RIVER CITY HOOP SCOOP: *** THE SCOOP ***

MORE SIGNINGS

Congrats to the following 2013 players and their recent signings:

- Clark HS guard Sarah Flournoy both sign with Texas Lutheran University (NCAA 3). She joins fellow Clark senior and TLU signee Kristen Lye...

-  Judson HS sharp shooter LaJeah Rice signs with San Jacinto Junior College (NJCAA 1)....

- Brandeis HS talented tweener Savannah Hight also signs with Texas Lutheran University (NCAA 3)....

-  Clark HS rebounding machine D'Onna Matthews signs with University of Texas at Tyler (NCAA 3)...

 - Brennan HS speedy point guard Ashlyn Graham will play at Angelo State University as an invite walk-on (NCAA 2)...

- Clark HS deep shooter Mercedes Orozco signs with Sul Ross State University (NCAA 3).....

 CONGRATS TO ALL OF THESE SIGNEES!!!!!

BUSTAMANTE SEALS THE DEAL

Incarnate Word High School and SA Heat talented guard, Briana Bustamante, signs with NAIA Division 1 Our Lady of the Lake University.

Congrats to Bri and the Bustamante family!!

COPELAND SIGNS!!!!

O'Connor High School and Crossfire smooth lefty, Alexis Copeland, Texas A&M University at Kingsville (NCAA 2).

Congrats to Alexis!

OTHER RECENT SIGNINGS

-Clemens High School shooter Monica Perez signs with Odessa Junior College.

- Clark High School shot blocking extraordinaire, Trei Torain signs with Abilene Christian University. ACU will transition from NCAA Division 2 to NCAA Division 1 Southland Conference starting July 1st.

- MacArthur sharpshooter Jacqueline Esquivel signs with NAIA Division 1 York College in York, Nebraska.

- Clark High School hardworking forward Kristen Lye has decided on NCAA Division 3 Texas Lutheran University. 

Congrats to Monica, Trei, Jackie, and Kristen!!! 

COLLEGE CHOICES MADE

- Stevens HS and South Texas Hoyas gritty guard Samira Rodriguez (2013 #27) will sign with NJCAA Division 1, San Jac Jr College.. Congrats Samira!!

- New Braunfels Canyon shooting guard Caitlyn Cote (2013 HM) will sign with NCAA Division 3, Texas Lutheran University.. Congrats Caitlyn!!! 

TGCA ALL STAR GAME

Congrats to Reagan senior Moriah Mack, Wagner senior Tesha Smith, and Poth seniors Micah Weaver and Ashley Fuller on being selected to play in the Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) All Star Game. These games are played every July and consists of the top seniors from all over the state. Mack and Smith will both play on the 4A-5A Blue Team. Fuller and Weaver will play on the 1A-2A-3A Blue Team which will be coached by the legendary Peggy Hosek. 

Click the links below for complete TGCA All Star game rosters 
4A-5A Blue Team
4A-5A Red Team

1A-2A-3A Blue Team
1A-2A-3A Red Team 

DISTRICT INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Better late than never... Congrats to the following players who received individual awards in their respective districts:

25-5A
CO-MVPs - Tesha Smith (Wagner); LB Brown (Judson)
NewComer of the Year - Amber Ramirez (Wagner)

26-5A
No individual awards are given in this district

27-5A
MVP - Destiny Amezquita (Jay)
NewComer of the Year - Alexia Torres (Marshall)

28-5A
MVP - Dia Evans (Corpus Christi Carroll) 
NewComer of the Year - Alexandra Busby-Leija (Southwest)
6th Man Award - Sarai Rodriguez (Steele)

27-4A
MVP - Olivia Robertson (Kerrville Tivy)
Defensive Player of the Year - Talisha Presley (Clemens)
NewComer of the Year - Kristi Garza (Seguin)

28-4A
MVP - Tanaeya Boclair (Brennan)
NewComer of the Year - Deja Mason (Brennan) 

29-4A
MVP - Shelby Leinwebber (Floresville)
Defensive Player of the Year - Connie Garza (Harlandale)
NewComer of the Year - Justyne Perez (Harlandale) 

29-3A
MVP - Tyler Barnes (Hondo)
Offensive MVP - Candace Carroll (Hondo)
Defensive MVP - Hannah Ytuarte (Hondo)
NewComer of the Year - Natalie Cortez (Lytle)

29-2A
MVP - Cami Davis (Marion)
Co-Offensive MVP -  Alyssa Ward (Marion); Alexandria Garcia (Cotulla)
Defensive MVP - Jasmine Brinson (Cole)
NewComer of the Year - Delisia Boothe (Cole)

TAPPS 2-5A
MVP - Jackie Anderson (Antonian) 

TRUESDALE TO WISCONSIN

Congrats to former Churchill standout Carly Truesdale (2013 Westbury Christian HS) who recently committed to the University of Wisconsin (NCAA D1).

Imagine if Carly would have stayed in San Antonio instead of moving to Houston. Truesdale-Vorpahl combination would have been lethal. 

REAGAN SENIOR IS HEADED TO ABILENE

Reagan HS and South TX Hoyas hardworking pg Tessa Ramirez (2013 #20) commits to NCAA D2 McMurry University. Congrats to Tessa and the Ramirez family. She is set to sign in April! 

TABC ALL REGION

Congrats to all the San Antonio area players named to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All Region Teams:

HIGH SCHOOL ALL STAR GAME

The 2nd Annual BTL Sports and RiverCityHoopScoop San Antonio Area High School All Star Game is back. ALst year's event was very successful and this year will be even better. With Lonestar game no longer in existence, our All-Star game is the only game in town. The game will be played Saturday May 4th at St Mary's University and the following players have been invited. Players listed in RED have NOT confirmed. Please send email to rivercityhoopscoop@gmail.com to confirm your participation or your spot will be filled.

Chamaya Turner - New Braunfels Canyon HS
Jackie Anderson - Antonian HS
Aleeya Harris - Jay HS
Kayla White - East Central HS
Destiny Amezquita - Jay HS 
Azaria Nave - East Central HS
Tesha Smith - Wagner HS
Samira Rodriguz - Stevens HS
Alexis Copeland - O'Connor HS
Leslie Vorpahl - Churchill HS
Moriah Mack - Reagan HS
Tessa Ramirez - Reagan HS
Micah Weaver - Poth HS
LeJeah Rice - Judson HS
LB Brown - Judson HS
Briana Jones - Madison HS
Savannah Hight - Brandeis HS
Ashley Fuller - Poth HS
Heather Hormuth - Boerne Champion HS
D'Onna Matthews - Clark HS
Kiara Ethridge - Brennan HS
Monica Perez - Clemens HS

TABC & TGCA ALL-STATE SELECTIONS

RiverCityHoopScoop would like to congratulate the following players for their accomplishments this season and for earning All-State selections:

Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC)
2A - Ashley Fuller (Poth 2013); Micah Weaver (Poth 2013)
3A - Avery Queen (Boerne 2014)
4A - Kiara Ethridge (Brennan 2013); Tanaeya Boclair (Brennan 2014)
5A - McKenzie Calvert (Steele 2014); Tesha Smith (Wagner 2013); Leslie Vorpahl (Churchill 2013)

Click here for the complete list of TABC selections.

Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA)
2A - Cami Davis (Marion 2015); Ashley Fuller (Poth 2013); Micah Weaver (Poth 2013)
3A - Avery Queen (Boerne 2014)
4A - Shelby Leinwebber (Floresville 2013)
5A - Moriah Mack (Reagan 2013); Wendy Knight (Reagan 2014); Amber Ramirez (Wagner 2016); Tesha Smith (Wagner 2013); McKenzie Calvert (Steele 2014); Erika Chapman (Steele 2014)

Click here for the complete list of TGCA selections.
 

WHAT A GREAT RUN...

WHAT A GREAT RUN FOR THE STEELE KNIGHTS - It was a story book season for the Knights of Steele. A one point loss to Reagan in the regular season, a 10 point loss to Wagner, and an unexpected loss to Judson. The Knights came to life in district play with a clean sweep of 28-5A and an undefeated District Championship. This was the second consecutive undefeated district title for Steele but in two different districts. Then came the playoffs and the ladies in black and white took the city of San Antonio by storm. Steele went on to win 5 straight games en route to the state tournament which included revenge victories over the three afformentioned schools. The Knights represented Region 4 in the state tournament for the first time since the program has been 5A and the fourth time in the state tournament since the school's existence.

It was definitely a memorable season for the 5A state runnner-ups who will return all 5 starters next season which includes National Top 40 - 2014 McKenzie Calvert and National Top 20 - 2015 Kyra Lambert. the team also returns key contributors Erika Chapman (2014), Jade Brady (2014), Brianna Millett (2015) and Sarai Rodriguez (2014).

An undefeated district championship and state runner up weighs high for the Knights, but it's very sad that not one Knight was selected as 28-5A district MVP. Nevertheless, what a great run for the Steele Knights! 

WHAT A GREAT RUN FOR THE BRENNAN BEARS- At this time last spring, if someone was to say Brennan would lose head coach Randy Evans to Johnson and starters Alyssa Crockett and Kelani Marquez to ACL tears before the start of the 2012-2013 season, everyone would have counted Brennan out of the 4A race. Well this was actually a reality. Express News Coach of the Year Randy Evans accepted a position at Johnson and the above mentioned starters both suffered ACL tears before the season began. Brennan was down some major contributors but then came mastermind and former UTSA assistant Koty Cowgill as head coach, and Marble Falls transfer Kiara Ethridge. The 36-1 record of the past season was a tough act to follow but Coach Cowgill and crew played a tough non-district schedule, nearly knocking off the top 5A programs and then coasting through district play with all double-digit victories. Playoffs were the next mission and the Bears continued their winning ways, even knocking off state powerhouse Vista Ridge along the way. The Bears made it one step further than the year prior but met up with the eventual state champion Georgetown in a hard fought state semi-final bout.

The season came to a end for the Bears but its just the beginning. Coach Cowgill will return the majority of his state semifinalist team to include Top 150 - 2014 Tanaeya Boclair. It was a season to remember and the Bears will surely return, but nevertheless, what a great run for the Brennan Bears!

WHAT A GREAT RUN FOR THE POTH PIRETTES - In past years Coach Peggy Hosek was know to challenge her Pirettes by playing 4A/5A competition and this year nothing changed. The Pirettes played top notch competition and in big time tournaments, which definitely prepared them to dominate 2A district ball and playoffs. For the 2nd consecutive year and 13th time in her career, Peggy Hosek led her Pirettes to the state tournament. This year was slightly different from last in that Poth lost the state semi-finals to Merkel.

Hats off to Peggy Hosek on her legendary career and best wishes to her as she steps away from the game. Seniors Micah Weaver (Texas A&M Kingsville) and Ashley Fuller had tremendous careers and will both go on to play college ball. The dynamics of the Poth Team will be totally different next season, but nevertheless, what a great run for the Poth Pirettes!

COMING THIS WEEK.....

The 2012-2013 season in the books. It has been a very busy weekend of games and events.  Continue to check "The Scoop" this week as we will be posting the following:

- "What a great run" State Tournament recap
- ShesBallin Evaluation Camp recap
- RiverCityHoopScoop annual awards: Coach of the Year, Players of the Year by class, Defensive Player of the Year, 6th Player of the Year
- Complete District Awards for all San Antonio area districts

HATS OFF...

State tournament is this weekend and three San Antonio area teams will be competing, but before the tourney begins we have to give credt to the teams that nearly made it. 

5A

HATS OFF TO THE WAGNER THUNDERBIRDS:  The T-Birds shocked most people by making it to the Regional Finals in 2012 because of all the dramatic playoff victories along the way. This year was not a surprise at all.  Coach Tina Camacho's team came into the season as the preseason #3 team in the city, and had such a talented team that everyone was anxious to see.  Last season's playoffs have several games that came down to the final seconds, but this season all wins were by convincing margins.  The season was a coming out party for freshman phenom Amber Ramirez who was recently named 25-5A Newcomer of the Year and is likely the Newcomer of the Year in the city. UTSA signee Tesha Smith also had an amazing season which helped earn Co-MVP in 25-5A. The T-Birds will miss Tesha Smith next year, but the return of Amber Ramirez, Ashley Ross, Kaelyn Wilson, Corrina Moncada, and Belle Tovar give the T-Birds a talented returning group and another chance at a Regional run.  Hats off again to the Lady T-Birds...

4A

HATS OFF TO THE FLORESVILLE JAGUARS: What a great season for the Jaguars of Floresville. Led by first year coach Terri Twilliger, junior Dehavalan Watts and senior Shelby Leinwebber, the Jags made history of their own.  Floresville won a second straight district championship and once again made it to the Regional Semifinal game before losing to a tough Cedar Park Vista Ridge team.  No one knew what to expect from the Jaguars after losing last year's seniors Erica Hernandez and Brittany Aikens and also head coach Greg McWilliams.  The losses did not phase the Jags at all. Dehavalan Watts had the year of her career and Incarnate Word commit Shelby Leinwebber was a solid presence in the paint which earned her District MVP. Hats off again to the Floresville seniors, Coach Terri Twilliger and the rest of the Jaguar team...

HATS OFF TO THE REST: Marion, Hondo

THE CURTAIN HAS CLOSED......

It was a very exciting 3rd round of the playoffs. Some teams moved on to the Regional Tournament and the others were left behind the curtains...

5A

THE CURTAIN HAS CLOSED FOR LESLIE VORPAHL AND THE CHURCHILL CHARGERS: The Churchill Chargers once again had a solid season thanks in part to the remarkable play of their ace Leslie Vorpahl.  The start of the season was great but then got a little bumpy when Vorpahl was sidelined due to injury.  The Tulane signee missed about 7 games early in the season but this served as a perfect time for Mikki Flores(2015) to take on a leadership role and for Dori Villarreal(2013) to be called on for a greater contribution. When Vorpahl returned, she did not miss a beat and the team began to click on all cylinders.  Then came the double teams, triple teams and box-n-1 defensive schemes on Vorpahl.  The talented guard did not back down, and Coach Cal Wulfsberg had many tricks in the bag. Churchill was one of only two teams to defeat Reagan this season and finished 2nd in a tough 26-5A district.  The 3rd round playoff loss to Wagner was identical to last season's exit, but nevertheless Leslie Vorpahl finished with 33 points in her career finale and the entire Charger team played hard until the final buzzer. Next year will be the year of Mikki Flores. How will she handle the role as the primary ball? One thing we do know is that the last two years she has learned from one of the best! 

THE CURTAIN HAS CLOSED FOR THE SENIOR HEAVY REAGAN RATTLERS: The 2011-2012 season was one to remember for the Reagan Rattlers as they advanced to the state tournament. The 2012-2013 season was just as memorable as the Rattlers started as the preseason #1 and remained the #1 team in the city for the entire season with only 1 regular season loss to Churchill and a 3rd round bow out to Steele.  Hats off to the Reagan seniors for their years of hardwork and success. New Mexico State signee Moriah Mack was a huge part of the Rattlers success. Mack has been one of the most athletic players in the city and is arguably the best on ball defender in the the recent San Antonio girls basketball era.  Now what is coach Terry Barton going to do next season as he loses 11 of 13 players to graduation? Wendy Knight....Wendy Knight... Wendy Knight.... The 2014 do-it-all guard will be the primary decision maker and leader for the Rattlers and is destined to have monster senior campaign.

4A

THE CURTAIN HAS CLOSED FOR THE CLEMENS BUFFS: Coach John Ince didn't know what to expect when he accepted the job as Clemens head coach, but neither did his Buffs. What everyone in the city did know was that John Ince is one of the most intense, spirited and energetic coaches in the city and whether he is coaching C.Y.O basketball or high school varsity he will always demmand the most and get the best out of his teams. This was definitely the case with the Clemens Buffs.  Senior sharpshooter Monica Perez transferred from Madison and had the best season of her career. Perez and junior guards Telisha Presley and Sabrina Catangal made up a solid backcourt in class 4A and led their Buffs to an 11-3 district record and a district championship in the program's first year under coach Ince.  Clemens will lose Perez but return majority of their roster which includes several young bigs. The Buffs should have no problem making a legit run again next season.

THE CURTAIN HAS CLOSED FOR THE REST: Sam Houston, Kerrville Tivy, Devine, Cole 

END OF THE ROAD...

It's the 3rd round of the playoffs and only a few teams remain standing while others have come to the end of the road. 

5A
END OF THE ROAD FOR DESTINY AMEZQUITA, ALEEYA HARRIS & THE JAY MUSTANGS:  The Lady Mustangs of John Jay had a season to remember. Northern Arizona signee Destiny Amezquita and Western Kentucky signee Aleeya Harris led their Mustangs to an undefeated District Championship which was the 3rd undefeated district title of their 4 year career. Both seniors were freshman on the 2010 Jay team that advanced to the State Final Four and both were full time starters as well. In four years as Mustangs, Amezquita and Harris have compiled a 59-5 overall district record. Losing these two seniors will be huge loss for the Mustangs, but Jay will return a good group of major contributors in Aishia McLaurin, Brittany Leonard, Katelyn McCullar and Qiana Phoenix.

END OF THE ROAD FOR THE CLARK SENIORS: The senior heavy Clark Cougars had a roller coaster season but managed to make the playoffs for the first time in the Richard Herbst era. Hats off to seniors D'Onna Matthews, Trei Torain, Kristen Lye, Mercedez Orozco, Alejandra Esparza and Sarah Flournoy for a successful season and memorable careers. Clark was picked as the darkhorse in 27-5A and lived up to those expectations.  A first round playoff victory over Corpus Christi Carroll had the Cougars feeling very good about themselves, but the Wagner T-Birds put a stop to that. Nevertheless, Clark has a bright future with the return of their leading scorer Kirsten Kramer and talented freshman Ria Gulley. Expect the Cougars to be playoff regulars for the next few years.

END OF THE ROAD FOR THE STEVENS FALCONS:  The Stevens Falcons had an injury plagued season similar to the Jay Mustangs of 2011-2012. Stevens did not play one game this season with their entire roster and majority of the games were played with numerous players out.  Although her season was shortened due to injury, Nicholls State signee Elexus Allen had an amazing career and will represent Stevens high school very well at the next level.  Hats off to other seniors Samira Rodriguez and Amalya Lewinson as well. Both of these ladies should be reaching their college decisions soon. As for the Falcons of next season, they will return leading scorer Anja Martin, two year starter Julia Rendon, 2016 sharpshooter Samantha Washington and also Antania Newton(2014) who transferred from Jay this year. Coach Anissa Hastings will once again have a talented team and should be back in the hunt for a district title.

END OF THE ROAD FOR THE JUDSON ROCKETS:  The Judson Rockets enjoyed much success this season which included 3 wins over teams that were ranked in the Top 3 at the time and a first ever win over district rival Wagner.  Seniors Lejeah Rice, Olivia Lott, and LaQeisha Brown all had successful careers for the Rockets and all will likely move on to the collegiate level.  The future of the Rockets lies in the hands of second leading scorer Simone Fields, assist leader Samantha Allen, and steals leader Shameka Brown.  Judson should be a force to be reckoned with once again.

 Also End of the Road to the rest: Brackenridge, LaVernia, Lytle, and Navarro 

TURNER SIGNS

New Braunfels Canyon HS and Sophia Young Elite Monster Athlete, Chamaya Turner, has officially signed with the University of Oklahoma. Turner will receive a full athletic scholarship in Track and Field. She becomes the 9th of 9 Sophia Young Elite seniors to sign to a Division 1 university.

CONGRATULATIONS TO CHAMAYA AND HER FAMILY!

HAPPY TRAILS

The first round of the playoffs is in the books. We wish all the winners the best of luck in the second round, but would like to send the others off with "Happy Trails"..... 

Happy Trails to the Johnson Jaguars:
According to several preseason polls, the Jags were one of the favorites to win Region 4 and make it to the state tournament.  After only 11 games, UCLA commit Recee' Caldwell chose to part ways from Johnson high school basketball.  Caldwell's departure was a shock to many and brought even more drama to a program that was already in question because of recent transfers.  New head coach Randy Evans and the Johnson Jaguars were forced to play point guard by committee and had to find a new identity in the post-Caldwell era. Nevertheless, the talented Jags were just fine and still remained one of the top teams in the city.  Dallas area transfer Tiara Davenport (2014-Texas Tech) was a huge addition to the Jaguars and filled the void of a "Big" the Jags had always been missing. They will return 2014 stud Gabbi Bowie, 2015 Texas Tech commit Erica Sanders as well as two 2016 rising stars Sandy Ramirez and Tara Molina. Next year the Jags will once again be a Top 5 team in the city.  Happy Trails......

Happy Trails to Chamaya Turner and the Canyon Cougarettes: 
Chamaya Turner, has led Canyon in all categories for the past 4 years. She is the first ever 2-time Dan Cooke Female Athlete of the Year award recipient, 2-time SA Express News "Super Team"er and a 4-time state champion in shot put and discuss.  The University of Oklahoma bound senior was struck with injury this season but was still impactful for the Cougarettes who made the playoffs in their first year as a 5A program.  The loss of Turner gave the reigns to seniors Caitlin Coate and Jackie Schaake who led Canyon to a 3rd place finish in District 25-5A. The Cougarettes suffered an unfortunate loss to Churchill in the 1st round after nearly knocking off the Chargers in regular season play.  Coach Terry Tinnell will return 2014s Abby Dunkin and Sidney Rogers with hopes of another playoff birth. Happy Trails...........

Happy Trails to Brandeis Broncos:
Jennifer Brewer took the head job at Brandeis after success at East Central and the departure of John Ince to Clemens. Last season under coach Ince the Broncos made it to the playoffs for the first time in school history. This season the Broncos were a favorite to win district and expected to be in the dance.  Most expectations were met and the Broncos were dancing once again.  Hats off to seniors Savannah Hight and Kelsey Glassburn but this season was the coming out party for Morgan Williams (2015). Williams, the sensational two-sport athlete, is a double-double regular and had a season to remember.  John Ince said Williams had the potential to be a star and her work ethic and on court efforts was a coach's dream. This year Jennifer Brewer reiterated the statement and took part in the growth of her star.  The best is yet to come for Coach Brewer, Morgan Williams, and the Brandeis Broncos. Next to Brennan, Brandeis returns the biggest frontcourt in the city with Williams and Mykel Costley (2014). Jennifer Brewer will also be treated kindly as she receives arguably the best backcourt combination in the 2017 class, Gabby Connally and Meghan Valdez (Garcia Middle School). There is no doubt the Brandeis Broncos will be in the hunt for a 27-5A District Championship next season. Happy Trails....

Happy Trails to coach Adrianna Wiatrek and the Highlands Owls:
Coach Wiatrek's prayers were answered the day Highlands moved from 5A to 4A. The blessings continued to pour down when 2015 Jina Lackey moved in from Wyoming and 2016s Aaliyah Prince and Jazmine Jackson enrolled at the eastside campus. This young Owls team made the playoffs after going winless in district last season and almost pulled off a 1st round upset over Kerrrville Tivy. The future has nothing but promise in store for the Highlands Owls who will return their top two scorers (Prince and Lackey) and 10 of their top 12 scorers. Happy Trails....

Happy Trails to Brianna Jones & the Madison Mavericks:
The Wichita State bound wing had a successful career and led her Mavs to consistant playoff appearances...  

Happy Trails to the East Central Hornets:
Good season for new coach Josh Barnes and solid careers for unsigned senior Azaria Nave & Wichita State bound Kayla White....

Happy Trails to the Champion Chargers:
The Chargers didn't know what to expect on a season without New Mexico signee Brooke Allemand but they made things work and did well... 

And Happy Trails to the rest: Lanier, Harlandale, Somerset, McCollum, and Smithson Valley 

MAYBE NEXT YEAR....

Before the playoffs begin tonight we want to pay tribute to a few teams that are missing out this season. Some teams barely missed the playoffs on play-in games while others couldn't wait for the brutal regular season to end so they could prepare for next season. With that said, it's only hope for the future for those non-playoff teams...Maybe next year????

The Southwest Dragons had an roller coaster season but the future is very bright. Southwest will return one of the top scorers in the city in 2014 Tiffani Rodriguez. They will also return a promising but rising star in 2016 Alexandra Busby-Leija who could likely be named 28-5A New Comer of the Year.  The best is yet to come for the Dragons though. Bill Avey has got to be salivating as he awaits the incoming freshmen class. 2017's Karyssa Henry, Missy Lockridge and Briana Longoria are a treat to see and will definitely bring more talent to the young Southwest roster. Maybe next year for the Southwest Dragons.....

The Marshall Rams cracked the Honorable Mention of our High School Rankings a few times and started off district on the right track.  The story with the Rams was injuries. UTSA commit Carlie Heineman had a phenomenal junior campaign but was sidelined with injury on several occassions. Marshall's other major contributors Alexia Torres and KK Saenz also were sidelined on occassion.  It was a great run for the Rams and promise for the future but this year's run was cut short. Alexia Torres and Carlie Heineman give Marshall a returning backcourt that could compete for a district championship next season but until then... Maybe next year for the Marshall Rams.....

For all the other programs that missed the playoffs, we commend you for your completed seasons and wish you all the best. MAYBE NEXT YEAR....... 

DISTRICT CHAMPS

Congrats to the following San Antonio area schools who took first in their respective districts:
*denotes undefeated district champs

25-5A Co-Champs: Judson and Wagner
26-5A Reagan
*27-5A Jay 
*28-5A Steele

27-4A Clemens
*28-4A Brennan
29-4A Floresville

27-3A Boerne
*28-3A Sam Houston
*29-3A Hondo

28-2A Co-Champs: Poth and Schulenberg
*29-2A Marion

TAPPS 2-5A Antonian 

7:00pm New Braunfels Canyon @ Smithson Valley
- District 25-5A #3 verses #4 for playoff positioning
RESULT: NB CANYON 35  SMITHSON VALLEY 31
SV - Baylee Nichols 12pts

7:30pm (#7)Brennan @ (#9)Brackenridge
- District 28-4A: Brennan is undefeated in district and Brackenridge's only loss is to the Bears. This game could likely result in a share of the District Championship.
RESULT: BRENNAN 56   BRACKENRIDGE  34 
BRE- Kiara Ethridge 18pts; Tanaeya Boclair 16pts 
BRA- Breeann Hernandez 11pts; Miranda Acuna 10pts

8:00pm (#1)Reagan vs (#5)Johnson @ Littleton
- District 26-5A: Reagan is currently 1st place in the district, but a Johnson win can cause a 3 way tie between the two and Churchill. If Reagan defeats Johnson, the Jags will finish 3rd. 
RESULT: REAGAN 51  JOHNSON 43 OT
R- Moriah Mack 13pts; Bailey Champion 13pts
J- Tiara Davenport 15pts; Gabbi Bowie 11pts

 DISTRICT TIE-BREAKER GAMES WILL BE POSTED SOON!!!!!!! 

SOPHIA YOUNG ELITE GOES 9 FOR 9

Brennan HS and Sophia Young Elite dynamic combo guard Alyssa Crockett (2013 #8) will be taking her talents to Thibodaux, Louisiana to play for NCAA Division 1 Nicholls State University.

Crockett to Nicholls State makes Sophia Yong Elite 9 for 9 in the 2013 class. All 9 players will be playing Division 1 athletics. Not bad for an organization that has only existed for 3 years.

All Sophia Young Elite 2013 signees/commitments:
Alyssa Crockett (Brennan HS) - Nicholls State
Brianna Freeman (Harker Heights HS) - New Mexico State 
Chamaya Turner (NB Canyon HS) - Univ of Oklahoma track and field
Destiny Amezquita (Jay HS) - Northern Arizona
Elexus Allen (Stevens HS) - Nicholls State
Jasmine Goodwine (Killeen HS) - Rice
JaQuan Jackson (Harker Heights HS) - Louisiana Tech
Jocelyn Hillyer (Somerset HS) - Texas State volleyball
Moriah Mack (Reagan HS) - New Mexico State 

7:00pm (#8) Judson @ (#3) Wagner
- Some people question why Judson is still ranked #8 in our Top Ten (see the Top Ten rankings report for that answer).  A second win against Wagner will clearly boost the Rockets status.
- What answer will the T-Birds have for Judson ball pressure, depth and athleticism
RESULT: WAGNER 56 JUDSON 47
W - Tesha Smith 24pts; Kaelynn Wilson 17pts
J - Simone Fields 10pts 7reb; LB Brown 10pts 14reb 

7:00pm Boerne Champion @ Clemens
- Why is this a game to see? Well, we received a lot of hatred the past couple of weeks for not having Clemens in the Top Ten rankings. They crack the Top Ten in Week 12 which was well deserved, but then lose to last place Seguin and 3rd place Buda Hays in the same week. Surprisingly, the emails have stopped. The Clemens Buffs are currently on a 2 game losing streak. Will Boerne Champion keep the streak going?
RESULT: BOERNE CHAMPION 56 CLEMENS 45
BC - Jamee Jorgensen 13pts; Amanda Willoughby 13pts
C - Talisha Presley 12pts; Sabrina Catangal 13pts

7:00pm New Braunfels Canyon @ New Braunfels
- THE BATTLE OF NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon is 5A now and the games between these two team are now District games.  Bragging rights in the city are on the line...
RESULT: CANYON 41 NEW BRAUNFELS 37 OT 
NB - Amanda Gonzales 9pts; Jasmine Sauceda 
NBC - Jackie Schaake 12pts; Kaitlyn Cox 11pts

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30th
6:30pm Jay vs Brandeis @ Paul Taylor
- Jay has already clinched playoffs but a win vs Brandeis can clinch a District championship for the Mustangs who are currently undefeated in 27-5A
- Brandeis is still trying to hold on to that 3rd playoff spot or move into the 2nd
RESULT: JAY 50  BRANDEIS 39
B - Amara Parker 10pts; Morgan Williams 9pts; Savannah Hight 9pts 
J - Destiny Amezquita 14pts; Aleeya Harris 14pts

8:00pm Marshall vs Clark @ Paul Taylor
- Clark is sitting at the 4th spot in 27-5A, while Marshall is 5th.  If Marshall defeats Clark they will be tied at 4
RESULT: CLARK 81  MARSHALL 57 
M -Alexia Torres 25pts 
C -Kirsten Kramer 12pts; Tre Torain 10pts; Mercedes Orozco 10pts 

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1st
7:00pm Lanier @ Highlands
- Highlands has clinched a playoff spot after going winless in district last season. This game can clinch the 3rd seed for the Owls.
RESULT: LANIER 35  HIGHLANDS 32
H - Aaliyah Prince 16pts
L - Amanda Reyes 11pts; Amber Davila 11pts 

8:00pm Marshall vs Brandeis @ O'Connor
- Still fighting for the last couple of playoff spots oin 27-5A
RESULT: BRANDEIS 68  MARSHALL 59 
B - Savannah Hights 21pts; Morgan Williams 14pts 
M - Victoria Beale 20pts; Alexia Torres 15pts; Katherine Saenz 13pts

TUESDAY, JANUARY 22ND

6:30pm (HM)Poth @ Schulenburg
- District 28-2A #1 Poth goes against #2 Schulenburg
RESULT: SCHULENBURG 52  POTH 50
P - Micah Weaver 23pts
 
7:00pm (#2)Steele vs Corpus Christi Carroll
- #1 vs #2 in 28-5A
- Steele has yet to have a district game within a 20 point margin, but maybe Carroll will give the Knights their first competition of the season 
RESULT: STEELE 52  CC CARROLL 48 
C - Dia Evans 16pts; Darias Whittington 13pts
S - Kyra Lambert 12pts; Sarai Rodriguez 13pts; Erika Chapman 10pts  

7:00pm (#4)Churchill @ Madison
- District 26-5A #3 vs #4... Churchill got the best of Madison in the first half of district, but Madison may bring a different approach to this game 2
RESULT: CHURCHILL  50  MADISON 37 
C- Leslie Vorpahl 22pts; Mikki Flores 13pts; Dori Villarreal 10pts
M- Briana Jones 8pts; Bianca Buruato 8pts; Beatrice Resendiz 8pts

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23RD

8:00pm (HM)Clark vs Brandeis @ Paul Taylor
- There's a tight race in 27-5A for positions 2-4....These two teams are in the hunt....Should be an interesting race to the finish
RESULT: CLARK 48  BRANDEIS 44 
C- D'0nna Matthews 10pts,Trei Torain 9pts
B- Hannah Thompson 15pts; Morgan Williams 9pts; Savannah Hight 9pts

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25TH

MONDAY, JANUARY 14TH

7:30pm (#9)Brackenridge vs Roosevelt
- Brackenridge and Roosevelt take a break from district play for a 4A vs 5A Monday Showdown
RESULT: BRACKENRIDGE 47  ROOSEVELT 30
R- Dee Gardner 8pts; Ayana Atkins 6pts 
B- Breeann Hernandez 11pts; Miranda Acuna 10pts 

8:30pm (#10)Stevens vs Brandeis @ O'Connor
- Stevens is still searching for an identity and Brandeis is hoping for consistancy.
- The 27-5A race is interesting enough, but this game will add to it
RESULT: BRANDEIS 45  STEVENS 35
S- Deleesha Monroe 14pts; Julia Rendon 9pts 
B- Mykel Costley 11pts; Savannah Hight 9pts 

TUESDAY, JANUARY 15TH

6:30pm (#1)Reagan vs (#4)Churchill @ Littleton
- Churchill got the best of the Reagan Rattlers in game one... Can the Chargers sweep the series?
- New Mexico State signee Moriah Mack was down with the flu in game 1... Will Mack be the difference maker for Reagan?
- What will Reagan's defensive scheme in attempt to stop Leslie Vorpahl?
- Will Churchill go zone again? Will Reagan have another poor shooting night? What if Reagan hits shots this game? Does Churchill then try man to man?
-So many questions that can only be answered on Tuesday night...GAME OF THE WEEK
RESULT:  REAGAN 54  CHURCHILL 37
R- Moriah Mack 17pts; Wendy Knight 16pts 
C- Leslie Vorpahl 14pts

WEEK 10 PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Just one player of the week for last week and it's well deserved! 

SHELBY MISKELL (2014) - New Braunfels Christian Academy
TWICE IS NICE: For the second time this season Shelby Miskell is one of our "Players of the Week" and for the second time this season Shelby Miskell scored over 50 points in a single game. Well, she is leading the area in scoring and her scoring averages just continues to increase especially after averagin 46 points in two games last week. Not only is Miskell getting buckets; she is shooting a high percentage from behind the arch and her team is in the winning column....Can't argue that! 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11TH

6:30pm (#1)Reagan vs (#5)Johnson @ Littleton
-Johnson upset Churchill. Can they do the same to the city's #1 team.
-The Jags are alone in 1st place while Reagan and Churchill are tied for 2nd.
RESULT: REAGAN 53  JOHNSON 38
R- Wendy Knight 21pts; Brianna Gladney 14pts
J- Gabbie Bowie 12pts; Tiara Davenport 11pts

WEEK 9 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

GABBY BOWIE (2014) - Johnson
THE JAGS NEW LEADER: For the past few weeks we have said that Johnson was trying to find a post-Recee' Caldwell identity. Well...The Jags are far past that and it has been Gabby Bowie's turn to shine under the lights. Bowie led her Jags to an upset victory over Churchill last week in a District 26-5A first place battle. The 2014 monster athlete poured in 29 points for Johnson in the overtime victory to put Johnson alone at the top.

KIARA ETHRIDGE (2013) - Brennan
PROVING HER POINT: Kiara Ethridge has been a blessing in disguise for the Brennan Bears.  Ethridge transferred to Brennan from Marble Falls after missing the entire summer due to ACL recovery.  She has been the star for the injury struck Bears all season and continues to be impressive. Ethridge has Brennan in sole possession of 1st place after a 24 point/9 rebound performance in a 28-4A first place battle with Brackenridge in which Brennan won by 13.

CAMI DAVIS (2015) - Marion
NO LONGER A SLEEPER: If there was a question as to which 2015 is having the best sophomore season thus far, the little blondy from Marion would have to be in this conversation.  Cami Davis is her name and scoring buckets is her game.  Davis had a phenomal New Year's week with 19points 6assists 6steals vs Bandera and a whopping 36points and 10assists vs Randolph. If these numbers aren't too impressive, you should check out who is leading the city in assists per game according to SA Express News..... Yep....It's the little blondy!

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2ND

2:00pm (#4)Churchill vs (#5)Johnson @ Littleton
-Johnson is still searching for an identity...Churchill is the hottest team in the city
RESULT: JOHNSON 51  CHURCHILL 48
-Gabbie Bowie had the game of her career as Johnson mastered the "Box and 1" and held Leslie Vorpahl to one of her lowest scoring outings of the year
C- Dori Villarreal 18pts; Mikki Flores 12pts; Leslie Vorpahl 11pts 
J- Gabbie Bowie 29pts; Tiara Davenport 10pts

WEEK 8 GAMES TO SEE & WEEKEND TOURNEYS (RESULTS ADDED)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29th

4:30pm (#5) Jay vs (HM) Brandeis @ O'Connor
- The #1 team in 27-5A vs a team everyone expected to be #1
- The Brandeis Broncos are aching for a win.... and the Jay Mustangs are looking to sweep the District
RESULT: JAY 68  BRANDEIS 48 
J- Destiny Amezquita 25pts; Aleeya Harris 17pts
B- Savannah Hight 17pts; Morgan Williams 13pts

WEEKEND TOURNAMENTS:
STEELE AND WAGNER WILL TRAVEL TO DFW TO COMPETE IN THE MANSFIELD ROTARY TOURNAMENT
CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE BRACKET

TOURNEY RECAP:
-Mansfield Tournament: Steele had a great showing but lost to Cedar Hill in the Winner's Bracket semifinal and eventually finished 4th overall!
-Mansfield Tournament: Wagner was sent to the Consolation bracket after a 1st round loss to Har-Ber(Arkansas).. The T-Birds went on to win the Consolation Championship!
-McKenzie Calvert (Steele 2014) and Amber Ramirez (Wagner 2016) were named Mansfield Rotary All Tournament Team

-LaVernia Tournament: Clemens went 3-0 to win the tournament championship with wins over LaVernia, Schulenberg and Lytle
-Clemens players Monica Perez (2013), Telisha Presley (2014) and Lauren Herbison (2013) were named All Tournament

'TIS THE SEASON FOR OUR MID-SEASON REPORT

The season has reached its midpoint and what an interesting season it has been.  Seven teams have remained in the Top Ten for the entire season.... The #1 team has yet to change.... and as always we've had our share of surprises...

- Reagan remains at the top...No discredit to Churchill but one unexpected loss was not enough to bump the Rattlers....Moriah Mack(2013) and Wendy Knight(2014) are having career seasons with averages up in all major statistical categories...

- Wagner has a dynamic combination of guards that compliment their powerful big very well (Amber Ramirez'16, Anabelle Tovar'16, Corrina Moncada'14, Ashley Ross'14)...The T-Bird guards all have the "Green Light" but when you have a beast like Tesha Smith(2013) controlling the boards, no shot is a bad shot.... 

- Leslie Vorpahl(2013) has the Churchill Chargers looking quite impressive.... She makes players around her better....They are on the verge of another district Championship.... They are the only team to beat Reagan.... and oh yeah, there's this kid Mikki Flores(2015) who deserves a lot of credit as well, she carried this team for half of their wins when Vorpahl was out injured...

- The Steele Knights had an amazing start to the season but have hit some recent road blocks....McKenzie Calvert(2014)...Well....She has been McKenzie Calvert...30 points here....40 points there...The usual...... Kyra Lambert(2015) has also been having an impressive sophomore campaign and should continue to dominate..... Sophomore Brianna Millett(2015) seems like a surprise contributor but if you know SA girls basketball, you have known this name for a while...

- Jay has been quiet, but consistant.... The Mustangs are one of the least talked about teams in the city but they are currently on a 9 game winning streak and Destiny Amezquita(2013) and Ashia McLaurin(2014) are having incredible seasons...

- The key word for the Judson Rockets is still consistency.... The Rockets show flashes of brilliance ie. their upset of Steele last week, but still have yet to find that consistent niche... District play should be interesting as the Rockets hope to challenge Wagner for the title...

- Coach Koty Cowgill can breathe easy now that district play has started for Brennan.... The Bears had arguably the toughest non-district schedule in the city which wouldn't have been as tough if they weren't hit hard by the injury bug.... A positive of the challenging schedule and injury plague is the fact that players such as the Tia'14 and Deja'15 Mason and Kristin Gomez(2013) got an opportunity to play a ton of minutes and earn game situation experience which will come in handy come playoff time...

- Brandeis and Clark have been in and out of the Top Ten and neither can seem to stay... Early in the season both teams were voted as having high chances to win 27-5A.... The Broncos are on a slump and Clark has a few unexpected losses which aren't looking too good as far as a District Championship is concerned...

- Peggy Hosek challenged her Poth Pirates in non-district play as usual playing in 5A and 4A caliber tournaments... Micah Weaver(2013) has been out most of the season but Ashley Fuller(2013) has been having the season of her career...

- Stevens was hit hard by injuries as well... Coach Anissa Hastings felt the need to savour her teams legs and energy by playing a lot of zone early in the season.... As evident with their record, zone did not suit the Falcons well... The Stevens Falcons are an in your face, full court pressure type team.... Hastings finally stopped letting the lack of numbers determine her coaching approach and went back to what her team does best and ever since then the Falcons have been "back on the map"..... 

- New Braunfels Christian junior Shelby Miskell scored 52 points in one game and currently leads the area in points per game... Marion sophomore Cami Davis is having a sensational sophomore season.... Brackenridge's Miranda Acunda(2014) is proving to be one of the best guards in the city.... Carlie Heineman(2014) is having a solid junior season and has her Marshall Rams in the 27-5A championship mix.... 

WEEK 7 GAMES TO SEE(RESULTS ADDED)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18th
6:00pm Marshall vs (HM) Stevens @ O'Connor
Marshall is undefeated in 27-5A play.. and Stevens needs to bounce back from the Jay beat down...
RESULT: STEVENS 65  MARSHALL 57
M- Carlie Heineman 21pts; Alexia Torres 19pts
S- Anja Martin 22pts; Julia Rendon 15pts; Deleesha Monroe 12pts

6:30pm (#2) Wagner @ Pflugerville
The T-Birds of Wagner travel to Pflugerville for their yearly battle against a Panther team that is currently ranked #2 in the State
RESULT: PFLUGERVILLE 54  WAGNER 42 
Wagner had the lead majority of the game and was even up by double digits at one point. Pflugerville turned up the pressure and costly Wagner turnovers led to a P'ville win. 

8:00pm (#9) Brandeis vs (HM) Clark @ Paul Taylor
-The Brandeis bigs go up against Trei "The Tree" Torain, who is the city's leading shot blocker
-Clark finally got their first district win and Brandeis is trying to hold on to a top 10 spot..
RESULT: CLARK 64  BRANDEIS 50 
Morgan Williams was out with the flu.. Could have been a difference maker for Brandeis
B- Savannah Hight 17pts; Hannah Thompson 12pts 
C- D'Onna Matthews 18pts; Kirsten Kramer 18pts

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21st
6:30pm (HM) Poth @ (HM) Nixon-Smiley
The bests of small school basketball face each other in what is destined to be a good battle...
RESULT: POTH 51  NIXON-SMILEY 34
P- Ashley Fuller 16pts 
NS- Alena Alvarez 17pts

7:00pm (HM) Clark vs (#5) Jay @ Paul Taylor
Another solid 27-5A matchup as undefeated Jay takes on up and coming Clark
RESULT: JAY 45  CLARK 38 
J-Aleeya Harris 13pts; Destiny Amezquita 12pts; Katelyn McLaurin 10pts
C-D'onna Matthews 8pts 

7:00pm (#3) Steele @ (#2) Wagner
The former district rivals match up in what is now a non-district rivalry... This is Steele's only game of the week and Wagner will be coming off a game vs Pflugerville
RESULT: WAGNER 62  STEELE 52 
S- McKenzie Calvert 23pts
W-Kiauna Clark 17pts; Tesha Smith 15pts

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
SHELBY MISKELL (2014) - New Braunfels Christian
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Just as the old saying "RESPECT IS EARNED", scoring 52 points in a single game is definitely worthy of respect. Whether or not you are playing C.Y.O, Middle School, High School, College or Professional basketball, scoring 52 points is hard to do. Shelby Miskell did this last Friday in a win over Bracken Christian. Miskell is leading the area with an average point total of 30.4 points per game. If you don't know New Braunfels Christian junior Shelby Miskell, now you do. The New Braunfels High School transfer is arguably the best pure shooter in the city and her new environment at New Braunfels Christian has given her the "Green Light" to display those talents.

LELSLIE VORPAHL (2013) - Churchill
TOTAL DOMINANCE: The success of the Churchill Chargers lies in the hands of their dominant leader Leslie Vorpahl. The Tulane signee has been having yet another Express News Player of the Year type season.  Scoring 20+ points and dishing out 10+ assists has been nothing but clock work for Leslie Vorpahl. She does it so often it's practically expected.  Last week was the best week yet for Vorpahl and the Chargers. Leslie led Churchill to a win over Boerne on Tuesday then put the Chargers on top of the world with her 26 points and upset of undefeated and #1 ranked Reagan.

CARLIE HEINEMAN (2014) - Marshall
FUTURE ROADRUNNER: Carlie Heineman has been on a tear lately. The UTSA commit is another one of the city's top shooters and possibly has the quickest release of anyone in the city.  Heineman has been on fire lately and her Marshall Rams are rising in those same flames.  Last week Carlie poured in 27 points and 9 rebounds vs Warren and finished the week with 20 points in a one point nail-biter over O'Connor. The Marshall Rams are undefeated in district at 3-0 and currently one of the hottest teams in the city.

CAMI DAVIS (2015) - Marion
THE CAMI DAVIS SHOW: Take a look back at the Marion High School article in our season preview series September 26th.  This article mentioned a tough and gritty sophomore destined for a break out season. Cami Davis is that sophomore and she is surely living up to the statement.  Davis led Marion to two huge wins last week over Cole and Dilley. She had 21 points vs Cole and 33 points, 6 assists, and 6 steals vs Dilley. It looks like Cami Davis has handled the leadership role just fine.

DEJA MASON (2015) - Brennan
NOT JUST HYPE AND NOT JUST HEIGHT: At 6 foot 3 inches, Deja Mason is clearly the tallest player in the city of San Antonio but for some time people would say she was just a bunch of hype. Those days are long gone and Deja Mason has become a force to be reckoned with.  The hardworking Brennan forward has stepped right in and been a consistent contributor while premier big Tanaeya Boclair has been nursing an injury.  In last week's wins, Deja did her regular double-double with 20 points/15 rebounds and 13 points/13 rebounds.  Some may say these numbers aren't too impressive, but filling the shoes of Tanaeya Boclair is a huge task in itself and leading one of the area's best teams in multiple statistical categories and an undefeated district record is valid enough.

WEEK 6 GAMES TO SEE(RESULTS ADDED)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11th
5:00pm (#6) Brandeis vs (HM) Stevens @ Paul Taylor
Both undefeated teams in 27-5A face off in a potential District Championship deciding game...
RESULT: STEVENS 65  BRANDEIS 38 
-THE STEVENS FALCONS ARE BACK and finally living up to the expectations... Stevens dominated this game from the jump. The Falcons used their athleticism and iconic full court defensive pressure scheme to wear out the Broncos.... Anja Martin and Julia Rendon are playing great---->>>> Perfect Timing
-Brandeis twin towers of Mykel Costley and Morgan Williams held it down but were not enough
B- Mykel Costley 14pts 6blks; Morgan Williams 8pts 2blks
S- Anja Martin 26pts; Julia Rendon 15pts

6:30pm (#1) Reagan vs (#3) Wagner @ Littleton ***GAME OF THE WEEK***
-Two of the hottest teams in the city go head to head at Littleton gym
-This is probably the most dangerous game of the season for Reagan based on how well Wagner has been playing 
RESULT: REAGAN 56  WAGNER 52
-This was a scary game for Reagan as they got down by as much as 17 points.. Reagan rallied all the way back and as usual the Rattlers found a way to win.  The last 12 minutes of the game was ALL REAGAN. Wagner shot themselves out of the game with poor shot selection...Tesha Smith's touch didn't get the touches she should have... and the T-Birds continued to foul and send Reagan to the line where the Rattlers capitalized... End of Story  
R- Wendy Knight 13pts, Maddie Mistich 11pts; Moriah Mack 9pts 8reb 
W- Corrina Moncada 17pts; Tesha Smith 14pts 

7:00pm (#4) Johnson @ (#2) Steele 
-Steele gets their toughest challenge since playing Reagan weeks ago.
-Both teams are deep with talented guards, but the key match-up will be Erika Chapman(Steele 2014) vs Tx Tech commit Tiara Davenport(Johnson 2014)
RESULT: STEELE 62  JOHNSON 38 
-The game started out close but after a quarter of play it went all Steele.  Steele had a balanced attack between the starting 5 of McKenzie Calvert, Kyra Lambert, Erika Chapman, Bri Millett and Jade Brady who were all in double digits.
-Johnson struggled with Steele's pressure. It's definitely a rude awakening not having a true point guard...
J- Gabbie Bowie 19; Amber Sterns 10pts
S- McKenzie Calvert 18pts; Kyra Lambert 11pts; Erika Chapman 11pts 

WEEK 5 TOURNEY RECAP & PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
McKENZIE CALVERT (2014) - Steele
M...V...P...M...V...P...M...V...P: Scoring 39 points in a championship game against the #1 ranked 4A team in the state would be almost impossible for the average high school basketball player. Well, McKenzie Calvert isn't your average high school basketball player. The Baylor commit is no stranger to 30 point games and was absolutely 'en fuego' on Saturday in route to the Hays Tournament Championship and a Tournament MVP award. This was Calvert's second game of 30 or more points this season and not to mention she averaged over 20 points last week.

KIARA ETHRIDGE (2013) - Brennan
STAT STUFFER: If there was a such thing as Fantasy Basketball for High School Girls Hoops, you would be a fool not to draft Kiara Ethridge in the 1st Round.  Ethridge is arguably the best "All Around" player in the city in terms of filling the stat sheet. She had a near quadruple-double last week in Brennan's district opener with a stat line of 16 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, and 8 steals. Not impressed yet? Well Kiara ONLY PLAYED THE 1ST QUARTER OF THAT GAME!!!! WOW.... Then she follows this performance with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals at the end of the week. Now you have got be sold...

AMBER RAMIREZ (2016) - Wagner
FRESHMAN PHENOM: Amber Ramirez has to be the most confident 2016 in the city.  She already has a dozen college offers, she averages close to 20 points a game, plays on one of the best teams in the state and she plays for a coach that "just lets her play!" In the semifinal of the Peggy Whitley Classic in Houston, Wagner was down double digits to Houston area powerhouse Northshore. With their backs against the wall in a hostile Houston evironment, Ramirez put the T-Birds on her back and led the rally.  She hit two huge threes in the closing minute from 25 and 35 feet which sealed the win for Wagner who unfortunately went on to lose in the Championship game. This tournament ended a week that started with games of 20, 19, and 22 points.

CHURCHILL BACKCOURT - (Leslie Vorpahl 2013 & Mikki Flores 2015)
LEADING THE CHARGE: The backcourt of Tulane signee Leslie Vorpahl and sophomore Mikki Flores has to be in the talks of the best backcourts in the city.  Vorpahl is the smooth, calm, mellow tempered point guard that shows little to no emotion as she dominates the game.  Flores is the scrappy and feisty ball-hawk that is every where on the court at all times and a pest of a defender. Put these two players together and you have a backcourt that most coaches can only dream of. The Charger backcourt has been impressive all season and last week they combined for 40 of 55 points and 41 of 62 points in two big wins vs Judson and New Braunfels Canyon.

WEEK 5 GAMES TO SEE & WEEKEND TOURNEYS(RESULTS ADDED)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4TH
7:00pm (#1) Reagan vs Melbourne Tigers (Australia)  ***GAME OF THE WEEK***
-The #1 team in the city welcomes the Melbourne Tigers all the way from the country "Down Under". Melbourne Tigers are on a US tour, playing several top teams in the nation and San Antonio's very own Reagan Rattlers have honors of playing this Australian powerhouse.  This is going to be a great chance for San Antonio to witness what the game is like in another country.
RESULT: REAGAN 46 MELBOURNE TIGERS 39
Very good game..Great atmosphere... Both teams struggled shooting the ball and there were several lead changes, but Reagan pulled it off in the end
R- Tessa Ramirez 14pts; Wendy Knight 10pts; Moriah Mack 10pts 8reb

7:00pm (#3) Johnson @ (#4) Wagner
-Rematch of the Lonestar Tournament second round game in which Johnson was up by double digits...Wagner came back and went up by double digits..then Johnson came back and won by 1 point in the closing seconds... 
RESULT: WAGNER 61 JOHNSON 38
-Much different outcome than Friday's game...
-Difference maker ------>>>>>> Amber Ramirez (2016).... 5pts in the first meeting....20pts this time around
J- Erica Sanders 13pts
W- Amber Ramirez 20pts; Ashley Ross 12pts; Tesha Smith 10pts

7:00pm (#8) Churchill @ (#6) Judson 
-Churchill is coming off total domination in the Rio Grand Valley, and Judson is still searching for consistency.... Should be a good game and one that will prove whether Churchill is still at an elite status..
RESULT: CHURCHILL 55 JUDSON 51
-Leslie Vorpahl and Mikki Flores put on a show to lead Churchill to victory
-Halftime score was 31-17 Churchill and Judson came fighting back to within 1 point which made for an exciting finish
C- Leslie Vorpahl 24pts; Mikki Flores 16pts 
J- Simone Fields 18pts; Lejeah Rice 17pts

12/6-12/8 Tournaments (schedules posted below)
Buda Hays; Hondo 

WEEK 4 TOURNEY RECAP & PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK 

SAVANNA HIGHT (2013) BRANDEIS 
Hight has been having a great season thus far and is a huge part of Brendeis' success. She led the Broncos to their 2nd Tournament Championship last weekend in Floresville. The MVP of the SAISD Tournament did not receive the knod this time around, but her 24 points including 4 three pointers in the 46-31 championship win over Brackenridge was an MVP-like performance.

MORIAH MACK (2013) REAGAN
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS: If overall defense was scored, Moriah Mack would clearly be leading the city. The future New Mexico State Aggie has been an intrical part of Reagan's success the past 3 years and has the Rattlers sitting atop the cities best after winning their 3rd Tournament Championship this season. Moriah Mack averaged a double-double in the Lonestar Tournament and led Reagan in scoring 3 of the 4 games.

MONICA PEREZ (2013) CLEMENS
FLOURISHING IN A NEW SYSTEM: When Monica Perez transferred from Madison there was question as to how she would gel with a new team and fit into a new coach's system. Well now we know Monica Perez is the same pure shooter she has proven to be in the past and Coach John Ince's system has now given her the opportunity to show her shooting ability and also create her own shot. Monica is having a solid senior year thus far and most recently poured in 31 points in the 3rd place game of the New Braunfels Canyon Tournament to help her team defeat Lubbock Estacado.

KIRSTEN KRAMER (2015) CLARK
MVP STATUS: The Clark Cougars leading scorer Kirsten Kramer is only a sophomore and is having a great season as district play approaches. Kramer was named MVP of the New Braunfels Canyon Tournament in which she has games of 20 and 18 points, and led her team to 4 convincing victories. Kramer is one of the top 2015's in the city and continues to get much love from college coaches all over the nation.

MIRANDA MORENO (2014) McCOLLUM
Junior Miranda Moreno led her Cowgirls to an undefeated Tournament Championship in the Edgewood Tournament last weekend. Moreno was named MVP of the tournament after her 22 point performance in the championship game vs. Memorial. Miranda is averaging 15.6 points per game to lead McCollum this season.

THE FUTURE OF THE UCLA BRUINS

SECOND TIMES A CHARM

Johnson HS and SA Finest alpha point guard Recee` Caldwell (2014 #1) has verbally committed to the University of California at Los Angeles aka UCLA. Caldwell committed then decommitted to Baylor a year ago, but is sure to have found the right fit in UCLA. Congrats to Recee`Caldwell!!

FUTURE SOONER

NB Canyon HS and Sophia Young Elite two-sport beast Chamaya Turner has verbally committed to the University of Oklahoma. Turner is a 2 time Express News Athlete of the Year, 2 time state champion in shot put and discuss, and 2 time Express News Basketball "Super Team" selection. The projected Olympian has accepted a full ride scholarship in Track and Field. Congratulations Chamaya!!

WEEK 4 GAMES TO SEE & WEEKEND TOURNEYS(RESULTS ADDED)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27th
6:30pm (#1) Reagan vs (#5) Jay @ Paul Taylor
-The Regan Rattlers are still the top team in the city but Jay is coming off an embarrassing loss at Wagner. Can the Mustangs snap Reagan's streak?
RESULT: REAGAN 59 - JAY 47
-It's hard to compete when missing a key player...Aleeya Harris is out for 4 weeks...Things aren't going to get any easier for the Jay Mustangs 
R - Wendy Knight 22pts; Moriah Mack 17pts
J - Destiny Amezquita 19pts; Katelyn McCullar 14pts

7:00pm (HM) Stevens @ (#6) Judson
-Stevens is still trying to find an identity for themselves this season and the road just doesn't get any easier. Judson is looking to bounce back from a near upset of Johnson last week.  
RESULT: JUDSON 59 - STEVENS 35 
Judson won this game from the jump ball... Stevens could not handle the Rockets pressure
J - LaQueisha Brown 17pts; Olivia Lott 13pts
S - Julia Rendon 11pts; Samantha Washington 11pts

7:00pm (#3) Wagner @ (#7) Brennan 
The biggest team in the city hosts arguably the best "Big" in the city.....Who will be the victor?
RESULT: WAGNER 39 - BRENNAN 34
The banged up Bears nearly pulled off the upset... Brennan had the lead majority of the game but like always, the Thunderbirds of Wagner found a way to win in the end
W - Amber Ramirez 15pts; Tesha Smith 8pts 
B - Krysten Gomez 10pts; Deja Mason 7pts 11reb 7blk; Kiara Ethridge 7pts

7:30pm Southside @ (HM) La Vernia
Coach Mande West and "2016 Player To Watch" Autumn Light lead the undefeated class 3A LaVernia Bears vs a class 4A Southside Cardinal team.
RESULT: LA VERNIA 45 - SOUTHSIDE 43 
LV - Brooke Martinez 16pts; Autumn Light 15pts

11/29-12/1  NISD/LONESTAR TOURNAMENT
This tournament by far is the best in the area this season. 8 of the top 15 teams in the city are participating as well as several other good teams from the surrounding vicinity.
There are some possible 2nd round match-ups that will most likely meet on Friday such as:
Wagner vs Johnson 9:00am; Jay vs Brennan 10:30am; O'Connor vs Judson 12 noon; Stevens vs Reagan 1:30pm
*The above match-ups will take place except for Jay/Brennan. Jay lost to Amarillo in the first round, therefore Amarillo will face Brennan at 10:30am 

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE NISD LONESTAR TOURNAMENT BRACKET 

Other Weekend Tournaments (schedules posted below)
Edgewood, Karnes City, Navarro, New Braunfels Canyon, McAllen, Seguin, Floresville

WEEK 3 TOURNEY RECAP AND PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Tiara Davenport (2014) - Johnson HS
JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED: A year ago the entire city was saying Johnson was a dominant post player away from being a contender in the city. Ironically, 2014 post and Texas Tech commit Tiara Davenport moved down to San Antonio from Dallas and is enrolled at Johnson. Davenport has been a huge addition to Johnson and definitely had the Jaguars clicking on all cylinders last week. She continues to dominate the boards with her consistent double-doubles and finshed the week off with a 27 point performance in the NEISD Championship game which earned her Tournament MVP and a title for her team.

WEEK 3 GAMES TO SEE & WEEKEND TOURNEYS (RESULTS ADDED)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19th
4:30pm (HM) Stevens vs (#7) Brennan @ Paul Taylor
-Brennan's schedule has been one of the toughest in the area
-Both of these teams ave been severely struck by injury but this should still be a very competive match up...
RESULT: Brennan 45  Stevens 37 
-Tanaeya Boclair left in the third quarter due to an ankle injury, but Brennan still took care of business
S - Julia Rendon 17pts; Anja Martin 12pts 
B - Kiara Ethridge 17pts; Ashlyn Graham 8pts

5:00pm (#1) Reagan vs (#2) Steele @ Littleton
-Last year's game came down to the wire... This year they are #1 and #2 at the time of the meeting...
-Neither team is dominant at the post positions, but both have some of the best guards in the city (Reagan's Moriah Mack and Wendy Knight vs Steele's McKenzie Calvert and Kyra Lambert) 
RESULT: Reagan 62  Steele 59
-Reagan proved to be more discipline, experienced, and had more of a hunger to finish than the young Steele Knights
-Moriah Mack and Wendy Knight were the focal points of Steele's defense which opened up opportunities for Tessa Ramirez who had an amazing game...In the same sense, Ericka Chapman of Steele had a great outing..  
R - Tessa Ramirez 18pts 3rb; Moriah Mack 11pts 9reb; Wendy Knight 10pts 6reb
S - Ericka Chapman 20pts; McKenzie Calvert 15pts 

6:30pm (HM) Clemens @ Floresville
Class 4A Showdown: Clemens is off to a good start under new coach John Ince and Floresville is coming off a good showing in the Marble Falls Tournament under new coach Terri Twilligear
RESULT: Floresville 71  Clemens 56 
C - Telisha Pressley 15pts; Monica Perez 12pts; Kennedy Centers 12pts 
F - Dehavalan Watts 21pts; Shelby Leinwebber 19pts

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20th
1:00pm (#3) Johnson @ (#6) Judson
How will these two teams respond after coming off tournament championship game losses to two tough opponents?
RESULT: Johnson 46 Judson 41
-Very sloppy game that almost resulted in an upset... Basically it seemed like the team with the least turnovers would end up the victor
-Johnson's Tiara Davenport(2014 TX Tech) looked very impressive and controlled the boards; Judson's Olivia Lott (2013) had a monster game and nearly sparked the upset  
John - Erica Sanders 14pts; Tiara Davenport 11pts; Gabby Bowie 10pts
Jud - LB Brown 14pts 6reb; Olivia Lott 10pts; Simone Fields 6pts 7reb; Samantha Allen 5pts 6asst

3:00pm (#9) Brandeis vs (#10) Roosevelt @ Littleton
-Rematch of the SAISD Championship game... Both teams' most recent game was against each other.. but this time, both teams are ranked
RESULT: Brandeis 41 Roosevelt 19
-Brandeis beat Roosevelt in the SAISD Tournament Championship 30-19..Today is almost an identical score... Well atleast the Roughriders cracked the Top 10 rankings for a short time
B - Mykel Costely 8pts 10reb; Savannah Hight 7pts 
R - Natasha Kindred 6pts

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21st
1:00pm (#5) Jay @ (#4) Wagner
-The Wagner T-Birds face their toughest challenge so far...
-Sensational 2016 Amber Ramirez has been impressive so far, but how will she play against a more challenging set of guards?
RESULT: Wagner 67  Jay 34
-Tesha Smith controlled the boards...The entire Wagner team was ON FIRE... and Wagner won this game right from the jump ball!
J - Ashia McLaurin 9pts; Qianna Phoenix 7pts; Destiny Amezquita 5pts 
W - Tesha Smith 21pts 16reb; Amber Ramirez 16pts 

12:30pm (HM) Stevens @ Sam Houston
Coach Anissa Hastings returns to her Alma Mater (Sam Houston)...But this time she is the opposition
RESULT: Stevens 52  Sam Houston 25
-Sam Houston was no match for Stevens but maybe this win will be a momentum swing for the Falcons...
-It's nice to see Anissa Hastings return to her roots... 
S - Julia Rendon 15pts; Anja Martin 9pts 
SH - Tiffany Burks 9pts; Dionna Camino 6pts

Weekend Tournaments (schedules posted below)
NEISD TOURNAMENT is the only tournament in the area this weekend...

WEEK 2 TOURNEY RECAP AND PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

CARLIE HEINEMAN (2014) - Marshall HS
FUTURE ROADRUNNER - UTSA commit Carlie Heineman was absolutely on as her team went 6-0 for the week en route to winning the Southside ISD Tournament.  Heineman had phenomenal games of 17 points 9 rebounds 4 assists and 6 steals vs Lockhart... 25 points 10 rebounds vs Beeville Jones... 21 points 9 rebounds and 5 steals vs El Paso Del Valle... and to top it all off, 27 points in the Southside ISD Tournament Championship vs Navarro.  Carlie Heineman averaged 20.8 points per game last week.

ALEXIA TORRES (2016) - Marshall HS
NOT YOUR TYPICAL FRESHMEN NUMBERS - Alexia Torres is one of only a few freshmen in the area that have been full time starters at the varsity level and are making an immediate impact.  Torres is the starting point guard for the guard heavy Marshall Rams and she is coming off a sensational week. 23 points vs Lee... 25 points 4 assists and 4 steals vs Lockhart... 14 points and 13 assists vs Beeville Jones... These are just some of the number Torres put up last week... Definitely not typical of a freshmen, but noteworthy without a doubt. 

JACKIE ANDERSON (2013) - Antonian HS
UNSIGNED SENIOR, BUT NOT FOR LONG - As soon as new Antonian coach Koby Cantu accepted the job he knew he had a leader in senior Jackie Anderson.  The unsigned senior can do it all and surely proved that last week as she led her team to the South San ISD Tournament Championship in which she was named MVP. Coach Cantu's expertise has put Jackie Anderson and the Antonian Apaches in the best position for success. Jackie Anderson is averaging 15.2 points per game to lead Antonian who is currently 11-1 and have beat several 5A and 4A public schools.

TYLER BARNES (2015) - Hondo HS
NO LONGER A MYSTERY - Last year around this time everyone was asking who is this unknown freshmen from Hondo that is pouring in big numbers and was eventually honored 1st team All District. This time around it's not a mystery. Sophomore guard Tyler Barnes is at it again and has her Hondo Owls sitting at 4-0 after the first two weeks of play.  Barnes scored 18 points and pulled down 4 rebounds in a win over Laredo Cigarroa. She then finished off the week with a 20 point 13 rebound outting in a win over Sabinal.  

WEEK 2 GAMES TO SEE & WEEKEND TOURNEYS (RESULTS ADDED)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13th
6:30pm (HM) Brandeis vs (#3) Johnson @ Littleton Gym
Brandeis goes into a hostile Littleton gym environment to take on a Johnson team that is coming off a 60 point victory over Laredo United which was full court press practice for the Jaguars. Will Brandeis be able to handle the Johnson press?
RESULT: JOHNSON 60  BRANDES 23 
-Brandeis could not handle the Johnson pressure and the Brandeis bigs were not a factor
- Recee' Caldwell showed her usual dominance
J - Recee`Caldwell 17pts, Gabbie Bowie 14pts; Tiara Davenport 12pts 
B - Savannah Hight 12pts 

6:30pm (#1) Reagan vs (#10) Stevens @ Paul Taylor
Stevens has been off to a slow start and last years' Regional Champ, Reagan, hasn't missed a beat. This should be an interesting game.
RESULT: REAGAN 60   STEVENS 37 
-Samira Rodriguez of Stevens had a solid all around game but the tandem of Wendy Knight and Moriah Mack was too much for the Falcons
R - Wendy Knight 15pts 3ast 3stl, Moriah Mack 12pts 3reb 3asst 2blk 
S - Samira Rodriguez 13pts 5reb 4asst 4stl; Julia Rendon 11pts 4reb 

6:30pm (HM) Brackenridge @ (HM) Floresville 
A battle of two top 4A programs...
RESULT: BRACKENRIDGE 75   FLORESVILLE 49
-Brack has a deep bench and too many weapons for Floresville to compete with 
B - Tevis Thomas 22pts; Miranda Acuna 18pts 
F - Shelby Leinwebber 14pts; DeHavalan Watts 9pts 

7pm (#5) Brennan @ (#2) Steele
The best backcourt in the city vs the biggest team in the city. As shown in the game against Harker Heights, Brennan's Koty Cowgill knows how to frustrate big time scorers. How will he defend the Steele guards?
RESULT: STEELE 43   BRENNAN 39  **OVERTIME**
-Brennan geared their entire defensive efforts toward shutting down McKenzie Calvert and Kyra Lambert which opened up opportunities for Bri Millet and Sarai Rodriguez to shine 
-The game started off as a one on one show between both teams' stars and ended up in a close dogfight
B - Tanaeya Boclair 15pts; Kiara Ethridge 13pts 
S - Brianna Millett 10pts; McKenzie Calvert 8pts; Sarai Rodriguez 8pts 

8pm (#7) Judson vs (#6) Jay @ Paul Taylor
Both teams are off to respectable starts to the season and match up fairly well. Should be a dog fight...
RESULT: JAY 46   JUDSON 42 
-Watching this game you would think there was more turnovers than combined points. A very sloppy game it was but Amezquita and McCullar helped their team come out on top
Jay - Destiny Amezquita 17pts 4reb 6ast 3stl; Katelyn McCullar 16pts 7reb 4stl
Jud - Simone Fields 14pts 13reb; LB Brown 12pts 9reb; Lena Wilson 10pts

Weekend Tournaments (schedules posted below)
San Antonio area teams will be competing in the following tournaments this weekend:
Cole, McDonald's Invitational, SAISD, Marble Falls, Southside, South San, Judson, Pleasanton, New Braunfels Christian

WEEK 1 TOURNEY RECAP AND PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

McKENZIE CALVERT (2014) & KYRA LAMBERT (2015) - Steele HS
DYNAMIC DUO - The Steele Knights only played one game in Week 1 but the backcourt of McKenzie Calvert and Kyra Lambert was dominant and definitely set the bar.  In a win over the #10 ranked Clark Cougars, Calvert poured in 31 points and 7 steals while Lambert added 18 points, 7 assists and 7 steals as well.  The pair have been coined the best backcourt in the city and surely lived up to that label.

SHELBY MISKELL (2014) - New Braunfels Christian Academy
BUCKETS -  The New Braunfels High School transfer has not had any problems adjusting to a new environment at New Braunfels Christian. Basketball is all the same. The New Braunfels Christian junior was the leading scorer at New Braunfels HS last season and has since transferred to NBCA to take on an identical role. Shelby Miskell has enjoyed a stellar start to the season in which she is currently averaging 31 points per game and is coming off of a weekend where she averaged 33ppg in the Bracken tournament which earned her All-Tournament team.

DESTINY AMEZQUITA (2013) - Jay HS
LEADER OF THE MUSTANGS - Northern Arizona commit Destiny Amezquita had a great Week 1 in which her Jay Mustangs nearly upset #3 Johnson and she earned MVP while leading her team to 1st place in the Corpus Christi tournament. Not a shock to any, but Amezquita is once again Jay's leading scorer and assist leader. In the Corpus Christi tournament, Destiny had a points high of 25 versus Leander and assist highs of 16 versus Leander and 13 versus Edinburg North.

TESHA SMITH (2013) - Wagner HS
BEAST MODE - The coaches at UTSA have to be salivating at the mouth as they wait for Tesha Smith to put on a Roadrunner uniform next year. Smith was an absolute BEAST in Week 1 and will surely continue to perform this way for the Wagner T-Birds this season.  In a game one beat down of Stevens, Smith racked up 20 points and according to our count she recorded 21 rebounds. This type of performance without a doubt deserves a ton of recognition.  She followed up her opening night performance with another double-double in a win over Incarnate Word later in the week.

WEEK 1 GAMES TO SEE & WEEKEND TOURNEYS (RESULTS ADDED) 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5th
6:00pm (#3) Johnson vs (#7) Jay @ Littleton Gym ***GAME OF THE WEEK***
A battle of two of the city's top point guard: Recee' Caldwell vs Destiny Amezquita
RESULT: JOHNSON 49  JAY 45
*Story of the game: Johnson outrebounded Jay 30 to 14... Johnson was up by as much as 18, but Jay fought back to make it close. 
Joh - Erica Sanders 13pts 5reb, Recee` Caldwell 13pts 4reb, Gabby Bowie 10pts 5reb, Tiara Davenport 6pts 7reb
Jay - Destiny Amezquita 12pts 3reb 7asst, Katelyn McCullar 11pts, Ashia McLaurin 10pts 5reb, Brittany Leonard 4pts 5 asst  

6:30pm  (#1) Reagan vs (#6) Brennan @ Paul Taylor
The #1 5A team vs the #1 4A team in the area
RESULT: REAGAN 54  BRENNAN 50
*Despite being down two starters, Brennan controlled the game and had the lead for majority of the game. Reagan's experience helped them in the end. 
R - Wendy Knight 15pts, Moriah Mack 14pts 
B - Kiara Ethridge 21pts, Tanaeya Boclair 15pts    

8pm (#4) Wagner vs (#5) Stevens @ Paul Taylor
Expect a gritty battle between these two teams... Stevens upset Churchill in last year's season opener, and they will be out to do the same to Wagner
RESULT: WAGNER 64  STEVENS 50
*Tesha Smith absolutely dominated the boards giving Wagner several opportunities and limiting Stevens to one shot. Also, Stevens had no answer for Wagners 3/4 court press in the second quarter. 
W - Tesha Smith 20pts  21reb, Amber Ramirez 20pts 3asst, Ashley Ross 11pts 5reb, Anabelle Tovar 9pts  
S - Anja Martin 23pts, Julia Rendon 14pts, Deleesha Monroe 7pts 5reb  
*The following players were injured and did not dress: Stevens - Elexus Allen (2013 Nicholls State), Amalya Lewinson (2013) and EJ Garcia (2015); Wagner - Corrina Moncada (2014)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6th
7pm (HM) O'Connor @ (#8) Judson 
Judson will play host to a young O'Connor team trying to establish an identity without Ebony Easter 
RESULT: JUDSON 59  O'CONNOR 42
OC - Alexis Copeland 15pts, Kasey Saldana 11pts  
J - Simone Fields 16pts  7reb, LaQeisha Brown 13pts 5reb

8pm (#2) Steele vs (#10) Clark @ Paul Taylor 
The Knights of Steele got off to a rocky start last season but finished strong... Clark is the surprise team in the city and ready to rain on the Knight parade
RESULT: STEELE 84  CLARK 62 
*Clark put up a good fight but could not handle the Steele guards, tempo and press.  
* McKenzie Calvert and Kyra Lambert proved to be the best backcourt in the city and their is not much of a drop off with the reserves Briana Millet and Sarai Rodriguez.
S - McKenzie Calvert 31pts  7stls, Kyra Lambert 18pts 6reb 7asst 7stls, Briana Millet 11pts 9reb, Ericka Chapman 11pts 8reb
C - Kirsten Kramer 18pts 5reb, D'Onna Matthews 14pts 5reb, Sarah Flournoy 12pts   

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9th
7:30pm (HM) East Central @ (#9) Churchill
These two teams met twice last season. The first game East Central upset Churchill in what Cal Wulfsberg called a wrestling match, and the second time Churchill blew out EC in the 2nd Round of the playoffs...Rematch of last year's 2nd round playoff game 
RESULT: CHURCHILL 60  EAST CENTRAL 49
C - Lesie Vorpahl 20pts, Dori Villarreal 14pts, Mikki Flores 10pts
EC - Laura Silva 18pts, Azaria Nave 10pts

Weekend Tournaments (schedules posted below)
San Antonio area teams will be competing in the following tournaments this weekend:
Harlandale, Temple, Corpus Christi

GIVING CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE

It's rare to see media outlets and newspapers highlighting or awarding high school coaches for all that they do.  The players are the ones that get the individual rankings and all the accolades...The team is the one listed on area, regional and state rankings... Only one coach is selected coach of the year per district or per class for state coach of the year...but many of our coaches deserve to be in the spotlight every now and then. RiverCityHoopScoop would like to give credit where credit is due and highlight the people that wash the dirty uniforms, deal with the attitudes, strategically create game plans, lobby for calls from the referees, drive the busses, and most importantly serve as a coach and mentor for our high school girls. We hope you enjoy what we have put together:

DID YOU KNOW?
FORMER HIGH MAJOR STANDOUTS
- Longtime Jay high school coach Mike Floyd was a standout point guard for the Texas A&M Aggies in the '70s and still holds the men's basketball freethrow record...
- Stevens has a former star for coach as well in Anissa Hastings who was a prep star at Sam Houston high school and then was a standout player for the University of Texas Longhorns...
- Churchill coach Cal Wulfsberg played for the legendary Lute Olson at the University of Iowa...
FORMER COLLEGE COACHES
- New Floresville coach Terri Twilliger grew up in Portland, TX, was a 4 year player then grad assistant at University of Incarnate Word and most recently was an assistant coach at Abilene Christian University...
- Former UTSA assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Koty Cowgill is the new man in charge at Brennan. Taking the Brennan job gives Koty more time with his young sons as oppose to all the travel and late nights college coaching required...

GAME DAY RITUALS, SUPERSTITIONS, OR JUST THINGS THEY DO:
- Clemens Coach John Ince is known for always having a towel during games. Either it's draped over his shoulder, hanging from his pocket, or he is waving it in excitement or slapping it on his chair in agony. Coach Ince says, "My oldest son, Tristan, gives me my towel each year before my 1st game as a symbol of my family being with me through the season.  My wife takes him to pick it out. It will definitely be school colors, so this year either royal blue or gold."
- Highlands coach Adrianna Wiatrek always wears a rosary bracelet during every game thats given to her by her mother. If you are at a Highlands game, watch out because last season that bracelet went flying and the pieces went every where. Wiatrek says her mother usually has to replace the bracelet several times throughout the course of the season.
- Hondo coach DJ Denton borrowed a theme from a book called "Hold the Rope" in which she has small ropes that her players exchange during game substitutions.
- Stevens' Anissa Hastings always says a prayer and reads excerpts from inspirational books before every game.

TEAM QUOTE/MOTTOS FOR THIS SEASON:
- Antonian - "Excellence Through Defense"
- Churchill - "Whatever it takes"
- Judson - "Our first day of basketball is determined for us, but we will determine our last..."
- Stevens - "Train Insane or Remain the Same"

SEASON OUTLOOK FROM THE COACHES:
- Reagan coach Terry Barton - "I have a group of girls that are very hungry to get back to Austin and win there. We will try to take the new girls and incorporate them into the chemistry of a very experienced basketball team. This may be the deepest team I've ever coached."
- NB Canyon varsity assistant Marsha Hammond - "We are working hard each day to get ready to step into 5A competition. We are looking for great things from our senior returns Chamaya Turner, Jackie Schaake and Caitlin Cote."
- Wagner coach Tina Camacho - "Well I can say we don't live off our past success but it's hard not to reflect on last year and remind the athletes of the amazing run we had. I can honestly say that was one of the most fantastic highlights of my career. So I do remind them that it may not end up like that again but we work to try to get further than last year and use it as a motivator!"
- Stevens coach Anissa Hastings - "The girls have put in a lot of work this off-season and summer. They are working hard every day and they are focused. I look forward to seeing what this upcoming season holds for the Lady Falcons."
- Floresville coach Terri Twilliger - "We are excited for this upcoming season, and our girls are ready to go to work. We have a fairly young team with only 5 returners; however, the expectation to win is not any different than it has ever been. We have a great group of juniors and seniors that play well together and really have an outstanding knowledge of the game. This team has a lot of heart, knows how important tradition is, and knows how to win games."
- Judson coach Triva Corrales - "The Rockets are growing up and playing with more discipline and maturity. Their experience combined with our defensive prowlness and offensive quickness will keep us competitive behind the shoulders of Laqeisha Brown, Sam Allen and Simone Fields."
- Brennan coach Koty Cowgill - "I am extremely excited about the upcoming season and the way the girls are working. Everybody is focused, driven, and competing to attain our cumulative goals."
- Clemens coach John Ince - "I am blessed to have the opportunity to coach kids with size, quickness, and scoring ability. The kids are excited to learn a new system and have been unbelievably coachable. They are bonding well and growing each day as a team, which will benefit us down the road."
- Antonian coach Koby Cantu - "The palyers are extremely excited about our upcoming season! I am showing the girls offensive and defensive philosophy in steps. The varsity leaders told me 'they love the change' both offensively and defensively. We feel like we will be extremely prepared and compete at a smart and aggressive level. Our practices are very competitive...Effective and effecient."
-Southwest coach Bill Avey - "We are young but the kids play incredibly hard. We should be a team that gets better as the season grows on. Looking forward to the journey."

WHAT THE SENIORS SAY ABOUT THEIR COACH:
- Churchill senior Leslie Vorpahl on Cal Wulfsberg - "Coach Wulf is for sure the most enthusiastic coach I have ever played for. He brings so much energy and fire to practice which helps carry over to how we perform. He has helped me to become more of a leader on and off the court, and the tough love relationship he has with me definitely pushes me to reach my full potential."
- Clark senior Kristen Lye on Richard Herbst - "He knows what we are capable of, accepts nothing less than that and still pushes for more. He makes us better individually and as a team."
- Clemens senior Monica Perez on John Ince - "I love having him as a coach. He is energetic, enthusiastic, and is so passionate about what he does and about this game. It is contagious and makes us all want to be our best and give it our all at all times. Coach Ince is one of the best in my eyes and I'm lucky to have a coach like him."
- Brennan senior Alyssa Crockett on Koty Cowgill - "He's amazingly upbeat and intense; therefore, he always has something to say. He is passionate about coaching to make you a better player rather than just coaching to win."
- NB Canyon senior Chamaya Turner on Terry Tennell - "My coach is someone who pushes me and wants us to get better as a unit, which I like. We are working on different things and I think the diversity of the offense and defense will make us better as a whole."
- Stevens senior Samira Rodriguez on Anissa Hastings - "Coach Hastings is the toughest coach I've ever played for. I praise her determination and heart. If I wanted anyone to prepare me for college it would be her because she's been there and she only wants the best for us. She keeps everyone on the same page only because she wants us to succeed."

TABC PRE-SEASON RANKINGS

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches has announced it's Annual Pre-Season Rankings for the 2012-2013 season and several San Antonio area schools have made the Top 25 in their respective classes.

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE TABC PRE-SEASON RANKINGS 

25-5A is the final district on our preview list.  District 25-5A was a Wagner dominated district for many years until last season when the Steele Knights took the crown.  The district has slightly reshaped which looks to have played in Wagner's favor, but Judson could possibly be that spoiler. 25-5A says goodbye to Seguin and Steele only to welcome New Braunfels Canyon and Smithson Valley. This season should be interesting......Here is your 25-5A review:

DISTRICT 25-5A
Last Year's Champ: Steele
Last Year's Playoff Teams in Order: Steele, Wagner, Judson, San Marcos 

Predicted Champ: Wagner 
Suprise Team: New Braunfels Canyon 
The Rest of the District: Judson, Smithson Valley, New Braunfels, San Marcos

WAGNER - Last Year's Record: 25-14
READY TO DOMINATE THE DISTRICT AGAIN: Last season had to be one of the most exciting, adverse, and memorable seasons and playoff runs for Coach Camacho and the Lady T-Birds. Wagner advanced to the Regional Championship game with a run in which 3 of the 5 games came down to the closing minutes. One game went to double overtime, and two were won in the final seconds.  Last season was also the coming out party for 2013 Tesha Smith who became a household name in San Antonio girls basketball, and has since committed to the University of Texas at San Antonio.  Tesha is coming off by far the best and most improved summer of her career. She is one of the most confident players in the city and is a proven leader that will take her young team under her wing and hope for another deep run.  The twin tandem of Adriane and Aundrea Davis (Blinn Jr College & South Plains Jr College) will be greatly missed, but the wind has blown in another set of "twins" [not literally twins] in Amber Ramirez and Anabelle Tovar who are without a doubt two of the best freshmen guards in the city. Add these two guards to a healthy Ashley Ross (2014) and the scrappy but clutch Corrina Moncada (2014) and Wagner is in any conversation about teams with the best guards.

What to expect from the Thunderbirds: Talented guards; Dominant rebounders (Smith & Kaelyn Wilson); A lot of high post action; Shooters, shooters and more shooters; Pressure defenders; Experience

JUDSON- Last Year's Record: 25-9
IS IT OUR TURN:  Steele did it last year, but will this year be Judson's turn to win District 25-5A?  The Rockets of Judson return a solid core in Samantha Allen (2014), Lequisha Brown (2013), Lajeah Rice (2013), Shameka Brown (2014) and arguably the most improved player in the city Simone Fields (2014).  Judson finished 3rd in the district a year ago and took the Regional Champion Reagan Rattlers down to the wire before an eventual first round loss in the playoffs.  Coach Triva Corrales' team will look to get off to a great start this season just as they did last year.  The experience of this Rocket team should call for a more consistant season and deeper playoff run. Simone Fields should easily bring a double-double each night while Samantha Allen and LB Brown both should be ranked in the top 5 in the city in assists and steals respectively.

What to expect from the Rockets: Full court presses; Fast paced; Pressure defenders; Athleticism; Solid inside presence; Samantha Allen's court vision; LB Brown's passing lane extraordinaire

NEW BRAUNFELS CANYON- Last Year's Record: 25-7
THE CHAMAYA TURNER SHOW HAS MOVED TO THE MAIN STAGE....CLASS 5A: The Cougarettes of New Braunfels Canyon had a phenomenal 2011-2012 campaign. Canyon was crowned undefeated District Champions for the first time since 1972, and also made it to the third round of the playoffs for the first time in school history. The Cougarettes also cracked the Top 10 rankings a few times. Canyon returns the #1 player in the 2013 class in Chamaya Turner who was the only player in the city to be in the top ten rankings in points, assists, rebounds and steals. The Cougarettes have moved up to Class 5A which should be somewhat of a challenge but Canyon is no stranger to the schools such as New Braunfels, San Marcos and Smithson Valley. These schools have been yearly regulars on Canyon's schedule.  The true test for the Cougarettes will be dealing with the loss of second leading scorer and ace shooter Kelsey Flanagan to graduation and matching up to the depths of Wagner and Judson. Chamaya Turner is one of the best in the area at putting her team on her back and weathering the storm, but will District 25-5A be a tough storm to conquer?

What to expect from the Cougarettes: Terry Tennell's classic Zone or Die defense; Chamaya Turner dominance; Shooters; No true bigs; Point guard by committee

OTHER 25-5A SCHOOLS:
SMITHSON VALLEY - The Rangers of Smithson Valley have also moved from 4A to 5A which should definitely be a challenge.  Shaina Tanks is now a freshman at Southwestern Assemblies of God University, but junior Baylee Nichols is ready to step up to the plate and lead.
NEW BRAUNFELS - Leading scorer Shelby Miskell has transferred to New Braunfels Christian, but junior Amy Fuquay returns as the team's second leading scorer. Despite the Unicorns losing nearly half of last years' roster to graduation, they will continue to implement and rely on Coach Lance Hughey's classic motion offense to lead them to success. 
SAN MARCOS- The Rattlers advanced to the playoffs a year ago, but as the 4th seed they were dealt the Churchill Chargers in the first round and got an old fashioned pounding.  This year's team should be more experienced and returns a top scorer in sophomore Bailey Hill.

NEXT PREVIEW: TOP 10 RANKINGS

THE NEWEST HILLTOPPER

Jay HS and South Texas Hoyas shot blocking extraordinaire Aleeya Harris has committed to NCAA Division 1 Western Kentucky University. Aleeya Harris is the first D1 commitment and the second overall commitment for the Hoyas. Aleeya will join Stevens HS alumn Alexis Govan as Western Kentucky Lady Hilltoppers. Congrats Aleeya!!

MAKE THAT 7 !!!!!

Sophia Young Elite flashy combo guard Jaquan "Quanny" Jackson (Harker Heights High School) has committed to NCAA Division 1, Louisiana Tech University.  Jaquan is the 7th Division 1 commitment this year for Sophia Young Elite and the 6th in the 2013 class.

LaTech currently competes in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and is one of the most historic and successful women's basketball programs in the country.

Congrats Quanny!!!!!

NICHOLLS STATE PICKS STEVENS ATHLETE

Stevens High School and Sophia Young Elite freak athlete Elexus Allen has committed to NCAA Division 1, Nicholls State University. Elexus is the sixth Division 1 commitment for Sophia Young Elite and the fifth in the 2013 class.
OTHER SOPHIA YOUNG ELITE D1 COMMITMENTS:
2013 Destiny Amezquita - Northern Arizona
2013 Brianna Freeman - New Mexico State
2013 Jasmine Goodwine - Rice
2013 Moriah Mack - New Mexico State
2015 Kyra Lambert - Texas A&M

26-5A is the next district on our preview list.  Here is a quick rundown of last season... Reagan won the Regional title and advanced to the State Tournament...Churchill and Reagan split and finished as co-district champs which led to a coin flip for playoff seeding...Johnson lived up to the high expectations and advanced to the playoffs for the first time in school history...Roosevelt barely made it to the playoffs after a play-in game with Madison... MacArthur and Lee both struggled but should be much improved this season. Here is your 26-5A preview:

DISTRICT 26-5A
Last Year's Champ: Churchill and Reagan were co-champs 
Last Year's Playoff Teams in Order: Churchill, Reagan, Johnson, Roosevelt

Predicted Champ: Reagan 
The Rest of the District: Churchill, Johnson, Roosevelt, MacArthur, Madison, Lee

REAGAN - Last Year's Record: 34-5
DEEPER AND READY FOR ANOTHER SHOT AT STATE: The Regional Champ is back and yes they are even stronger than last season. The Rattlers were the number 1 team in the city all season long and advanced to the State Tournament with ease. Sabrina Berry has since graduated and is currently playing at Indepence Jr College in Kansas, but the Rattlers roster is still impressive.  The Rattlers return one of the city's best pure scorers in SA Super Teamer Wendy Knight (2014), the best on ball defender in New Mexico State commit Moriah Mack (2013), a sure post presence in 2013 Corrigan Tibbs, and a solid ball handler in Tessa Ramirez (2013). Reagan's roster just gets deeper and deeper. They have added one of the best freshmen in the city in little known guard Mailee Jones. Most people have never heard of this kid but will soon know about her. This season will be interesting as the Rattlers will come in as the favorite and have a target on their back every single night.  Coach Terry Barton has never backed down from a challenge and will have his "TEAM" in a dog fight until the final buzzer.

What to expect from the Rattlers: Fundamentally sound "TEAM" Basketball; Deep roster; Bench contribution; Moriah Mack shutting down several top players; Wendy Knight with the "Green Light"; Tons of Shooters

CHURCHILL- Last Year's Record: 30-6
WITH VORPAHL, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE: Many people thought that the transfer of Carly Truesdale to Houston would hurt the Chargers last season....WRONG! Coach Cal Wulfsberg knew what he had in his leader Leslie Vorpahl and centered the offense around her.  The Chargers rode on the back of Vorpahl as she led her team on a deep playoff run before losing to Wagner in the third round.  This years' team is slightly different. The Chargers have lost 3 major contributors in Danielle Espinoza (Blinn Jr College), Jordan Holub (Univ of TX-Arlington), and Rebecca Flores (2012).  Other than Vorpahl, the next major returning contributor is gritty sophmore guard Mikki Flores. Flores is coming off a solid summer and fall of club ball and will be called on for a more prominent role in the Chargers system.  Elisa Wulfsberg is another returner that is in her junior season and will have a bigger role this year.  We also can't forget Julia Wilson (2014). This undersized but hard working post player spent most of her time on the JV last year because of the high number of senior post players. Wilson should log many minutes for the chargers and help fill a void of rebounding and inside scoring. Despite the loss of several key players, Coach Cal Wulfsberg is one of the best at knowing his team and adjusting his system to their capabilities.  

What to expect from the Chargers: Schematic defenses; The ball in Vorpahls' hands 75% of the time; Plenty ball screens;  Vorpahl and Wulfsberg leadership; Several close games; Zone defense; No height 

JOHNSON- Last Year's Record: 27-8
THE RICH GET RICHER: The Johnson Jaguars made the playoffs for the first time in school history, were in the Top 10 rankings all season long, and had no problem proving to the city that they are a top team.  Just as they did last year the Jaguars have received a few make overs.  Not only do the Jags return their 3 top scorers (Recee' Caldwell-2014, Gabby Bowie-2014 and TX Tech commit Erica Sanders-2015), they have also acquired former Brennan head coach Randy Evans and recent Texas Tech de-commit and Dallas area transfer Tiara Davenport.  These latest additions have the Johnson Jaguars in the talks for the best team in the city and potential Regional representative. All four previously mentioned players are coming off outstanding summer and are hot commodities around the D1 recruiting nation. Once again this is just a preseason preview and nobody knows what the season is going to bring, but on paper the Jaguars are a force to be reckoned with.  

What to expect from the Jaguars: New system; Athleticism; Several slashers; Fast paced; Full Court presses; The ball in Caldwells' hands; Great offensive rebounding team; Pick and rolls

OTHER 26-5A SCHOOLS:
Madison - The Mavericks of Madison have taken a hit with the loss of Ashton Gulczewski, Sonja Haga, and the transfer of Monica Perez to Clemens. Wichita State commit and last year's leading scorer Briana Jones will lead the way once again but this team she may be on her own. Sophomore Moriah Creswell is said to be a solid contributor this season but only time will tell. Who will step up and help Jones?
ROOSEVELT - The Rough Riders have lost a San Antonio great in UTSA freshman Niaga Mitchell-Cole. Who will be next in line to fill the shoes of the Notorious NMC? When sophomore sensation Endia Peterson comes back from injury, she could be the "Chosen One". 
MACARTHUR - The Mac Brahmas should be much improved from last year's 11-24 season.  Coach Jessica Meador, senior Jackie Esquivel and sophomore Jasmine Thompson are all ready for a change in Brahma Country. If Jasmine Thompson is healthy, MacArthur will have a much improved team from last year. 
LEE - The Volunteers will be led by former Reagan high school standout Dru Tomacesky. Coach T takes over the reigns after last year's coach Mike Taylor moved to Jay High School to coach boys.  Coach T will have her hands full in revamping the Lee program in one of the toughest districts in the city.

NEXT PREVIEW: 25-5A

The 2012-2013 "Season Preview" moves on to the 5A schools. We will give you an in depth breakdown of the four 5A districts in the area starting with 28-5A. There has been a slight makeover in this district with the loss of Highlands to 4A and the addition of Cibolo Steele. The number 1 spot in this district is almost a given, but the quest for the other 3 playoff spots is going to be an absolute battle. Here is a preview of 28-5A:

DISTRICT 28-5A
Last Year's Champ: Corpus Christi King
Last Year's Playoff Teams in Order: CC King, South San, East Central, Southwest

Predicted Champ: Steele 
Surprise Team: Southwest 
The Rest of the District: CC King, CC Carroll, East Central, South San

STEELE - Last Year's Record: 26-8 
NEW DISTRICT BUT..WE READY...WE READY...WE READY..FOR Y'ALL: Last season was a season of growing pains for the Knights of Steele. The Kinghts had a few struggles and bumps along the way but eventually lived up to the hype and expectations everyone had for them. Led by one of the city's top scorers in Baylor commit McKenzie Calvert (2014), the Knights are back, in a new district, and ready to make a run at the State Tournament like they did in the Meighan Simmons era. Steele dominated District 25-5A with an undefeated record last season and look to do the same in a lesser competive 28-5A. The true challenge for the Knights will be non-district play and playoffs. Coach Kari Wallace has never been shy of challenge. She is known to stack her non-district schedule with power teams like Churchill, Reagan, Brennan and big time out of town tournaments like the Mansfield Rotary Tourney. With McKenzie Calvert at lead and Texas A&M commit Kyra Lambert (2015) conducting the offense, the Knights are without a doubt one of the favorites in the city. Both Calvert and Lambert are coming off one of the best summers' of their career thus far and will team up to be the best back court in the city. Other contributors coming off successful summers are athletic forward Ericka Chapman (2014) and powerful guard Briana Millett (2015). Losing 2012 star Elena Gumbs (Rice University) is surely a knock for the Knights but at just the right time they have received another solid contributor in 2014 Copperas Cove transfer Sarai Rodriguez.

What to expect from the Knights: Young team; Guard heavy; Plenty scorers; Calvert and Lambert Dominance; High scoring; Athleticism; Fast paced; Half court traps

EAST CENTRAL - Last Year's Record: 19-15 
NO LONGER A SURPRISE: As the title states, the East Central Hornets are no longer a surprise.  Not many people expected much from the Hornets last season but Jennifer Brewers' squad was definitely a team to talk about. The Hornets upset some of the top teams in the city including Churchill in the regular season and a first round upset over Stevens.  There have been a few changes in the Hornets nest but the expectations are still high for EC.  Coach Brewer has moved on to coach Brandeis, second leading scorer Shaun Cherry is now a student at Prairie View A&M, and former middle school football coach Josh Barnes has taken over the lead.  Barnes will bring a new system to East Central which should obviously utilize their athleticism and the strengths of returning seniors Azaria Nave and Wichita State commit Kayla White. The Hornets will no longer be the deliverer of upsets. They will be expected to win big games.

What to expect from the Hornets: New System; No true inside presence; Athletic scoring guards

SOUTHWEST - Last Year's Record: 19-15
IT'S DRAGON SEASON: Last season came down to the Dragons' final district game for a playoff spot.  It was questionable on whether or not Tiffani Rodriguez would play due to personal reasons but she did and the Dragons defeated CC Carroll in a thriller to advance to the playoffs. Despite a bow out to O'Connor in the first round, the Dragons overcame all odds and adversity to make the playoffs and even managed to crack the Top 10 honorable mention a couple of times.  Sensantional scorer Tiffani Rodriguez is set and ready for her junior campaign. Rodriguez was a top 5 scorer in the city of San Antonio last season and has already eclipsed the 1000 point career scoring mark.  Coach Bill Avey also returns last years' 28-5A New Comer of the Year in Jenyl Henry and brings in a solid freshmen class which includes future star Alexandria Busby-Leija.

What to expect from the Dragons: Guard Heavy; High Scoring; Tiffani Rodriguez attacking at all angles; Great team defensive schemes; Run and Jump

SOUTH SAN - Last Year's Record: 17-17
WHAT WILL FOLLOW THE LAUREN RUBIO ERA?: South San has suffered one of the toughest losses in the city. To lose a player like Lauren Rubio (Our Lady of the Lake University) is definitely a tough loss to swallow. Rubio was the catalyst behind the South San offense the past few years which included several triple-doubles, a quadruple-double, and the schools' assist record.  The Bobcats also lost a hardworking wing in Nicole Ussery (2012) who combined with Rubio to score over 30 points a game for South San. The Bobcats will look to capitalize on last years' near District Championship and playoff berth.  Senior guards Mariah Cuevas, Evelyn Huizar, Diamond Vargas and Selena Cardenas will be called on to lead charge.  28-5A is slightly stronger, but the Bobcats should surely be in the mix for a playoff spot.

What to expect from the Bobcats: Guard heavy; 5 out offense with alot of cutters; Players read each other very well; Not a player over 5'9; Undersized but hard working posts; Full Court presses 

OTHER 28-5A SCHOOLS:
CORPUS CHRISTI KING - Former Harlandale head coach and UTSA standout Nicole Dunson enters her second year at the helm of CC King. Dunson and sharp shooting senior Natalie Hessong are back to challenge the district and defend their crown. 
CORPUS CHRISTI CARROLL - Leticia Canales and the Carroll Tigers look to improve from last seasons' 18-14 (4-6 district) record which came down to a final playoff seeding game against Southwest. 

NEXT PREVIEW: 27-5A

Now we move to 27-5A in our "Season Preview". Here is a quick review of last season... Jay was struck by injury from day one and was never the same... O'Connor shocked everyone by winning a District Championship... Stevens was the preseason favorite but was hot and cold all season... Several 27-5A seniors left their mark and are now in the college ranks... Brandeis was a little bit of a surprise and can make some noise this year... Clark snuck in a few big time upsets and almost wiggled their way into a playoff spot.. Taft dealt with more off the court and discipline problems than basketball issues...Marshall lost several close ones but couldn't get into the win column... Holmes and Warren couldn't wait for this year to get here... Now for the 27-5A Preview:

DISTRICT 27-5A
Last Year's Champ: O'Connor
Last Year's Playoff Teams in Order: O'Connor, Stevens, Brandeis, Jay

Predicted Champ: Stevens
Surprise Team: Clark
The Rest of the District: O'Connor, Marshall, Clark, Warren, Jay, Brandeis, Holmes, Taft

STEVENS - Last Year's Record: 28-7
ANOTHER SHOT AT THE TITLE: Everyone had high expectations for the Stevens Falcons last season but it was uncertain which Stevens team would show up each night. Spectators often wondered whether they would see the dominant defense minded Falcons team that put the breaks on Churchill in the first game of the season and blew out Johnson in the SAISD tourney or the Falcons that did not show up to play in the SAISD Championship against Brandeis or the playoff first round game against East Central. Unfortunately the Falcons lost two starters in Nicole Salazar and Samantha Herrerra (both at Dodge City Community College), which might sting a bit but the experience of the returners should prove for a more consistant 2012-2013 season.  The Falcons return a solid core in last years' leading scorer and rebounder Anja Martin (2015), and key contributors Julia Rendon (2014), Elexus Allen (2013), Deleesha Monroe (2014), Amalya Lewinson (2013) and Samira Rodriguez (2013).  Coach Anissa Hastings once again has one of the most athletic teams in the city and her aggressive style of play will continue to be intimidating to many opposers.  There is no doubt the Falcons of Stevens should be in the running for the District and possible Regional title.

What to expect from the Falcons: A chip on their shoulders from last year; Experienced team; Guard heavy; Athleticism; Fast paced; Non-stop aggressive defense; Dribble drive offense with multiple scoring threats and shooters

JAY - Last Year's Record: 21-15
NO INJURIES PLEASE (fingers crossed): The Lady Mustangs of John Jay battled so much adversity last season, including several injuries which forced Jay to play over 60% of the season shorthanded. After a coinflip tie-breaker, the Lady Mustangs finished 4th in district 27-5A which was a rare position for the Mustangs. Year after year Jay is one of the favorites in 27-5A as well as in the city.  This year should be no different. Destiny Amezquita (2013) is coming off the best summer of her career which included a commitment to Northern Arizona University. She is healthy, playing at the top of her game, and is destined to get back to the state tournament as she did her freshman year.  2013 Aleeya Harris is also healthy and coming off an amazing summer. She is ready to dominate the paint and is sure to lead the city in blocks and rebounds. Amezquita and Harris read each other very well and combine to make one of the best guard/post tandems in the area. The list goes on and on with players that will be contributors for the Mustangs: juniors Ashia "Yazzy" McLaurin and Sybell Sandoval, as well as sophomores Brittany Leonard and Katelyn McCullar.  The Mustangs also have a gem in sharp shooting freshmen Bobbi Timmons who is said to have Destiny Amezquita range.

What to expect from the Mustangs: Guard heavy; Mike Floyds' classic motion offense; Aggressive defenses; Force drives to Harris who is likely to alter the shot; Lots of shooters; Amezquita running the show and also with the green light

BRANDEIS - Last Year's Record: 25-12
NEW LEADER...SAME GOAL: Coach John Ince led the Brandeis Broncos to victories no one expected and in to last years' playoffs for the first time in the schools short history. It was said that John Ince had such a positive impact on his team that he had them playing harder and with more passion than other teams in the city. Ince has since left to take the helm at Clemens, and top scorers Alyssa Browne (Our Lady of the Lake University) and Rose Maldonado (Western Texas Jr College) are current college freshmen.  Brandeis had several big time wins last season including the SAISD Championship blowout of Stevens and a regular season defeat of Steele. These wins were considered upsets last season but are now expected from this team. Jennifer Brewer is the new boss in Bronco-ville and will be dealing with a lot more talent than she had in her two years at East Central. Only time will tell if Brewer will change her style to a half court, more post oriented offense as opposed to the fast paced system she used at EC. Key returners Mykel Costley (2014), Hannah Thompson (2014), and Morgan Williams (2015), will be leading the way for the Broncos, who should be a regular playoff team for the next few years. 

What to expect from the Broncos: Twin Towers (Morgan Williams & Mykel Costley); Feared inside presence; Shooters; New system...Same hard-nosed competitors

CLARK - Last Year's Record: 19-13
HIGH EXPECTATIONS: The Clark Cougars barely missed the playoffs last season, but should have no problem securing one of the four spots this time around. Although they lost 5 players to graduation, none of those players were significant contributors. The Cougars have the perfect recipe for a district championship team. They return all five starters, return 6 of their top 7 scorers from a year ago, and have a former collegiate coach in Richard Herbst who is a mastermind when it comes to X's and O's. A few major contributors for Clark are 2013 workhorse Kristen Lye, shot blocking extraodinaire Trei Torain (2013), skilled forward Donna Matthews (2013), and crafty slasher Kirsten Kramer (2015). The Cougars are stacked with talent and should be in the running for the top 3 spots in the district.

What to expect from the Cougars: Big inside presence; Solid rebounders and shot blockers; shooters; Great in-game adjustments and scheming by Coach Herbst; Kramer and Lye attacking at all angles; Occasional half court zone presses

O'CONNOR - Last Year's Record: 26-8
THE DEFENDING CHAMPS: Last season SA Express News Super Teamer Ebony Easter (American International College) led her O'Connor Panthers to a 27-5A District Championship which shocked many people. Those days are long gone and the Panthers are now looking to defend their title without their graduated star. This year O'Connor will be led by returning point guard Alexis Copeland (2013) and also bring back one of the best sophomore duos in the city in 27-5A Freshmen of the Year Shelby Miller and rising star Amber Vidal. Look out for coach Karmen Wilson and her fundamental style of play, which has always kept the Panthers successful and at the top of the district.

What to expect from the Panthers: Very Disciplined; Shooters; Inside/Out game; Solid post play; Zone defense; Half court traps

OTHER 27-5A SCHOOLS:
MARSHALL - Even though the Ram's second leading scorer Serina Lopez (2013) has transferred to St. Anthony's, they still return a solid guard core in 2014 UTSA commit and leading scorer Carlie Heineman, Brittany Wyche (2013), and a guard prime for a breakout season in 2013 KK Saenz. The question is going to be, how can Marshall handle the depth and athleticism of the rest of the district?
HOLMES - Last years' leading scorer Kelly Moreno is a senior now and ready to make a change in Husky land and to put Holmes back in the winning column.
TAFT - Former O'Connor assistant Laura Garza takes over the reigns of long time Taft coach Lynette joiner. Garza will bring a more disciplined approach to the Raider program but will have a hard time filling the shoes of former standout Monet Neal (Houston Baptist University).
WARREN - The Warriors will be in for another long season with no players on the current roster over 5'7, but may be able to pull off a few upsets around the city.

NEXT PREVIEW: 26-5A

A POTH PIRATE BECOMES A JAVELINA

Poth HS and South TX Hoyas hardworking wing Micah Weaver (2013 #12) has verbally committed to NCAA Division 2, Texas A&M Kingsville.

Congrats Micah!!! 

BACKGROUND CHECK .... APPROVED!!!
Former Wichita State and Alaska Anchorage standout, Jason Kaiser has been named the new head coach at New Braunfels Christian Academy. Kaiser spent last season as an assistant at Trinity University and now inherits a NBCA program that has been on the news more than any other school in the past month. NBCA has recieved an abundance of media attention due to their recent fugitive former coach and his improper relationships with past players. New coach Jason Kaiser will have his hands full in rebuilding the school's respected reputation and proving to the area that he is without a doubt the right man for the job.

New Braunfels Christian reached the TAPPS regional tournament last year, returns 90% of that team, and recently got a gift in 2014 New Braunfels HS transfer Shelby Miskell.

Congrats to Coach Kaiser on your new challenge!!!

Our Annual "Season Preview" continues with the Class 4A schools. Last season saw Brennan and Floresville cruise all the way to the first round of the Regional Tournament....New Braunfels Canyon had a record breaking season in 4A but have now moved to Class 5A... and a Lanier senior shattered single season scoring marks. Here is a preview of the areas 4A schools:

DISTRICT 27-4A
Predicted Champ: Boerne Champion
Surprise Teams: Clemens, Kerrville Tivy 
The Rest of the District: Alamo Heights, Buda Hays, Kyle Lehman, Lockhart, Seguin

BOERNE CHAMPION - Last Year's Record: 27-8 
NEW DISTRICT/HIGHER EXPECTATIONS: The Champion Chargers are in a new district and coming off a very successful season that had them ranked as a Top Ten team in the city for a majority of the year.  University of New Mexico commit Brooke Allemand is back for her senior campaign and is ready to lead the Charge.  Allemand led the team in 'scoring', 'assists' and 'made three pointers' last season. The Chargers went for a respectable 27-9 record and eventually lost in the second round of last years' playoffs. Junior guard Heather Hormuth should be a great compliment to Allemand as they lead Champion to a projected District Championship.

What to expect from the Chargers: Guard heavy; Shooters; Discipline and Fundamental

CLEMENS - Last Year's Record: 13-22 
THE NEW LOOK BUFFS: The Clemens Buffalos struggled with injuries last season which heavily affected their record. A district tie-breaker game in their regular season finale against Alamo heights resulted in a second place playoff seeding for Clemens.  The Buffs ended up losing in the first round but definitely experienced a sense of accomplishment in making the playoffs on a 13-22 record. This season Clemens gets an extreme makeover which will have them in the talks of the top teams in the city. Coach Coy Tackitt has left for the boys job at Floresville; therefore former Brandeis Coach John Ince brings his "Sweat Towel" and basketball expertise to land of the Buffs.  With all of that said, the real story behind the Buffs' makeover is the fact that HELP HAS FINALLY ARRIVED FOR TALISHA PRESLEY.  The junior guard was often stuck on an island of double and triple teams last season. This year help will be provided from sharpshooting Madison transfer Monica Perez and a healthy Sabrina Catangal (out all last season).  Clemens also got prize in workhorse Kyra Fennell who transferred from Marion.

What to expect from the Buffalos: New System; Solid inside presence; Dominant guards; Several shooters

OTHER 27-4A SCHOOLS:
Alamo Heights - Jackie Cabello is back and ready to lead the young Mules in her senior year
Seguin - Senior Brittany Hernandez led the team in scoring last year and hopes to improve from last year's 5-26 record as her team moves from 5A to 4A. 

DISTRICT 28-4A
Predicted Champion: Brennan
Surprise Team: Highlands
The Rest of the District: Brackenridge, YWLA, Burbank, Edison, Fox Tech, Jefferson, Lanier

BRENNAN - Last Year's Record: 36-1
THE YEAR OF THE BEARS: Brennan is the only Top 20 team in the city that did not lose any players due to graduation.  Did we mention the Bears are coming off of a 36-1 season...suffered their only loss in the Regional Tournament...have a new coach in former UTSA assistant Koty Cowgill... and also got a significant addition in Marble Falls transfer Kiara Etheridge.  This season should be a challenge for the Bears to exceed last years' marks, but there is no doubt Brennan can live up to that challenge. Coach Koty Cowgill brings a skill development emphasis that already has his Bears looking better than ever. No one knows what type of system coach Cowgill will implement but seeing as how Brennan is easily the tallest team in city, we can probably expect to see a lot of high-low and ball screen actions.  Although senior Alyssa Crockett may be out for the season, senior Ashlynn Graham and juniors Tanaeya Boclair and Kelani Marquez will continue to lead this team in Crockett's absence.  

What to expect from the Bears: Same players but New system; Tallest team in the city; Hard-nosed defenders; Several different defensive schemes; College like discipline and maturity

HIGHLANDS - Last Year's Record: 6-26
REDEMPTION YEAR: The sad part is that the Highlands Owls lost 35 points a game which came from 2012 graduates Jourdan Doffeny (Univ of Nebraska) and Marissa Handsome. On a much brighter note last year's young team: is a year experienced, has moved from an overwhelming 5A district to a more attainable 4A district, and has acquired a definite difference maker in Wyoming move-in Jina Lackey. Highlands coach Adrianna Wiatrek is known for her scrappy full court pressure in attempt to create offense from defense.  She will have no problem implementing her system with guards like Lackey, Destiny Morales, Emily Pearce and Christa Gomez.  This is the year the Owls will hope to get back to the playoff status they had two years ago.

What to expect from the Owls: Quick and scrappy guards; No true post players; Full court presses 

BRACKENRIDGE - Last Years Record:  27-9
NOT GOING TO BE THAT EASY:  Last year the Eagles cruised to an undefeated District Championship and playoff berth. Well............... As the title states, this year will not be that easy.  The Brennan bears have moved into District 28-4A and are on quest to dethrone the Eagles.  Nevertheless, the Eagles are always up for the challenge and junior leading score Keimoria Wiseman is ready to take on more of a leadership role this season with the loss of April Brady and Gabriela Pedraza to graduation.  Crafty point guard Miranda Acuna and forward Dorene Ramirez will provide more scoring for the Eagles to add to Wiseman's inside presence.  This season will definitely be more challenging but there is no doubt the Eagles will make the playoffs once again.

What to expect from the Eagles: Solid inside presence; scrappy guard play; Run and gun; 3-point shooters

OTHER 28-4A SCHOOLS:
Lanier - How will the Voks replace the scoring of Samantha Cortinas (2012)?

DISTRICT 29-4A
Predicted Champion: Floresville
Surprise Team: Memorial

FLORESVILLE - Last Year's Record: 29-6
THE YEAR WITHOUT MAC & GOOSE: For the past few years Floresville has been led by coach Greg McWilliams and his high scoring run 'n' gun system with one of the top scorers in the city in Erica "Goose" Hernandez.  Coach Mac is now coaching in San Angelo and Goose is playing at Southeastern Louisiana University.  These two carried Floresville to their best record in several years and a Regional Tournament appearance.  This year brings a new coach in former Abilene Christian assistant Terri Twilligear and new leaders in senior Shelby Leinwebber and junior DeHavalan Watts.  Both Leinwebber and Watts were key contributors in the Jaguars' success last year and will look to lead this team to the top of their new district.  The epic battles with Victoria East and Gregory-Portland will have to wait until playoff time, but this year the Jags will have new challenges with Harlandale, Medina Valley, and Memorial.

What to expect from the Jags: New defensive minded system; Discipline; Fundamental; More scoring from DeHavalan Watts; Inside dominance from Shelby Leinwebber

OTHER 29-4A SCHOOLS:
McCollum -  Coach Jessica Dedman has realistic expectations for her team but feels this is going to be a good year.  Several returning players and a few key youngsters will be called to the plate for the Cowgirls.
Memorial - Coach Michael Gant and his MinuteWomen try to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year after going winless three years ago.
Harlandale - Last season was a remarkable turnaround year for the Indians who made it to the second round of the playoffs before losing to Vandergrift.  Leading scorer Connie Garza is back for her junior year and despite the loss of several seniors, Harlandale should challenge 29-4A for a playoff spot.

NEXT PREVIEW: 5A Schools

ALYSSA CROCKETT HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

Alyssa Crockett (Brennan/Sophia Young Elite) is a TOP TEN 2013 in the city whose stock has risen after a phenomenal summer!

THE DECISION....
Reagan High School and Sophia Young Elite superstar defender Moriah Mack will be taking her talents to Las Cruces, New Mexico to play for New Mexico State University. NMSU is an NCAA Division 1 institution that competes in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Moriah becomes the 5th committed player for Sophia Young Elite, the 4th in the 2013 class, and the 2nd to go to NMSU.

Congrats to Moriah and the Mack family!

Other SYE Commitments:
2013 Destiny Amezquita - Northern Arizona
2013 Brianna Freeman - New Mexico State
2013 Jasmine Goodwine - Rice
2015 Kyra Lambert - Texas A&M

SEASON PREVIEW - SMALL SCHOOLS (1A-2A-3A)

Next on our annual "Season Preview" list are the small schools. Schools that fall into the "Small School" category are 1A, 2A, and 3A programs.  Two local 2A programs advanced to the Regional Tournament last year with one of those two making it to the state championship game.  Which program will take a hit this year? and which one will most likely return to state?  Here's a preview of our San Antonio area small schools:

HONDO
District: 27-3A Last Year's Record: 19-17 
Last year's Hondo Owls team was one of the youngest in the area.  The story of the Owls season was the coming out party for freshmen guard Tyler Barnes.  The 1st Team All District freshmen led the Owls in scoring and into the second round of the playoffs. Hondo suffered a much expected loss to Navarro in the second round but held their heads high and only looking ahead to the bright future in store. Tyler Barnes is back, seasoned, and better than ever.  She will team up with 6'3 senior post Cindy Stanukinos to form a solid inside/out threat. The Owls will also look for strong contribution from sophomores Candace Carroll and Mallory McCollum who were freshmen on varsity last season. Lastly, Coach DJ Denton is not afraid to pull freshmen up to the varsity, so don't be surprised to see 2016 Prysilla Ramon get thrown into the mix.

What to expect from the Owls: Solid inside presence; Guards have the green light; The DJ Denton "Rope Exchange"

KNIPPA
District: 31-1A Last Year's Record: 21-9
It seems like just the other day Ashley Salazar (McNeese State University) led the state in scoring and put this team on her back all the way to the State Semifinals in 2011. There were two sophomores on that team who are now seniors and ready to get their team back to the status of the 2011 season.  Seniors Leonor Diaz and Caitlin Rothe were named Offensive MVP and Defensive MVP of District 31-1A last season.  The loss of 2015 stud Brittany Keeney to Utopia will be tough to swallow, but the Crushers have endless ammunition in their senior trio (Diaz, Rothe, Kassidy Shimp) and sophomore Jessica Lewis. Coach Edmundo Salazar is known to love the 3-ball, so keep your eyes peeled for freshman sharpshooter Lauren Rentch to flourish in his system.

What to expect from the Crushers: In the gut pressure defense to force turnovers; Fastbreaks/Transition Offense; Shooters, Shooter, and more Shooters

MARION
District: 29-2A Last Year's Record: 32-5
The Marion Bulldogs have taken the biggest hit out of all the small schools in the area starting with the loss of two All-Region standouts Rachel Farris (Montana Tech) and Kyana Fennell (TX A&M Kingsville). The Bulldogs also lost sophomore work-horse Kyra Fennell, who transferred to Schertz Clemens.  So this upcoming season can be summed up in four words.......THE CAMI DAVIS SHOW!!!! The tough and gritty sophomore will have her hands full in trying to match last years' Regional Tournament run, but this kid is ready for the challenge.  

What to expect from the Bulldogs: Young; Scrappy; Inexperienced; No inside presence ie: Rachel Farris; Small line ups

POTH
District: 30-2A Last Year's Record: 30-9 
Guess what???
Yep...You guessed right....Ashley Fuller and Micah Weaver are back!!! This means yet another State Tournament run for the Poth Pirates.  Coach Peggy Hosek has 12 State Tournament appearances and 3 State Championships under her belt and looks to add another this season.  The future San Antonio Hall of Fame coach does a great job of challenging her team and preparing them for District and Post-season play.  Expectations are high for the Pirates and their senior leaders (Fuller and Weaver).  The two seniors played together all summer against high level competion and are ready to rally the troops back to Austin.

What to expect from the Pirates: Strong 5A-4A Non-district schedule; Experience; Discipline; Shooters; Weaver slashing at all angles

OTHER SMALL SCHOOLS:
Navarro - The Panthers will be in the rebuilding process after losing their top three scorers to graduation. The Sophomore duo of Shannon Thompson and Summer Sahd will have a more prominent role in matching last years' 29-6 record.

Sam Houston - A 16-15 overall/10-2 district record took the Hurricanes to the second round a year ago without a player over 5'10".  Just about everybody is back and the Yoakum Bulldogs are the only thing standing in Coach Mylise Lampkins' way of a district championship.

Boerne - 6'3 junior Avery Queen is the Queen of the double-double and is one of the hottest players in the city. Avery returns as the leader of the Greyhounds who lost in the second round to Salado last season.

NEXT PREVIEW: 4A Schools

UNDERRATED BUT READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT

This kid had an amazing summer which has her stock on the rise... This kid is one of the hardest workers in the city.. This kid is ready to have a breakout senior season... This kid is none other than Marshall HS senior Katherine "KK" Saenz...

SEASON PREVIEW - PRIVATE SCHOOLS

We will start our annual "Season Preview" with a few private schools in the area. Cornerstone, Antonian and Incarnate Word are three private schools that can compete with most public schools on any given night.  All three programs experienced wins against several area public school last season.  Here's a preview of our San Antonio area private schools:

ANTONIAN
District: TAPPS 2-5A     Last Year's Record: 21-18
The Apaches will be led by first year coach Koby Cantu and return their top two scorers in Senior Jackie Anderson and Junior Elissa Garza.  Coach Cantu brings an uptempo style of play to Antonian as seen with his San Antonio Heat teams in the past. Don't be alarmed if you see Coach Cantu occassionally enforce his "run and jump" defensive scheme which is also a SA Heat classic. Briones will be called on to protect the paint for the Apaches.  This experienced team should without a doubt make it further in the playoffs than last year's 2nd round loss.

What to expect from the Apaches: Fast pace; Run & Jump; Tough schedule; Freshmen will get a chance (Brittany Parker & Kayla Alavarado)

CORNERSTONE
District: TCAL 1-3A     Last Year's Record: 13-6 (every game was not reported) 
Kelli Tolar (Dodge City CC) and Beverly Holmes (Millsaps College) were the catalyst behind Cornerstone's success last season. The two seniors led the team to 20+ wins and the Cru'won the TCAL state tournament. What Tolar and Holmes brought to the Crusaders was leadership and nearly 40 points a game. This a huge loss for the young Crusaders who will definitely take their share of lumps this season, but this sophomore heavy team is a year seasoned and should be up for the challenge.

What to expect from the Cru': Inexperienced but hardworking team; Someone needs to step up and score 

INCARNATE WORD
District: TAPPS 2-5A     Last Year's Record: 26-7
Yeah, they lost one of the city's best players in graduated senior Tori Villarreal, but this season the Shamrock's are loaded with several talented seniors in Brianna Bustamente, Elise Blackmon, and Selena Saldana. Last year's leading scorer Krista Koblinski (2014) has transferred to Reagan, which only means more scoring will be needed from the senior trio. Coach Troy Patterson does an amazing job with this program which consistantly makes their way into the Top 10 rankings year in and year out.  

What to expect from the Shamrocks: Experience; Very discipline, Scrappy and "In your face" defenders; Efficient but Low scoring 

OTHER PRIVATE SCHOOLS:
New Braunfels Christian - The most talked about school on the news lately due to their recent fugitive former coach. There is a new sheriff in town and New Braunfels High School transfer Shelby Miskell will look to take this team to the State Final Four (TAPPS 2A) and recover the school's tainted reputation.

San Antonio Christian - Lost senior Bailey Homann but coach Mark Gately will put the team in the hands of last season's leading scorer Kaycee Lamas (2014).

Castle Hills -  The new district alignment will result in a end of season district tournament which will determine post season seeding.  The Eagles are led by one of the top skill-set trainers in coach Tim Springer who will throw his freshmen into the fire alongside side power forward Andrea Ramirez and hope for a deep playoff run as seen two years ago.

 NEXT PREVIEW: Small Public Schools (3A, 2A, 1A) 

SYE HAS ANOTHER D1 COMMITMENT

Brianna Freeman of Harker Heights High School (Harker Heights, TX) is the third of a possible eight 2013 Division 1 commitments for Sophia Young Elite. Freeman has just given a verbal commitment to the New Mexico State University of the WAC Conference.

Congrats to Brianna and Sophia Young Elite!!!

Other SYE commitments:
2013 Jasmine Goodwine to Rice
2013 Destiny Amezquita to Northern Arizona
2015 Kyra Lambert to Texas A&M

Another SYE senior has committed as well... Details coming soon!!!! 

LOCAL COACH IS HEADED EAST

Trinity University assistant coach and former St. Mary's Hall coach Marvin Walker has just accepted an assistant coaching position at NCAA Division 1 Binghamton University in New York. Coach Walker is no stranger to San Antonio girls basketball as he is seen recruiting at everything from high-school games and exposure events to mom and pop local tournaments. In fact, he was just recently recruiting for Trinity at the 4th Annual Alamo City Jr/Sr Showcase two weeks ago.

Congrats to Coach Walker on this big time move!!!!

MACK ATTACK

Another super athlete and the city's best on ball defender, Moriah Mack has her official visits set and is getting closer to making a college decision. 

Schools Mack will be visiting: University of Louisiana-Lafayette (already visited), New Mexico State University (this weekend), San Diego State University, University of New Orleans

Check out Moriah Mack in action: 

SMITTY STAYING LOCAL

Wagner High School and SA Finest Monster Big, Tesha Smith (2013 #6), has given a verbal commitment to the University of Texas at San Antonio.  Tesha is the 4th commitment for SA Finest in the 2013 class.

Other Finest commits - Brooke Allemand (New Mexico), Kayla White (Wichita State), Brianna Jones (Wichita State) 

Congrats to Tesha Smith!!!! 

ALUMNI UPDATE

RiverCityHoopScoop had the opportunity to check-in with 4 of our Top 5 ranked seniors from a year ago.  These ladies are enjoying early success at the next level.  Here's what they had to say.

	NIAGA MITCHELL-COLE (2012 #1) 2012 ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL GRAD CURRENT UT-SAN ANTONIO FRESHMAN NCAA Division 1 We asked Niaga: You have a summer of college behind you and now a few weeks into the Fall semester. How's that going? NMC - College is what I would call a more "Mature" form of High School. It's definitely time consuming with workouts, class, study halls, etc, but I love it.  I'm glad I chose the school I did. What would you say was the biggest adjustment you had to make going from a high school student to a college student-athlete? NMC - The biggest adjustment I had to make was managing my time. You have workouts, then being able to eat right at respectable times, then making time to study... Oh and I can't forget about SLEEP...Naps are your best friend in college haha... Managaing your time is CRUCIAL! Have you experienced any embarrassing moments so far? NMC - I don't know if this falls under the "Embarrassing" category, but I did run from a skunk walking to a 6:30am workout. That thing was coming after me LOL!  Describe your overall experience so far in one word... NMC - EXTRAORDINARY
	SABRINA BERRY (2012 #2) 2012 REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL GRAD CURRENT INDPENDENCE CC FRESHMAN NJCAA Division 1 We asked Breezy: You have a summer of college behind you and now a few weeks into the Fall semester. How's that going? SB - College is going well so far. It's a lot different than high school... IT'S YOUR JOB! Homework everyday...NO LATE WORK! College is nothing like I pictured it to be!   What would you say was the biggest adjustment you had to make going from a high school student to a college student-athlete? SB - Managaing my time wisely with basketball, working, and making sure I get my school work in on time.  Have you experienced any embarrassing moments so far? SB - LOL No  Describe your overall experience so far in one word... SB - AMAZING
	EBONY EASTER (2012 #4) 2012 O'CONNOR HIGH SCHOOL GRAD CURRENT AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE FRESHMAN NCAA Division 2 We asked Easter: You have a summer of college behind you and now a few weeks into the Fall semester. How's that going? EE - It's been a big change for me, but I like it a lot.  All of the students and professors are so friendly and open. My teammates are also really cool. What would you say was the biggest adjustment you had to make going from a high school student to a college student-athlete? EE - The biggest adjustment so far is making sure I prioritize so that I get everything done. Have you experienced any embarrassing moments so far? EE - Not really anything too embarrassing yet.  Well.... the other freshmen and I were playing volleyball in the quad and I embarrassed myself pretty bad. I definitely don't have what it takes to play that sport. Describe your overall experience so far in one word... EE - EXCITING
	ELENA GUMBS (2012 #5) 2012 STEELE HIGH SCHOOL GRAD CURRENT RICE UNIVERSITY FRESHMAN NCAA Division 1 We asked Gumby: You have a summer of college behind you and now a few weeks into the Fall semester. How's that going? EG - So far college has been hectic! What would you say was the biggest adjustment you had to make going from a high school student to a college student-athlete? EG - Learning to manage my time is the biggest adjustment I've had to make. I had always been warned about the challenges I would face in balancing school work and basketball, but now it's become reality. Have you experienced any embarrassing moments so far? EG - I have yet to have an embarrassing moment, and I prefer to keep it that way!  Describe your overall experience so far in one word... EG - If I had to describe my experience in one word, I'd sayyyyyyy CHALLENGING (but in an inspiring way)!!

ARGUABLY THE MOST ATHLETIC PLAYER IN SA

6'1 FORWARD ELEXUS ALLEN (2013 - STEVENS HIGH SCHOOL/SOPHIA YOUNG ELITE) 

THE NEW KING OF THE HORNETS NEST

Josh Barnes has been named the new Head Coach for Girls basketball at East Central High School.  Barnes was recently a middle school football coach and now inherits a 19-15 program that was lead by current Brandeis coach Jennifer Brewer. Last season the Lady Hornets made the playoffs for the first time in several years and eventually upset a Top 10 ranked Stevens program in the first round. 

Coach Barnes is a coach with high, but realistic expectations for his program. Congrats on your new endeavor!!!! 

THE VOLUNTEERS NEW COACH T

Former Reagan High School standout Dru Tomaszewski is the new Head Coach at Lee High School. Tomaszewski inherits Mike Taylor's program that went 9-23 last season. Taylor moved on to be a boys assistant at Jay.

"My goal is to teach these girls how to win and have fun doing it!" - Dru Tomaszewski 

Congrats to the new Coach T!!! 

ALUMNI UPDATE 

A couple of our 2012 grads took time out to check in with RiverCityHoopScoop and give us "The Scoop" on how college is going so far. Both current freshmen have been at their respective Universities all summer for off-season weights and conditioning.

JORDAN HOLUB 2012 CHURCHILL HIGH SCHOOL CURRENT UT-ARLINGTON FRESHMAN NCAA Division 1    We asked Jordan: You have been a college student for about 3 months now, how's that going? JH - It is really cool! I love it! The team and coaches are very cool and welcoming! It was tough saying bye to my family and friends but I was ready for a new beginning! Arlington is a very fun town and the people here are so nice!    What would you say was the biggest adjustment you had to make going from a high school student to a college student-athlete? JH - The biggest adjustment I had to make would be just being away from home for months! Because if I was just going to school I could go home whenever I wanted, but since I am playing basketball it is a full time commitment! But my team makes that adjustment alot easier!   Have you experienced any embarrassing moments so far? JH - Hmm embarrasing moments... I guess when I was doing ladders, I couldn't do one of the steps and it took me forever to get it!    Describe your overall experience so far in one word... JH - Indepenednt, Busy, Motivating, Overwhelming, Fun, and just anxious to see how this year goes! :-)

MONET NEAL 2012 TAFT HIGH SCHOOL GRAD CURRENT HOUSTON BAPTIST UNIVERSITY FRESHMAN NCAA Division 1                 We asked Monet: You have been a college student for about 3 months now, how's that going? MN - I really like it. It's something that you have to adapt to, but I like the community feel of the campus.   What would you say was the biggest adjustment you had to make going from a high school student to a college student-athlete? MN - I think my biggest adjustment was getting used to my class schedule. Days are shorter, but start earlier... I like it. Have you experienced any embarrassing moments so far? MN - Hmm, embarrassing moments.... Well during "Welcome Days" they picked 3 freshmen to help with one of the skits they put on.  I was one of those freshmen and I had to get covered in mustard, ketchup, and chocolate syrup. Haha it wasn't as embarrassing as it was funny.   Describe your overall experience so far in one word... MN - Life-Changing

FEATURED 2015s

This article highlights a pair of sophomores that had outstanding summers and are ready for war. One is a talented combo guard that plays with so much "swag"... The other is by far the "Toughest kid in the city." Both players have not received the recognition they deserve and will be playing with a slight chip on their shoulders...

BRIANNA MILLETT 5'9 G, Steele HS This Steele sophomore is set out to prove that she is without a doubt a top 5 player in her class.  Brianna landed in a rough position as she entered Steele High School last year. She was competing for a spot on arguably the best backcourt in the city (Elena Gumbs-2012, McKenzie Calvert-2014, Kyra Lambert-2015) and the result was her having to split time on varsity and jv for the Knights.  Millett has had a solid summer campaign which generated interest from several high major schools and she is absolutely ready for the upcoming season. She will team up with Calvert and Lambert to once again give Steele a fierce backcourt. We asked Ms. Bri: How was your summer of basketball and was it beneficial for you? B - Basketball this summer was great! It was definitely a success, couldn't ask for a better one! I felt it was very beneficial in several different aspects. Basketball wise, I learned a lot of new things, met new people, and improved my game A LOT!    The sophomore year is usually a critical one with establishing a name for yourself in the city. Are you prepared for this year and what are you going to do differently this year? B - This year is going to be an exciting one! I feel I am very prepared, I'm ready and I'm hungry. Something I would do differently this year is work on breaking bad habits and turning them into good ones.   What personal goals do you have for yourself for this year? B - Personal goals? Geeze I have a lot of those! Definitely, no if, ands, or buts need to get my conditioning better, a lot better. I also want to be in the gym a lot more working on everything from handles to shooting and everything in between because I don't think I was in the gym enough last year.

MIKKI FLORES 5'3 G, Churchill HS/SA Islanders          When talking about tough players in the city, Mikki Flores has got to be in that conversation.  The 5'3 Churchill guard is one of those fireballs that would run through walls for the team if she was told to.  She plays so hard and with so much passion to the extent that taking a charge or diving on the floor is second nature.  Mikki Flores had an awesome summer for the SA Islanders and is going to her sophomore season with a ton of confidence just like her backcourt mate Leslie Vorpahl (2013-Tulane)   We asked Mighty Mikki: How was your summer of basketball and was it beneficial for you? M - I would say it was a good summer. I got to experience playing in the Basketball on the Bayou tournament in New Orleans and in the International Tournament in Orlando, Florida. This helped me see the different ranges of competition outside of San Antonio. I played older, bigger, more experienced girls and that made me mentally and physically stronger with my game. I also attended the Aggies Elite camp in June where I was able to learn from the coaches and see what colleges are looking for in a player.    The sophomore year is usually a critical one with establishing a name for yourself in the city. Are you prepared for this year and what are you going to do differently this year? M - I feel well prepared, I plan to become a better offensive player this year. I have worked all summer on my shots, my ball skills and my ball handling. I want to prove to everyone that I am an offensive threat.    What personal goals do you have for yourself for this year? M - One of my goals is to be a leader on my Churchill Varsity team and help get my team to the playoffs and hopefully to State. Another one of my goals is improve my GPA by working as hard academically as I do on the court.

ANOTHER D1 COMMIT FOR SYE

Jasmine Goodwine of Killeen High School (Killeen, TX) is the second of a possible eight 2013 Division 1 commitments for Sophia Young Elite. Goodwine has just given a verbal commitment to the Conference USA's Rice University.  Congrats to Jasmine and Sophia Young Elite!!!

Other SYE commitments:
2013 Destiny Amezquita to Northern Arizona
2015 Kyra Lambert to Texas A&M

NEW BLOOD IN APACHE TERRITORY

San Antonio Heat Director Koby Cantu has been named the new head coach at Antonian. Cantu is the 3rd Antonian coach in 3 years and inherits last years 21-18 team that returns all but two players. Antonian is led by SA Finest guard Jackie Anderson (2013 #15) and also has two incoming 2016 studs in Crossfire's Kayla Alvarado and Brittany Parker.

"God is good. I am humbled and excited" - Koby Cantu

FEATURED 2013s

For the next few months RiverCityHoopScoop will highlight several players in the city.  This first article is set to give some of our 2013s the love they much deserve.  The following players are three 2013s that blew up this summer and are sure to be impacts this season. One is a player that has been known to many as a D1 lock... One is a player that San Antonio has slept on for quite some time, but she can absolutely "Get Buckets"... And the last is a player that you probably have never heard about but she has truely emerged this summer.

	ELEXUS ALLEN 6'1 Forward, Stevens HS/Sophia Young Elite Elexus is arguably the most athletic player in the 2013 class and has been for several years.  After several years of incosistent performances, she found a home with Sophia Young Elite this summer and became a hot commodity to several Division 1 schools.  With Stevens graduating 4 college players in the last 2 years, Elexus will be called on to contribute more offensively this season. We asked E-Allen: Tell us about your experience this summer? E - My summer club season was great and I feel that I improved alot. Sophia Young Elite helped me by giving me the exposure I needed and also made me a lot more confident in my game.  I really developed into an offensive threat this summer. What's your outlook and goals for yourself and your team this HS season? E - First of all, my goal is to be more of a leader and push my team to be the greatest. Another team goal is to make it to State! Personally I want to handle the ball more and be more of an offensive threat.
	KATHERINE "KK" SAENZ 5'8 Guard, Marshall HS/Comets-Leonard    The city of San Antonio has been sleeping on this player for years.  KK Saenz is without a doubt a top guard in the city and is bound to have a breakout senior year.  Look out for last seasons assist and steals leader for Marshall to have a more prominent scoring role for the Rams this year.  KK is coming off a very successful sume circuit with Coach Leonards' Comets that put her in a solid position going into this season.   We asked KK "Buckets": Tell us about your experience this summer? K - The Comets had a good basketball season.  We had some injuries which affected our team's performance, but this obstacle was a challenge for me and my teammates to step up.  When we went to Frisco for the Super 64, I worked hard and tried to lead by example.  My best game was against the CyFair Elite.  I scored 24 points  (9-10 from free throw line), had 6 rebounds, 2 assist,  and 2 steals.   I am really proud of how we all worked together. What's your outlook and goals for yourself and your team this HS season? K - My first goal is for our team to make it into the playoffs.  We have some very talented people on our team this year, and if we all work together, I believe we will be successful.  I know that I have the potential to score 20 or more points a game, and be a facilitator for my teammates; so this is definitely a goal of mine.   But, I also want to continue to be a leader and a good example for my team mates on and off the court.   I’m really excited to show everyone how hard I’ve been working my senior year, and I also want to keep my 4.0 GPA and keep most importantly keep God first.
	TREI TORAIN 6'2 Forward, Clark HS/Crossfire Most of you readers have never heard of Trei Torain, Clark High Schools version of Serge Ibaka.  Trei is a late bloomer to the game but is easily another one of the many freak athletes in the 2013 class.  The Clark Cougars were so close to the final playoff spot in 27-5A last year, but with Trei Torain's improvement this summer they are bound to earn one of those 4 spots. We asked Lady T: Tell us about your experience this summer? T - My summer AAU season was great. I got to travel and play against people I've never seen before. Meaning that it taught me how to guard different people rather than the same people in San Antonio. I really have learned a lot from my coaches and I still have a lot to learn, but everyday for me is progress. I learn something new every practice and that is what practices are for. I really appreciate my AAU Coach PJ he has taught me so much and still has more to teach me. He is really helping me to become a great player.    What's your outlook and goals for yourself and your team this HS season? T - Now for my upcoming school basketball season one of my goals is to go to the playoffs with my team. My goals are to rebound more on the offensive side, work harder on defense, and to work on my ball handling. But my main goal is to work hard and make it to the playoffs. We worked so hard last year and it really hurt to not make it but this year we aren't going out without a fight! We will make it this year! That is one of my main goals and the other is my defense. A lot of my coaches I've had in the past have told me that defense wins games and if I deliver the defense my offense will automatically come. So I hope to reach all of my goals and have an amazing season for my last year!

UIW GETS AN UPGRADE

Congrats to the University of the Incarnate Word, the newest member of NCAA Division 1 and the Southland Conference. UIW will compete in Southland Conference play starting in 2013-2014. The Cardinals join McNeese State, Southeastern Louisiana, Lamar, Sam Houston State, Central Arkansas, Oral Roberts, Nicholls State, Northwestern State, Tx A&M- Corpus Christi, Stephen F. Austin and new members University of New Orleans, Houston Baptist, and Abilene Christian.

NOT 1... BUT 2... FUTURE RED RAIDERS

CONGRATS to Johnson HS and CyFair Nike slasher Erica Sanders (2015 #2) who recently commited to NCAA Division 1, Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. Erica is the third 2015 in San Antonio to be committed to a major Division 1 program. 

We also want to say congrats to the newest member of the Johnson HS Jaguars, Tiara Davenport (2014), who recently moved to San Antonio and also committed to Texas Tech University. Tiara also played with CyFair Nike - Gulley.

THIS IS HUGE FOR THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO AND THE FUTURE OF THE JOHNSON JAGUARS!!!!

(pictured - Erica Sanders on left; Tiera Davenport on right)

CLINIC STANDOUTS

The following players were standouts at the first of our two part RiverCityHoopScoop Fall Clinic:

2013 - KK Saenz & Elexus Allen
2014 - Janine Armstrong, Julia Wilson & Antania Newton
2015 - Mikki Flores, BreAnn Ford, Morgan Williams & Jourdan Grills
2016 - Alexandra Busby-Leija, Ria Gulley, Brianna Salinas, Bobbi Timmons, Courtney Trimble & Sam Washington
2017 - Karyssa Henry, Briana Longoria, Missy Lockridge, Kamille Cooper, Bianca Hernandez, Paige Naranjo
2018 - Destiny Jenkins & Morgan Hellums
2019 - Bridget Berry & Victoria Davis
2021 - Bria McClure

CONGRATS TO ALL OF THESE PLAYERS AND WE HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A NEW HEAD HONCHO IN RAIDER COUNTRY

O'Connor High School assistant coach Laura Garza has been named the new head coach at Taft. Laura replaces longtime coach Lynette Joiner who resigned last spring. Taft has not been a powerhouse program in some years, but we look forward to Garza bringing the Raiders back to top 10 status. Congrats to Coach Garza and her new gig!!

FORMER JAY STARS TRANSFER

Former Jay High School star Erica Donovan (2011) has transferred from North Carolina State University to Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

Donovans' Jay teammate Kiarra Taylor (2011) transfers from Texas Southern University to Hill Jr College. Kiara will play for her former TSU assistant Scott Hyland.

Taylor is the sixth 2011 grad to transfer schools. Pearl Thomas (Highlands/Cisco JC/Cloud County KS) and Shanesha Clayton (Highlands/Cisco JC/Southwestern Chula Vist, CA) also transferred after a coaching change while Erica Donovan (Jay/NC State/Bowling Green), Nikki Noland (MacArthur/Central Methodist/Odessa JC) and Lauren Zoldey (Steele/Angelo State/Our Lady of the Lake) transferred for personal reasons.

We wish all these tranfers the best and hope for a better situation.

THE FUTURE OF THE AGGIES... 

Cibolo Steele and Sophia Young Elite dynamic point guard Kyra Lambert (2015 #1) has verbally committed to Texas A&M. Kyra becomes the first San Antonio 2015 to verbally commit to a college. Texas A&M is the newest member of the SEC.

CONGRATULATIONS KYRA!!

MINNER GETS THE PROMOTION

Our Lady of the Lake University Assistant Coach Chris Minner has been named Women's Basketball Interim Head Coach after the recent departure of Rusty Kennedy to Western New Mexico.  Minner is a very familiar face to San Antonio girls basketball, as he and Kennedy are often seen recruiting at high school basketball games. He will now take over the OLLU program that is coming off a Red River Conference Championship and NAIA tournament appearance.

Congrats to Coach Minner !!!!!!!

KENNEDY MOVES WEST

After several years of success and a most recent Red River Conference Championship and NAIA tournament berth at Our Lady of the Lake University, Coach Rusty Kennedy has decided to take the Head Coach job at Western New Mexico University. Rusty has done a great job in the city of San Antonio and is a familiar face at San Antonio girls high school basketball games.  Kennedy inherits a Rocky Moutnain Athletic Conference program in WNMU that won 1 game in the past two seasons (1-50 record from 2010-2012). This is definitely a change for the successful coach but we at RiverCityHoopScoop feel that there is no better man for the job.

Congrats to Coach Kennedy on your newest challenge!!!

TWO SAN ANTONIO TEAMS RANKED IN TOP 100

The National Women's Basketball Insider has recently come out with their list of the TOP 100 CLUB TEAMS in the nation. RiverCityHoopScoop is proud to announce that two local clubs have made the list. Sophia Young Elite finishes the summer ranked #36 in the nation while SA Finest ranks #59. Congrats to both of these organizations!!!!

A total of six Texas teams made the list including #8 CyFair Nike, #16 DFW Elite T-Jack, #60 Texas Preps Elite (formerly DFW Washington) and #63 Duncanville Elite.

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE LIST

JAY STAR COMMITS

Jay HS and Sophia Young Elite phenomenal point guard Destiny Amezquita (2013 - #5) has just given a verbal commitment to Northern Arizona University.  NAU is a NCAA Division 1 university which competes in the Big Sky Conference. 

CONGRATS DESTINY!!!!

ALLEMAND CHOOSES THE MOUNTAIN WEST 

Boerne Champion high school and SA Finest 3point specialist, Brooke Allemand (2013 - #4), has given  a verbal commitment to the University of New Mexico (NCAA Division I). Allemand is the first commitment in San Antonio's talented 2013 class.

2014 COMMITMENT......WHY WAIT????

Marshall High School and SA Finest ace shooter Carlie Heineman (2014 #10) wastes no time giving a commitment to the newest member of Conference USA, University of Texas - San Antonio. Congrats to Carlie on being the first UTSA early commitment of the Rae Blair era and the second early commitment of San Antonio's 2014 class

THERE'S A NEW SHERIFF IN FLORESVILLE

With all the coaching vacancies and movement around the city, everyone is anxious to see who's hired where. Well the Floresville position has recently been filled. Portland, TX native, Terri Twilliger is set to lead the Lady Jaguars in the 2012-2013 season.  Coach Twilliger most recently spent several years as an assistant coach at Abilene Christian University. The move to the high school level bring Terri back to San Antonio where she made a name for herself as a player at the University of the Incarnate Word.  RiverCityHoopScoop would like to welcome Terri back to the river city and wish her the best at Floresville.

Other Coaching Vacancies:
Brennan, Clemens, Lee, Kennedy, Antonian

RiverCityHoopScoop will do our best in finding out "The Scoop" on the above mentioned vacancies!!

THE NEW LEADER OF THE BUFFS

Coach John Ince (formerly the head coach at Brandeis) has been named the new head coach of the Clemens Buffaloes. John Ince is coming off a playoff year at Brandeis, which was the first ever playoff appearance in the school's short history. He now replaces coach Coy Tackitt at Clemens who was recently named the head boys coach at Floresville. "It  is an opportunity to coach at the same school my boys will attend. I only have 5 years left with them. Hardest decision of my career."-John Ince.

Ince will inherit a Clemens program that reached the playoffs each of the past few years. They also return 2014 guards Talisha Presley and Sabrina Catangal, recent Madison transfer Monica Perez (2013), and 2015 Marion transfer Kyra Fennell. We all know Coach Ince is one of the best in the business and will do an amazing job wherever he coaches.

THE BEARS NEW DICTATOR

Well known UTSA assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Koty Cowgill has been named the new head coach at Brennan High School.  Koty has spent the past few years as one of the top recruiters and basketball minds in the Southland Conference. He will inherit a Brennan program, formerly led by new Johnson coach Randy Evans, that went 35-1 last season with their only loss coming to Victoria East in the Regional Tournament. 

Brennan returns their entire team led by 2014 phenom Tanaeya Boclair and rising senior Alyssa Crockett.  Some may say Koty Cowgill has landed the best coaching situation in the city, while others will say he has some pretty big shoes to fill.

Congrats to coach Cowgill on this position!!!!!!!!!!

LAMBERT AMONGST THE NATIONS' BEST

Meighan Simmons did it.... Recee' Caldwell and McKenzie Calvert are doing it... and now Cibolo Steele and Sophia Young Elite phenom, Kyra Lambert (2015 #1), is making a name for herself amongst the nations' best. Lambert recently attended the Elite Basketball Academy event in Phoenix, Arizona last weekend. This event was hosted by Brandon Clay of ESPN Hoopgurlz and Peach State Hoops, as well as several other ESPN Hoopgurlz writers and contributers. The event was a display of some of the nations' best players and served as a great chance for players to prove themselves to the ranking services and writers on hand. According to ESPN Hoopgurlz, Kyra Lambert put on a show. Lambert continues to rack up the High Major offers including a recent offer from an SEC school and several other.

RiverCityHoopScoop would like to say congrats to Kyra on such a great performance.

Click here to check out the ESPN HoopGurlz article

(other SA players to attend EBA camp: Avery Queen, Gabbi Bowie, Gabby Connally, Amber Ramirez, Kiana Williams)

FEATURED ATHLETES - JUNE 2012

We are right into the peak of Club Season and the long awaited July exposure period is just around the corner. Several local club teams are chasing trophies every weekend while the true elite teams are preparing for a grueling month of travel in July. 

We at RiverCityHoopScoop feel the best way to lead into the July period is to hear from the players themselves.  Our Featured Athletes for the month of June are 3 of the hottest players in the city right now.  All three of these players have tons of colleges on their trail, several NCAA Division 1 offers, and have made a name for themselves on the national scene. Coincidentally, all 3 players come from District 26-5A and are coached by arguably the 3 best coaches in the city (Randy Evans, Cal Wulfsberg, Terry Barton).

	LESLIE VORPAHL (2013 #2) Churchill HS/SA Heat When it comes to girls basketball in San Antonio, Leslie Vorpahl became a household name during the 2011-2012 season. She put the Chargers on her back to dominate several games and march into the 3rd round of the playoffs. Leslie is a hot commodity right now and has division 1 coaches pleading for her services. We asked Leslie: What are your pregame rituals, if any? Vorpahl - I put my bestfriend Jordan's bracelet in my sock before every game but other than that I'm not very superstitious like most players. I just listen to music and visualize to get ready mentally. What are your main goals for the month of July? Vorpahl - My goals for this July is not particularly to get more options, but moreso to help my teammates secure scholarship offers. What advice would you give other players going into the July period? Vorpahl - My advice would be just to have fun and not worry about who is watching. I would also tell players not to worry about stats, but to do all the little things right like aggressive defense, blocking out, being a team player, having hustle plays, taking care of the ball, staying composed and having a great attitude even when they are out of the game.    VORPAHL HAS NARROWED HER CHOICES TO (no particular order): Rice, Colorado, Tulane, UT-Arlington, and McNeese St
	GABRIELLE BOWIE (2014 #6) Johnson HS/SA Finest NewComer of the Year in El Paso her freshmen year...Program changer for her high school as a sophomore in San Antonio... To primetime baller and top 150 ranked player in some national polls.  Gabbi Bowie is ON THE MAP!!! This kid can flat out play and has the heart, work ethic and passion of a WNBA veteran. She will not back down from any opponent and will give 110% effort to shut down the #1 player in the nation the same she would for the last ranked player. We asked Gabbi: What are your pregame rituals, if any? Bowie - I try to get info on the team we are playing and think about the player I am most likely to defend.  Mentally prepare myself to do what it takes for my team to be successful and prioritize how that will be accomplished.  I go through a series of stretches and pregame warmup that would help prevent injuries and clear all distractions (game face on). What are your main goals for the month of July? Bowie - My goals are to continue to get better beginning with individual workouts and practices, and implement the things my coach teaches me so that I am successful not only as an individual but as a team. What advice would you give to other players going into the July period? Bowie - Change and transition is difficult but being involved with people that have your best interest will make those things worth the time and effort. Give 100% in all you do and some things that required effort will become effortless. Lastly, I have learned that mistakes will happen but it is how you recover after you make that mistake. CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT PEACH STATE HOOPS REVIEW OF GABBI AT THE EBA SUPER 64 CAMP IN PHOENIX
	MORIAH MACK (2013 #3) Reagan HS/Sophia Young Elite The Mack Attack is continuing to develop and is proving to be the complete package for a 5'8 combo guard.  Moriah has had an amazing club season thus far and is racking up the Division 1 offers and interest day by day.  We asked Mo: What are your pregame rituals, if any? Mack - Before every game I listen to music so that I can clear my head and get into my zone. One of the most important things I do is pray and ask the Lord to keep me free from injury and allow my team to come away with a victory. What are your main goals for the month of July? Mack - My goal for the month of July is to capture the attention of as many coaches as possible. Receiving multiple offers puts you in a better position to choose the school that is right for you. What advice would you give to other players going into the July period? Mack - My advice to all players is to play the game like you know how.  Play aggressive and stay focused on your goal.  The coaches are there to watch you perform.  Make sure when they leave, they know that you are the star. MORIAH HAS BEEN OFFERED BY SCHOOLS FROM THE FOLLOWING CONFERENCES: Southland, Great West, WAC, Big Sky

CROSS TOWN COACHING MOVE

Jennifer Brewer has been named the new coach of the Brandeis Lady Broncos. Brewer experienced success last year as the head basketball coach and girls coordinator at East Central. She led her East Central Lady Hornets to a 18-15 record which got them into the playoffs in which they upset Top 10 ranked Stevens in the first round. East Central eventually went on to lose in the second round to Churchill, but the first round upset made history of its own.

Brewer inherits a Brandeis program, formerly coached by John Ince of Clemens, that went 25-12 last season and made it to the playoffs for the first time in school history.  Brandeis lost a couple of key contributers in Rose Maldonado(Western TX JC) and Alyssa Browne(OLLU), but will return a solid core in Mykel Costley(2014), Hannah Thompson(2014), and Morgan Williams(2015).

Congrats to Jennifer Brewer!!!!!

In another move, longtime South San head softball coach and basketball/track assistant Lori Wilson is named the Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director at Lytle. Lori is on quest to revamp the Lytle program which has not experienced success since the Cheyenne Berry(Tarleton State) era.

"I'm really excited about my new position at Lytle. Keep your eye on the Lady Pirates this year...Great things to come" - Lori Wilson

Congrats to Lori on this move!!!!!!

FEATURED ATHLETE

CHAMAYA TURNER (2013 #1) NB Canyon/Sophia Young Elite

This week's Feature Athlete is no stranger to the spotlight. There is no current female athlete in the San Antonio area with more high school sports accolades than Chamaya Turner. The recently named Dan Cook Female Athlete of the Year is coming off a meniscus tear, which sidelined her from the basketball courts for 2 1/2 months but didn't stop her from winning state in both shot put and discuss in May.  Now post-surgery, the incredible Turner is close to 100% and ready to join her Sophia Young Elite team for this July recruiting circuit. 

We took time out with the Canyon star to ask a few questions:

How's your injury coming along? Are you cleared to play?
CT - My injury is coming along great and it's been a smooth process. Yes I am cleared to play, but the doctor has made it very clear that if it hurts, I need to slow down. I also have to be honest with myself as to how my body feels.... But so far, so good.

What's your main goal for the month of July?
CT - My main goal is to work hard and play the best I can. I know coming off an injury as an athlete is a mental game. You have to go out with confidence and believe it won't happen again.  I want to make an instant impact on my team and of course get even more colleges interested in me.

We all know you have had a summer full of surgery and rehab but did you fine time to add anything to your game... Maybe something we aren't used to seeing from you?
CT - Well my jump shot I feel has improved. When I was injured I did a lot of shooting and I've already seen the positive impact that's made in my game.

You were named Dan Cook Female Athlete of the Year for the 2nd straight year.. any comments on that?
CT - It's an honor and I'm blessed. It's never been done before so that's pretty exciting for me. All these awards just prove that hard work pays off. For me it's an awesome feeling and I will work hard and hopefully 3-peat.

OK... And now for the quesiton everyone is asking... What's it going to be.... Basketball or Track?
CT - Haha.. I'm not exactly sure, I haven't decided.  I love both so much it's hard but I know I will only be doing one and that decision will come this fall.

CHAMAYA TURNER CAN PRACTICALLY PICK HER SCHOOL IN TRACK & FIELD, BUT ON TOP OF THAT SHE HAS SEVERAL DIVISION 1 BASKETBALL OFFERS AND HIGH MAJOR INTEREST!!!

VORPAHL HEADED TO THE CRESCENT CITY

Churchill High School and San Antonio Heat crafty point guard Leslie Vorpahl (2013 #2) has committed to Tulane University in New Orleans. Tulane competes in the Conference USA of the NCAA Division 1. She will join Conference USA Freshmen of the Year and Smithson Valley/South Texas Hoyas grad Danielle Blagg. Congrats Leslie!!!

THE SENSATIONAL-TULANE BOUND-LESLIE VORPAHL