Monday Night Hoops

Attention Hoopers!  If you friend me on Facebook/Max Ivany  and follow on Twitter@D1Nation I am able to notify you when I publish a report acknowledging your accomplishments.  You can then retweet to college coaches following you or facebook followers as well.  I am trying to maximize your exposure.  Coach Max Ivany    512-791-5455
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Austin Anderson 66  Georgetown  56
It was all Anderson in OT as 2013 G JohnGramlich led his Trojans with 27 points.  2012 G Mike Hardge had 30 in the loss for Georgetown.

2013 G John Gramlich of Austin Anderson

San Antonio Clark 81  San Antonio Highlands  56
Balanced scoring was led by 2012 G Niko Maxwell (15) and 2012 G Adam Perez (13).

San Antonio Brennan  71   Schertz Clemens 69
2013 G Johnny Azzinaro had 29 to lead the Bears

Floresville 43   Kerrville Tivy 40
2013 P 6'6" Zach Overby was top dog for the Antlers in the loss with 18 points.

New Braunfels 75  San Antonio Roosevelt 64
2012 G Kyle Hittle had 31 for the Unicorns in the win.

San Marcos 77  Hays 60
2012 G Collin Hart (29) and 2012 W Allex Austin (27) led the way for the Rattlers

Boerne 55  Dripping Springs 53
2013 G Griffin McHone had 18 to lead the Greyhounds while 2012 G Collin Tubbs had 18 in the loss for Drip.

Pflugerville 67  Austin Akins   43
It's apparent early that 2013 G T.J. Williams will steer the ship but the home run hitter will be energetic wing 2013 Justin Moss who led the Panthers with 18.

Liberty Hill 67  Pflugerville Connally  64
3A Liberty Hill aka the 4A/5A "giant killer" was at it again last night in their win over 4A Connally.  2013 PG Shane LaCaille had 25 points in a dominant prformance.   2014 G Deshawn Riddick had 21 in the loss for the Coogs.

Round Rock McNeil 64     Cedar Park  48
2014 G Trey Dilworth led the Mavs with 21 points

Austin LBJ  62    Harker Heights 53
2014 G Jahlil Tutein is the newest backcourt star for the Jags.  he had 17 in the win.

D1 Nation Weekend NCAA Alumni Updates

John Henson     Junior    F 6'10"        Round Rock (TX) Tampa Sickles (FL)   North Carolina
Henson is not taking a backseat to anyone on the talented Tar Heels roster thus far as he had 18 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists in the blowout win over Mississippi Valley State.

Andre Roberson Sophomore F 6'7"  Converse Wagner (TX)                            Colorado
Roberson was in foul trouble all night and only manage 3 points, but added 6 boards in the 81-76 win over Central Michigan.

Cameron Moore  Senior   F 6'10"     San Antonio Roosevelt  (TX)             Alabama-Birmingham
Moore had an outstanding game with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 7 blocks.

Seth Gearhart     Freshman F 6'7"   Wilsonville (OR)                                        Rice
Gearhart had 3 points and 3 rebounds in the win.

Travis Jones        Senior  G 6'6"        Georgetown (TX)                                     Texas State
Jones had 9 points and 4 rebounds in a loss against South Carolina Upstate.

Paul Garnica       Sophomore G 6'0"  San Antonio Lee (TX)                         Northern Colorado
It's Garnica's team now at Northern Colorado as he logged 36 minutes, 22 points, 3 assists and 2 steals as he found his old Texas D1 Ambassadors team mate Deon Mitchell of Northern Iowa guarding him for a good portion of the game.

Deon Mitchell      Freshman   G 6'0"  Pflugerville (TX)                                  Northern Iowa
A slight edge goes to Garnica in tonight's game but Mitchell's squad won the contest.  Deon had 12 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds.  A nice stat line for a freshman!

Below: Mitchell goes up for the jumper while Garnica goes for the block.

After the game Garnica called me and after we spoke he asked for Deon's cell number so they could rap and he could give Deon some feedback.  That's the Paul Garnica most people do not know.  He's a great team mate and a great person wanting to help Mitchell after the game. That's why I love these kids!

Osas Ebomwonti  RS_Sophomore  P 6'9"   Pflugerville (TX)                          Lamar
Ebomwonyi is having a great season as he notched 4 points, 8 rebounds and 6 blocks in the win over North Carolina-Charlotte.

Tre Nichols           Senior                  G 5'11"  Killeen (TX)                               Boise State
Nichols had 5 points and 3 assists as Boise State cruised to victory.

Cody Doolin         Sophomore          G  6'2"   Austin Westlake                         San Francisco
Doolin had 9 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists in the win over Seattle U.

Star Power:  From left in AAU days, Paul Garnica (Northern Colorado), background Jordan Clarkson (Tulsa) and right Cody Doolin (San Francisco).  Did you know...on the same Texas D1 Ambassadors team we have FOUR current D1 point guards.  Garnica, Doolin, Mitchell, Tre Demps (Northwestern).  I point this out because many parents are cautious about having other strong players at their son;'s position.  Yes, it works and all can prosper the D1 Nation Way!

Jaleel Williams    Freshman            W 6'6"   Killeen Ellison                             San Jose State
Jaleel had 8 points and 2 rebounds in the loss to Santa Clara.

Jason Brickman   Sophomore         G 5'11"  San Antonio Clark                     Long Island
Brickman had 10 points and 5 assists in the win over Vermont

Saturday's Notable Austin Area Performances

Austin High 74   Ennis  73
2013 F Patrick Strake had 27 points in the squeaker.

San Marcos  73   Austin Hyde Park  55
2012 G Collin had 24 while 2012 W Allex Austin, the Mad Hopper had 23 in the victory.

Allex Austin (below) is poised along with 2012 G Collin Hart to lead San Marcos into the playoffs, a place they've rarely had much success lately.

Austin Bowie Bowie 79  Austin Crockett 33
2013 Zach Nunnery led the way with 16 for the Bulldogs.

It's not too often I get a chance to report on JV basketball as I'm running in a hundred directions but with a quiet varsity slate this weekend the Georgetown JV Tournament took center stage . Austin Westlake is quietly establishing their program as quality from top to bottom under the leadership of Varsity Head Coach Tres Ellis.  He's got a nice vasity squad but his JV is stocked and waiting their turn for next year.

2014 G "Long "Range" Luke Rowan whose older brother R.J. is a huge part of their varsity success looks to carve out his own niche as he proves to be a potent scorer on the perimeter.

Despite missing 4 players who traveled to Houston for the Chaps football playoff game (They lost) their deep JV squad took the Georgetown title.  The most exciting game was the semi final as Round Rock Westwood came charging back  from a 25 point deficit in the 4th quarter and barely missed derailing the Chaps who won 86-85.  2014 G Luke Rowan led the way with 21 points. Westlake Bigs, 2013 Jackson Carter (16) and 2014 Jack Getman (19) were also key in the win.

The championship was less dramatic with Westlake beating Lake Travis 63-55. Getman led the way with 23 points and 12 rebounds, while promising 2015 G prospect Harrison Hackney had 14 points and 5 assists to secure the title.

2015 G Harrison Hackney show plenty of promise for Westlake

McDonald's Texas Invitational: Tournament Wrap Up

I don't believe the outcome of the McDonald's Invitational held this past week in Pasadena, TX was too much of a surprise to anyone.  It was all Flower Mound Marcus.  The defending 5A State Champions are loaded with their top players returning.  The combo of 2012 Marcus Smart and Phil Forte are both signed with Oklahoma State.  It doesn't stop there though because you can add 2012 F 6'8" Nick Banyard who has signed with New Mexico and 2012 G A.J. Luckey an athletic player who can score in bunches too. 

Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State) knows a little something about cutting down nets and winning championships.  He's got one State Title with Flower Mound Marcus HS and another with Texas Assault when he helped capture the adidas Super 64 in Las Vegas.  Add the McDonald's Texas Invitational to the ever growing list while you're at it.

FM Marcus swept the strong field, going a perfect 5-0.  They disposed of Langham Creek, San Antonio Warren and in the Championship beat Desoto 55-42. 

Overall the Austin/San Antonio teams did ok, with San Antonio Warren and San Antonio Clark both reaching the Gold Bracket.

Gold Bracket Play

San Antonio Warren  75     North Crowley 73
Flower Mound Marcus 74  San Antonio Warren  65
Fort Bend Bush  91              San Antonio Warren  73     2012 Taurean Waller-Prince had 32

2012 Taurean Waller-Prince battled Big Cameron Ridley and gave Bush 32 points in the loss. Warren is establishing itself as San Antonio's top team early in the season.  They've got a nice threesome in Waller-Prince, 2012 G Jerell Ellis and 2013 PG Marcus Keane.

Fort Bend Bush  68              San Antonio Clark  56  2012 G Adam Perez led with 22 points
San Antonio Clark  54         Richardson Berkner 50 Big 4th Q win, led by 2012 Niko Maxwell-15
North Crowley    66              San Antonio Clark  49   Adam Perez led the way for Clark with 15

Perez is clearly the glue for San Antonio Clark, a guard oriented team that will be tough to beat. Clark's achilles will be their lack of height and ability to board, but they are a tough matchup on the guard front.

Silver Bracket Play

Converse Judson  44            San Antonio Madison  30 2014 F 6'5" Tanner Leissner led with 15
Alief Elsik  64                       Converse Judson  52
Humble College Park 56     Converse Judson  49

2014 F 6'5" Tanner Leissner of Converse Judson is tough and effective as a sophomore.  When Judson controls the pace they win.  Nobody does it better at protecting a lead.  Scoring will be an issue though.

Pearland Dawson  49           San Antonio Madison  48
Austin Westlake    62           San Antonio Madison  46  2013 W Vince DeBlasio had 17 in the win.

Spring Dekaney 56               Austin Westlake 49
Mansfield Summit  71          Austin Westlake 62            2012 R.J. Rowan had 25 in the loss
Westlake has some nice pieces.  Any one of 5 guys can lead the team in scoring on any given night: R.J. Rowan, Will Morse, Chase Carlton, Drew Wikelius or Vince DeBlasio.

Bronze Bracket

Humble Kingwood 43          San Antonio Taft  40
San Antonio Taft    53          LaMarque 36
Houston Bellaire    59           San Antonio Taft  49

D1 Nation NCAA Alumni Report: Thursday/Friday

A big shout out to my daughter in law, Judy Jones as she is coming back strong after her medical redshirt year.  She had 8 points and 8 rebounds last night in Texas San Antonio's win over Florida International. (Shown below pregame with the Little Hooper, Grandson Julian Ivany).

Eric McClellan       Freshman G 6'5"                       Austin (TX)                                Tulsa
McClellan got 20 minutes last night and scored 7 points and added 6 rebounds.

Jordan Clarkson    Sophomore G 6'5"                    Converse Judson                         Tulsa
Clarkson had 9 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in a win over Western Kentucky. In a big win back in back to back games, Clarkson added 15 against the Big Ten's Northwestern.

Andre Roberson    Sophomore  F 6'7"                    Converse Judson                          Colorado
Playing in the Puerto Rico Tip Off, Roberson had 4 points, 10 rebounds and 2 steals in a loss to Wichita State.  Roberson then followed up with a monster game last night vs Maryland as he had 21 points and 13 rebounds.

***How about those "back in the day" photos of Clarkson and Roberson as high school team mates a couple of years back.  No wonder Converse Wagner was a mainstay at State with those two together.***

Royce O'Neale       Freshman G 6'5"                       Harker Heights                             Denver
"Rolls" Royce O'Neale had 11 points, 6 rebounds and two steals in a win over Southern Mississippi.

TaShawn Thomas  Freshman F 6'8"                       Killeen                                           Houston
Oh Boy!  The Cougars have their claws back, beating SEC Arkansas handily as Thomas had 7 points and 10 boards.

Max Yon                 Freshman G 6'5"                      San Antonio Reagan                    Air Force
Yon had 6 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in his first college action as the Falcons won big.

Coach Max Ivany On www.AzGamecast.com

The high school seaosn is well under way in Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. Meanwhile the players in Oregon, New Mexico and Arizona are preparing for the opening of their seasons shortly. I'm almost finished my early college fall tour of campuses and teams in Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico and will be back in San Antonio on Monday for Thanksgiving.

In the meantime, I was contacted by Keith Perrin of www.azgamecast.com to come into their studios to talk about club basketball and the D1 Nation. Below is a link to the interview which lasts about 20 minutes.  (Yes, I know that's a long time to hear me drone on..lol).  He does ask some very pertinent questions though about the club scene, what you should look for in an organization etc and did allow me a couple of minutes to brag on the players who are part of the D1 Nation and in particular shouted out to the talent in Texas.  (I forget who said it, but I believe the quote is "you ain't braggin' if you can back it up"). 

I was very impressed with www.azgamecast.com and their professional studio.  Great people, who love youth athletics!  I want to thank them for the opportunity to be part of their broadcast.  You can click on the link below.  When Mr. Perrin finishes interviewing me he then speaks with Chad Groth of www.areacodesbasketball.com who spent many years as VP of Player Personnel with the Harlem Globetrotters.  Great interview!

http://azgamecast.com/available_games.php?id_game=147

 

Cen Tex High School Round Up: Friday

Round Rock McNeil 77  Del Valle  70
While I was in Phoenix, AZ watching Del Valle alum A.J. Hardeman do his thing leading New Mexico over Arizona State one of Austin's outstanding 2014 Class, G Trey Dilworth scored 17 to lead his McNeil squad over the Cardinals.

Austin Anderson 63  Leander 32
One of my preseason favorites, Anderson is nice.  They had 4 players in double figures including a couple of under classmen in 2013 floor general John Gramlich and 2013 F 6'7" Alex Frame with 12 a piece.

San Antonio Brennan  72   Austin St. Michael's 31
2013 G Johnny Azzinaro had 14 to guide his Bears squad to the blowout victory.

Pflugerville 69   Killeen Ellison 66
The 'Ville used blanced scoring to ground the reloading Eagles.  2013 W Justin Moss (17), 2013 PG T.J. Williams (14), 2013  G Derrick Brooks (10) and 2013 G Napoleon Onyeje (10) were the biggest contributors. Pflugerville will be good this year, but with all these underclassmen they can really make noise next year as seniors.

Boerne 58  Burnet 51
2013 G Griffin McHone led the Greyhounds to the win.  Boerne is one of the Region's tougher outs at the 3A level.

Georgetown 58  Austin Akins 56
2012 PG Michael Hardge had 27 points and 11 rebounds in the win.  None were more important than his steal with 5 seconds left for the winning bucket.

Lake Travis 72  Round Rock 62
2013 G Stefan Vidovic has sprouted to 6'4" and is really estblishing himself as a legit D1 prospect.  He had 27 in the win.  2013 P 6'11" Leonard Allen had 14 for the Dragons in the loss.

Kerrville Tivy  53  Victoria West 52 (OT)
2013 P 6'6" Zach Overby had 11 points including the clinching FT in overtime with less than a second to play.  Senior Riley Miller had 15, 2014 Matt Perry (14)  and 2013 Rowdy Winters added 11 in the home win.

2013 W Rowdy Winters goes to the rack for Kerrville Tivy

Mumford (1A) 65 Madisonville 60

How about those youngsters down in Mumford?  2014 G 6'5" Aubrie King had 19 points, 14 rebounds.  meanwhile his jumping jack mate 2015 LaHendric Hyson added 14 points and 10 boards.

McDonald's Texas Invitational Tournament: Pasadena, TX

The McDonald's Texas Invitational Tournament held in Pasadena, Texas is one of the country's best run events to open the school year.  The outstanding field of teams includes one team from Austin, five teams from San Antonio and many of Dallas' and Houston's top notch prep teams.

Pool Play Results
Austin Westlake   54   Manvel 40                              2012 P 6'6" Drew Wikelius scored 14
Desoto 59  Austin Westlake 55                                  2012 G R.J. Rowan-18 2013 G Will Morse-18

 Wikelius body looks good.  He's shed his baby fat and has developed a mean streak on the court.  He's finishing much stronger around the goal in his senior year.

Morse, in his second year as a starter for Austin Westlake has a lot more help this season but he'll still need to be the Chaps leading scorer most nights for them to have a lot of success.

Converse Judson  66   Fort Bend Marshall  56            2012 G E.J. Hubbard scores 14
North Crowley 72   Converse Judson 67                      2012 G E.J. Hubbard scores 18

San Antonio Clark  54   Houston Bellaire  48              2012 G Niko Maxwell scores 17
San Antonio Clark 65  Mansfield Summit  44             2012 G Adam Perez scores 17

The Alamo City has had success with undersized Hispanic guards with high motors and a tough mental make up moving on to play Division 1 basketball (Paul Garnica, and Dylan Elias of Northern Colorado).  Perez should get the same opportunity with his steady play.

Flower Mound Marcus 75 San Antonio Madison 48   New Mexico signee Nick Banyard-14 pts
San Antonio Madison  52  La Marque  42                    Qualen Holloway scores 22

Humble College Park  47  San Antonio Taft   45         2012 P Joseph Gray scored 16 points
Fort Bend Bush  93  San Antonio Taft  55

San Antonio Warren  49   Humble Kingwood  38        2012 F Taurean Waller-Prince scored 14
San Antonio Warren 94   Pearland Dawson 82

2013 G Cullen Neal Visits Arizona State

2013 combo guard 6'4" Cullen Neal of Albuquerque Eldorado (NM) spent the day in Phoenix/Temp, Arizona today on an unofficial visit on the Sun Devils campus. In an interesting juxtaposition, Neal wore a burnt orange Eldorado shirt to the game, not Arizona State maroon, nor the silver and red of New Mexico Lobos where his dad, Craig is Associate Head Coach.

Arizona State Head Coach Herb Sendek offered Cullen today. This is his 4th unoffcial visit thus far. He's been to St. Mary's, Stanford and Gonzaga and to this point says he has no clear favorite. There will be plenty of offers coming along for the talented guard who can score, create and just flat understands how to compete and run a team. He'll be paired with UNM Head Coach Steve Alford's son, 2013 combo guard 6'3" Bryce Alford of Albuquerque La Cueva (NM) this spring to form one of the Nation's most effective backcourts when they lace them up for Danny Granger's D1 Ambassadors on the circuit.

2013 G Cullen Neal at Arizona State with Coach Max Ivany of the D1 Nation

New Mexico won in a squeaker as Texas D1 Ambassadors alum, Senior post A.J. Hardeman had a huge bucket in the last minute to seal the win on the road for the Lobos. After the game, young Neal made his way to the Arizona State dressing room to thank Coach Sendek for his visit and offer. Already recognized as a Top 100 player in the country Neal attended the Nike Jamboree in St, Louis, MO with many of the country's top sophomore players.

Del Valle (TX) A.J. Hardeman came to battle ASU's two 7 footers tonight.

D1 Nation Real Talk: 2012 Alex Caruso

2012 G Alex Caruso of A&M Consolidated: Signed with Texas A&M.

Shown below at Dave Telep's NBA Pro Player's Camp

Q. How old were you when you started playing basketball?
A. First grade

Q. What are some of your hobbies outside of basketball?
A. All sports, hangin' with my friends

Q. What is your favorite class in school?
A. AP Statistics

Q. What music are you listening to before a game?
A. Anything that's gonna get me hyped

Q. What is your favorite food?
A. steak!

Q. What college or NBA player do you model your game after?
A. Kevin Garnett,I love watching KG compete.

Q. List some goals you’ve set for this year?
A. Get stronger, win district, win state

Q. Who is the best player you played against all spring or summer?
A. Shabazz Mohammed. That guy is a level above everybody else..in every aspect of play

Q. What is the best conference in college basketball?
A. It's about to be the sec/acc

Q. List the Top 6 players in Houston right now?
A. Rasheed Sulaimon, Cameron Ridley, Danuel House, The Harrison Twins

Q. What part of your game needs improvement the most?
A. strength, that's the only thing holding me back

Q. Who is your favorite NBA player from Houston?
A. Old school: Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwan

Q. Who are the Top 5 teams in 5A or 4A this year?
A. Fort Bend Travis, North Crowley, Flour Mound Marcus, Desoto, Houston Yates

Q. Where do you see yourself being 5 years from now?
A. -I hope to be graduated from Texas A&M and be playing pro ball somewhere

Alex Caruso is the real deal. He's a player who came out of nowhere to impress a lot of so called basketball people nationwide. That fact that this guy wasn’t on the national radar this time last year is a prime example of hard work and believing in yourself now paying off. He burst on the scene with Max Ivany's Texas D1 Ambassadors A throw back player that plays very hard on defense. In addition to scoring he'll give you steals,blocks and rebounds. On offense he is a beast attacking the rim and watch out on the fastbreak in transition. He's WAY above the rim! Who said White Men Can’t Jump. You haven’t seen Caruso then.-A.W. Robinson