McAllen 66 Pasadena Memorial 37

McAllen's 2010 W 6'7" J.J. Avila had 19 for to lead McHi. Coach Roy Swift hopes to get McAllen over the hump in the Regional Finals this coming spring. (Don't count out Laredo United though) I'm here in Houston, TX at the McDonald's Invitational, looking forward to seeing two quality 5A teams from Region 4 play in this afternoon's Doubleheader at Pasadean Memorial HS. Both have aspirations of getting to the Drum in early March. Those teams are McAllen High and Austin Westlake who will not play each other due to the seeding format. McHi is in the Silver Division, while a highly regarded Westlake team is taking on the Big Boys in the Gold.

The McDonald's Tourny is loaded with talent. Last year San Antonio Madison captured lightning in a bottle and had a story book tournament and brought home the Gold Championship to the Alamo City with a thrilling victory over a talented Duncanville squad in the final.

If there's a season for McHi to break that glass ceiling of getting to Regionals but not being able to get to State, this is it. There aren't too many times that a team from the Rio Grande Valley or Laredo area sports a 6'7" four year letterman who can shoot it from the perimeter, put it on the floor and isn't afraid to mix it up on the boards.

Quite honestly it's tough to assess how good McHi can be this year, because Pasadena Memorial is not a very good basketball team. With about a 1000 of their own students spurring them on, there's still nothing to rave about. They are undersized and not particularly skilled. Having said that, it looks like PG Nevin Franks is much improved from last year when Wagner intimidated him and most of the other Bulldogs into a turnover machine. We'll see if McHi can handle pressure better this season as the tournament plays out. That's been their Achilles the past two seasons. If Coach Roy Swift can raise the bar on their ballhandling, that will be the key to beating a San Antonio Wagner/Austin Westlake style of team that brings the heat.

2010 Pg Nevin Franks shows and improved perimeter shot and ball handling confidence. McHi is big enough with 2010 6'6" Ryan Evans & 2010 P 6'5" David Atkinson. However, neither is particularly mobile on the perimeter and will be succeptible to mismatches with big D-1 caliber wings who can shoot the ball from beyond the arc, such as Wagner's 6'7" Andre Roberson and Westlake's 6'6" Conner Kemper. Having said that, they are hardworking kids who give 100%.

2010 PG Nevin Franks ball handling seems surer, and his perimeter set shot looks good. He had 11 points and multiple assists.

2010 P 6'7" J.J. Avila J.J. has improved his agility, extended his range, has a soft touch on his mid range and has also incorporated some nice low post footwork and perfected several nifty moves to finish down low in traffic. Continued development sees him become a bonafide college 3 man, although he certainly could also play the four spot and cause some mismatches on the offensive end. Avila finished with 19 points and double digit boards.

1st Quarter McHi 26 Pasadena Memorial 12

Half McHi 40 Pasadena Memorial 22

3rd McHi 55 Pasadena Memorial 28

Final McHi 66 Pasadena Memorial 37

Dave Hahn To Texas State

With all the hustle and bustle of the high school season upon us, I neglected to report that several days back that Texas D-1 Ambassador David Hahn has signed with Texas State University. As reported back in my report on August 17th, the 7 footer from Austin, TX by way of Mississippi was headed to Kimball Union Prep in New Hampshire for a year of fine tuning.

I was not able to catch up with Dave, but his Pops, Rick and I chatted about the commitment. They were excited about David being able to play close to home (about 30 minutes from the house). Big Dave liked the Texas State School of Business and of great importance he bonded with the staff. He particularly became comfortable with Assistant Eric Brand who spent part of this past summer as a Texas D-1 Ambassadors coach, prior to accepting the job under Coach Davalos at Texas State.

Congratulations to The Hahn Family.

Coach Max & Chip

P.S. This brings the number of early signeees in the Austin-San Antonio are to a baker's dozen. 13 kids...wow!

Austin Area Highlights 11-17-2009

Below: 2010 PG Cody Doolin (shown with his MVP Award at the Texas Basketball Inc. Super SHowcase) had 21 in limited action last night as Austin Westlake throttled Scertz Clemens, cruising to a 93-52 win.

Austin Westlake 93 Schertz Clemens 52

The Area's top team, Austin Westlake crushed Clemens behind Cody Doolin's 21 (San Francisco) and Gus Leeper's (Arkansas-Little Rock) 11pts & double digit rebounds. No starter played after midway through the 3rd quarter.

Any time predictions are made, you're always out on a limb. With roughly 80 4A and 5A schools in the Austin San Antonio area, if I pick one winner I've got 79 chances to be wrong. However, I've seen most of the top teams in the area at scrimmages and am familiar with most of the key personnel with the rest and NOBODY has all the weapons at hand that Austin Westlake has. Of course, the kids have to line up and play everyday. Today they are the winners of the Texas Basketball Inc. Paper Tiger Championship.

Westlake will be severely tested (along with San Antonio Madison) at the McDonald's Invitational in Houston starting Thursday. There are plenty of talented kids in the State of Texas so we'll see how they stack up at that level in the next 48 hours as the McDonald's field is LOADED with talent. In the meantime, All-Everything Guard Cody Doolin leads a talented crew. "Frick & Frack" may not think he's a player but former Kansas Jayhawk PG Rex Walters the Head Coach at San Francisco absolutely loves him so I'll go with his opinion. Doolin just gets the job done at every level, plain and simple.

Doolin is surrounded by Arkansas-Little Rock signee 2010 P 6'9" shot blocker Gus Leeper. Leeper shown as much improvement in the past 6 months as any big in the State. 2010 W 6'6" Conner Kemper can fire it from deep and is becoming a tough matchup inside and out. The rest of the crew compliments the Big 3 by filling their roles. 2012 P 6'6" Drew Wikelius, if he stays healthy is a D-1 prospect. Ok...That should start some controversy with the other 79 teams. :-)

Pflugerville 78 Leander 62

2011 G Deon Mitchell had 24 for the Panthers. Leander put up a decent fight considering they are without 2011 P 6'6" Mark Nwakamma their best player.

Cedar Park 74 Bastrop 68

Senior Tyler Stromberg notched 32 to lead Cedar Park to the win over the Area's best underclass backcourt inj 2011 G Josiah Monroe 22 pts and 2011 Jordan Roach, who came back to Austin from Montrose Christian (MD) with 24 points.

Hyde Park 84 Waco Van Guard 42

2011 F Brooks Pawsat led a much improved Hyde Park team with 17.

Marble Falls 90 Hays 50

MF Head Coach Bruce Etheridge's Son led the Mustangs with 20 pts.

Lake Travis 61 McCallum 56

Senior Guard David Eads (M.I.T.) scored 11 to lead the Cavs.

Cedar Park Vista Ridge 70 Austin 53

Wright scored 27 to lead VR, while 2011 G Alex Reinking has 21 for Austin.

Temple 64 Georgetown 61

2012 PG Michael Hardge had 10 in the loss for Georgetown.

Austin Reagan 57 Harker Heights 54

Regan stormed back in the 4th for the win. 2011 6'4" Jaquarius Daniels had 21 for Reagan while 2011 6'3" W Royce O'Neale had 12 for Heights.

Round Rock Stony Point 70 Austin St. Michael's 63

Stony Point raced to a 20-2 lead, paced by Senior Chris Clement (Princeton)with 24 pts. 2011 G 6'3" Jake Kocher led St. Mike's with 32. 2011 P 6'6" Micah Eargle (a transfer from Leander) had 9 in his St. Michael's debut.

A&M Consolidated 80 Del Valle 69

Senior Braelyn Thomas 11 and 2011 6'7" prospect Karim York had 8 in the Del Valle loss.

Dripping Springs 61 New Braunfels 56

Texas A&M bound 6'9" Daniel Alexander had 21 to lead the Tigers.

Belton 66 Lampasas 43

2011 G Jacob Whitman 14 2011 G Sean Voss 13 to lead Belton

San Antonio Highlights 11-17-09

GARNICA COUNTDOWN 981


At the top of my San Antonio posts this year we'll have the "Garnica Countdown". 2010 PG 5'11" Paul Garnica of San Antonio Lee (Texas D-1 Ambassadors) will be watched as he strives to break the San Antonio career scoring record of 2763 set at San Antonio's West Campus from 1995-98. Entering the season Paul needed 816 points to take the crown.

San Antonio Lee 75 Burbank 43
Garnica (Northern Colorado) drops 35 on McCollum
San Antonio Clark 71 San Antonio Highlands 59
A hearty welcome back to the boys high school coaching scene to Clark's Steve Sylestine. Elhad Emerllahu had 24 & Jason Brickman (Long Island) 16 for Clark
Boerne Champion 75 Gonzales 64
Champion Coach Stan Leech keeps piling up the wins.
Antonian 105 San Antonio Edison 68
2010 W 6'7" Jonathan Holmes leads Antonian to the blowout win.
Alamo Heights 75 San Antonio Jefferson 56
Senior G Thomas Villenueva drops 28 for Alamo Heights
San Antonio Taft 72 San Antonio Lanier 40
2011 PG Dylan Elias scored 12 for Taft
Sam Houston 62 Memorial 56
Much travelled Senior, Pierre Gordon had 21 for Sam Houston.
Converse Judson 51 San Antonio McCollum 22
Converse Wagner 58 San Antonio Madison 52
Senior Jordan Clarkson (Tulsa) 20 and 2010 W 6'7" Andre Roberson had 19 boards for the T-Birds.
San Antonio Churchill 74 San Antonio Warren 46
2012 G Scott Mammel scorched Warren with 33 pts

San Antonio Wagner 58 San Antonio Madison 52

Every now and then I get the privelege of being on hand when a highly touted freshman gets to step on the floor with his varsity team and see his coming out party. That was the case tonight as I was at Wagner's gym to catch what is the City of San Antonio's best rivalry of recent years ( and one of the better 5A rivalries in all of Texas). The home team Thunderbirds beat the visiting Madison Mavericks 58-52 in a game which was surprisingly devoid of the kind of emotion one has come to expect from this game.

In the end it was a 3 minute span in the middle of the 3rd quarter where Wagner's press came to life, leading to a few easy transition layups. This, coupled by a pair of big 3's from Senior Devante Hill and Wagner turned a 4 point half time deficit into a 42-34 lead at the end of the 3rd quarter. At that point, it was basically game over as no team got on any major runs to either pull away or to narrow the gap.

Below: 2013 PG 5'11" Travon Landry of San Antonio Madison showed signs of being "The Truth of 2013" as he handled the point guard duties for the perennial 5A powerhouse. The young frosh took care of the basketball against the Wagner pressure and scored 11 points. Landry showed he could hit the three and got to the basket going left or right. (Something most high school seniors still can 't do.)
Below: Unsigned W 6'7" senior Andre Roberson didn't score much (although he did hit a big three pointer) but he controlled the boards with 19 by my count for Wagner.

Madison's best basketball is ahead of them this year as along with Landry, 2012 W 6'6" Christopher Campbell were the two best Mavs on the floor. This despite the fact that they have two scholarship seniors in G Jamaal Johnson (Cal Poly-San Luis Obisbo) and P 6'6" Tylers Woods (UT-San Antonio).

Below" Tulsa commit W 6'3" Jordan Clarkson dropped a quiet 20 points. He's the best slasher in the City of San Antonio and was able to give young Landry fits down low as Wagner Coach Cliff Ellis wisely posted him up against the smaller player.

Wagner is talented, and are a tough veteran team. They will not be a pushover but I don't consider them any longer the favorite to come out of the Region. Why? Without 6'2" Senior Guard Jordan Jones, they just aren't nearly as tough and don't have the same swagger. Sadly, Jones tore his ACL near the end of the football season. Despite some folks hopes, he will not be back on the hardwood for his senior year. We wish him a speedy and complete recovery. Someone has to step up for Wagner or collectively they have to rally to prove me wrong.

Madison has also had a wonderful run. The loss of scholarship players Cameron Catlett (UT-Arlington), Jonathan Landry (Coppin State) and 2010 Stephen Baird who just committed to Liberty but chose to be home schooled once again instead of returning for his senior year really hurts. However, as noted above I really like their youngsters. Their depth is in question but they'll have enough to take care of business and at least another 25 win season. They'll face a big test in Houston this coming Thursday at the McDonald's Invitational. Let's see how quickly the young guys mature.

Opening Night Highlights: Monday, November 16th

Here we are, folks. The start of the 2009-2010 basketball season is officially underway. With a new year comes new dreams for many players and their families. I look forward to the coming season more than ever before. A record 11 boys players signed early at the Division One level in the Austin-San Antonio area. In my opinion, the talent's always been here, the exposure is finally starting to catch up. I hope to continue to advance that agenda in my new role as ESPNU's Regional Recruiting Analyst. If any of you have info regarding young players I should see and evalkuate please don't hesitate to call or drop me an email at TexasBasketball@aol.com or 512-791-5455....thanks Coach Max

I was on hand last night to see the marquee game of the triple header at San Antonio's Littleton Coliseum. The final score was San Antonio Reagan 56 San Antonio Stevens 48. Congrats to Jimmy Fred Littleton for the opening win over an athletic, but inexperienced Stevens squad in the building named after his Pops who passed away this summer. Our condolences.

Reagan was led by 2011 G Tre Demps (Texas D-1 Ambassadors) with 26 points. Demps, a move in last season from California is much improved over last year with a more consistent perimeter shot, about 15 lbs of extra muscle and most important a maturity and aggressiveness in his mentality that sees him get to the rim on a regular basis. He got unexpected backcourt help from 2011 G Matt Meddell who also dropped 19, mostly with the mid range shot. Reagan's backcourt stepped up as they got minimal production from 2011 stars Max Yon (whose shot was just not dropping) and 6'8" Darrious Hamilton who battled foul trouble from the onset. Considering also that 6'7" Senior Ray Chase who quit the team just prior to the seaosn was also expected to be a big contributor and the Reagan win has to be considered a nice early season victory against a quality opponent.

San Antonio Stevens (one of the top three teams in the San Antonio Metro area look like they'll be pretty good when it's all said and done. Considering that they lost several players who are now off in college, including all everything G Brandon Thompson who is now playing as a frosh for Arizona State in the Pac-10 it was a decent outing for Stevens. Senior Joe Monroe a 6'6" P who committed to play D-2 for hometown St. Mary's University dropped 13 and had a good night on the boards. Young 2012 G Uche Ofoegbu looks to be the future of the Stevens Falcons. He dropped 15 points. Ofoegbu is a lanky 6'4" and should grow plenty. His two older brothers are pros playing overseas. Based on his earlier development in the ballhandling area, Uche could be the best of the Ofoegbu Family at some point down the road. For the moment though he's a work in progress so he'll mix in turnovers to go along with his slashing moves to the basket, active work on the boards and his adequate outside shot.

Below: 2011 G Sterling Green of Austin St. Stephens won't have a lot of help this season, but he's got a college body and a potential college game. At 6'4" and about 200 lbs he has a smooth stroke and can get to the rim. Round Rock Westwood bounced St. Stephen's 57-35


Down Houston way, The Yates Lions opened up in impressive style. They whacked Dickinson 142-80. That is not a typo. 142! Super leaper Brandon "Snap" Peters had 39 and Providence commit, Joseph Young (son of former Houston Cougar & Phi Slamma Jamma' Michael Young) had 33, while PG Darius "Pee Wee" Gardner (committed to Stephen F. Austin) dropped 23. Sorry, but the rest of the State's teams in 4A are immediately playing for second place and the privelege of getting their butts waxed by one of the greatest teams in the State of Texas history.

Austin Akins 76 Copperas Cove 54 Akins, despite having to replace several graduated seniors from last year's playoff team which was a hair away from a big 1st round upset of San Antonio Madison drubbed a Cove group soundly. 2011 prspect, PG 2011 6'0" Yolonzo Moore showed off his improved shot and notched 21 points.

Tonight I'll be on hand to watch San Antonio Wagner and San Antonio Madison in an intrguing early season match up for San Antonio's early season bragging rights.

San Antonio-Austin Early D-1 Signees

This Wednesday had to be a record crop of early Division One men's basketball signees from the Austin-San Antonio area. The Class of 2010 had 13 signees. There will be more to come also, with top players such as San Antonio Wagner's 6'7" W Andre Roberson, 6'4" CG Jonathan Perry of Kerrville, 6'2" G Donald Dallas of Austin LBJ and 6'6" W Conner Kemper still yet to sign. They are all academic qualifiers. Look for April signings for them and perhaps a few more sleepers in the Area as well. If the engine ever fires up for San Antonio Warren's 6'6" P Sean Harris then he'll be signing on the dotted line as well.

Daniel Alexander 6'9" W Dripping Springs Texas A&M

Alexander has NBA range, and a bouncy athleticism as well as being the slickest passing big man in Texas.

Stephen Baird 6'7" W San Antonio Madsion Liberty

Baird has deep range for a big man, and passes well out of the high post.

Jason Brickman 5'10" G San Antonio Clark Long Island

Brickman sees the floor extremely well, and can shoot it too.

Jordan Clarkson 6'3" G Converse Wagner Tulsa

Athletic wing guard is a streaky shooter but he can really light it up and slashes to the basket as well as anyone in the area.

Chris Clements 6'0" G Round Rock Stony Point Princeton

Hard nosed guard can run a team, get to the hole and knock down shots.

Cody Doolin 6'2" G Austin Westlake San Francisco

Doolin is a winner, and makes players better. He can shoot it deep, get to the hole and rebounds extremely well from the PG position.

Paul Garnica 5'11" G San Antonio Lee Northern Colorado

The best pure scorer in the Area. Can score over 40 on any given night. Tough as nails and sees the floor with the best of them.

David Hahn 7'0" P Kimball Union Prep (NH) Texas State

Hahn, a solid 245 has a soft touch from 10 feet in and takes up a lot of space in the paint with a man's body.

Jamaal Johnson 6'0" G San Antonio Madison Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo

Athletic combo guard can shoot the three.

Stuart Lagerson 7'0" P Converse Judson UT-Arlington

Late emerging big man is improving at a rapid pace. Has a nice face up shot out to 12 feet and is running the floor well.

Gus Leeper 6'9" P Austin Westlake Arkansas-Little Rock

Leeper runs the floor well, has great timing on his shot blocking and rebounds the ball well.

Demetris Smith 6'4" W Pflugerville Lamar

Smith has as high revving motor as anyone in the class. Has nice range, gets to the hole, rebounds like a demon and can really get out and finish on the break.

Tyler Wood 6'6" P San Antonio Madison UT-Arlington

Fundamentally sound post man who does a lot of little things well.

Congratulations to all these young men and their families!

Coach Max

Austin LBJ-Harker Heights-Austin St. Stephens Scrimmages

Players To Watch

Harker Heights

2011 6'5" Micah Rainey- Undersized, but hard working athletic post with a knack for rebounding the ball

2011 W 6'3" Royce O'Neale-One of 2011's better prospects in the Greater Austin area. Lights out three point shooter who is long enough to get more than his share of rebounds.

2010 G 5'10" Tre'von Williams-Solid rock player who knows how to win

Austin LBJ

2012 W 6'4" Michael Hargis- Fresh off the football field. Brings toughness to the Jags.

2011 G 6' 0" Robert Lee- One of the best pure athletes in the area. Super quick first step, explodes to the rim. Streaky shooter who needs to get more consistent on the perimeter.

2011 P 6'5" David Weathers- May be a project, may contribute a lot. Raw, but can board.

2010 G 6'2" Donald Dallas- Smooth D-1 guard prospect. Nice slasing moves to the rim and a solid perimeter game. Needs to raise level of intensity and provide leadership now that he's a senior.

Pflugerville Connally

2011 G Dadrian Gage- Transfer from Round Rock McNeil has battled injuries. Explodes to the goal, nice perimeter shot.

Austin St. Stephen's

2011 WG 6'2" Sterling Green-Athletic Wing guard, handles the ball well and has a nice stroke.

Class of 2015 D-1 Ambassadors Gear Up For 2009/2010 Season

#4 Kennedy Harris a 5-6 wing player is one of the hardest working ladies in the business. She is very active & aggressive around the basket with a desire to be the best she can be. The Prodigy Camp top performer has developed a Nice perimeter game with good ball handling, passing, and dribbling skills. She is averaging 23 points a game and grabbing countless rebounds for Murchison Middle School. Look for Kennedy to be a nice prospect in the class of 2015.

#21 Desiree Lampkin a 5-3 wing player who averages 21 ppg and 7 rebounds for Bailey Middle School has really stepped up her game. Desiree has great ball handling, dribbling, and passing skills with a nice mid range shot. Desiree works hard on both ends of the floor and continues ti improve in all areas of the game. Look for Desiree to be a nice prospect in the class of 2015.

#23 Japreece Dean a 5-5 point guard continues to be a burden for most teams. Del Valle will tip off their season in a few weeks and it should be pretty interesting.

Japreece has excellent ball handling, dribbling, passing, and shooting skills with the ability to take you off the bounce. She plays excellent team ball with the skills to dominate the game at any moment. Japreece is quickly developing herself into a high quality player.

Visit the 2014 Team page

http://texasbasketball16.wordpress.com/

High School Scrimmages Under Way

Pflugerville-Leander-San Antonio Reagan Scrimmages

All 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.