San Antonio Area Player of the Week-Jonathan Perry

2010 G Jonathan Perry of Kerrville Tivy2010 6'4" Combo Guard Jonathan Perry of Kerrville Tivy was selected as SanAntonio Area Player of the Week by the San Antonio Express News. Perry, still a Junior plays his club basketball with the Texas D-1 Ambassadors. He is going to make a fine college player, able to shift from the point to the shooting guard position with ease. He also rebounds the ball well enough to play the three and post up other guards as well.

He scored 31 in a 51-48 win against Schertz Steele and then led Tivy with 15 in a tight 37-34 win over Alamo Heights which secured a playoff spot for Coach Brian Young's squad.

Texas Basketball Inc's Valentine's Day Tournament

Coach Lance Carter's 2015 Lake Travis Select won their 2nd consecutive Texas Basketball Inc. tournament of the young season by edging the Round Rock dragons in a close, well played contest.

2015 Foster Allen was the top performer for his 2nd place Round Rock Dragons crew as he scored 17, 11 & 10 in his three games.

2015 Robert Salinas burst on the scene with his 3rd place K.T. Toros team scoring 15, 22, & 18 in his three contests.

2015 Jake Budde had his second strong tournament in a row in leading his Lake Travis Select squad to the championship. He scored 28, 8 & 28 in the three games and was clearly the tournament MVP.

San Antonio/Austin Wrap Up February 13th

Cedar Park Vista Ridge scored an upset over Leander 51-50 despite 13 points from 2009 6'6" A.D. Jones.

Round Rock Stony Point beat Round Rock Westwood in OT behind 2010 P Chris Clements 24 points.

Del Valle beat Manor 70-63 clinching the District 17-4A championship behind 2010 G Braylon Thomas' 20 points.

Austin Akins smashed Austin Anderson 81-40 behind Kevin McFarlane's 22 points.

Austin Lake Travis keeps steamrolling with a 93-51 win over Marble Falls. 2010 Cole Vucurevich had 25 for the Cavs.

In what has to be considered an upset, Pflugerville Hendrickson beat Killeen 69-64 despite 28 points from Baylor signee 6'9" Cory Jefferson.

2010 PG 6'2" Cody Doolin dropped 18 on Austin Bowie in a 58-52 win. This split the season series between the two teams vying for 2nd place in the District.

2010 Combo Guard Jonathan Perry scored 15 to lead Kerrville Tivy to a hard fought road win over San Antonio Alamo Heights.2009 UT San Antonio signee Kendric Robinson scored 37 in a big overtime win as San Antonio Southwest beat Laredo Martin 76-72.

2011 6'2" Combo Guard Trey Demps had 12 in leading San Antonio in a squeaker over San Antonio MacArthur. The game had huge playoff implications as the 4th place finisher in that district gets Pflugerville in the 1st round. Nobody wants that.2012 Frosh W 6'5" Christopher Campbell led nationally ranked San Antonio Madison over San Antonio Roosevelt 86-53

2010 PG Paul Garnica had 41 last night (his 6th 40point plus performance on the year) in Leading San Antonio Lee past Smithson Valley 85-59

Jordan Brand Classic

John Henson, shown here with the Texas D-1 Ambassadors in 2007 has been selected to play in the Jordan Brand Classic in April along with 19 of the best high school players in the country.

The 7th Annual Jordan Brand Classic will be held April 18th at New York's Mecca of Basketball. This year it will feature (to my knowledge) the first time ever that Central Texas has had a player in the game.

6'10" John Henson formerly of Round Rock HS (TX) who signed this past November with Coach Roy Williiams North Carolina Tar Heels will be one of the marquee names in this prestigious game. He is currently ranked Top 5 in the country by most recruiting services. I personally have John rated as the top potential future NBA player & #2 behind John Wall, in the high school Class of 2009. (Wall is a 5th year prep school player).

I had the pleasure to coach John at the end of his sophomore year as his recruiting went from nothing to his first offer (by Baylor) at the end of April in 2007. From that point forward it was like a dam breaking as nearly every major college coach in the country followed us around to watch every game the Texas D-1 Ambassadors played through the summer of 2007. These included Florida, Kansas, UCLA, USC, Texas, Ohio State etc.

The casual observer usually sees the finished product. However, aside from his God given talent and heighth I know how hard he has worked to reach this point. Countless camps & private training sessions (many of them with aching knees as his body changed from 6'1"-6'10" seemingly overnight) have led him to where he is today.

So many of today's talented players have a less than ideal demeanor, work ethic or character. John is the antithesis of the selfish, self centered player. He was always smiling and he loves the game of basketball. I believe this is what will make him a great pro as well after his career at North Carolina.

Henson's dad, Matt took a job in Tampa, FL this past summer so John is attending Sickle HS. However, we're going to continue to proudly claim him as one of Central Texas' own as we watch him continue to garner accolades and continue to be an ambassador to the game, long after his tenure with the Texas D-1 Ambassadors.

Best of luck John

Coach Max & The Texas D-1 Ambassadors Family

Pflugerville 51 Austin Bowie 37

Texas Basketball Inc. will be at Austin Bowie tonight for the big District matchup between the Pflugerville Panthers & the host Bulldogs, led by former Texas State Coach Celester Collier. We will be streaming the audio broadcast live at http://www.nhsbn.com/ Once you get to that site, just click on the game. My color commentator/sidekick for today's game will be Chris Blevins who runs the Cen Tex Shooters summer program.

Pflugerville is looking to all but salt the District Championship away with a win on the road, while Bowie wants to continue to make it a dog fight, or at the very least maintain 2nd place over Austin Westlake.

Austin Bowie will get senior leadership from PG Aaron Urbanus and W Isiah Collier. Pflugerville will counter with W Brian Todd and their two D-1 signees PG Jonathan Garza and 6'8" P Osas Ebomwonyi. Both have inked with Lamar University in the Southland Conference.

The contrasting styles should make for a great matchup as Bowie will look to run a matchup zone and control the pace while Mike Murphy's hosses will look play man to man & run and gun their way to victory.
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In what turned out to be a somewhat lack luster game, Pflugerville jumped out to an early 10 point lead and really never relinquished it. There was no subsequent run by Bowie at anytime on their home court. They cut it to 8 at one point early in the 4th quarter, but could not squeeze Pflugerville. The Panthers showed great composure on the road, limiting their turnovers ina hostile road environment over a solid Bowie team. The result all but sews up 16-5A for The Ville.

2011 G Deion Mitchell led the Panthers offensive attack as he was fearless in going to the basket. Isiah Collier had 15 points & was the only offensive bright light for the Bulldogs who are now back in a dogfight with Austin Westlake for the 2nd playoff spot in 16-5A. You can tell it's getting near to that time of year as Coach Tommy Hines & his staff were on hand from San Antonio Lee scouting their potential playoff opponent. (Lee will face either Bowie or Westlake in a first round playoff game.)

Big Osas Ebomwony, all 6'8" of him made the Bulldogs ineffective all night. He had 4 blocks but altered countless other shots. The Lamar signee also had 8 points on the evening.

All American Prodigy Camp March 14-15th

All American Prodigy Camp gear which every player receives.
JERSEY, SHORTS, & NIKE SHOES

We've been getting great feedback about the new player database that's being developed for kids in the Texas & Louisiana area. You can access it either at our site www.texasbasketballinc.com or directly at www.texasbasketballrankings.com

We've already got D-1 schools subscribing. There is a growing interest in Texas & Louisiana players. With the recent NCAA decision to not allow a live recruiting period this spring there is no better way for you to generate recruiting action than to be recognized and evaluated on our site. We'll be sure to see you if you attend camp!

The All American Prodigy Camp, now in it's 3rd year takes on even more significance than ever. It will be held in Austin the weekend of our Boys State Basketball Tournament, March 14-15th. ALL players at the camp will have their evaluation posted online at http://www.texasbasketballrankings.com/

The tuition is $295. Each player will receive their custom jersey and shorts, which they keep, a pair of Nike LeBron shoes (or similar), 2 days of instruction, games and competition as well as their addition to our recruiting database. Many of our instructors/contributing evaluators are high school coaches, former/current college players and some with pro experience.

There will only be 20 players per Class Year admitted to the camp, first come, first served. All registration is online at www.texasbasketballinc.com

Recruiting Scoop: Hill College to Marquette

Marquette continues to build under Coach Buzz Williams as he lands the top Junior College Big in the country. 6'10" Monterale Clark, originally from Milwaukee is shown here in his Hill Colege (TX) uniform is headed to the Big East with huge expectations according to his current Coach Swede Trenkle of Hill.

Just got off the phone with my buddy, Hill College (TX) Head Coach Swede Trenkle. The best unsigned Junior College Big Man in the country is now off the board. Coach trenkle informed me that 6'10" Monterale Clark who is from Milwaukee, WI has committed to one of the hardest working coaches in the country.

That's right, Buzz Williams is at it again. Whether he's at Colorado State, Texas A&M, New Orleans, or now at Marquette the tireless Williams has feathered his cap again. The Big East got bigger with the addition of Clark to the Marquette Golden Eagles.

Pflugerville 89 Austin Akins 68

2010 W 6'5" Demetrious "Cleveland" Smith (shown here at the www.TexasRecruit.com combine) helped his Pflugerville Panthers to a convincing win tonight. Smith's wingspan has been measured at 6'9". His perimeter shot is improving and he's turning into a sure fire prospect.

Texas Basketball Inc's correspondent was in the house tonight at Pflugerville to see the Panthers dominating win over Austin Akins. Pflugerville came out of the gate early and held a 50-34 edge at the half, emptied their bench and coasted to an 89-68 victory.

Akins is no slouch team either as Coach David Peavey has his troops playing aggressive basketball. What makes Pflugerville scary good is that they've never been healthy all season. The Ville has been the victim of assorted nagging injuries to 2010 W Cleveland Smith, and two both their D-1 signees; 2009 Osas Ebomwonyi (still getting in shape after suffering a broken leg, returning to the lineup just before New Year) and 2009 PG Jonathan Garza (only played 2 minutes tonight with a broken hand).

If the Panthers can get healthy there's no telling what they can accomplish. A deep playoff run is in the cards for them in my opinion. They've already beaten Judson, and lost in double OT to San Antonio Madison this year WITHOUT Smith and Ebomwonyi in the lineup.

Akins was led by Kevin McFarland with 13, Brandon Wooley with 11 and 2011 PG Yolonzo Moore with 11.

Pflugerville, who seems to have a different hero everytime out got 20 points and 11 rebounds, including 2 big dunks from 2009 W Brian Todd, 17 from 2011 G Deion Mitchell, and 16 points from 2010 W Cleveland Smith who is showing much improved range on his shot. Ebomwonyi clogged up the middle and blocked 5 Akins shots.

San Antonio Warren 73 San Antonio Taft 62

2010 Sean Harris (pic a little out of focus) came close to a triple double tonight in leading his San Antonio Warren team to victory over San Antonio Taft.

2011 PG 6'0" Dylan Elias looks to lead San Antonio Taft v. San Antonio Warren in tonight's matchup at Paul Taylor Fieldhouse.I'll be at Paul Taylor Fieldhouse in San Antonio tonight for what should be a great matchup between Taft & Warren. The winner will be in the cat bird seat for 3rd place in the District behind frontrunners Clark & Stevens.

Of interest to me will be the evaluation and progress shown of three talented underclassmen. Warren will need leadership from 2010 6'6" Sean Harris down low and on the boards, and from 2011 W Chris Freeman, while 2011 PG Dylan Elias one of Texas' best in the Class of 2011 will show his ability to run a team and also score from the point position for Coach Weaver's Taft squad.

1st Quarter Taft 18 Warren 16

The highlight of the period was a nice dunk in transition by Warren's 2009 Anthony Johnson. Senior Patrick Barton had 8 points as he dropped two from behind the arc. Big Sean Harris of Warren has the body of a D-1 tight end and nimble feet to match. I'd like to see him play with a little bit of an attitude though and have him dunking everything. Having said that, he has a nice soft touch.

Halftime Taft 27 Warren 27

Harris must have read my mind because he came out like his butt was on fire in the first few minutes of the quarter and had three blocked shots, tied up a guard in a held ball and then trailed on the break and cleaned up the missed layup with a rim rattler. I see him being a mid major three man if he continues to work on his conditioning and his intensity. He also finished the quarter by pinning another one at the top of the square. Nice job, Big Fella.

3rd Quarter Warren 52 Taft 46

2009 Anthony Johnson has started the 3rd with consecutive 3 pointers for Warren. Taft Answered back with triples by 2009 Dray Baker & 2011 G Carlos Gutierrez. Sandwiched in between 2010 W Akhenaton Zakariyyaa has swished the nets from beyond the arc for Warren. Zakariyyaa is explosive and can get to the rim as well. TO Taft as Warren opens up a 47-40 lead with 2:19 to go in the 3rd.

FINAL San Antonio Warren 73 San Antonio Taft 62

During a 4 minute stretch Zakariyyaa's slashing and Harris' work on the boards put Warren in front 60-49. Taft has now begun to pressure the Warren backcourt causing consecutive turnovers and 2 layups off steals. TO Warren as they try to regroup with 3:20 left and the score 60-53 in their favor. Great offensive board and subsequent tip by Harris to stop the Taft mini run. Game over, as Harris tries to tear down the backboard with all 230 plus pounds. That's power folks! Warren 66-53. Taft was just too undersized on the boards in this one.

Leading Scorers

Taft Carlos Gutierrez 19 Patrick Barton 15 Dylan Elias 12

Warren Akhenaton Zakariyyaa 15 Anthony Johnson 20

Sean Harris 14 points & 7 blocks as well as double digit rebounds.

San Antonio O'Connor 49 San Antonio Holmes 37

Earlier in the evening San Antonio O'Connor had 26 from 2009 P 6'5" Travis Gipson as he torched Holmes on the boards and on the block in his second dominating performance in a row that I've witnessed. A steady diet of him turning down low, with great foot work and solid finishes with power layups and bank shots put Holmes away. Once again, this kid can play somewhere. He's fundamentally sound and he's tough.

Louisiana "Hall fo Fame" Games

2009 W 6'3" Joevoskie Mitchell plays above the rim. He led his Zwolle team to a big win over Reserve Christian in the Hall of Fame Game this past weekend in Lafayette, LA.

I spent the weekend in Lafayette, LA at the Louisiana High School Athletic Ass'n Hall of Fame Games. This is an exhibition series held annually with all proceeds going to the LHSAA Hall of Fame. Even the officials donate their services for the game. It's a great cause.

There were 5 games played. The scores, along with a brief snyopsis were as follows (Individual player wrap ups will be in a separate post to follow:) Anyone interested in hearing the broadcasts, and the basketball chatter over the course of the 9 hours can do so by going to http://www.nhsnb.com/ Once there, look for the archived game by the name of the competing teams. Lots of coaches interviews, player interviews as well as commentary on the games by myself and http://www.pelicanpreps.com/ rep Bobby Sibley. I also had a great interview with Nike South's Ron Briscoe.

Point Coupee Central (12-11) 63 Lafayette Comeaux (19-12) 49

This was a heck of a ballgame, with several runs in it. At one point the young host Comeaux squad had a 19 point lead in the middle of the 3rd quarter on the strength of 2011 G Kenry Lewis (19 points) who was connecting from deep and going blow for blow with Comeaux's 2010 G 6'0" D.J. Cobb. The 4th quarter was all Cobb's as he finished with 31 points including a key steal at midcourt and subsequent layup that was a back breaker. Coach Melanson of Comeaux has a heck of a future though as he started 4 sophomores.

Many (26-7) 74 Lafayette St. Thomas Moore (30-2) 67

Many had to battlle at the end as STM kept coming at them, making baskets in a flurry in the last 1:30. Many did what all great teams do, they hit their free throws and never allowed their opponent to see light at the end of the tunnel. STM was led by 2009 G 6'1" Nick Cortese, along with 18 from 2010 6'6" Will Norman, and heralded 2010 F 6'4" Xavier Blackburn with 12.

Many had a great team effort with 2010 P 6'6" manchild Nic Jacobs banging in the post. He's one of Louisiana's top football prospects. 2009 PG 6'0" D.J. Palmer had 21 points and did a great job of distributing the basketball. 2011 F 6'3" Rod Davis (11pts) & 2010 6'3" G Dantrell Thomas (15pts) carried their fair share of the load as well. They were above the rim, with Thomas having a particularly nasty dunk. They play their summer ball with Louisiana Nike Select.

Zwolle 103 Reserve Christian 92

I've seen over 100 high school games so far this season and this may have been the most exciting one so far. Reserve Christian, always a powerhouse with alumni the likes of Tweety Carter (Baylor) had their hands full with Zwolle who at one point won 7 straight Louisiana State Titles. Reserve Christian's impressive outside shooting was no match for Zwolle's high flying show as they had to have somewhere around 15 dunks.

They were led by 2009 Joevoskie Mitchell with 29 points. Interestingly Mitchell has many other famous athletic brothers in 2010 6'6" P JaDarius Davis of Lufkin, TX, Jermichael Finley (University of Texas football) and Jevorskie Lane (Texas A&M football.) He has a bright future ahead of him. JuCo's need to beware, and D-1's take note as we await his test scores.

2009 6'5" Antonio Holmes had 20 points on 10 dunks, 2009 G 6'3" Darius Montgomery had 25, while Northwestern State signee 6'3" PG Eric Cutright had 25. Cutright reminded me of Canadian National star and Marquette signee, Junior Cadougan of Hunble Christian Life (TX).

Reserve Christian could really have used the services of the #1 2012 P in the country, Ricardo Gathers who sustained a broken finger at a tournament in Alaska last month. Having said that, the cupboard wasn't exactly bare for Coach Tim Byrd's crew as 2010 G 6'5" Ed Gallina of Brazil (29 pts) & 2010 G 6'2" Cedric Jenkins (33 pts) can both really play. Frosh F 6'3" Louis Dabney showed a great desire to compete and battled all night in scoring 22. He's one to watch.

New Orleans Country Day 64 Sulphur 46

After the Zwolle-Christian Life affair, it would be hard for anyone to follow that act. The game itslef had no real runs to it with Country Day controlling things from the opening minute however it was fun watching 4 future D-1 guys battle. The edge has to go to Country day, with their twin towers 2009 6'7" Eddie Ludwig who signed with LSU and his 2010 sidekick Matt Derenbecker who's been offered already by LSU & Wichita State. He's seeing his stock rise after dropping 49 v Florida signee Kenny Boynton last month.

Sulphur has two quality guys in 2010 G 6'8" Matt LeBato & 2010 G 6'3" Chip Armelin. I see both these guys as solid mid majors.


Baton Rouge Christian Life (22-6) 63 Lafayette Northside (22-4) 52

Another game chock full of top prospects in Christian Life's high major Langston Galloway, and mid majors 2010 G Corey Self, 2010 W Pat Robinson, 2010 P 6'7" Kaleb Knight & Polish National team member Grajon Suzba. Northside has two tremendous 2011 prospects in PG 5'11" Nick Syrie, and 6'6" Jonathon Tolivar.