In what has been a yearly occurrence since the inception of
this blog, here are the Top 15 kids in the city. Detractors will mention the
heavy SA Finest presence. The same thing
happened in 2010 when TeamXpress had a virtual monopoly on the Top 10 players
in the city. Bias has nothing to do with it as the college coaches spoke then,
as they do now. SA Finest had eight out of the fifth teen Division 1 players in the city.
Of the four BCS bound kids in the city for 2014, SA Finest has three. I have also included National Rankings for
those not in the know about where our local kids fit in the eyes of the
"experts".
1. Recee' Caldwell(2014/
FEAST Homeschool)-UCLA
National Rankings ( Prospect
Nation-#6, All-Star Girls Report-#6, ESPNW-#9, Bluestar-#10)
Only kid to make USA Basketball while still in high school
in SA history. 2 time Team USA Invitee, won gold medal w/ 2011 u16 Team as a 14
year old. Had pretty much choice of school including offers from the last 3
NCAA champions, 4 out the last 5. A gym rat with Basketball IQ and ability to
shoot off of the bounce that rivals any player in the country. Arguably the
best facilitator in the state/country. Now playing at FEAST home school after
sitting out last season to improve her game and heal nagging injuries.
National Rankings( ESPNW-#16, ASGR-#37,
Bluestar-#58 , Prospect Nation-#72)
Former Baylor commit reopened and decided to go west. Two
time Team USA invitee. Should finish in Top 3 in scorers in the history of the
city. One of the best transition scorers
in the state /country. Plays with an edge that sets the tone for her state
runner-up team. Has improved her jump shot, also a gym rat. Idea frame to live
in paint at next level and cause havoc on defensive end.
National Rank(ESPNW-#6, Bluestar #9,
ASGR- #11, Prospect Nation-#34)
Transferred to Clemens but will have to sit out junior year. Doesn't matter, still has pretty
much have her choice of schools at the
next level. Fastest kid in SA with the ball in her hands. Good IQ and facilitator.
Ability to create off of the bounce for self and others makes her one of the most coveted guards in 2015 class. Potential
to be a lock down kid and idea lead guard at the next level.
4. Amber Ramirez(2014/Wagner)
National Ranking(ASGR-#10, Prospect Nation
#11)
The purest scorer in the city of SA. Can score in
transition, midrange and is unquestionably one of best long range bombers in
the country. Reads passing lanes extremely well and lives at the free throw
line. One of the most recruited kids in the country with most suitors in Top 25
teams in the land. Like the 3 players mentioned above, first college offers
came while still in middle school.
National Rank (CGBR-#221/ 46th
ranked SF in country)
Followed up a great
high school season with a very good summer that saw her college options top 20
plus. Now possesses the ability to play stretch 4 at the next level with an
improved 3ball. Should see her play some point forward for Brennan this season.
2013 Athlete of the year and 2 time SA Express News Super Teamer.
National Rank Peach State-#207
One of the most explosive athletes in the city. Also one of
the most improved players. Another gym rat that has smoothed out her game to
earn a spot at the BCS level. Showed that she can play the 2 this summer by
knocking down open looks and handling some ball handling duties. Should have a
breakout season on the offensive end , averaging 17 plus points a game if
system doesn't play defense on its own players.
One of the most successful high school players in city
history. 3 time district champ and two time Super teamer. Knight is one of the
best spot up shooters in SA. Her size and athleticism allows her to score in
transition and in the half court. Should average close to 20pts a game on a
relatively young Reagan team. Headed to Rice after having double digit
college opportunities. Don't be surprised if she leads Reagan to 4th straight
district title.
Former Texas Tech Commit
Another really good athlete that excels in the open court.
Has been in the gym improving her mid-range game. Currently possesses the defensive
ability and explosiveness that translates to the BCS level. As she continues to
improve the 3ball and tighten her handle, she should get recruited at that
level. Again, much of her
season(development) depends on offensive freedom.
Arguably the best shooter in the city. Her now 5'10 frame
allows to routinely hit volleyball line range jumpers in rhythm. Showed that
she can touch paint and use an effective runner while at Marshall. Handle is
strong enough to handle some ball handling duties. Will surely find things much
easier playing alongside Boclair and at least 5 additional D1 players at Brenan.
Great teammate.
Easily one of the best paint scorers in the city. Plays
through contact and possesses the needed tools to score in traffic. Does a good
job running the floor. Really good offensive rebounder for her size.
Should translate well to ULL as a power
forward that causes matchup problems with her ability to operate at high post.
The most skilled post player in the city. Has stretched her
already proficient mid-range jumper to 3point land. Has an array or offensive
finishes. Favors a turn around jump shot from 10-12 feet. Best weapon may be her
jump hooks with either hand. Should lead Boerne to state this season for 3A.
One of the most improved kids in the city. Chapman has improved
her range and ball handling ability, thus, enabling her to use her "sneaky"
athleticism. A kid that never rattles, Chapman played a huge part in Steele's
rise to the state championship game last year. A tough guard at the 4 spot in
the city, she should transition nicely to the 3 at Air Force. Can board bigger than her measurements and
finishes extremely well in traffic. Go to Youtube and search SA Finest vs Cal
Sparks and see her performance against two Top 30 players nationally.
On the radar of this blog for a long time, Ross is ready!
After suffering a knee injury two years ago, she looks back to full form which
means she is primed for a big year for Wagner. One of the toughest kids to
guard off of the bounce in the city, she has a knack for touching paint and
drawing fouls. She has cleaned up her jump shot and has added a step back to her
arsenal. With the right fit and focus, Ross should really thrive in an up tempo
system at the next level.
Great size and good athleticism to translate well at the D1
level. Solid stroke from 3, she can also put it on the floor well. Has the
ability to play at the BCS level if she continues to improve. Not sure what her
true position would be at the next level. She is more than a spot up shooter
but not the prototypical playmaker yet.
One of the most crafty playmakers in the city. Has a unique blend
of a strong body and soft touch, Millet is not a traditional kid. Could potentially
cause matchup problems at the next level as she does in HS. Makes "basketball
plays", can create off of the bounce but also has adept footwork off of
the catch.
Under the radar kid. Terrific size for low-mid major D1 shooting
guard. Has long been known as a proficient shooter from deep but now has added
a beautiful pull up jumper from the midrange. Handle has tightened up and
basketball IQ is on point now. Understands spacing and exploiting match ups. Size
and frame should allow her to rebound well from the guard position at the appropriate
level.
