Must Read from HoopGurlz on college coaches wish list

Here is an article that is a must read from HoopGurlz. HG interviewed college coaches to determine what they are looking for in recruits. I have included some of the highlights:



-"Playmakers or all-around 'developed kids' are harder to find because kids don't get in the gym and just work on fundamentals anymore," one said. "They just play in a lot of tournaments."

-"The game is more physical, so not being able to shoot makes you easy to guard," one coach warned.

-"The best player in the wrong system wouldn't get you the results you're looking for."

-"Talent is a big piece, but we always struggle to find that kid who has innate ability to holding herself accountable to being good.....Technology and media attention have changed kids tremendously. Kids aren't as invested to work in the gym every day. They need to Facebook, and Twitter, and check out what all the media outlets are saying about them. It didn't used to be like that. Kids want instant gratification. And so do their parents. There seems to be no long-term investment into working hard, being accountable and letting natural progression happen."

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San Antonio Basketball, Beautiful Buffet!!

San Antonio basketball is hot right now! That is not my opinion but the sentiment of college coaches across the country. The very deep 2010 class and the exploits of McDonald All-Americans, Meighan Simmons and Cassie Peoples(born and raised in SA) catapulted San Antonio on the national stage.









One of the reasons for the new found respect for San Antonio is that the city has an increasing amount of quality club teams, trainers, coaches and instructors. Here are SOME standouts helping San Antonio basketball rise:









TeamXpress: The "only" game in town just a few years ago in terms of having high profile kids and getting kids into school. TeamXpress is still the biggest club on a national scene in San Antonio. TeamXpress has reached across state lines to have super star players such as Kyra Crosby and Kendall Cooper in the past. Even with the new NCAA bordering state rules, TeamXpress continues to get stars from neighboring states like Louisana's, Tank Youngblood. Clarissa Davis-Wrightsil's club routinely sends double digit players to schools, many of the to BCS division one universities.









SA Lady Rohawks: No senior has ever graduated from the Lady Rohawk program and not gone on to college. While the Lady Rohawks are having a down year in regards to winning in elite events, the Lady Rohawks have a thriving young feeder system with some of the most talented youngsters in the city. Charlie Harper has created a system and style of play that endures itself to many schools. SA Greats, Monica Engleman(Kansas) and CeCe Harper(Kansas) are two of his biggest success stories. My first encounter with the Lady Rohawks was a game where University of North Carolina center Watilla Rolle's led Houstonians were beaten badly by the Lady Rohawks very young group of stars. That group included Harper, Engleman, Cheyenne Berry(SFA), Alisha Flowers(South Florida), Taylor Calvert(Winthrop) and Bobbi Talyor(South Alabama).









SA Heat: The SA Heat basically raised the entire current SA Churchill team. The Heat did a wonderful job in allowing Rice freshman phenom, Jessica Kuster to blossom. Former MacArthur star, Marquisha Sparks and current SA superteamer, Leslie Vorpahl will give The Heat at least 3 Division 1 players over the last few years. Many of the Heat players will and have gone on to college at various levels. The Heat now features the very competent trainer, Marco Rivera as a coach.









South Texas Hoyas: The Hoyas had a history of getting kids like Stacy Mammel, Leslie Phillips into Division 2 universities. Now the past success had led to more high profile players joining the team and going Division 1. Tulane bound Danielle Blagg blazed a trail by joining the Hoyas and collecting over a dozen offers from D1 institutions in the the very first event with the Hoyas. Coach Theresa Nunn followed that up with getting Michelle Rodriguez(UTA)and Asha Hampton-Finch exposure and eventually a full ride with Paraie View A&M. The current roster features some of the best kids in the city and two of the best kids in Louisiana. The scary thing is that the middle school/elementary aged Hoyas are two of the best teams in the state of Texas.





Sophia Young Elite: This organization has made major moves in its short existence. Being sponsored by one of the brightest stars in the WNBA has added brand recognition to this talented group of players. In its first year of existence, EVERY one of the Sohia Young Elite players will go on to play in college next season, including three Divsion 1 kids. Coach Mike Ekenam reloaded with arguably the best 2013 in the city in Chamaya Turner and Top 10(2013) in the city, Moriah Mack. Coach Ekanem has at least two more Divsion 1 players in Endia Peterson(2015) and Seguin star, Tabitha Richardson. Ekanem's expertise in strength and conditioning adds additional value to the emerging club.





San Antonio Finest: Started in 2007, SAF in arguably the best in the city in terms of developing young stars.The three current SAF players with Divison 1 offers have not been trained by ANY other trainer or played with ANY other club team. The Finest has one of the best 2014 classes in the country with a front line that goes 6"2(Avery Queen, heavily recruited), 6"0(Tanaeya Boclair, heavily recruited), 6"1, and 6"0, teamed with Team USA u16 member, Recee' Caldwell. Add New Comer of the Year for 29-5A, Carlie Heineman and Wendy Knight(D1 offers), San Antonio Finest 2014 can play with anybody in the country at that grade level. The Finest has turned former middle school post players, Heather Hormuth, Brianna Jones, Jacki Anderson and LB Brown into college bound perimeter players. At 5"5, Brooke Allemand(led Texas in 3 pt makes in 2011) is easily one of the most recruited kids in the city in 2013. This is another organization that has younger groups that MAY be better than the currents stars, with young stars Amber Ramirez and Erica Sanders leading the way.





SA Comets(Leornard): The Comets are one of a few clubs that are successful on the boys and girls side of basketball. SA Comets are loaded with talent in the class of 2013 and 2014. With at least four Divsion 1 players in Elexus Allen(2013), Antania Newton(2014), Samantha Allen and Mykel Costly(2014), the Comets are a huge reason why San Antonio is continuing to gain national respect. After a tremendous showing a a Nike Showcase event in Chicago last summer, the Comets established themselves on the national scene. Coach Cavin Leonard does a great job developing his young groups and is a terrific defensive minded coach. He partners with Marcus Peoples(Cassie's father) and his NU2BU training camps to add value to his program and his players.





These are just a few examples of why SA basketball is growing. A mention must go out to the following:





-SA Comets(Alba)- Placed many kids into schools including D1's Victoria Willems(WM) and Sune Agbuke(Baylor)





- Jaguars-(Tim Calvert, April Calvert and Pops Lambert)- Some of the best kids in the city cut their teeth as Jaguars including McKenzie Calvert, Kyra Lambert, Ashley Ross, Elena Gumbs, Asha Hampton- Finch, Corrina Monchado, Aleeya Harris, and LB Brown to name a few.





Monica Gibbs- The greatest player in UTSA history has hit the ground running with her Crossfire club. She goes as hard as a coach/trainer as she did while leading the Roadrunners.





Tim Stringer- Stringer has integrated himself with some of the best trainers in the country like Alan Stein and Steph Wood. He has parlayed his networking ability to an internship with the Silver Stars. He work ethic must be respected.

I have not included all the bright clubs and people/players that are making San Antonio a destination for college coaches. The emerging dedication to the great game of basketball is highlighted with all the good choices that are present in the city. Monopolies are unAmerican. The more QUALIFIED options that our youth have, the better served our basketball community will be!

Star Spangled Point Guard!!

Recee' Caldwell has been named to the u16 USA National Team. Caldwell overcame incredible odds to make the country's super team! Here is why:

True Point Guard: " That little girl is the best floor general that I have seen in 11 years". This comment came last October from a NCAA national championship coach after seeing Caldwell play for the first time. Caldwell had just had a remarkable tournament with her club team. She led her team of 8th and 9th graders to a double digit victory against a team with three division one commits. This coach of a perennial top ten program immediately offered Caldwell a scholarship, one month before even playing in her first high school game. Then comes her first high school game. Caldwell scores 37 points versus Taft and now the perception becomes that she is a two guard? How does a kid go from a "floor general" lauded by a millionaire college coach to a "two guard" in one month? Necessity!!!

Caldwell was the most vocal player in the USA trials. She played with an enthusiasm that became infectious. She fed the post early and often. She made incredible full court passes for game winning lay ups. She only shot when other options had been explored and the situation dictated. She broke man and zone presses by some of the most athletic kids in the country. Pressuring her became a bad strategy as she turned zone presses into transition lay ups via the pass. Man presses became 5 on 4 opportunities as over aggressive guards were rendered ineffective. She threw an alley oop during a half court set that garnered oohs and aahs. I knew Caldwell had the ability to run a team at a superior level but the uninformed did not. Why has her elite point guard skills been overlooked? Necessity!!!

Caldwell has never thrown an ally oop pass against the back side of a 2-3 zone in San Antonio because she has never played with a kid like Kaela Davis! Davis, the much ballyhooed Tennessee commit, went high into the air and converted the pass in incredible fashion. She then smiled at Caldwell as to say, NO ONE saw that coming but you and I. Game recognizes game and Caldwell's game has been slept on by many.

Caldwell has always been a true point guard. However, like any capable and intelligent pg, she lets the situation dictate her course of action. The great thing about elite players is that they have full refrigerators. When preparing a meal (game plan), sometimes ingredients that you planned on using are not available. A great cook (player) can go to the fridge and improvise to still make a delicious meal. Caldwell can cook!

Before Caldwell stepped on a high school campus, she was warned that she should use the 'school of choice' to attend a different high school. Johnson High School won 8 games previous to her arrival. Most "knowers" scratched their heads at her decision to attend her designated school. Johnson has a young student body with few players that have traditionally taken the game seriously. While that is changing, Johnson still lacks the student body that lives the game like many other schools. Like any intelligent player, Caldwell understood that she needed to score in order to help Johnson succeed. Johnson scored in the mid 30's the year previous to her arrival. Johnson scored in the mid 50's in her freshmen year, mirroring her 20 points per game average. Caldwell also finished in the top ten in the city in assists. That is incredible when analyzed. Caldwell faced junk defenses like Box and 1's and double teams the entire year. Most of her assists came from drawing and kicking to wide open shooters. Her assists came from depending on her teammates to hit 20 foot jump shots. Contrast that to point guard extraordinaire, Leslie Vorpahl. Vorpahl earns a lot of assist from getting strong finishes at the rim from the workhorse, Carlie Truesdale and the agile big, Dani Espinoza. Caldwell helped Johnson go from 8 wins to the first 20 win season in school history, a 12 win improvement (2 out of the 12 win improvement came when Caldwell was out with an injury).

(Side note: Food for thought, MVP?- Speaking of Churchill star Vorpahl, let's look at some of the SA Super Team. Vophal plays with two Divsion 1 prospects in Truesdale and Espinoza. John Jay star Erica Donovan plays with D1 prospects in Destiny Amezquita, Aleeya Harris, Raven Reyes and Texas Sothern bound KiKi Taylor. She also has college bound Vanessa Orr and the talented 2014, Antania Newton. Southwest star Shana Holmes plays with OLLU bound Chatavia "Baby" Boonefudge. Wagner stars Arielle Roberson and Eboni Watkins play not only with each other but D1 bound Ashely Ross, and college bound KiKi Rivera. Wagner has three more guards that will play in college. Stevens star Alexis Govan plays with sharp shooting college bound Alexis Sendejo. Even New Comer of the Year, McKenzie Calvert plays with D1 commits Elena Gumbs and Taylor Calvert. She also plays with college commit Lauren Zoldy. The only star on the Super Team that does not play with a teammate who will earn a scholarship is Chamaya Turner. Is Chamaya the most valuable player in the city? She has a strong argument. Her scoring out put, rebounds and assist for a team that in lacking in star power speaks volumes)

Back on track, Caldwell earned a rep as a scorer because of her move to San Antonio. Her AAU team based in California was one of the best in the nation (finished 3rd in 2007 AAU Nationals). This team featured two players who made the USA Trials cut to 34, Caldwell and Lajahna Drummer ( Drummer received her first offer from Rutgers as 8th grader). The team also featured 3 of the ESPN 100 Watch list for 2014, Caldwell, Drummer and Chyenne Butler (offered by Arizona as 8th grader). Caldwell left one of the best teams/players in the country to play for her fathers' team, a team of predominately basketball novices. Her first club season for her father, Caldwell faced a team coached by the father of Baylor commit McKenzie Calvert. While she had no problem with the competition, her teammates were a little green at that time. At that time, Coach Calverts' team featured McKenzie Calvert, Kyra Lambert, Moriah Mack, Ashley Ross, Corinna Monchado and on a guest basis , Elena Gumbs! That is a total of at least five D1 guards, two potential All-Americans in Calvert and Lambert. Caldwell was used to the level of competition but was thrown into the fire as "needing" to score. This was perfect training! Caldwell then went on to play for TeamXpress for two years. She was a great fit for the Xpress style and was the starting point guard on her team as a 12 year old, a team that had players driving to practice!

The move to San Antonio was criticized by the California club scene as a step back for Caldwell. They reasoned that she would suffer because of the weaker competition. However, just as with the decision to attend Johnson, Caldwell took a perceived negative situation and GOT BETTER because of it, not in spite of it! San Antonio basketball is better because of it. Johnson High School basketball is better because of it. The Californian transplant will rep both San Antonio and Johnson while wearing the RED, WHITE, and BLUE. And she will do it her way, as a COMPLETE point guard!

u16u updates via Hoopgurlz

SA Area Kids, Recee' Caldwell and McKenzie Calvert are representing very well in Colorado for the u16 tryouts. Both guards have survived two cuts and are heading into Sunday with a full head of steam.

Caldwell, the youngest invite in the event(despite having two 8th graders), has held more than her own. The following are from Hoopgulrz:


-"More later, but Recee Caldwell has been rock solid as a pg, getting the right people the ball. Hope the committee knows she's a shooter 2." HoopGurlz Tweet

and

-"Recee' Caldwell, the 5-foot-8 guard from San Antonio, Texas, is playing at a high level at the USA U16 national team trials and the smile on her face for most of it shows she's having a good time.

"This spring Caldwell showed she had spent considerable time becoming a scorer and one of the 2014 class' best shooters. That scorer's mentality raised questions about how she might fit in as a potential national team member as the last two cadet teams were all about size outside of the point guard position.

Caldwell has answered many of those questions by playing the role of a true point guard really well. Long jumpers have been replaced with vocal leadership and heady passing.

"When I was younger I was always a pass first point guard," Caldwell said. "That's my nature."

Caldwell looked pretty confident and comfortable transitioning back to the point. Whether it earns her a spot on the team or not she is showing how complete her game is becoming at an early age." HoopGurlz on the Trail

McKenzie Calvert recieved some national love as well with a very impressive picture that is historic for San Antonio. The pic speaks volumes. Recee' and McKenzie were teamed together on a scrimmage squad that stricty dominated!

USA Basketball Coach!

Congrats to Wagner Coach, Tina Camacho for being named as an on-court coach for the upcoming USA 16u Basketball Trials.

This is a huge honor and indicates the national respect that Camacho has gained. Camacho was selected by USA Basketball Women’s Developmental National Team Committee.

San Antonio Future 2011

It has been a couple of years since I have featured the future stars of the city. This is not a ranking and the kids are mentioned in no particular order. Like all young players, they have a long way to go. However, they appear to be on their Way!

• Kyra Lambert 2015- (TeamXpress) Kyra is the best middle school prospect in the city. Her basketball instincts are off the charts. She possesses the ability to slash and touch the paint almost at will. She also makes others better. Her unselfish play and demeanor belies a fierce competitive nature. Kyra has already played in the Top Division of the Boo Williams April event. It does not get much tougher than than that. Will surely be recognized Top 100 kid on a national level.

• Erica Sanders 2015-(SA Finest) Erica is as fast as any kid in the city from baseline to baseline, regardless of grade or age. Erica has tightened up her handle to make her almost unguardable off of the dribble. Her Euro Step is just plain nasty. She finds gaps in defenses that others would not dare to attack. Unfortunately, this leads to her taking a lot of physical contact. She will live at the free throw line in high school with the constant attacking pressure that she puts on defenders. As her shot continues to develop, she will be a nationally recognized kid.

• Amber Ramirez 2016(Lady Hoops) -The most exciting scorer in the city for middle school. Scored 30 plus on the regular for her 7th grade team this past season. Amber has all the tricks on offense. Her handle is advanced and her 3 ball seems to be automatic. One of her biggest attributes is an understanding of how to change speeds to keep defenders off balance and guessing. Her "Eric Gordon" high crossover makes defenders look silly. It is obvious that she plays against boys often as she possesses a knack for scoring with quick releases and difficult shot making. Swagger to spare!

• Aaliyah Holmes 2016(Lady Hoops) -Holmes makes the 3 Ball seem like a lay up. She is the younger sister of the high scoring SA Express Super Teamer Shana Holmes and can light it up like big sis. Holmes is almost the same height as her sister now and is built with the same strong explosive frame. She went for 40 plus in a middle school game this season and averaged 30 plus.

• Kirsten Kramer 2015 (Lady Jayhawks)- Kramer is gifted. It is easy to see that the cross training of playing additional sports gives her an aggression and understanding of going hard. This also has left her with a ton of upside. Her shot has good bones and will become more consistent as she is now fully dedicated to the game. Kramer is another kid with great instincts. She can slash and finish well in traffic. Her size and speed enable her to make great "basketball plays". Huge upside!

• Kiana Williams 2017(TeamXpress)- Williams is legit! A super quick guard in the mode of SA great Len'Nique Brown. Her handle allows her to see a play ahead of the competition. She is a very good passer for her age and makes others around her better. She can hit the open jumper as well. Williams has big time written all over her if she stays on the path.

• Kenzie Heineman 2017(SA Finest)- A pure scorer! That may sound ridiculous to say about a 6th grader but the proof is in the bottom of the net. Heineman is the younger sister to 27-5A New Comer of the Year, Carlie Heineman, and the art of getting buckets is in the family. Kenzie is ambidextrous and can shoot from 15 feet with both hands, with success! She can stretch the defense with the 3Ball and already has a mid range game with runners and step backs. Her handle and first step makes her a nightmare for girls her age.

• Gabby Connally 2017(South Texas Hoyas)- Gabby glides down the court like football great Herschel Walker used to run. Her long explosive strides eat up so much ground that it is unfair to defenders. She has sharpened her handle and is continuing to work out the kinks with her jumper. In terms of raw talent, there may not be a more gifted kid in the city for middle school.

• Desiree Johnson 2015(SA Lady Rohawks)- Eboni Watkins again! Johnson lives in the paint and possesses the same runner in traffic that UTA bound Watkins mastered. Johnson is of good size at 5"7 and has a street ball flair of getting it done. She has the attitude of a champ and fears no one! Already getting college attention for her raw potential.

• Megan Valdez 2017(South Texas Hoyas)- One of the most hard nosed kids in the city. Megan will get double digit rebounds and assists from the guard position due to her knack for reading the floor and defenders. She is the best off-ball defender that I have seen in the middle school age for the city. She already understands how to read the shoulders and eyes of opposing players to jump passing lanes. Her ability to penetrate has been aided by her new found range from deep. Megan can play.

• Brianna Millett 2015(SA Lady Rohawks)- Millett has always been a beast in the post but has now moved out to her eventual position of off guard. "Bree" is strong! She is Erica Donovan strong on the perimeter, though not as tall, and punishes smaller defenders. Her handle has tightened which allows her to effectively use her body get to spots with the live ball now.

• Anya Curtiss 2016(SA Finest)- Curtiss is right there with Holmes and Ramirez in contention for purest shooter in middle school. Curtiss is smooth and is never in a hurry. She plays under control, always knowing that defenders must run her off of the 3point line. If not, mark it up! She is that automatic. Her handle is strong and she possesses the footwork to match.

• Brittany Leonard 2015(SA Comets-Leonard) -"Moose" is another kid that can really shoot it. Playing up for years, her basketball IQ is exceptional and indicative of a coaches kid. Moose is a crafty lefty and a very adept at finding the open player. She has a strong frame and is a physical guard. She is a little too unselfish at times. She has all the tools and it is just a matter of time before she flips the switch.

• Bailey Quisenberry 2016(SA Finest)- Savvy as can be. "Quiz" is easily one of the best facilitators in the city. She understands that all passes are not good passes. She has remarkable touch on her passes. She passes to where players should be and rarely drops dimes to players out of their areas of success. Her mid range runner is highly effective and changes speed well. A pretty adept shot maker in traffic due to great footwork(mastered the Steve Nash outside pivot counter vs aggressive defenders).

• Anabelle Tovar 2016(Lady Hoops)- Another kid with a knack for scoring. Reminds me of Wagner great Chelsea Solis. Has the confidence and ability to get it done vs bigger and stronger defenders. Terrific at putting pressure on defense with dribble penetration. "Belle" is a very effective scorer in traffic. Another kid that plays against boys, she is not afraid to mix it up.

• Vanessa Oyola 2017(SA Finest)- Strong handle, great IQ and an improving facilitator, Oyola is mature beyond her years. She is a fierce competitor and attacks constantly. She has a solid mid range game with runners and floaters, using both hands. Her vision and willingness to get buckets for her teammates is pretty impressive. One of the few kids that can truly feed the post effectively at this age. One of the few young kids that understands the importance of spacing. She fears nothing!

• Danaja Daniels 2017 (SA Lady Rohawks)- Super quick guard with a nice mid range game all ready. Great on ball defender. Daniels plays low and penetrates at will. I have only seen her a couple of times but she left a great impression on me.

• Aiyanna Bardell 2016(South Texas Hoyas)- Bardell is long and very athletic. She took a year off and is back invigorated. Bardell can guard all 5 positions. She is the rare kid that can rebound in traffic, push the rock up the court and make a play for herself or others. This kid can be special if she continues to fulfill her promise.

• Moriah Creswell 2015(SA Lady Rohawks)- Johnson is quick and savvy. She already knows when to use her impressive speed and when to run a team. Everytime I see this kid, she becomes more impressive to me.

• Lexi Rich 2016(SA Finest)- Rich is a very good scorer for her age. She has a wide array of finishing moves and can knock down the 3 with a high percentage. Plays up against high school kids and holds more than her own. Rich does a great job at getting shots off over bigger defenders by releasing shots from crafty angles. Will be a 20 point scorer eventually in high school, no doubt about it.

• Endia Peterson 2015(Sophia Young Elite)- Not only does she play in the same club as SA Express News Super Teamer, Chymaya Turner, she plays like her. The 5"9 guard is super strong and has the confidence to match it. Peterson uses her body well and possesses a good command of the basketball. Her court vision is impressive and allows her to play up with older stars.

5th Grade Standouts 2018- (A quick hitter)

• Desiree' Caldwell(SA Finest)- Handle is better than 90% of starting high school point guards. Yanks defenders like she honed her craft at Rucker Park. A right hander that is more comfortable going left. Splits double teams with ease and scores in traffic. Can go!

• Katlyn Ghavidel(South Texas Hoyas)- Pure shooter. Reads and uses screens to get open like a seasoned 2 guard. Ice water in her veins. Can miss a few shots and come back and bury 5 in a row with the game on the line. Impressive demeanor!

• Sophia Ramos(South Texas Hoyas)- Erica Hernandez all over again. Great work habits with a tremendous feel for the game. Has a behind the back counter that she uses to attack defenders to get into the paint.

• Destiny Jenkins(SA Finest)- The sickest cross over in the city, regardless of age! Jenkins changes directions like a running back with the ball. Her small frame makes her willingness to attack the paint even more impressive. An aggressive on ball defender that causes headaches for the opposition.

I am sure that I missed a few but these kids are surely willing and able to carry the torch for SA basketball!

Success!

Here are a few stories of success that should inspire others:

• Nikki Nolan- Two ACL injuries and one major shoulder separation could not stop the "Bulldog",a nickname given to her by Lady Rohawk Coach, Charlie Harper. Nolan perseverance and toughness is very remarkable given that she is 5"6 on a good day and played out of position in club and high school basketball. Watching the diminutive guard grab double digit rebounds in a game earlier this season, I could do nothing be admire her tenacity. Nolan's ferocity made me a huge fan of hers last August. At a Gannon Baker clinic in College Station, Nolan backed down from no one. Some of the best guards in the nation went at her and she used every inch of her body to let them know that she was no push over. Nolan's signing with Central Methodist University is a celebration of stick-to-it-tiveness and in her case, TOUGHNESS!

• Another MacArthur star, Alexis Isaac has reportedly been accepted to MIT. The Lady Rohawk wing will play basketball at the prestigious academic institution. Isaac passed on numerous opportunities for scholarships for chance to attend her dream school and pursue professional goals. The Lady Rohawks motto is "Using Basketball as a Vehicle for Education" and Isaac kept the game in perspective by making academics a priority. Congrats Alexxis!

• Another NEISD star, Markia Thomas, has received a full scholarship to play at New Mexico Junior College. The All-District power forward for Roosevelt played a major part in the success of her high school this past season. Congrats Markia!

• Cornerstone coach, "Ice" Reed did an exceptional job this past season. Coach Reed has a total of 4 players moving on to play college basketball from the 2011 class. Coach Reed is smart enough to embrace club ball and the SA Comets Elite organization and their efforts to help his kids. Coach Reed has a son that is a stand out ball player for a local high school and he understands that its takes a basketball community to raise a college basketball player.

• Speaking of parents that get it, congrats to Mr. and Mrs. John Roberson. Anyone who has had a prolonged conversation with John will leave with an impression of a man with a firm grip on the basketball scene. John, does not allow others to dictate the road for his children. While most observers questioned the philosophy of his daughter, Wagner star Arielle, waiting until the spring to commit and sign with college, John and his family stayed the course. Many questioned his course with his oldest two daughters. One of them now plays pro ball overseas after a successful career at Texas Tech while the other one plays volley ball for UT and has helped her team to a couple Final 4's. Arielle will join her brother at the University of Colorado. Her brother was not as heralded as others in his class. Some whispered behind John's back that he was holding his son back. Now his son Andre is receiving major attention as a freshman from NBA scouts for his incredible athleticism, versatility and upside. These same attributes were honed by his father while the local "experts" questioned him. John, a former pro himself, has a great sense of perspective. He understands the big picture better than most in regards to "needs". I remember John talking to me about club ball. He went on to explain that Arielle did not "need" to travel all over the world as a freshman for club ball. He explained that Arielle played daily against a 6'7 brother that is better than ANY girl across the country. He theory was that all the competition that Arielle needed, slept a few doors down the hallway. In hindsight, I guess father knew best. And mama! Anyone attending a Wagner game knows that Mama Roberson knows her stuff too!

• Look out for a feature on Smithson Valley star, Alison Salmon. Salmon gave up her last year of club ball to serve on a Christian mission to witness to the unprivileged. Her story is very remarkable. Salmon, one of the best shooters in the city, is reportedly choosing between UT-Dallas and Trinity soon. Trinity is probably the front runner, according to her choices in the past.

• Farewell to the SA Lady Hoops. One of the best 7th grade teams in the state of Texas are no more. The group represented San Antonio well across the nation. They gained many admirers with the exciting style of play and dynamic point production. The group has disbanded because head coach and founder, Antonio Holmes, has been reassigned in his capacity with the Air Force. Thank you Coach Holmes for your contribution to SA basketball and more importantly, for your sacrifice for our freedoms. The SA lady Hoops will be missed. They gave further reason for SA to hold its head up across this great state in terms of basketball. The Lady Hoops took on all comers and were the shining example of where SA basketball is going, UP!