I-35 Austin-San Antonio Challenge Class of 2012 Recap #1

I have to be honest and say I was disappointed in the overall atmosphere in the 2012 Games.  We had three verbal D1 commits participating. They were 2012 F 6'7" Taurean Prince-Waller of San Antonio Warren (Long Island), 2012 PG 6'1" Paul Baxter of Austin Bowie (Sam Houston State) and 2012 G 6'5" Uche Ofoegbu of San Antonio Stevens (Southern Methodist).  To my way of thinking that left 20 plus guys who should have been going 100 mph to impress in front of the media.  There was too much defensive cruising going on and guys just chillin' instead of ballin'.  let me remind you that there's usually a reason that players stay unsigned.
Amongst the Austin players the White team won 100-93 as unsung Tevin Bellinger of Hutto had 20 points to lead the way, while Sam Houston State commit Paul Baxter was easily the most dominant player on the floor as he had 30 points in the loss.

2012 PG 6'1" Paul Baxter of Austin Bowie
The powerfully built and explosive Baxter did what he wanted, when he wanted in bagging 30 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists.  For all those folks out there who feel their son should be a D1 player, I invite you to look at Baxter and see that if that's really the case a player should dominate almost every time on the court amongst other high school players.  Sam Houston State stole one!

2012 Paul Baxter Heads To Sam Houston State

2012 G 6'0" Tevin Bellinger of Hutto

Bellinger displayed a nice jumper and was tough going to the hole.  Physically gifted he will be a nice spring signee for some school.

2012 Tevin Bellinger of Hutto

2012 W 6'4" Mark Brown of Austin Lanier
The biggest surprise of the unsigned group.  This kid will be a nice pick up as he hit shots, competed for rebounds, and slashed to the goal effectively. He had 17 points and also defended hard.  He had something to prove, and he proved it!

2012 F 6'4" Stephen Graves of Liberty Hill. 
Graves was "unconscious" from behind the arc in both games he played.  Graves had 17 points, including 5 buckets from behind the line. He plays in the post at Liberty Hill, but he proved not only that he's got toughness but he can also really stretch a defense too.

2012 Stephen Graves of Liberty Hill

2012 G 5'10" R.J. Rowan of Austin Westlake
Rowan is one of the Area's purest shooters.  He had 14 points including his trademark perimeter shooting. Rowan's mid range is also deadly but he's putting the ball on the floor with much more confidence as he heads into his senior year.

2012 R.J. Rowan of Austin Westlake

2012 W 6'4" Avery Polchinski of Temple
Polchinski is a tweener.  Adequate ball handling skills, above average rebounder, solid shooter and a high basketball I.Q.  He had 10 points and was always in the mix for loose balls.  Could surprise as a senior and in to next spring.

2012 W 6'4" Avery Polchinski of Temple

2012 G 5'11" Michael Hardge of Georgetown
Hardge always plays hard.  Much quicker and more aggressive than most lead guards.  He had 12 points, and just missed on a  couple of dunk attempts.

2012 Michael Hardge of Georgetown