College Happenings!!!

Two players affiliated with TeamXpress have recently committed to play Division 1 Basketball on full basketball scholarships.

Chelsea McMeans has verbally committed to Lipscomb University. The 6'1 post had a great summer with TeamXpress and showcased an improved skill set that includes a very strong mid-range game. McMeans plays for La Vernia High School in Lavernia, Texas.

Sabreena Dunure has verbally committed to play for the University of Texas at Arlingnton. The Corpus Cristi Carroll point guard missed a good portion of the Club season due to minor injuries. Denure is now healthy and primed for a great senior season. The heady lefty is one of the better floor generals in the state of Texas.

These two verbals give TeamXpress a total of 5 players that have already committed and will sign the National Letter of Intent next week to attend Division 1 Universities. They include:

Lyndsey Cloman- Oklahoma
Aleisha Flowers- South Florida
Kyra Crosby- West Virginia

Lyndsey Cloman Speaks!!!

Who do you pattern your game after?

If I had to pick one person to pattern my game after it would definitely be my dad. He was my first teacher of the game and he has taught me a great deal in the last 9 years. He played basketball in college and he believes in a lot of the "old school" practices, plays, defense and basics of basketball. He was my first true inspiration and I credit him with the knowledge he's passed on to me about this great sport.

What are your expectations going into your senior year?

My expectations every basketball season (like the last three) are always high. Every year our team has gotten hit hard by graduating seniors but I have confidence that with hard work, patience, and persistence we can be a great team.

How did you end up playing with TeamXpress and what guided your decision?

I started playing AAU basketball in the fourth grade when Coach Patrick Alexander found me playing at my elementary school at St. Peter's Prince of Apostles School. If it wasn't for him I would have never known AAU basketball existed. I give him much thanks for seeing the talent in me that I had not yet seen in myself. I played with Coach Alexander's team, the Texas Breakers for five years. Coach Alexander's philosophy was to always to set a new goal and to get better every year. Going into high school I knew my goal was to be a stronger, versatile post player and I knew I was going to have to work hard to achieve that goal. Little did I know my life was about to change. In the summer of 2005, my dad, mom and I were attending a Silver Stars game and I happened to bump into Coach Clarissa Davis-Wrightsil. We started to chat about basketball ,AAU, my freshman varsity season at Taft and most importantly ....my goals. She said with her knowledge and hard work ethic and my perseverance and commitment to be a better post player, she could help me meet my goals.,,but it wasn't going to come easy. She included my parents in the conversation and she talked about her TeamXpress Foundation Basketball Program and how it provided opportunities for her players to compete at the highest level of competition and at the same time attain an athletic scholarship to a major Division 1 University. I am happy to say my decision to play for Team Xpress and Coach Clarissa was the best choice I made for myself and my future.

What things did you learn from your TeamXpress experience?

The number one thing I learned with Team Xpress was the definition of hard work. It helped me understand and prepare myself for the next level of competition. Coach Clarissa didn't ask for great....she expected it from each and every one us. She knew what each of us were capable of even though we didn't. I'll never forget that.

What was the deciding factor in choosing Oklahoma?

There were many things that attracted me to Oklahoma. They have a top notch Coaching Staff in Coach Sherri Coale, Coach Chad Thrailkill, Coach Jan Ross and Coach Stacey Hansmeyer as well as super athletic and academic programs. Their university is ranked as one of the top schools in the country and their top of the line training facilities are fantastic.Last but not least, the team itself left a very big impression on me. These group of young women are like a huge family. The respect they have for each other is truly genuine. They love life and welcomed me with open arms. I knew this is where I wanted to be.

Favorite Movie?

I have two favorite movies: Beauty and the Beast also Love and Basketball

Favorite thing to do outside of basketball?

My favorite thing to do outside of basketball is to chill with family and friends. My busy schedule helps me to appreciate and enjoy the "down" time when I do get it. It's nice just to be around your friends and enjoy what life has to offer.

What advice would you give the young girls that are trying to follow your path.

For young girls that follow my path, I would tell them that only they can shape their own destiny. What they do today will echo in their future. Don't let anyone tell you that cannot reach your goals....just remember it takes hard work to get there.

Who do you consider the Top 3 teams vying for the District Championship?

In Northside district there is always a lot of competition. The district this year has teams that are in the rebuilding process as well as teams that have post players but no guards and visa versa guards with no post players...so I think it's going to be interesting.

Who is your favorite player?


Lisa Leslie

UTSA update!

After attending a recent UTSA workout, the following is very apparent:

• Jordan Stark can shoot the lights out. Stark's has NBA range.
• Whitney York is a blur. York changes directions on a dime and has a shifty handle.
• Monica Gibbs is incredible!! Gibbs is a freakish athlete. Her leadership is amazing.

Coach Eric Musselman's blog recently featured an article regarding "The Secret of Great Groups" by Warren Bennis. I could not help but think of a few of his thoughts on leadership within Great Groups as I watched Gibbs. Bennis writes these characteristics of leaders of Great Groups:

1. Provide direction and meaning. They remind people of what's important and why their work makes a difference.

( I constantly witnessed Gibbs practice with a purpose. She was recently named to the Preseason All Conference Team while her team is favored to win their division but her intensity is remarkable. She goes hard and expects the same from her teammates. She leaves no question about her intentions. She wants to win and win bad. She cheered with exuberance as her team continuously won timed scrimmages. )

2. Generate and sustain trust. The group's trust in itself -- and its leadership -- allows members to accept dissent and ride through the turbulence of the group process.

( Gibbs teammates can not help but to trust that Gibbs will be Gibbs. Consistency builds trust and Gibbs constantly went for the jugular in scrimmages and drills. Her teammates knew that she expected them to compete with the same passion that she does. Gibbs can create her own shot at any given time but she always finds the open teammate. She constantly broke down the defense and penetrated into the paint only to kick it out to a wide open teammate for a jump shot. As the ball was in the air, she would say something like " OHHH YEEAAH that's good", even before her teammate received the pass. This confidence that she has in her teammates is infectious.)

3. Display a bias toward action, risk taking, and curiosity. A sense of urgency -- and a willingness to risk failure to achieve results -- is at the heart of every Great Group.

(Gibbs is the best player on one of the best teams in the conference yet she finishes first in every drill that takes effort. She sprints the court as if possessed. She jumps center against a teammate that is 4 to 5 inches taller and wins the tip. She repeatedly followed up her own missed jumpers to get offensive rebounds. She is all about decisive action. She throws risky passes off of the dribble and sacrifices her body by attacking larger defenders. Most importantly, she does not hold on to her mistakes too long. She has that "It's OK, I'll make up for it" attitude that all great players must have.)

4. Are purveyors of hope. Effective team leaders find both tangible and symbolic ways to demonstrate that the group can overcome the odds.

(This is an area in which Gibbs really stands out. She is very vocal and encouraging with her teammates. She plays with a mischievous smile as she verbally jabs the competition but showers her teammates with praise. She high fives and throws her hands up with every important bucket by a teammate.She motivates!!! She watches the game clock in scrimmages to keep a running score and time limits in mind. Gibbs makes you believe her team is always going to come out on top and her teammates feed off of that confidence)

I happened to have a couple encounters with Gibbs over the summer.

The first one was when my 11 year daughter was practicing with an older club. Gibbs came to work with the high school age girls. The girls were doing a transition drill that allowed them to attack a set defense on the other end of the court. The defense was instructed to pick up the offense at half court. Gibbs was having none of that. She pressured my Middle School daughter with intensity. She disrupted the entire transition break drill with her full court pressure. She could have cared less that this kid was 11 years old. All that mattered was that this kid was on the court and she had better be ready to play. SHE MADE MY DAUGHTER BETTER BY DEMANDING HER TO STEP UP. Gibbs ripped her a few times while yelling " OH YEAH, THAT'S MINE". This left a considerable impression on me and my daughter. You can not help but to get better when playing with or against Gibbs.

The other encounter with Gibbs happened at the UTSA team camp. A couple of my girls mustered up enough courage to challenge Gibbs and Whitney York to a game.Of course, Gibbs and York did not go full throttle. They allowed my Middle School girls to have some success but also put them in their place. The amazing thing was how approachable and enthusiastic Gibbs was. She laughed, taunted and toyed with them. The girls ate it up. I was sweating at the thought of one of my girls accidentally injuring the UTSA starting back-court so I interrupted the game and said it was over. Gibbs told me in so many words to "Don't be a chicken, let the girls get the beating they asked for". My girls loved it. They loved that this college star wanted to continue to play with them. They loved that she continuously talked to them. Most of all, they loved that Gibbs had just told their coach to get lost and let the girls play.

Gibbs is the type of player that you see and hear play. She is a joy to watch.

College happenings

Kaela Lipo is reportedly gaining college attention from coast to coast. The Incarnate Word post player is considering visiting UCSB and Notre Dame soon. She will visit both schools in an unofficial capacity and is said to be looking forward to taking her 5 official visits next year. Lipo is reportedly getting Ivy league attention as well. Lipo had an opportunity to showcase her skills outside the post this summer with TeamXpress. She shoots the 15 footer with consistency and proved to be very effective on the boards. Her Incarnate Word High School team should be a force on the local seen this upcoming season. The Shamrocks have no less than 3 college bound players on it's roster.

Len'Nique Brown is rumored to be in serious talks with some BCS power schools. Brown interview is coming and may clear up the particulars.

Hoyas doing good things

Theresa Nunn and her South Texas Hoyas are quietly making noise. The Hoyas have been in the back ground while SA's more publicized clubs(TeamXpress-Lady Rohawks-SA Comets) have gained national attention. Coach Nunn, former Churchill standout, has a great organization that is getting kids in school. The Hoyas have teams that that range from 8 to 18 years old. Some recent Hoyas moving on to college include:

Stacey Mammel- Concordia University, Minnesota

Lesleigh Phillips- St. Mary University, San Antonio

Tasha Yancey-Texas A & M International University, Laredo

Rebecca Davis- Texas A & M International University, Laredo

All of these schools are Division 2 schools and can give full scholarships.

All four of these girls have received athletic scholarships and or financial assistance to help pursue their dreams. Coach Nunn actively recorded, edited and sent tapes of her players to these universities. She is apparently a dedicated coach that not only prepares her players on the court, she actively pursues colleges to make them aware of her girls. Her efforts have helped 4 young ladies on their path to an education. Coach Nunn is another example of what is good about Club Ball.

College Choices

Aleisha Flowers is reportedly headed to the University of South Florida on a full basketball scholarship. The Judson star had numerous opportunities thanks to a monster summer with TeamXpress. The 6'0 forward gained national attention with her very improved perimeter skills. Flowers will join a very competitive Big East conference and an eventual match up against TeamXpress founder and former coach, Clarissa Davis-Wrightsil. Davis-Wrightsil coached Flowers this past summer before joining national perennial power, Rutgers. Flowers decision gives San Antonio it's third player committed to a BCS school. The other two are, Lyndsey Cloman and Monica Engleman. Cloman and Engleman will join the Big 12 Conference and suit up for Oklahoma and Kansas next year.

Alexis Williams is reportedly taking an official visit to Cameron University. The Division 2 school located in Oklahoma is a member of the Lone Star Conference. The Reagan standout played this past summer with TeamXpress.

Elizibeth Arnold is reportedly taking an official visit to Lubbock Christian University. The NAIA program plays in the Sooner Athletic Conference. The home schooled guard played with SA Comets this past summer.

Victoria Willems is taking an unofficial visit to William and Mary. The 2010 standout stars at MacArthur and has another two basketball seasons to decide her future. The skilled post plays summer ball with the SA Comets. William and Mary is a member of the Colonial Athletic Conference and is one of the best schools in the nation academically.


Division 1, Division 2 and NAIA schools all can give full athletic scholarships.

UTSA Women #1

The UTSA women are the preseason favorites to win the West Division of the Southland Conference. Hopefully, the Roadrunners can win the conference and conference tournament to return to the NCAA tournament for the second year in a row. The season starts with and exhibition on November 2.