In addition to the exciting Austin Akins win over San Antonio Madison (where I was in attendance), there were two other playoff games of note last night. Tonight there is a full slate of games statewide.San Antonio Wagner 105 San Antonio Warren 55
Hungry for a return trip to State next month, Wagner steamrolled Warren. They were led by 2010 W 6'7" Andre Roberson who had 25 points, 8 rebounds 4 steals and 4 blocks in limited action. The late blooming Roberson made a conscious decision to not take any of his D-1 offers in November's early signing period, choosing instead to see how his development and senior season played out. His calculated gamble is paying off as his stock is soaring and what was originally Southland, Conference USA & WAC interest is now giving way to the big boys.
Schools like DePaul, Ole Miss and Alabama are now in the mix. On Friday, UCLA called me and asked who the best unsigned in the area was. My answer, "No question, Andre Roberson. He defends well, alters shots, can hit the perimeter shot, and rebounds relentlessly against bigger players ( as shown in last year's 5A State semi final as he had 17 rebounds vs. Desoto's 6'9" manchild & Texas A&M signee Keith Davis). He can even put the ball on the floor a little and runs well." This describes UCLA's needs in a three man to a "T".
As I write this his film is on the way to the Bruins Staff. Don't be surprised to see UCLA, along with other big name programs in the stands for the projected 3rd round game vs. Austin Westlake in what could be the game of the year in Region 4. That would occur next Tuedsay if the first two rounds go true to form. Westlake plays San Antonio Churchill tonight in their opener.
Wagner's Andre Roberson shows his impressive wingspan vs Austin Bowie
Dripping Springs 70 Killeen 63Madison wasn't the only "1" seed to go down last night. Killeen followed suit as Drip pulled a shocker with a big 3rd quarter. Texas A&M bound Daniel Alexander (shown below with the Texas D-1 Ambassadors) dedicated the game to his dying grandfather. His 15 points, work on the boards and big dunk keyed the win. The 6'8" Alexander spoke with me late last night and was hyped about the win.
Alexander extends high school career
"I asked him how Killeen "big" 6'7" Ta'Shaun Thomas played. Knowing that Thomas is set to follow Alexander as this year's marquee big man in the long tradition of Texas D-1 Ambassadors frontline high major D-1 prospects, Daniel was very respectful. "He's a great player coach and will do great with you and D-1. Very tough to handle, BUT I did get a dunk on him".
"I asked him how Killeen "big" 6'7" Ta'Shaun Thomas played. Knowing that Thomas is set to follow Alexander as this year's marquee big man in the long tradition of Texas D-1 Ambassadors frontline high major D-1 prospects, Daniel was very respectful. "He's a great player coach and will do great with you and D-1. Very tough to handle, BUT I did get a dunk on him". Alexander, one of the area's most under appreciated high major prospects in recent memory has prolonged his high school career at least one more game. I get very emotional over the kids I've had the privelege to coach and get to know. Daniel is one of the classiest AMBASSADORS of all time. He embodies the word in every way. Daniel is a wonderful player, but an even more terriffic human being & already takes his responsibility of a role model very seriously. (And there's an up and coming 6th grader in Midland, TX who thinks the world of him ;-)
