitchell. The Baby Faced Assassin looks like he's shedding some of his "little boy" look. He looks sleek and can effortlessly get to the rim anytime he wants. He has NBA range from the perimeter and can finish with either hand.
2010 W 6'5" Demetris Smith. Smith will sign with Lamar in the Southland Conference this coming Wednesday. He was the most complete player on the court attacking the rim, shooting threes and rebounding like a demon.
2010 SG 5'10" Jarrell Turner. Turner has to complete his game by improving his ball handling and committing to playing defense BUT if you leave him unguarded he's going to bust three after three in your face.
2010 P 6'2" Joseph Omozee brings energy and plays an "anything goes role for the Panthers. Want a rebound?..he'll get it. In short, he can be an important piece of ENERGY that the Panthers will need if they want to defend their District title against a very strong Westlake team.
Leander Lions
2011 P 6'6" Mark Nwakamma. Mwakamma's absence is a real problem for Leander. Their first playoff appearance in 10 years last season is in jeopardy if the Big Fella's sore foot requires surgery. He's got an abnormal growth on a bone that's being montored as to what further treatment is needed. I pray for a speedy recovery.
2010 P 6'6" Jean Maurice Blanchard. Blanchard has springs in his feet, rebounds the ball well and can finish around the goal. He's got to carry the load until Nwakamma comes back. If so, the Lions will have a nice one-two punch.
