Top 10 Teams San Antonio Girls High School Basketball

There was a whirlwind of action all over the place with most teams participating in tournaments all over Texas. From McDonalds Invitational, Floresville Classic, San Marcos, South San, SAISD, Marble Falls, McAllen, San Antonio area teams were representing in full force.

A couple things come to mind as I see scores being posted.

I don't recall seeing so many blowouts all over the place. Some scores are so lopsided that it is hard to imagine there is so much discrepancy among area teams. And yet everything is so unpredictable that anything goes at any time.

Did Steele really lose to Navarro and San Marcos?
Did Antonian beat both Judson and Wagner back to back in the same week?
Is Wagner still looking for its first win after two whole weeks of playing basketball?

When is the last time that ever happened? Maybe Never.

How good is Waco La Vega? They beat 6A power San Antonio O'Connor not once but twice. Yes they are defending Champs but still 2 classes lower. What about Wall, they are defending Champs as well but 3 classes lower and they get the win over OConnor as well. I had never even heard of a town named Wall. 

So as the HS Girls Basketball Landscape unfolds, I observe a couple of rules of thought from coaches setting schedules.
Let's either play the toughest non district schedule possible against some of the toughest competition to better prepare the team in many ways for a later run in the playoffs or play some possibly easier competition to build team chemistry, instill confidence etc and possibly make a run later at the top teams after they knock each other out.

Both scenarios might be positive depending on each individual team. But I'm starting to get the feeling that the teams that play the most experienced, balanced, most skilled and talented players and teams, are in the end, the teams that are going to come out on top come playoff time. Only time will tell of course. What we know now could possibly be totally upside down in a matter of no time at all. 

Some Notes

2017 Stephanie Ruiz from Taft HS is a very Under Rated player cause a lot of people haven't seen her play. She has game and is fun to watch her play and compete. She doesn't back down at all. Very Crafty young player. Taft might surprise someone this year in District.

Marshall Rams are competing well with what they have. 2016 Abby Rolloque has stepped up under adverse situations since last year to show she is a threat at any point of the game. She is smooth and steady. 2016 Bri Lane out this year hurts the team but Marshall is still managing to hang in there. Last year they upset a talented Clark team and they can possibly do the same this year to another opponent that takes them lightly.

San Antonio Lee only won 3 games all of last year. They are on their way to a decent and respectable showing. They have a lot of new kids with a lot of energy on the court led by 2018 Jenesis Navarro avg 11 points a game. Add them to the mix of Juniors Jennifer Sullivan and Julie Hernandez plus other kids, don't be surprise if they get a District victory that has eluded them in recent memory.

Smithson Valley off to a great start. Maybe next year was going to be their year with a lot of young talent. Their new Head Coach is having the team believe that maybe this year is their year! Play Boerne Champion on Monday.

Looking around the area and its amazing how many players from different teams are having 20 plus point games. And not just once but multiple times. There are also players closing in on 30 pt games or exceeding that, seemingly without much effort. A lot of offense out there and a lot of points.

Looking ahead at District games for fun, some good teams are going to be left out of the playoffs.

In District 25-6A, Smithson Valley, Schertz Clemens, New Braunfels Canyon, perennial powers Judson, Wagner, Steele, who will be home for the playoffs? Could Wagner or Judson be sitting home come playoff time or possibly both

Just as intriguing is 27-6A, Brennan, Clark, Brandeis, OConnor and Stevens are the favorites, but that still leaves 1 team out and that doesn't include perennial power Jay and teams like Taft and Marshall wanting to make some noise. Someone is definitely going to be feeling down if they don't make it to the playoffs especially with so much talent in each team. That will be definitely tough.

Then we have District 26-6A, Reagan, Churchill, Johnson, Madison, Mac, Roosevelt and Lee. Who is sitting home for the playoffs? There might be a 5 way tie for first in this District.

You gotta love it.
This is how I see it as of right now. All in fun. 

1. Brennan-Beats Madison handily and gets a great win over Defending State Champ Manvel. Feel they just have many different ways of beating you. Different player can definitely step up at any given moment. They have a great tough schedule that should bode well down the stretch. Game of the week will be #1 Class 5A Ranked Cedar Vista Ridge vs Brennan on Tuesday at 230pm. There will be talent galore all over the court in that match up. Best of Austin vs Best of SA. Doesn't get much better.

2. Scherts Clemens- They are tough team. Their Coach is constantly pushing them. The team plays a relentless attacking style. They might have one of the best pressing teams when they use it. What's best is that no matter who they are playing against if they stay close, they definitely have a go to player to go to at the end. They already beat Steele, Stevens, FW Trimble, Killeen Harker Heights, Reagan, Southwest and lost to Carroll. Just look at the competition they have played already. Looking down the road, they might not lose again till the playoffs.

3. Stevens- Have beaten Reagan, Killeen Harker Heights, Steele, Navarro, lost to FW Trimble and Schertz.

4. Clark- Picked up nice Wins vs Churchill then traveled to the Valley and won McAllen Tourney Championship beating Cedar Park and Churchill again. They are very deep. Just look how many kids are averaging over 6 points a game. Interesting match up vs MacArthur on Tuesday at 130pm at OConnor HS.

5. Churchill- Two very tough loses to Clark leaves Churchill to regroup some what. They have a favorable schedule heading into District play.

6. OConnor- Had some tough loses in a couple of tournaments to some great talented smaller schools.   Looking down the road, first half of December is shaping up to be a real test for them.

7. Johnson- Had a relatively easy time winning the South San Tournament. Quality win over Brandeis to show and loses to OConnor and Carroll. Game vs Wagner on Tuesday at 530pm. Let's see if Wagner can get their first Win or if Johnson continue to roll.

8. Steele- They have played a lot of quality teams even though they have come up short some, they have been close. Nice win over Brandeis and have a win over Southwest. Loses to Schertz Clemens, Carroll.

9. Brandeis- Another team unchallenged winning Floresville Tournament with relative ease. Still in search of nice win. Losses to Churchill, Johnson, Steele.

Tied
10. Madison- Lost to Brennan and had a nice showing at the McDonalds Invitational winning Gold Bracket in Division 2. Good Matchup vs Brandeis on Tuesday

10. Smithson Valley- You have to acknowledge their strong start no matter who they have played. They have offensive weapons inside and out but what might surprise their opponents is that they play solid defense. Down the road looking forward to seeing them have a strong performance at Hay's Tournament.

Outside looking in
Reagan- played strong vs Schertz Clemens. Again we have to see their body of work even though they have come up short. Games  vs  Stevens, Carroll, Wagner and Clemens. 2016's Mailee Jones and Emily Sandoval are playing strong.

Antonian- Nice wins over Wagner and Judson. Good matchup vs Highlands on Tuesday. 2016 Sandy Ramirez taking the lead with her quickness and instincts. 

Wagner- Searching for their first Win.

IWHS- Win over Floresville. Only two losses so far when 6 players (3 Starters) out due to School Function. One of losses to Laredo Alexander by 1 pt, 51 to 50. Still work in progress but you can start seeing guards 2016 Alexia Torres and 2018 Sophia Ramos read each other and starting to play like they have been playing with each other for a long time. They compliment each other really well and only should get stronger.

Games to Watch
Cedar Vista Ridge vs Brennan at Brennan Tuesday 230pm
Clark vs MacArthur at Oconnor HS Tuesday 130pm
Reagan vs Steele at Littleton gym Tuesday 7pm
Brandeis vs Madison at Littleton gym Tuesday 5pm

Many well wishes to all and safe travels during Thanksgiving Holidays.
Hope everyone has a great day together with family and friends and plenty of hot delicious food!

Get ready for a lot more action of Girls Basketball. Things will be heating up with more and more interesting Match ups of the top teams in San Antonio.

GO SUPPORT GIRLS BASKETBALL!!!

APRIL MATTHEWS, LUNDEN PATTERSON AND ARIANNA CRAVER

APRIL MATTHEWS, LUNDEN PATERSON AND ARIANNA CRAVER

2015's April Matthews, Arianna Craver and Lunden Patterson might as well be sisters for as much as they hang out and get along with each other. They all play with the Mighty Clark Cougars. Expectations are running high as they have one of the deepest teams in the city and expect to make a good run in the playoffs.

These young ladies are there for each other through thick and thin. They have been with me for 2 plus years and it has been a pleasure watching them grow and mature on and off the court. They come away reserved and shy but have very outgoing personalities. They all come from great families and if you come to watch one of their games you will certainly hear one or all of their dads from the stands CHEERING loud and clear! 

APRIL, ARI AND LUNDEN

I asked the all the girls a few questions.

Here is what they had to say.











First up, Lunden Patterson.
She is a 1st team Academic All District as a Junior, NHS member, ranked 9th in her Class about 700 and a 101.9 GPA. 

1. What were your first impressions of Islanders Basketball Club when you joined?
Lunden- My first impression was amazement, and honestly intimidation because of the high skill level and discipline. But I could see it was a close knit organization and that I was becoming part of a family.

2. What is your best memory of playing with the Islanders?
Lunden- My best memory is playing at the Basketball at the Bayou tournament in New Orleans, especially all the fun times we had off the court eating great food and touring the city.

3. What are some important lessons you have learned playing with the Islanders?

LUNDEN PATTERSON

Lunden- I have learned to play hard through anything. Even if my shot is not going down, I have to keep shooting and keep my head up.

4. What would you say being an Islanders player represents?
Lunden- A hard working, smart player, and that together we can get through anything.

5. What are looking forward most for this upcoming High School Basketball season?
Lunden- I want to have fun and a successful senior season. I know I'm going to have great times and create many memories with my friends, but I also want to be a top team that collects wins and makes a deep run in the playoffs.

6. What do you enjoy most about the game of basketball?
Lunden- I love the feeling of winning close games and that I get to do it with my closest friends.

7. What does it mean getting to play with April and Arianna?
Lunden- It's hard to believe that this is our last year together and it is bitter sweet for sure, but I am so excited to finish my high school career with my two best friends.

ARI CRAVER AND APRIL MATTHEWS (MVP'S)

ARI, LUNDEN AND APRIL

Next up, Arianna Craver. 

1. What were your first impressions of Islanders Basketball Club when you joined?
Ari-Everyone worked extremely hard no matter what they did, and that they were pushed to do their best at all times.

2. What is your best memory of playing with the Islanders?
Ari-Playing in al of the close, edge-of-your-seat, nail biter games we were able to finish with a win.

ARI CRAVER

3. What are some important lessons you have learned playing with the Islanders?
Ari-I have learned to stay positive and to play with confidence every time I step out on the court.

4. What would you say being an Islanders player represents?
Ari- Hard work, dedication and heart

5. What are looking forward most for this upcoming High School Basketball season?
Ari-I am looking forward to plain as a team, and being able to compete with my Islander teammates.

6. What do you enjoy most about the game of basketball?
Ari-I love the feeling I get while I'm playing. I can't describe it, but it's one of the best feelings in the world.

7. What does it mean to play with April and Lunden your senior year?
Ari-Being able to play with my Best Friends. Senior year is great because I get to continue to make memories while playing the game I Love!!

Next up, April Matthews.

APRIL MATTHEWS

1. What were your first impressions of Islanders Basketball Club when you joined?

April-That this team means business and that this is the team that is going to push me to become a better player.

APRIL DOING HER BEST LEBRON IMPRESSION

2. What is your best memory of playing with the Islanders?

April-My best memory is playing in tournaments and always coming together as one big family

3. What are some important lessons you have learned playing with the Islanders?

April-I learned that hard work really does pay off in the end, to always pay attention, commit to the game and  always be respectful in everything that I do.

ALL BUSINESS!

4. What would you say being an Islanders player represents?

April-It represents being a hardworking, determined, respectable, humble player and to always enjoy the game of basketball.

5, What are looking forward most for this upcoming High School Basketball season?

April-I look forward to winning the State Championship.

6. What do you enjoy most about the game of basketball?

April-The competitiveness, excitement, the togetherness as a team and applying some of the situations on the court to everyday life

LUNCEN PATTERSON VIDEO (CLICK)

ARI CRAVER VIDEO (CLICK)

APRIL MATTHEWS FRISCO VIDEO (CLICK)

APRIL MATTHEWS NEW ORLEANS VIDEO (CLICK)

APRIL WITH HER #1 FAN, DAD RICHARD

Wow,  IMPRESSIVE young ladies. When you hear what these young ladies have to say, there is no doubt in mind, they are going places!

It is a pleasure to have them and their families a part of our Organization.

They are intelligent, poised, high character, goal orientated young ladies!

They make me proud!

SA Islanders... La Familia!

Top 10 Teams SA Girls Basketball High School

So the first week of Girls High School Basketball is in the books. There were some intriguing match ups and a lot of great games.

And as I said before, under the lights and against other top teams and players in the city, you find players and teams finding their identity.

So I have to start with 2015 Mikki Flores and Churchill Chargers. Time, time and again Flores showed last year what she can do. Well, she continued where she left off from last year and led her team to a good win over Brandeis. Then Flores went on to win MVP for Harlandale Tournament. How about Churchill teammate 2016 Maiya Green? After 5 games she is averaging right over 19 points a game. Churchill with new Head Coach, is grooving along.

Let me jump to Stevens, they beat Reagan with their best player on the bench. But Stevens Point guard 2016 Ariel De Los Santos played solid going for 12 points playing a lot of quality minutes. Nice job for her.

Let me jump to Corpus Christ Carroll. They won CC Mira's Riviera Basketball Tournament with SA big Schools Reagan, Johnson, Clemens, Cibolo Steele, Brandeis in the mix. That is impressive. 

Does that say anything about the state of affairs in San Antonio High School Girls Basketball. Compared to Corpus, here in San Antono, there is a ton more resources here in San Antonio, quality trainers, Elite and real good basketball Clubs, seemingly endless supply of quality talent. 

I said it before, a lot of great young ladies graduating with immense leadership ability leaving a Temporary void. As the season progresses, players and teams will mature, step up and fill the voids.

In short, so many teams are in the mix that anything can happen.

How about Smithson Valley going 5-0 before losing in Championship game in Dripping Springs Tournament?
MacArthur beats Reagan. Madison gets by Wagner.
Great examples of teams trying to fill in voids and not settling for how it used to be last year.
Still a long season to go for sure but it makes for intriguing match ups for down the road.

Many times when teams have injuries, people point out, yeah but so and so wasn't playing. More time than not that is true, but not always. Hypothetically, Lebron James and Cleveland could lose to the Philadelphia 76ers any given night. The odds would be highly unlikely but still possible. But if Cleveland lost to the 76ers without Lebron, out for any reason, then the mantra would be, yeah but Lebron didn't play. Fair enough, my point is you have to play the game with what you got. A win is a win and a loss is a loss. Following is just a snapshot of right now in my view just for FUN! Still plenty of  games left.

1. Brennan- Only game played this week vs Wagner. They get the Win with huge game from 2016 Monique Terry. She just brings so much energy to the court. Try and contain her and fellow post 2015 Deja Mason and then it will start raining 3's with 2017's Megan Valdez and Kenzie Heineman. Plus they have a nice bench that can play quality minutes. Tough team. They beat Wagner. Monday vs Madison.

2. Churchill- They are unbeaten no matter what the schedule has been so far. Same script from last year, different Coach. Time will tell if they can keep improving and growing and more importantly keep winning. And the Time is soon, they play unbeaten Clark Tuesday.

3. Stevens- They beat Reagan and rested the rest of the week.  Game vs Cibolo Steele on Tuesday. Coach Hastings gets more from her players than most people can even try to. Intriguing match up and fun game to go see.

4. Clark- They are unbeaten and UNTESTED! But we will know more about them when they face Churchill. 2016 Ria Gulley and 2015 Kirsten Kramer are leading the way but have a lot more weapons including a deep bench. Keep an eye on 2015 April Matthews. Interesting to see how the Matchup with Churchill unfolds. Another fun game to see.

5. Clemens- 2015 Kyra Lambert is going to will her team to wins. I would not want to play Clemens early in the playoffs.  Play Reagan Tuesday.

6. O'Connor- They had a nice win over Johnson with 2015 Amber Vidal and 2016 Kasey Saldana leading the way. Vidal seemingly scored at will and Saldana was relentless to the basket. Had a nice showing at Copperas Cove Tournament. They lost twice to Waco La Vega, defending 3A State Champion coming in Runner-up.

7. Johnson- Lost to O'Connor and to Carroll in the CC Championship game. This team is just going to grow and mature and get better as the season wears on. 2018 D. Caldwell made some great shots and plays against O'Connor and is leading the team in scoring. Very athletic team that can run as well.
2015 Erica Saunders is just fun to watch attacking the basket and playing defense.  A confident 2016 Tara Molina can help with opening up the lanes with her midrange and outside shots.

8. Madison- Beat Wagner and face top ranked team Brennan on Monday. They have an opportunity to show what they got. 2015 Moriah Creswell runs the floor well and can make things happen. 2016 Lexi Rich can definitely light it up.  They should be fired up going into Monday's game.

9. Wagner- Two losses, no sweat. Games have been tight and close. Wagner have a lot of new faces in the team lineup. But they also have a lot of familiar faces as well. And you can never count out 2016 Amber Ramirez in any matchup. They play Antonian, a private school trying to make a name of itself  with a solid line up of Club players led by 2016's Sandy Ramirez and Brittany Parker.

10. Steele- Beat Southwest and lost to Carroll. 2016 Alexis Bryant is scoring close to 20 points a game. They will get stronger as the season progresses.

Honorable Mention
Smithson Valley- nice start. Knocking on the door. Can they kick it in?

Brandeis- Losses to Churchill, Steele and Johnson. Looking to win Floresville Tournament this coming weekend

Reagan- Losses to Stevens, Carroll and Mac. Can they rebound vs Schertz Clemens on Tuesday

Other Notes

Devine 2016 Baylee Quinsenberry goes for 29pts against Express News ranked Navarro.

Incarnate Word- 2018 Sophia Ramos goes for 18 pts in her debut against SMH. She should have a great year and career. Very dynamic and fun player to watch.

Games of Interest

Monday- Brennan at Madison at Littleton gym 5pm

Tuesday- Clark vs Churchill at Littleton gym 6pm
                Cibolo Steele ve Stevens at Paul Taylor gym 630pm
                Clemens vs Reagan at Littleton gym 730pm
                Wagner at Antonian 730pm
                Incarnate Word vs Express News Ranked Floresville at Incarnate Word HS 730pm (GYM SHOULD HAVE A PACKED HOUSE!)

GO SUPPORT GIRLS BASKETBALL!

ERIN ASHLEY AND ERIN WIMBERLEY

Erin Ashley and Erin Wimberley have been playing with the Islanders since the young ladies started middle school. They also happen to play together at Smithson Valley HS, the mighty fighting Rangers  I might add.

Since they are two of my original players, I wanted to share a little insight on them.
They are both great kids with great families that have helped the Organization tremendously in every way possible. I am grateful to them for given me an opportunity to be part of their lifes.

As you might imagine, having two kids with the same name can create some problems. At practice, I would yell out Erin and both would turn around hence nicknames were in order.

Erin Ashley aka Awesome, Erin Wimberley aka Winner.

Coach Jesse with Winner and Awesome

I asked the girls to answer a few questions to share with everyone. I posed the same questions to both of them.

First up, Erin Ashley aka Awesome.
She won 1st Team Academic All-District in her sophomore season. She has a GPA of 96.1 and in the Top 15 Percentile of her Class. She has played Varsity Basketball since her Freshman year.

                     (Video Clip of Erin Ashley in action)



1. What were your first impressions of Islanders Basketball Club when you joined?
Ashley: That the expectations were very high and that it was a very passionate program

2. What is your best memory of playing with the Islanders?
Ashley: Going all the way to Nationals and playing on the Spurs court, AT&T Center.

3. What are some important lessons you have learned playing with the Islanders?
Ashley: I have learned to give it all you've got no matter what and to be strong in every situation.

Erin Ashley

Awesome Catch!

4. What would you say being an Islanders player represents?
Ashley: Integrity, strength and determination

5. What are looking forward most for this upcoming High School Basketball season?
Ashley: To be able to aid my team as best I can. I hope to impress people and make my Parents Proud.

6. What do you enjoy most about the game of basketball?
Ashley: The intensity it demands.

Awesome!

Next Erin Wimberley aka Winner.
She is ranked #14 out of 584 and has a GPA of 4.0 with a 97.16 avg. She received 1st Team Academic All-District her sophomore season at Smithson Valley HS as well. She also has been playing with Varsity team since her Freshman year.

Erin Wimberley

1. What were your first impressions of Islanders Basketball Club when you joined?
Wimberley: Islanders are a family and would stick together.

2. What is your best memory of playing with the Islanders?
Wimberley: When we won Prime Time Nationals in Dallas.

3. What are some important lessons you have learned playing with the Islanders?
Wimberley: Working as a team is crucial to success and your team helps you get through difficult times.

4. What would you say being an Islanders player represents?
Wimberley: Represents being part of a family who will always be there for you.

5. What are looking forward most for this upcoming High School Basketball season?
Wimberley: Playing with all my friends at school and playing against Islander players.

6. What do you enjoy most about the game of basketball?

Winner celebrating Bday with team

Wimberley: The rush you get when you win a hard fought game and getting to play with your friends.

Lexi and Winner

Click to read about Erin Wimberley on GirlzPrepReport

Click for ERIN WIMBERLEY YOUTUBE VIDEO


 I want to thank both of them and let them know how PROUD I am of Both!!!!

La Familia.