Who is the Number 1 team in the city? Time will eventually tell at the end of the season!
But first, let's enjoy the ride. So many teams jockeying for positioning, so many young players making names for themselves. We already have had some surprises in the win and loss columns, some surprise teams and a lot of excitement! You have to love it.
Ok, Is the name of the game, What your are doing or Who you are doing it against?
Let me make an effort to sort it out. First, Records are not a true indication of where every team is at right now, is it?
Brennan and Wagner already have at least 3 losses but have played more competitive teams than the majority of teams in the city will play all season combined.
Yes, you have to applaud and acknowledge a lot of teams for respectable starts in the season with even more respectable records. But, and I mean a big but, let's see what happens when they start matching up with more competitive teams and more importantly when District play start.
Not to say these cinderella teams cannot keep it up, let's just enjoy what they are doing right now and maybe their will be more to come in the days and weeks to come.
One great example will be Taft! Can they keep up what they have started going 10-2 and eventually knock off a favorite in District 27-6A to make the playoffs. Its hard to tell right now with the relative questionable competition they have played against. But they did beat Johnson who in turns goes the next time around to beat Wagner! Can Taft upset either Brandeis, O'Connor, Brennan or Clark to make the playoffs.
Let's just stay in that very same District, can Jay throw a wrench in anyone's parade? Possibly beat Taft and another District favorite. You just don't know, till the games are played.
For now, the way I look at it, this is what I have in my Top 10 as of RIGHT now!
Not as an Expert, but as a Fan......
1) Clark- Yes their strength of schedule hasn't been that great but they are undefeated! And they are taking care of business. They have beat the teams they need to beat convincingly. They have a good win over IWHS at the beginning of the season and over TABC Hoops ranked Harligen team. The tournaments they chose to play might hurt them at crunch time when it counts. They might go untested till District play unless they draw someone competitive at the New Braunfels Tournament.
2) Brennan- They have played a quality schedule against quality teams and that is a big plus irregardless of wins and losses because they are competitive. They have quality players at every position. They have quality players coming of the bench! They have height, guards, shooters and depth. Even with all that, they need to display cohesiveness and chemistry on the court in order to represent in State! Maybe Wagner just has their number but then again, maybe this will be their year. Wait a minute, it seems every year is Brennan's year!!!
Tied
3) Steele- They have played a good schedule and have some nice wins. They have enough talent to beat any team in the city any given night. They can be a defensive nightmare with all their athletic players up and down their roster. Down low, they can put a hurt on almost any team much less if your team doesn't have any height to match. Like any good team should, they will get stronger as the season moves forward.
3 )IWHS- The Shamrocks have had a real good 8 day stretch of basketball after losing in opening night to Clark. Maybe there best ever in school history! They have managed to roll into Houston and pick up nice wins over top quality and State Ranked Private Schools and followed it with nice wins here in San Antonio. They have a unique mixture of a lot of young talent contributing big minutes that might not know any better, a lot of seniors that help out especially with composure, a lot of players that are capable of hitting the long ball, the continual emergence of Sophia Ramos, the seasoned leadership of Point Guard Alexia Torres combined with an overall Team commitment to stingy defense!
So who will win between and Steele and IWHS, the team that can impose their will on the other. Sometimes easier said than done.
5) Wagner- They have played quite possibly the toughest schedule of any San Antonio HS team.They are who they are. They are still the defending Champs and in the end nothing else is going to matter only what happens in the playoffs. They are lacking depth, but that has been the case the last few years. But when you play the schedule they have played, it will catch up to you especially when you rely on 3 players for the majority of your offense. Teams that have enough can approach it this way, I have 6 that are going to outscore your 3.
6) Judson- They have a loss to a very good Vista Ridge team and have a nice win over TABC Hoops State Ranked RR Westwood. This team is going to use their defense to beat you. They have some athletes as well with the addition of some young shooters as well as Belle Tovar finding her stride, a bona fide scorer! They will get stronger as the season moves on and might very well be surprising a lot of people. Still very much under the radar, we will see what they have much more clearly when they play NSID/NEISD Tournament next weekend.
7) Johnson- With a couple of huge losses from last years team, Johnson has managed to keep on competing and maybe surprising some people. Consistency is what they need and are looking to achieve. They beat Taft and Antonian but also have lost to those same two teams. They have a great win over Wagner but need to expand from it. Tara Molina playing solid PG minutes. They have a lot of players that can run teams out the court. Are they going to be a team that plays to their level or one that is still growing, maturing and finding their stride as the season rolls by. Impressed with under the radar Josie Larson running the floor and finishing.
8) Antonian- Another Private School making some noise early in the season. They have beat Brandeis, overcoming about a 25 point lead in the process, and Johnson. They have also lost to Johnson. Another team playing in the NISD/NEISD Tournament. A lot more will be determined after the tournament is done. One thing this team has going for it is its depth. They can keep on coming at you with wave of players after players. They have a very capable bench. What they lack in size, they make up for in a defensive style that seem to play with relentless abandonment! High risk, high reward. They also have plenty of guards that can handle the ball, create, attach and shoot. The team plays Hard all the time!
9) Brandeis- Their best player is out for a few but still have been able and managed to compete well. They can very much can compete for the District title at full strength. Under the Radar Cindy Si has been steady as well as the whole team. Super athletic and talented Brianna Walker is another kid to watch out for. They will also compete in the NSIS/NEISD Tournament.
Tied for 10th.
Taft, Jay, Lee, Clemens, Southwest, Reagan, Smithson Valley, Madison, O'Connor
Ok it might be a cop out, but wanted to give teams an extra shout out that might normally not be getting any love!
And plus it's early, early morning Thanksgiving and my wife is already in the kitchen and I am already getting hungry!
Go Support High School Girls Basketball!!!!!!!!
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Girls HS Basketball in San Antonio
Girls High School Basketball Season is finally here.
Club ball, AAU ball, Fall League is done!
Many HS teams have lost a lot of key players and I'm sure a lot of teams feel they are getting stronger with the emergence of its young players and some teams might feel it's their turn to make things happen! A lot of teams have to deal with some huge losses from graduation.
But before anyone can claim or brag about anything, there is one team that is still going to be the team to beat, Wagner!
No matter how your slice it, Wagner has the experience, a Coach that is dedicated to winning, 2 playmakers that can go off against anyone, a very capable supporting cast and a more importantly, a Mindset that no matter what, they are the best team out there!
And for now they are Number 1. Players to Watch : Amber Ramirez and Kiana Williams
And since the season hasn't started, we will give everyone the benefit of the doubt. I'm sure everyone is saying what about us. But it's not a sprint, it's a marathon.
So for now, Everyone else is tied for 2nd.
And as for Players to Watch, it's mostly based from last years top scorers returning to play.
Let's stay in District 25-6A.
Clemens was runner up last year but lost one of the best players in the country. They always have nice players and athletes and a respected Head Coach. How are they going to regroup to stay in contention remains to be seen.
Steele looks like a team that can challenge Wagner for District on paper with all their height and athleticism. Judging by Fall League play. players, parents and coaches have high expectations going into the season. If they can consistently hit from outside, that will open up the middle tremendously making this team a dangerous team. Their defense is always going to keep them in the game. PTW: Alexes Bryant, Charisma Shepherd, Antonia Anderson
Judson got into the playoffs with hard play and tough defense last year. They plan to take the next step with the same recipe plus the addition of Belle Tovar to add some firepower on offense. They also have some great young talent coming up that should have some immediate impact. PTW: Belle Tovar, Lena Wilson
Smithson Valley had a great start only to be left out of the playoffs last season. They look to make a playoff push this season with a little more experience under their belt. They also lost some key players from last season so it's going to be a wait and see situation with them.
Lets go into to District 26-6A. All four teams that made the playoffs lost their key players. One team that didn't make the playoffs, Reagan is returning most of their key players.
Reagan should be the favorite with their inside presence and strong guard play. Do they have enough of a bench to help them sustain wins? Time will tell. PTW: Sara Lewis, Mailee Jones, Emily Sandoval
Johnson was District Champ last year but also lose key players from their run. Tara Molina with her experience and basketball savviness, should be leading the way in running the team. They also have a young strong Post as well as some athletic players. PTW: Tara Molina, Alyssa Adams
Does Lee HS have enough to try and make a playoff run. They have a couple of experienced seniors in Julie Hernandez and Jennifer Sullivan with an abundance of real good young players including a point guard that can go and make things happen on both ends of the court. Confidence is essential as they haven't been in the playoffs for as it may seem forever. PTW: Jenesis Navarro, B. Deleon
Churchill also seems poised to reload after a successful run that have enabled them to make playoff pushes for at least 4 to 5 years straight. They have some young talent as well with height, athleticism and a strong senior guard. How are they going to adjust as a team without one of their main contributors from the last few years? Time will tell. PTW: Maiya Green
Roosevelt, Madison and MacArthur all have a lot of key players gone from last year. It should be interesting on how they come out the gate.
Madison should also be in the playoff hunt especially with the help of their senior guard that can go off at any one time! PTW: Lexi Rich
In District 27 6-A, Brennan should be the team to beat simply cause they are loaded again in almost every position, from top to bottom. They will definitely make another run in trying to lay stake as the best teams in the city! PTW: Kenzie Heineman, Megan Valdez, Monique Terry
O'Connor will try and reload from their great run last year. They did graduate some key pieces to the puzzle but have 2 heady and savvy guards to lead the team. Victoria Pena is poised for a great season as she has been steadily improving since her freshman year. Do they have enough down low on both ends of the court to make them viable as a threat to the city crown? PTW: Victoria Pena, Kasey Saldana
Clark lost a lot of talent with graduation but still are poised to challenge with the presence of a strong point guard and post combination that should enable them to compete. They also have some young talent coming in that should make an impact quickly. PTW: Ria Gulley, Emily Sims
Brandeis also lost a lot to graduation but you never can count them out. Led by a dynamic and athletic point guard that can light it up from anywhere on the court, they should be in contention for the district crown. She will be helped out by Cindy Si, who has grown leaps and bounds in the last year! Don't count them out on anything. PTW: Gabby Connally, Cindy Si
Jay is a super young team that is on the rise and should make a playoff push. They have a lot of kids that are playing together in the offseason which helps right off the bat with team chemistry. PTW: Ali Salina, Ariel Hernandez, Alex Alvarez
Marshall has a pair of guards that can keep them in playoff contention with the right scenarios. Bri Lane is ready to go after two seasons of setbacks due to injuries. They need to get some early season confidence to get them going. PTW: Abby Rolloque, Bri Lane
Stevens is looking to regroup after numerous losses due to graduation.
Taft looks to make a playoff push with some heady defense. A lot of kids have been playing together for a long time. They might surprise some people. PTW: Stephanie Ruiz
In District 28 6-A, East Central is led by one of the most dynamic players in the city that can play inside and out and a point guard that has experienced, strong to the basket and a baller. They also have a new head coach that should challenge them to make a run. PTW: Nalyssa Smith, Brittany Rogers
Southwest is loaded with talent that have been playing together since it may seem forever. At any time they can go off from beyond the line. This threat enables them to be a team to contend with. They will certainly be a playoff contender. PTW: Aaliyah Holmes, Alexandra Busby-Leija, Bri Longoria
On the Private School side, Antonian will keep going strong with virtually every key player coming back from last year's team. They are heavy guard dominated. On the inside look for Kayla Alvarado, undersized post with great footwork and nice shooting touch. PTW: Sandy Ramirez, Brittany Parker
Incarnate Word is looking to build from last year's playoff run with virtually every starter back and the addition of one of the city's leading scorers transferring in, plus the addition of some talented incoming freshmen that should add a lot of depth to the team. Jenna Villarreal has improved her game down low to add to her threat from outside the line. Point Guard Alexia Torres has a lot of kids around her that can shoot the ball which should open up things for her as well. PTW: Lexi Torres, Sophia Ramos, Olivia Balderas, Analisa Narro, Jenna Villarreal
Other players to watch from smaller schools around the city: Angel Hasttings, Mica Schneider, Katlyn Ghavidel, Makala Mabry, Aaliyah Prince, Baylee Quisenberry, Vanessa Oyola , Kayla Nunez, Skyler Reyna and hey, I have to give a shout out to my players from way out of town, Bri Soliz, Jordan Brooks and Alexis Worley, who will all be making a huge impact at their respective schools!
I'm sure everyone is ready and anxious to get going.
By next Wednesday, about half the teams will already have a loss!
By the end of next weekend, a lot of things will get a lot clearer with practically everyone playing in some kind of tournament.
Next Monday the 9th, some games of note:
630pm Churchill vs Brandeis
730pm Johnson vs O'Connor
8pm Incarnate Word vs Clark
Next Tuesday the 10th
7pm Brennan vs Wagner
7pm Southwest vs Steele
On one other note, San Antonio Girls Basketball has come a long way in the last few years.
So much so, that there is an influx of young freshmen players ready to make their mark for their respective HS teams and that's always a good thing. And soon we will be hearing more about them as well.
For now, Let's support our teams and our players but also let's give respect to one another where credit is due! There is tremendous amount of skill and talent all around the city. Let's enjoy all the hard work these young ladies have been putting in the gym.
But hey, don't take my word for it, I'm just a fan like anyone else, go out and check it out for yourself!
GO SUPPORT GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL!
Club ball, AAU ball, Fall League is done!
Many HS teams have lost a lot of key players and I'm sure a lot of teams feel they are getting stronger with the emergence of its young players and some teams might feel it's their turn to make things happen! A lot of teams have to deal with some huge losses from graduation.
But before anyone can claim or brag about anything, there is one team that is still going to be the team to beat, Wagner!
No matter how your slice it, Wagner has the experience, a Coach that is dedicated to winning, 2 playmakers that can go off against anyone, a very capable supporting cast and a more importantly, a Mindset that no matter what, they are the best team out there!
And for now they are Number 1. Players to Watch : Amber Ramirez and Kiana Williams
And since the season hasn't started, we will give everyone the benefit of the doubt. I'm sure everyone is saying what about us. But it's not a sprint, it's a marathon.
So for now, Everyone else is tied for 2nd.
And as for Players to Watch, it's mostly based from last years top scorers returning to play.
Let's stay in District 25-6A.
Clemens was runner up last year but lost one of the best players in the country. They always have nice players and athletes and a respected Head Coach. How are they going to regroup to stay in contention remains to be seen.
Steele looks like a team that can challenge Wagner for District on paper with all their height and athleticism. Judging by Fall League play. players, parents and coaches have high expectations going into the season. If they can consistently hit from outside, that will open up the middle tremendously making this team a dangerous team. Their defense is always going to keep them in the game. PTW: Alexes Bryant, Charisma Shepherd, Antonia Anderson
Judson got into the playoffs with hard play and tough defense last year. They plan to take the next step with the same recipe plus the addition of Belle Tovar to add some firepower on offense. They also have some great young talent coming up that should have some immediate impact. PTW: Belle Tovar, Lena Wilson
Smithson Valley had a great start only to be left out of the playoffs last season. They look to make a playoff push this season with a little more experience under their belt. They also lost some key players from last season so it's going to be a wait and see situation with them.
Lets go into to District 26-6A. All four teams that made the playoffs lost their key players. One team that didn't make the playoffs, Reagan is returning most of their key players.
Reagan should be the favorite with their inside presence and strong guard play. Do they have enough of a bench to help them sustain wins? Time will tell. PTW: Sara Lewis, Mailee Jones, Emily Sandoval
Johnson was District Champ last year but also lose key players from their run. Tara Molina with her experience and basketball savviness, should be leading the way in running the team. They also have a young strong Post as well as some athletic players. PTW: Tara Molina, Alyssa Adams
Does Lee HS have enough to try and make a playoff run. They have a couple of experienced seniors in Julie Hernandez and Jennifer Sullivan with an abundance of real good young players including a point guard that can go and make things happen on both ends of the court. Confidence is essential as they haven't been in the playoffs for as it may seem forever. PTW: Jenesis Navarro, B. Deleon
Churchill also seems poised to reload after a successful run that have enabled them to make playoff pushes for at least 4 to 5 years straight. They have some young talent as well with height, athleticism and a strong senior guard. How are they going to adjust as a team without one of their main contributors from the last few years? Time will tell. PTW: Maiya Green
Roosevelt, Madison and MacArthur all have a lot of key players gone from last year. It should be interesting on how they come out the gate.
Madison should also be in the playoff hunt especially with the help of their senior guard that can go off at any one time! PTW: Lexi Rich
In District 27 6-A, Brennan should be the team to beat simply cause they are loaded again in almost every position, from top to bottom. They will definitely make another run in trying to lay stake as the best teams in the city! PTW: Kenzie Heineman, Megan Valdez, Monique Terry
O'Connor will try and reload from their great run last year. They did graduate some key pieces to the puzzle but have 2 heady and savvy guards to lead the team. Victoria Pena is poised for a great season as she has been steadily improving since her freshman year. Do they have enough down low on both ends of the court to make them viable as a threat to the city crown? PTW: Victoria Pena, Kasey Saldana
Clark lost a lot of talent with graduation but still are poised to challenge with the presence of a strong point guard and post combination that should enable them to compete. They also have some young talent coming in that should make an impact quickly. PTW: Ria Gulley, Emily Sims
Brandeis also lost a lot to graduation but you never can count them out. Led by a dynamic and athletic point guard that can light it up from anywhere on the court, they should be in contention for the district crown. She will be helped out by Cindy Si, who has grown leaps and bounds in the last year! Don't count them out on anything. PTW: Gabby Connally, Cindy Si
Jay is a super young team that is on the rise and should make a playoff push. They have a lot of kids that are playing together in the offseason which helps right off the bat with team chemistry. PTW: Ali Salina, Ariel Hernandez, Alex Alvarez
Marshall has a pair of guards that can keep them in playoff contention with the right scenarios. Bri Lane is ready to go after two seasons of setbacks due to injuries. They need to get some early season confidence to get them going. PTW: Abby Rolloque, Bri Lane
Stevens is looking to regroup after numerous losses due to graduation.
Taft looks to make a playoff push with some heady defense. A lot of kids have been playing together for a long time. They might surprise some people. PTW: Stephanie Ruiz
In District 28 6-A, East Central is led by one of the most dynamic players in the city that can play inside and out and a point guard that has experienced, strong to the basket and a baller. They also have a new head coach that should challenge them to make a run. PTW: Nalyssa Smith, Brittany Rogers
Southwest is loaded with talent that have been playing together since it may seem forever. At any time they can go off from beyond the line. This threat enables them to be a team to contend with. They will certainly be a playoff contender. PTW: Aaliyah Holmes, Alexandra Busby-Leija, Bri Longoria
On the Private School side, Antonian will keep going strong with virtually every key player coming back from last year's team. They are heavy guard dominated. On the inside look for Kayla Alvarado, undersized post with great footwork and nice shooting touch. PTW: Sandy Ramirez, Brittany Parker
Incarnate Word is looking to build from last year's playoff run with virtually every starter back and the addition of one of the city's leading scorers transferring in, plus the addition of some talented incoming freshmen that should add a lot of depth to the team. Jenna Villarreal has improved her game down low to add to her threat from outside the line. Point Guard Alexia Torres has a lot of kids around her that can shoot the ball which should open up things for her as well. PTW: Lexi Torres, Sophia Ramos, Olivia Balderas, Analisa Narro, Jenna Villarreal
Other players to watch from smaller schools around the city: Angel Hasttings, Mica Schneider, Katlyn Ghavidel, Makala Mabry, Aaliyah Prince, Baylee Quisenberry, Vanessa Oyola , Kayla Nunez, Skyler Reyna and hey, I have to give a shout out to my players from way out of town, Bri Soliz, Jordan Brooks and Alexis Worley, who will all be making a huge impact at their respective schools!
I'm sure everyone is ready and anxious to get going.
By next Wednesday, about half the teams will already have a loss!
By the end of next weekend, a lot of things will get a lot clearer with practically everyone playing in some kind of tournament.
Next Monday the 9th, some games of note:
630pm Churchill vs Brandeis
730pm Johnson vs O'Connor
8pm Incarnate Word vs Clark
Next Tuesday the 10th
7pm Brennan vs Wagner
7pm Southwest vs Steele
On one other note, San Antonio Girls Basketball has come a long way in the last few years.
So much so, that there is an influx of young freshmen players ready to make their mark for their respective HS teams and that's always a good thing. And soon we will be hearing more about them as well.
For now, Let's support our teams and our players but also let's give respect to one another where credit is due! There is tremendous amount of skill and talent all around the city. Let's enjoy all the hard work these young ladies have been putting in the gym.
But hey, don't take my word for it, I'm just a fan like anyone else, go out and check it out for yourself!
GO SUPPORT GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL!