Let's have a little fun this week with the rankings.
You always here from fans, parents, players etc., "Why is that team ranked higher than us? We beat that team and they still have them ranked higher than us. They don't know what they are doing!"
You might even hear something in the lines of the following "It's all politics!"
It's only politics until you are #1, then of course, you definitely EARNED the Ranking!
When it comes to Rankings, there are just so many moving parts, too many intangibles, too many circumstances and nothing is cut and dry until the playoffs happen where you win and you move on, you lose and you go home no matter what!
So let's take the following scenario where Incarnate Word High School is hypothetically ranked somewhere. And yes in the spirit of full disclosure, that's where my daughter plays at.
Incarnate Word beat SA Cole who beat Devine who beat Antonian who beat Brennan who beat Brandeis who beat Madison who beat Judson who beat Killeen who beat Clark who in turn beat Incarnate Word!!!!
So who is the better team?
Any team who lost in the above scenario can have a legitimate excuse why they lost! That's why this is so much fun.
Of course you can go deeper into each teams won-loss records to see the overall body of work, overall strength of schedule, comparisons to other teams head to head competition etc
This is the way I see it Right now. But you can ask me 15 minutes from now and I will probably have a completely different list.....
1) Steele
2) Clark
3) Judson
4) Antonian
5) Incarnate Word
6) Wagner
7) Brennan
8) Taft
tied Johnson, Clemens, Lee
The team I left out, Brandeis, has a legitimate chance to win it all in the end even though they have lost 4 out of their last 5 games.
You might say I'm crazy, but not as crazy as the following statement,,,
Did I mention that Madison beat Judson who beat Killeen who beat Clark who beat IWHS who beat Cole who beat Devine who beat Antonian who beat Brennan who beat Brandeis who beat Madison!
Ok, enough, I'm getting dizzy already.
Go Support Girls High School Basketball!!!!!
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
SAN ANTONIO GIRLS BBALL TOP 10 12/8/15
District play is rapidly approaching as well as the mid season point, yes already.
A lot of teams have definitely stepped up and some are still searching to find themselves.
As for my Rankings, they are definitely nothing that you can say are concrete and edged in stone but simply a snapshot of how things are going right now in my opinion.
Many experts have their own opinions, so that would mean everyone reading this! ha
One thing for sure, there is a lot of talent and a lot of hardworking young ladies throughout the city.
Let's enjoy and support them as everything plays out in the future.
TOP 10
1) Steele- They won a very tough Jack Frost Tournament in Georgetown. A tournament filled with all kinds of talent and State Ranked teams. Their defense is tough and cover a lot of space because of their overall team athleticism. When their inside game is going, watch out! If they can continue to hit timely outside shots, this team is a real tough out. You need to have skilled guards and shooters to have a chance.
They might be the team left standing when its all said and done. Wins: John Tyler, Argyle, Brandeis, Floresville Losses: Austin Bowie
2) Antonian- They have won 2 Tournaments that have historically been some of the toughest tournaments around. Winning 1 is impressive, winning both speak volumes. This team is for Real. They do it as a TEAM! Led by Sandy Ramirez heart and grit, this team follows her lead. They play defense the whole court and make you work for every possession. They give themselves plenty of shot opportunities through their defense! You have to play every minute, every second because if you let your guard down, they will take advantage of it in a big way. Wins: Johnson (Twice), Brennan, Brandeis, Amarillo Losses: Johnson
3) Clark- They finally get knocked of the unbeaten ranks this past weekend. Maybe playing a soft schedule hurt them but no matter, this team is solid! They are led by Ria Gulley, who is just an all around tough kid on both ends of the court. She plays with passion to win and helps her team compete at a high level. Wins: Incarnate Word Losses: Killeen, Argyle Liberty Christian
4) Johnson- It seems every game is a totally different game for Johnson in the sense, different players step up at different times. It is still trying to get an identity as it continues to get better. Consistency like I said before is what they are searching for. Everyone loves to see box scores to see who scored what, but in reality some players do so many small thing that they are the glue that keeps everything together. That player for Johnson is Tara Molina. But in the meantime, they are slowly but surely getting the job done. Wins Antonian, Wagner Losses: Antonian (Twice), Taft
5) Incarnate Word- Their toughest challenge will be to overcome their lack of overall size! If they can't get rebounds on the defensive end, they can't get going on fast breaks. If they can't get offensive boards, its one shot and done. And this past week, they had a tough time finding the inside of the bucket. Led by Alexia Torres overall strong showing, the team felt short overcoming that size discrepancy. But they have shown they can compete, no matter what. Wins: Westbury Christian, Kinkaid, Wagner, Floresville Losses: Georgetown, Westbury Christian
6) Wagner- They had a win over Brandeis and enjoyed the rest of the week off! Don't forget about them, they can easily get in a roll! Sometimes teams perform better under the lights when it matters and some teams crumble under the pressure. My gut tells me when you have Amber Ramirez and Kiana Williams that you Respect this team Wins: Brandeis, Brennan, Plano Prestonwood Losses: Incarnate Word, South Grand Prairie, Galena North Shore, Johnson
7) Brennan- They had a tough loss against Antonian in the Championship game in double overtime. Yes it might be a loss but does it really matter to them. In the end in my opinion, it's going to benefit them three fold because of the experience they will learn from playing arguably one of the toughest schedules in the city. Their Big 3, Mo Terry, Megan Valdez and Kinzie Heineman, make this team still a team to reckon with no matter what. Wins: Brandeis Losses: Wagner, Galena Park North Shore, Antonian, Vista Ridge
8) Judson- Like most teams in the city, Judson is still looking for an identity. They have a mixture of seasoned vets with young talent. I really enjoy watching Lena Wilson compete on the court. Still looking for that signature win against a quality opponent. Belle Tovar with a nice offensive game last game out vs O'Connor.
9)Brandeis- They have a played a nice schedule against some of the top teams in the city but they have come up short. Again, the experience that they will pick up will benefit them as the season rolls on. Gabby Connally has the skills and athleticism to take over a game. Wins: Amarillo Losses: Antonian, Steele, Wagner, Brennan
10) Lee- How about those Lee Vols doing some work and getting the job done against the teams they needed to, sitting at 17-1. They are still looking for a signature win against a top 10 team. If you count them out, all I have to say is that confidence is a funny thing. Wouldn't it be something if they kept it up and rolled to a District Championship. Those kids have been working so hard, they deserve anything they can get.
Games to watch:
Steele at Brennan 7pm
Johnson at Incarnate Word 730pm
Go Support Girls Basketball!
A lot of teams have definitely stepped up and some are still searching to find themselves.
As for my Rankings, they are definitely nothing that you can say are concrete and edged in stone but simply a snapshot of how things are going right now in my opinion.
Many experts have their own opinions, so that would mean everyone reading this! ha
One thing for sure, there is a lot of talent and a lot of hardworking young ladies throughout the city.
Let's enjoy and support them as everything plays out in the future.
TOP 10
1) Steele- They won a very tough Jack Frost Tournament in Georgetown. A tournament filled with all kinds of talent and State Ranked teams. Their defense is tough and cover a lot of space because of their overall team athleticism. When their inside game is going, watch out! If they can continue to hit timely outside shots, this team is a real tough out. You need to have skilled guards and shooters to have a chance.
They might be the team left standing when its all said and done. Wins: John Tyler, Argyle, Brandeis, Floresville Losses: Austin Bowie
2) Antonian- They have won 2 Tournaments that have historically been some of the toughest tournaments around. Winning 1 is impressive, winning both speak volumes. This team is for Real. They do it as a TEAM! Led by Sandy Ramirez heart and grit, this team follows her lead. They play defense the whole court and make you work for every possession. They give themselves plenty of shot opportunities through their defense! You have to play every minute, every second because if you let your guard down, they will take advantage of it in a big way. Wins: Johnson (Twice), Brennan, Brandeis, Amarillo Losses: Johnson
3) Clark- They finally get knocked of the unbeaten ranks this past weekend. Maybe playing a soft schedule hurt them but no matter, this team is solid! They are led by Ria Gulley, who is just an all around tough kid on both ends of the court. She plays with passion to win and helps her team compete at a high level. Wins: Incarnate Word Losses: Killeen, Argyle Liberty Christian
4) Johnson- It seems every game is a totally different game for Johnson in the sense, different players step up at different times. It is still trying to get an identity as it continues to get better. Consistency like I said before is what they are searching for. Everyone loves to see box scores to see who scored what, but in reality some players do so many small thing that they are the glue that keeps everything together. That player for Johnson is Tara Molina. But in the meantime, they are slowly but surely getting the job done. Wins Antonian, Wagner Losses: Antonian (Twice), Taft
5) Incarnate Word- Their toughest challenge will be to overcome their lack of overall size! If they can't get rebounds on the defensive end, they can't get going on fast breaks. If they can't get offensive boards, its one shot and done. And this past week, they had a tough time finding the inside of the bucket. Led by Alexia Torres overall strong showing, the team felt short overcoming that size discrepancy. But they have shown they can compete, no matter what. Wins: Westbury Christian, Kinkaid, Wagner, Floresville Losses: Georgetown, Westbury Christian
6) Wagner- They had a win over Brandeis and enjoyed the rest of the week off! Don't forget about them, they can easily get in a roll! Sometimes teams perform better under the lights when it matters and some teams crumble under the pressure. My gut tells me when you have Amber Ramirez and Kiana Williams that you Respect this team Wins: Brandeis, Brennan, Plano Prestonwood Losses: Incarnate Word, South Grand Prairie, Galena North Shore, Johnson
7) Brennan- They had a tough loss against Antonian in the Championship game in double overtime. Yes it might be a loss but does it really matter to them. In the end in my opinion, it's going to benefit them three fold because of the experience they will learn from playing arguably one of the toughest schedules in the city. Their Big 3, Mo Terry, Megan Valdez and Kinzie Heineman, make this team still a team to reckon with no matter what. Wins: Brandeis Losses: Wagner, Galena Park North Shore, Antonian, Vista Ridge
8) Judson- Like most teams in the city, Judson is still looking for an identity. They have a mixture of seasoned vets with young talent. I really enjoy watching Lena Wilson compete on the court. Still looking for that signature win against a quality opponent. Belle Tovar with a nice offensive game last game out vs O'Connor.
9)Brandeis- They have a played a nice schedule against some of the top teams in the city but they have come up short. Again, the experience that they will pick up will benefit them as the season rolls on. Gabby Connally has the skills and athleticism to take over a game. Wins: Amarillo Losses: Antonian, Steele, Wagner, Brennan
10) Lee- How about those Lee Vols doing some work and getting the job done against the teams they needed to, sitting at 17-1. They are still looking for a signature win against a top 10 team. If you count them out, all I have to say is that confidence is a funny thing. Wouldn't it be something if they kept it up and rolled to a District Championship. Those kids have been working so hard, they deserve anything they can get.
Games to watch:
Steele at Brennan 7pm
Johnson at Incarnate Word 730pm
Go Support Girls Basketball!
Thursday, November 26, 2015
SAN ATONIO TOP 10 HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAMS
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!!!!!!!!
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!!!!!!!!
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!
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
MUCHAS GRACIAS
As Coaches go for any sport at any level, part of their job is to push and promote their players.
I've done my fair share as well, but for now I want to Celebrate some of our Senior Guards from our Original SA Islanders Black team. Players that have played 2 years or more which consists of Tara Molina, Belle Tovar, Victoria Salinas, Alexia Torres.
Tara, Belle and Lexi since 7th grade.
I want to Celebrate with them as they finish out their High School Careers with their respective schools.
I respect their hard work, commitment and dedication in a sport that have few actual Role Models for them in College and in the WNBA.
Young, Talented, Female and LATINAS!
All are expected to be leaders on their respective High School teams as starting Point Guards or contributing significantly as point guards.
Victoria Pena for O'Connor will be helping lead the way for a team that was one win away from going to State last season.
O'Connor has some key losses so Victoria as well as her fellow teammates will be asked to do more to make up the difference. Her confidence has grown tremendously enabling to expand her game.
Never one to back down from any challenge, she plays defense as hard as she goes on offense.
On defense, she has great court awareness enabling her to fill in passing lanes for steals. She is a Real tough rebounder for a guard. She runs the court well, likes to attack the rim and can get hot from downtown.
Tara Molina with Johnson HS will be asked to do a lot more with the departure of some key talent from a team that made a good run last year.
She is smooth and crafty with the ball and likes to create and set up her teammates. She has the ability to get to the rim with her moves. She also can light it up from downtown as she did during the end of her sophomore season, catching fire during the playoffs. She is seasoned and with confidence, she can be a scorer.
Belle Tovar for Judson HS will be making her long awaited debut with the Varsity team. As a sophomore, she had to sit out because of UIL transfer rules. As a junior, she had to sit out due to an injury.
Ever since elementary, she has been regarded as one of the State's most prolific scorers. That's something Judson sorely missed last season. Her range is unlimited. Her passing ability in crowds and creativity gets overlooked. She is also a great rebounder and defender. She is excited to say the least, for the opportunity to play for Judson HS Varsity team.
Alexia Torres goes into her senior year at Incarnate Word looking to build from the last few years playoff runs. Ever since starting her first game as the Point Guard her freshmen year, she has shown a competitiveness spirit on both ends of the court.
She has a group of talented players around her at IWHS, more than at any time in her career. That in itself will help her do what she does best. Make the team better in any manner possible!
As a matter of fact, all these young ladies make their teams better in their own way.
Maybe to a fault, these young ladies are modest and humbled but MAKE no mistake, on the court they go out and COMPETE!
And playing together in the same back court against the toughest teams from San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas all throughout the State, they have hopefully gained some measure of respect from opposing players and Coaches.
I know I have witnessed my share of their incredible achievements and performances as well as their long hours of hard work and sweat in the gym.
As they finish out their High School careers, I hope they enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed the ride.
MUCHAS GRACIAS, Senoritas!!!!!
I've done my fair share as well, but for now I want to Celebrate some of our Senior Guards from our Original SA Islanders Black team. Players that have played 2 years or more which consists of Tara Molina, Belle Tovar, Victoria Salinas, Alexia Torres.
Tara, Belle and Lexi since 7th grade.
 |
| Belle, Tara and Lexi |
I want to Celebrate with them as they finish out their High School Careers with their respective schools.
I respect their hard work, commitment and dedication in a sport that have few actual Role Models for them in College and in the WNBA.
Young, Talented, Female and LATINAS!
All are expected to be leaders on their respective High School teams as starting Point Guards or contributing significantly as point guards.
Victoria Pena for O'Connor will be helping lead the way for a team that was one win away from going to State last season.
 |
| Victoria Pena |
Never one to back down from any challenge, she plays defense as hard as she goes on offense.
On defense, she has great court awareness enabling her to fill in passing lanes for steals. She is a Real tough rebounder for a guard. She runs the court well, likes to attack the rim and can get hot from downtown.
 |
| Victoria Pena |
Tara Molina with Johnson HS will be asked to do a lot more with the departure of some key talent from a team that made a good run last year.
 |
| Tara Molina |
 |
| Tara Molina |
 |
| Belle Tovar |
 |
| Belle Tovar |
Alexia Torres goes into her senior year at Incarnate Word looking to build from the last few years playoff runs. Ever since starting her first game as the Point Guard her freshmen year, she has shown a competitiveness spirit on both ends of the court.
 |
| Alexia Torres |
 |
| Alexia Torres |
Maybe to a fault, these young ladies are modest and humbled but MAKE no mistake, on the court they go out and COMPETE!
And playing together in the same back court against the toughest teams from San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas all throughout the State, they have hopefully gained some measure of respect from opposing players and Coaches.
I know I have witnessed my share of their incredible achievements and performances as well as their long hours of hard work and sweat in the gym.
As they finish out their High School careers, I hope they enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed the ride.
MUCHAS GRACIAS, Senoritas!!!!!
Sunday, October 4, 2015
SA Islanders Alexia Torres
Alexia Torres coming into the Future Stars Showcase after sitting out for 30 days from any shooting because of an injury made the most of her time back on the court.
Click below for some highlights
Alexia Torres
Click below for some highlights
Alexia Torres
Saturday, October 3, 2015
SA ISLANDERS TARA MOLINA
Throughout her basketball career, no one and I mean no one can ever say that Tara Molina was not an ultimate team player. She is as unselfish basketball player as they come, always thinking and putting TEAM First!
Not to say that she has not gotten hers on the offensive scoring column, but she always looks to set up her teammates and relishes on their success as much as any player can possibly do.
And that folks is Tara Molina, on and off the court!
Ultimate Teammate and Ultimate Friend!
She doesn't work at it, it's just Naturally her!
I have seen her do some amazing plays on the court and observed amazing displays of generosity and graciousness off the court.
In this day of age, where competitive sports make people do and say irrational things, where winning is the Ultimate goal and where being the Best is all that matters, it has been my Honor to have coached this young lady, one who has remained true to herself, to her teammates and coaches.
And I will venture to take it further than that, when Tara Molina joined the team, she could have played with a lot of other teams. The majority of Parents probably would have thought twice and probably moved her to another team at the start with the Islanders.
She couldn't play with the Top Islander Team because UIL rules prohibited it during her first TWO seasons with the Islanders even though, skills and talent, she Could Have!
When she finally joined the Islanders top team, she had to come off the bench for a whole other season while she patiently waited for her opportunity.
She EARNED that opportunity during her fourth season and helped the team to a successful run.
And in that act of loyalty towards the Organization, Tara Molina has earned her spot as a SA Islander for all times.
SA Islanders, not as winners or the best, but quite simply......... family, La Familia!
Click below for some her highlights from Future Stars Showcase
SA ISLANDERS TARA MOLINA
Not to say that she has not gotten hers on the offensive scoring column, but she always looks to set up her teammates and relishes on their success as much as any player can possibly do.
And that folks is Tara Molina, on and off the court!
Ultimate Teammate and Ultimate Friend!
She doesn't work at it, it's just Naturally her!
I have seen her do some amazing plays on the court and observed amazing displays of generosity and graciousness off the court.
In this day of age, where competitive sports make people do and say irrational things, where winning is the Ultimate goal and where being the Best is all that matters, it has been my Honor to have coached this young lady, one who has remained true to herself, to her teammates and coaches.
And I will venture to take it further than that, when Tara Molina joined the team, she could have played with a lot of other teams. The majority of Parents probably would have thought twice and probably moved her to another team at the start with the Islanders.
She couldn't play with the Top Islander Team because UIL rules prohibited it during her first TWO seasons with the Islanders even though, skills and talent, she Could Have!
When she finally joined the Islanders top team, she had to come off the bench for a whole other season while she patiently waited for her opportunity.
She EARNED that opportunity during her fourth season and helped the team to a successful run.
And in that act of loyalty towards the Organization, Tara Molina has earned her spot as a SA Islander for all times.
SA Islanders, not as winners or the best, but quite simply......... family, La Familia!
Click below for some her highlights from Future Stars Showcase
SA ISLANDERS TARA MOLINA
SA ISLANDERS BRI SOLIZ
I don't think you will get any argument from anyone that knows Bri Soliz as a person and human being, she is extremely nice to everyone!!!!
You will not get any quarrel from anyone that knows basketball that her GAME on the basketball court is Super Nice as well!!!!
Great kid with a great personality that compliments her basketball skills and talent.
She is super smooth on the court with great footwork who can finish left and right handed. She also runs the court well and knows how to move without the ball to get herself open.
She was in Beast mode at the Future Stars Showcase averaging 10 boards a game.
She is ready to add to High School resume where last year as a sophomore, she helped lead San Angelo Lakeview to their first playoff win ever, receiving a lot of awards and accolades along the way.
Click below for some highlights
SA ISLANDERS BRI SOLIZ
You will not get any quarrel from anyone that knows basketball that her GAME on the basketball court is Super Nice as well!!!!
Great kid with a great personality that compliments her basketball skills and talent.
She is super smooth on the court with great footwork who can finish left and right handed. She also runs the court well and knows how to move without the ball to get herself open.
She was in Beast mode at the Future Stars Showcase averaging 10 boards a game.
She is ready to add to High School resume where last year as a sophomore, she helped lead San Angelo Lakeview to their first playoff win ever, receiving a lot of awards and accolades along the way.
Click below for some highlights
SA ISLANDERS BRI SOLIZ
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
2016 POINT GUARD ALEXIA TORRES
What you see is what you get with Alexia Torres.
Alexia Torres is always humbled and modest on and off the court.
But make no mistake about it, a competitor and a stalwart player for the SA Islanders Organization since day one.
Disciplined, consistent, dependable, hard working, fundamentally sound on both ends of the court!
Simply put, She just goes about her business to do whatever it takes to help the team to compete from assists and scoring to steals, rebounds and blocks!
Besides her highlights on her ability to score in a variety of ways, pay attention to her footwork and timing which compliments her athletic ability.
As the point guard for Incarnate Word High School, you can count that she will be doing whatever it takes to help the team have a memorable season!
Click below to see some highlights of 2 games at the end of the Club Season!
Alexia Torres
Alexia Torres is always humbled and modest on and off the court.
But make no mistake about it, a competitor and a stalwart player for the SA Islanders Organization since day one.
Disciplined, consistent, dependable, hard working, fundamentally sound on both ends of the court!
Simply put, She just goes about her business to do whatever it takes to help the team to compete from assists and scoring to steals, rebounds and blocks!
Besides her highlights on her ability to score in a variety of ways, pay attention to her footwork and timing which compliments her athletic ability.
As the point guard for Incarnate Word High School, you can count that she will be doing whatever it takes to help the team have a memorable season!
Click below to see some highlights of 2 games at the end of the Club Season!
Alexia Torres
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
SA ISLANDERS 2019 ALEXIS "LEXI" RETAULT
Alexis "Lexi" Retault is a baller in every definition of the word.
She might be the smallest player on the court but plays like she is the biggest. She definitely has a huge Heart.
She is relentless on both ends of the court!
As a point guard, her instincts are incredible and has the ability to create for herself and her team.
Her first step is dangerous and will take it among the trees. She is a great rebounder even though her size is at a big disadvantage. But she makes up for it with pure desire and will to compete.
She doesn't show swag but plays with it!
And she always plays with a smile, why.......
Cause she LOVES the Game!!!!!
Did I mention she was relentless.....
Click below for some highlights
ALEXIS "LEXI" RETAULT
She might be the smallest player on the court but plays like she is the biggest. She definitely has a huge Heart.
She is relentless on both ends of the court!
As a point guard, her instincts are incredible and has the ability to create for herself and her team.
Her first step is dangerous and will take it among the trees. She is a great rebounder even though her size is at a big disadvantage. But she makes up for it with pure desire and will to compete.
She doesn't show swag but plays with it!
And she always plays with a smile, why.......
Cause she LOVES the Game!!!!!
Did I mention she was relentless.....
Click below for some highlights
ALEXIS "LEXI" RETAULT
SA ISLANDERS 2019 ASHLEY ADASZCZYK
Ashley Adaszczyk has been steadily making a name for herself on the basketball court.
She is poised and composed under pressure and does what every Head Coach wants from their point guard.
She leads, she communicates, she runs the court, she is vocal, she is smart and she makes her teammates better!
She is ready to make the transition from Middle School to High School as she has been playing up in Varsity level competition all season.
She is a player to look out for as she continues to work hard.
Her handles are advanced and is fundamentally sound!
She is like a sponge enabling her Basketball IQ to enhance.
She has a bright future ahead of her because of her competiveness and a Winner mentality!
Click below for some of her highlights
ASHLEY ADASZCZYK
She is poised and composed under pressure and does what every Head Coach wants from their point guard.
She leads, she communicates, she runs the court, she is vocal, she is smart and she makes her teammates better!
She is ready to make the transition from Middle School to High School as she has been playing up in Varsity level competition all season.
She is a player to look out for as she continues to work hard.
Her handles are advanced and is fundamentally sound!
She is like a sponge enabling her Basketball IQ to enhance.
She has a bright future ahead of her because of her competiveness and a Winner mentality!
Click below for some of her highlights
ASHLEY ADASZCZYK
SA ISLANDERS JORDAN BROOKS
Jordan Brooks is coming into her own as she continues to improve by leaps and bounds.
She is deceptively explosive to the basket and can be a menace on the defensive end as well.
Keep your eyes on her as she will help lead her Lakeview High School in San Angelo this season into a playoff run.
She can be a spark plug and at any moment can go off with her athletic ability.
Her running stride seems so effortless as she runs so smooth down the court.
She is starting to hit her jumpers and long ball which will add to her repertoire of scoring the ball.
I am very proud of progress from a shy young lady to one of the leaders of the team.
She continues to work hard which will just bolster her confidence and then Watch Out.....
the sky will be the limit!
Click below for some her highlights
JORDAN BROOKS
She is deceptively explosive to the basket and can be a menace on the defensive end as well.
Keep your eyes on her as she will help lead her Lakeview High School in San Angelo this season into a playoff run.
She can be a spark plug and at any moment can go off with her athletic ability.
Her running stride seems so effortless as she runs so smooth down the court.
She is starting to hit her jumpers and long ball which will add to her repertoire of scoring the ball.
I am very proud of progress from a shy young lady to one of the leaders of the team.
She continues to work hard which will just bolster her confidence and then Watch Out.....
the sky will be the limit!
Click below for some her highlights
JORDAN BROOKS
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
SA ISLANDERS BELLE TOVAR
After a stellar Club Basketball career for Belle Tovar, she doesn't have to prove much anymore.
She has been doing her thing since she helped lead her team to a Club Basketball National Championship in Florida when she was in elementary.
She has battled against some of the state's best teams and players through the years since those early days.
She has blossomed into a talented and gifted young lady.
She was being recruited by Pac-10, Big 12, Big East, Southland Conference and on and on.
She ultimately made the decision to commit to Houston Baptist University!
Because of injury and transfer rules, she hasn't been able to show her talents for her High School at Judson.
But that is about to change this year.
It should be an exciting Basketball season at Judson HS to compliment the boys programs.
Hopefully we will get to see some of those deep effortless 3 point shots, or step back mid range shots, or how about driving through traffic and finishing with a floater, or how about a defensive block and overall her just having fun playing the game she loves at a very high level.
Maybe she doesn't need to accomplish any more, but let's give her the RESPECT she deserves as one of the players in the city that simply made things happen on the court for a very long time, making a lot of people say in the stands including myself say out loud, Wowwwww........
Click below for a small sample of some of her highlights
Thursday, August 20, 2015
SA ISLANDERS CINDY SI
Cindy Si's stock on the basketball court has soared through the roof since joining the Islanders.
Seemingly coming from nowhere, she has worked hard to make her mark on the basketball scene.
Don't take my word for it, ask the coach after coach that has inquired about her.
If that wasn't enough, add SAT scores in the top 1% in the country. How about No 3 or 4 (depending on the week) in her Graduating Class of over 650 students all the while playing basketball which consumes a hugh part of your time.
Well, hold on, there is more, she is a Senior but should actually be a Junior! She is accomplishing all of that and she is only a 16 year old Senior.
Not bad.
Her first step is becoming dangerous. She is long, lanky, fast and quick which makes her explosive on both ends of the court!
Her shot from deep has to be respected. Her game as a whole has flourished.
She is ready to have a great year at her High School!
But the best part is that she is still learning, still improving, still getting better.
Always a hard worker, it has been a great pleasure and honor to help coach her and watch her progress AND to be able to call her a True Islander!
Below is a small part of what she can do.
Click below
CINDY SI
Seemingly coming from nowhere, she has worked hard to make her mark on the basketball scene.
Don't take my word for it, ask the coach after coach that has inquired about her.
If that wasn't enough, add SAT scores in the top 1% in the country. How about No 3 or 4 (depending on the week) in her Graduating Class of over 650 students all the while playing basketball which consumes a hugh part of your time.
Well, hold on, there is more, she is a Senior but should actually be a Junior! She is accomplishing all of that and she is only a 16 year old Senior.
Not bad.
Her first step is becoming dangerous. She is long, lanky, fast and quick which makes her explosive on both ends of the court!
Her shot from deep has to be respected. Her game as a whole has flourished.
She is ready to have a great year at her High School!
But the best part is that she is still learning, still improving, still getting better.
Always a hard worker, it has been a great pleasure and honor to help coach her and watch her progress AND to be able to call her a True Islander!
Below is a small part of what she can do.
Click below
CINDY SI
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
SA Islanders Erin "Winner" Wimberley
A few seasons ago, After a long season of long hours, a lot of sweat, running, push ups and hard work, we were playing in a semifinal game for a chance to play at the AT&T Center for the Championship!
As the game was coming to its conclusion with our team firmly in command, I tell the players, "The only players that can shoot are the Post", and to top it off, "Only from 3 point land".
Erin, with her trademark grin, responds quicker than a rattlesnake, "What would you do Coach if we make one?"
I'm like, "I will owe anyone who makes one 10 pushups".
As soon as I said it, all the posts were on the court, GAME ON!!!!!
Yeah Erin made one, nothing but net I might add and with her trademark grin jogged back to defense and pointed to me as I read her mind telepathically. "I got you Coach, NOW you owe me!"
How many times did I say that to all to players when running times weren't met, wrong hands being used, missed layups, turnovers, etc., "You Owe Me!"
Back track a little.
When we got started as an Organization a while back, we had two Erin's on the team. To remedy any conflicts, I gave both of them nick names.
Erin "Winner" Wimberley. It was an appropriate choice!
She has endured numerous obstacles and setbacks that would have left many other players hitting the eject button.
Every time Erin fought back, determined and committed, never quitting facing everything as casual as her personality always with her trademark smile.
Every time she got back on the court, she proved to herself and to everyone else that she was a "Winner".
Extremely bright and smart, well mannered, funny, competitive as heck, always a team player first, all essential traits for a recipe to become a "Winner" in Life!
Yeah, I am honored to have Lost to her, costing me 10 PUSH UPS at mid-court of the AT&T Center.
And yeah, all the while she enjoyed every second of it, and of course with her trademark GRIN on her face.
She is one of the original members of the team and has been an essential part of the Organization's ongoing success!
She is a strong rebounder, sets great screens, plays tough defense and her midrange shot is automatic!
Click below for some highlights.
ERIN WIMBERLEY
As the game was coming to its conclusion with our team firmly in command, I tell the players, "The only players that can shoot are the Post", and to top it off, "Only from 3 point land".
Erin, with her trademark grin, responds quicker than a rattlesnake, "What would you do Coach if we make one?"
I'm like, "I will owe anyone who makes one 10 pushups".
As soon as I said it, all the posts were on the court, GAME ON!!!!!
Yeah Erin made one, nothing but net I might add and with her trademark grin jogged back to defense and pointed to me as I read her mind telepathically. "I got you Coach, NOW you owe me!"
How many times did I say that to all to players when running times weren't met, wrong hands being used, missed layups, turnovers, etc., "You Owe Me!"
Back track a little.
When we got started as an Organization a while back, we had two Erin's on the team. To remedy any conflicts, I gave both of them nick names.
Erin "Winner" Wimberley. It was an appropriate choice!
She has endured numerous obstacles and setbacks that would have left many other players hitting the eject button.
Every time Erin fought back, determined and committed, never quitting facing everything as casual as her personality always with her trademark smile.
Every time she got back on the court, she proved to herself and to everyone else that she was a "Winner".
Extremely bright and smart, well mannered, funny, competitive as heck, always a team player first, all essential traits for a recipe to become a "Winner" in Life!
Yeah, I am honored to have Lost to her, costing me 10 PUSH UPS at mid-court of the AT&T Center.
And yeah, all the while she enjoyed every second of it, and of course with her trademark GRIN on her face.
She is one of the original members of the team and has been an essential part of the Organization's ongoing success!
She is a strong rebounder, sets great screens, plays tough defense and her midrange shot is automatic!
Click below for some highlights.
ERIN WIMBERLEY
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
SA ISLANDERS JENNA VILLARREAL
Another kid who has put in a lot of hard work in just very limited time, Jenna Villarreal has the passion and the competitive spirit needed to succeed in the sport.
She has tremendous court awareness and simply likes to compete!
What separates good players?
Well I can tell you for one, Jenna HATES to lose! At anything, anywhere, anytime!
That competitiveness has helped her help lead her High School, "The Incarnate Word", to 2 State Softball Championships in the last 3 years.
She is a big piece in the puzzle if they want to have a run at the Basketball Championship!
She has expanded her game in so very limited time.
Another example of hard work does pay off!
Below is a small sample of her work on the court.
click below
Monday, August 17, 2015
SA ISLANDERS KAYLA ALVARADO
Kayla Alvarado has to continuously fight as an underdog. Why you might ask, she is an undersized post.
But she makes up for it with a strong array of moves, great footwork, strong bball instincts and a big heart. She is not afraid to use both hands as well. Many players down low stay to their dominant hand no matter what.
She also has the skill set to take her opponent outside of the arc when she needs to.
She is relentless and never backs down!
She is also one of the most popular players on the team, befriending players from both teams.
I expect a lot of big things from her during the High School season.
Below is a small highlight of what she can do.
click below
Kayla Alvarado
But she makes up for it with a strong array of moves, great footwork, strong bball instincts and a big heart. She is not afraid to use both hands as well. Many players down low stay to their dominant hand no matter what.
She also has the skill set to take her opponent outside of the arc when she needs to.
She is relentless and never backs down!
She is also one of the most popular players on the team, befriending players from both teams.
I expect a lot of big things from her during the High School season.
Below is a small highlight of what she can do.
click below
Kayla Alvarado
SA ISLANDERS VICTORIA PENA
Victoria Pena has been patiently putting in her time and paying her dues. Little by Little, more and more confidence, she is busting out of her shell.
She brings a mindset of never quit and never back down and definitely never surrender to the game!
She has worked amazingly hard and signifies what I feel SA Islanders are all about.
Strong defender even though not extremely fast or quick, covers passing lanes, creates havoc, great timing. On offense, nice handles, can create, can penetrate among traffic, finish pull-ups and definitely hit from downtown.
She is ready for huge High School season at O'Connor HS
Amazingly, Below are highlights from just 1 game where she finished with 29 points. Let me add to it a little bit more, we only had 7 players and this was the 5th game in two days.
click below
VICTORIA PENA
She brings a mindset of never quit and never back down and definitely never surrender to the game!
She has worked amazingly hard and signifies what I feel SA Islanders are all about.
Strong defender even though not extremely fast or quick, covers passing lanes, creates havoc, great timing. On offense, nice handles, can create, can penetrate among traffic, finish pull-ups and definitely hit from downtown.
She is ready for huge High School season at O'Connor HS
Amazingly, Below are highlights from just 1 game where she finished with 29 points. Let me add to it a little bit more, we only had 7 players and this was the 5th game in two days.
click below
VICTORIA PENA
SA ISLANDERS TARA MOLINA
Tara Molina exemplifies the true point guard position!
She runs the floor so effortlessly and she sees the court finding and setting up teammates like a magician.
She has a knack of being able to get to the basket through the trees often against quicker, taller, longer defensive players.
Her separation moves are so smooth.
Her handles are like a Maestro playing the Grand Piano!
Her shot, name it:
... to the basket, pull up, midrange, downtown, separation moves from beyond the arc!
Below is small sample of her repertoire of shots
click below
TARA MOLINA
She runs the floor so effortlessly and she sees the court finding and setting up teammates like a magician.
She has a knack of being able to get to the basket through the trees often against quicker, taller, longer defensive players.
Her separation moves are so smooth.
Her handles are like a Maestro playing the Grand Piano!
Her shot, name it:
... to the basket, pull up, midrange, downtown, separation moves from beyond the arc!
Below is small sample of her repertoire of shots
click below
TARA MOLINA
SA ISLANDERS ANALISA NARRO
Analisa Narro has been working and working and working!
Her Dividends you might say, well.....
She has put herself up there as one of the best pure shooters in the city!
She hit 7 from downtown in one game during the Raucous on the River tournament. She continued her shooting prowess all the way up to the Basketball on the Bayou tournament during live period.
Along the way she has improved dramatically on all aspects of the game especially on the defensive side.
She is ready to have a big year during the High School season!
This kid deserves all the props she gets because simply put, she has put in A LOT OF HARD WORK AND SWEAT BEHING HER GAME!
Even when she misses, anyone can tell she is a SHOOTER!
Below is a small sample of what she can do!
More to come....
click below
Analisa Narro
Her Dividends you might say, well.....
She has put herself up there as one of the best pure shooters in the city!
She hit 7 from downtown in one game during the Raucous on the River tournament. She continued her shooting prowess all the way up to the Basketball on the Bayou tournament during live period.
Along the way she has improved dramatically on all aspects of the game especially on the defensive side.
She is ready to have a big year during the High School season!
This kid deserves all the props she gets because simply put, she has put in A LOT OF HARD WORK AND SWEAT BEHING HER GAME!
Even when she misses, anyone can tell she is a SHOOTER!
Below is a small sample of what she can do!
More to come....
click below
Analisa Narro
Thursday, June 4, 2015
SA Islanders 2017 Bri Soliz
Work hard enough and there will be a time when everything seems to starts clicking.
Fresh off a great sophomore High School campaign, where she helped lead her High School team to their first postseason win EVER, Bri Soliz is coming onto her own. She was awarded numerous accolades for her High School season and is ready to transfer that success into this AAU Club season.
Very gracious and extremely modest, she is one of the organization's favorite player. She gets along with all her teammates, parents and coaches.
Below is some clips from the last game of the Fury Tournament. Just a taste of things to come.
Click link below
Bri Soliz video
Fresh off a great sophomore High School campaign, where she helped lead her High School team to their first postseason win EVER, Bri Soliz is coming onto her own. She was awarded numerous accolades for her High School season and is ready to transfer that success into this AAU Club season.
Very gracious and extremely modest, she is one of the organization's favorite player. She gets along with all her teammates, parents and coaches.
Below is some clips from the last game of the Fury Tournament. Just a taste of things to come.
Click link below
Bri Soliz video
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
TOP TEAMS HS GIRLS BBALL IN SAN ANTONIO 2/24/15
So the moment of truth has come. In Public School Girls High School basketball, we have O'Connor vs Schertz Clemens and Brennan vs Wagner tonight at UTSA in a double header.
Is this a surprise to anyone? The teams have been playing the best basketball all season especially down the stretch (last 2 months) and are in position to advance to the coveted Final 4, here in their own hometown.
Clemens has gone 14-2 since December 9, 2014. That is well over 2 months of playing basketball. And by the way, Clemens only losses have come to Wagner.
Wagner has gone 16-1 since mid December and have only one loss to the hands of Euless Trinity.
Brennan has gone 14-2 since mid December, with their only two losses to O'Connor.
O'Connor has gone 19-0 since early December and has not lost to any team in the Alamo City all season long.
Down the stretch, it was evident by their play that these 4 teams were going to rise to the top come playoff time.
You have 4 capable strong teams coming out on top, each with their own distinct way of playing the game.
O'Connor has to be the most underrated team in quite some time. They have quietly and efficiently been taking care of their opponents. Big Challenge in front of them tonight, no doubt. Clemens, of all the teams remaining, rely more on one player to get them going not just offensively but defensively as well. Thats a huge load to carry on ones shoulders. But if there is anyone that can do it, its Kyra Lambert. On O'Connor side of things, they have the players, guards Amber Vidal, Victoria Pena, Kasey Saldana, that can create havoc on defense and put up points on the offensive side. Team ball is their game. Moving the ball on offense is key.
COMPOSURE might play a pivotal part on the games outcome. It is a long game, which team is going to stay consistent the longest?
Brennan has been the deepest team inside and out all year long. They are going to need to utilize their overall team play to offset Wagner's Amber Ramirez amazing scoring spree. Wagner has more weapons like guard Kianna Williams that can turn out to be the difference. It's interesting how this plays out. Can Brennan control the boards on both sides of the court and can their guards play aggressive and hit outside shots? One advantage Brennan has, if one player is struggling, plenty of other players are capable of having huge nights. For Wagner, Amber Ramirez needs to do what Amber does, score.
And the beauty of all this, if all 4 teams played again tomorrow, totally different outcomes might occur. It's that wide open. Anything can happen. Anyone can step up. Nothing is set in stone!
In private School action, both Antonian and Incarnate Word go to College Station this weekend with high hopes to get to the Final 4 after it's all said and done.
Anonian Prep has gone an amazing 18-2 since early December. It's only two losses have come to the hands of Incarnate Word.
Incarnate Word has gone 12-2 since late December with one loss to Manvel, defending State Champ in highest classification from last year. They have an outside chance of getting to the State Finals because of stingy overall team defense and offense led by PG Alexia Torres and freshman Sophia Ramos. Add scorers Analisa Narro and Jenna Villarreal with feisty guards that can score as well in Brooke Orme and Analisa Hebert, the team has a fighters chance to do well.
Antonian is as deep as any team in the city. They have a talented shooting team with plenty of players in their roster that can hit it from down town. They also have a very stingy defense that can pose problems with teams that are not familiar with their style or that don't have many ball handlers.
Is it any surprise that all above 6 mentioned teams are still alive? They have been playing some good basketball especially down the stretch.
At this point you don't need Rankings to bolster how good your team is, you team just needs to Win!
Don't blame the refs, don't blame the ball, don't blame one play.
Make your layups, make your free throws, take care of the ball, take good shots, control the boards etc..
On the hand........ sometimes, just sometimes, its just better to be lucky than good!
GO SUPPORT GIRLS BASKETBALL!!!!
Is this a surprise to anyone? The teams have been playing the best basketball all season especially down the stretch (last 2 months) and are in position to advance to the coveted Final 4, here in their own hometown.
Clemens has gone 14-2 since December 9, 2014. That is well over 2 months of playing basketball. And by the way, Clemens only losses have come to Wagner.
Wagner has gone 16-1 since mid December and have only one loss to the hands of Euless Trinity.
Brennan has gone 14-2 since mid December, with their only two losses to O'Connor.
O'Connor has gone 19-0 since early December and has not lost to any team in the Alamo City all season long.
Down the stretch, it was evident by their play that these 4 teams were going to rise to the top come playoff time.
You have 4 capable strong teams coming out on top, each with their own distinct way of playing the game.
O'Connor has to be the most underrated team in quite some time. They have quietly and efficiently been taking care of their opponents. Big Challenge in front of them tonight, no doubt. Clemens, of all the teams remaining, rely more on one player to get them going not just offensively but defensively as well. Thats a huge load to carry on ones shoulders. But if there is anyone that can do it, its Kyra Lambert. On O'Connor side of things, they have the players, guards Amber Vidal, Victoria Pena, Kasey Saldana, that can create havoc on defense and put up points on the offensive side. Team ball is their game. Moving the ball on offense is key.
COMPOSURE might play a pivotal part on the games outcome. It is a long game, which team is going to stay consistent the longest?
Brennan has been the deepest team inside and out all year long. They are going to need to utilize their overall team play to offset Wagner's Amber Ramirez amazing scoring spree. Wagner has more weapons like guard Kianna Williams that can turn out to be the difference. It's interesting how this plays out. Can Brennan control the boards on both sides of the court and can their guards play aggressive and hit outside shots? One advantage Brennan has, if one player is struggling, plenty of other players are capable of having huge nights. For Wagner, Amber Ramirez needs to do what Amber does, score.
And the beauty of all this, if all 4 teams played again tomorrow, totally different outcomes might occur. It's that wide open. Anything can happen. Anyone can step up. Nothing is set in stone!
In private School action, both Antonian and Incarnate Word go to College Station this weekend with high hopes to get to the Final 4 after it's all said and done.
Anonian Prep has gone an amazing 18-2 since early December. It's only two losses have come to the hands of Incarnate Word.
Incarnate Word has gone 12-2 since late December with one loss to Manvel, defending State Champ in highest classification from last year. They have an outside chance of getting to the State Finals because of stingy overall team defense and offense led by PG Alexia Torres and freshman Sophia Ramos. Add scorers Analisa Narro and Jenna Villarreal with feisty guards that can score as well in Brooke Orme and Analisa Hebert, the team has a fighters chance to do well.
Antonian is as deep as any team in the city. They have a talented shooting team with plenty of players in their roster that can hit it from down town. They also have a very stingy defense that can pose problems with teams that are not familiar with their style or that don't have many ball handlers.
Is it any surprise that all above 6 mentioned teams are still alive? They have been playing some good basketball especially down the stretch.
At this point you don't need Rankings to bolster how good your team is, you team just needs to Win!
Don't blame the refs, don't blame the ball, don't blame one play.
Make your layups, make your free throws, take care of the ball, take good shots, control the boards etc..
On the hand........ sometimes, just sometimes, its just better to be lucky than good!
GO SUPPORT GIRLS BASKETBALL!!!!
Thursday, February 12, 2015
TOP 10 TEAMS HIGH SCHOOL SA GIRLS BASKETBALL 2-12-15
The regular season for HS GBB is over and now let the real games commence.
In the end, Reagan and Smithson Valley didn't have enough to get in the playoffs. Perennial powers like Stevens and Jay are also out. I thought MacArthur was going to make some noise in District. They showed promise in early in non district but nothing materialized when it mattered.
Southwest seemed to be struggling in Non District play to only get some momentum in District play especially with a big win over CC Carroll.
That being said, Southwest vs Brandeis should be interesting to see how it unfolds. Southwest likes to run, press and shoot the long ball. Brandeis has some good Posts and strong PG play
Clemens vs Churchill matchup should be intriguing. Two senior guards going at it and giving it their all should make it a fun game to go watch.
Roosevelt is the only team in the big schools in San Antonio that I haven't seen personally. But I know they can provide a scare to Wagner in the right scenarios. Wagner's lack of depth was exposed early in the season especially because of injuries. Wagner has plenty of momentum going into the playoffs. They will be hard team to stop.
Clark vs Carroll. Is this the game Clark comes to play like they are capable of playing on paper? If they don't, there will be a lot of what ifs in their season as they go home for good. They have as much chance of any team in San Antonio to beat Carroll with their depth.
Brennan vs CC Ray. Brennan has a lot of options and is deep. Ray has potential to stay close but depend too much on two players for their consistent scoring. Ray would need kids to step up across the board to try and pull it off. Brennan just needs to do what they do best, nothing fancy.
Johnson vs Judson. I have seen Johnson when they are rolling and I've seen them when they struggle. They have weapons that can match them up with about any team in the City. But first things first, they need to take care of Judson. Judson needs to make this an ugly game to pull it off.
Madison vs Steele. Madison has had a great season overall. They definitely have shooters. Madison PG can make things go on both ends. Steele is at their best when they play with intensity on the defensive end creating easy buckets. This is a toss up in my eyes if both teams bring their A game.
O'Connor vs East Central. O'Connor should just keep on doing what has worked all season. Team defense, great ball movement, trust in each other etc. O'Connor is the only team in the city that hasn't lost to any other team in the City. Of al the match ups in the first round, O'Connor should be the most heavy favorite to move on. They are sitting in a very good place in the overall Bracket.
In my Rankings, O'Connor biggest threat comes in their bracket is at the hands of a 6th seed or latter.
Whereas, the other Bracket has my #2, #3, #4, #5 teams duking it out to see who advances.
For my Rankings, I eliminated all teams that didn't make the playoffs. If a team lost to a non playoff team, then that loss was posted. Only wins against playoff teams were posted.
1. O'Connor: Wins- Johnson, Madison, Steele, Brennan (Twice), Brandeis, Clark. Losses-
2.Brennan: Wins- Wagner, Madison (Twice), Steele, Johnson, Brandeis, Clark. Losses- Reagan, O'Connor(Twice)
3. Wagner: Wins- Johnson, Brandeis, Schertz Clemens(Twice), Steele (Twice) Losses-Brennan, Madison, Antonian, Reagan
4. Johnson: Wins-Brandeis (3 times), Stevens, IWHS, Brandeis, Churchill, Madison. Losses- O'Connor, Wagner, Carroll, Brennan, Antonian, Churchill
5. Brandeis: Wins- Antonian, Clemens, Clark(Twice) Losses-Churchill, Johnson (3 Times), Steele, Madison, Wagner, Madison, Brennan, OConnor, Jay
6. Schetz Clemens: Wins-Steele( Twice), Roosevelt. Losses- Brandeis, Wagner(Twice)
7. Madison: Wins-Wagner, Brandeis, Stevens, IWHS, Churchill. Losses-Brennan, Clark, O'Connor, Johnson(Twice), Reagan, Roosevelt
8. Clark: Wins-Madison, Churchill. Losses- Brandeis (Twice), O'Connor, Brennan
9. Churchill: Wins- Brandeis, Roosevelt, Johnson. Losses- Clark(Twice), Antonian, Johnson, Madison, Roosevelt, Madison
10. Roosevelt: Wins- Churchill (Twice), Antonian, Madison. Losses Clemens, Churchill, Johnson, Smithson Valley, Reagan
Honorable Mention
Incarnate Word, Southwest, Steele
OK, Rankings are one thing, throw them out the window. Who is gonna bring it in the playoffs? That's all that matters now. Win and move on. Lose and go home.
Only 1 team is going to win 5 games to move on to State!
Will a team from Corpus steal the Glory. Only time will tell.
GO SUPPORT HS GIRLS BASKETBALL!!!!!!!
In the end, Reagan and Smithson Valley didn't have enough to get in the playoffs. Perennial powers like Stevens and Jay are also out. I thought MacArthur was going to make some noise in District. They showed promise in early in non district but nothing materialized when it mattered.
Southwest seemed to be struggling in Non District play to only get some momentum in District play especially with a big win over CC Carroll.
That being said, Southwest vs Brandeis should be interesting to see how it unfolds. Southwest likes to run, press and shoot the long ball. Brandeis has some good Posts and strong PG play
Clemens vs Churchill matchup should be intriguing. Two senior guards going at it and giving it their all should make it a fun game to go watch.
Roosevelt is the only team in the big schools in San Antonio that I haven't seen personally. But I know they can provide a scare to Wagner in the right scenarios. Wagner's lack of depth was exposed early in the season especially because of injuries. Wagner has plenty of momentum going into the playoffs. They will be hard team to stop.
Clark vs Carroll. Is this the game Clark comes to play like they are capable of playing on paper? If they don't, there will be a lot of what ifs in their season as they go home for good. They have as much chance of any team in San Antonio to beat Carroll with their depth.
Brennan vs CC Ray. Brennan has a lot of options and is deep. Ray has potential to stay close but depend too much on two players for their consistent scoring. Ray would need kids to step up across the board to try and pull it off. Brennan just needs to do what they do best, nothing fancy.
Johnson vs Judson. I have seen Johnson when they are rolling and I've seen them when they struggle. They have weapons that can match them up with about any team in the City. But first things first, they need to take care of Judson. Judson needs to make this an ugly game to pull it off.
Madison vs Steele. Madison has had a great season overall. They definitely have shooters. Madison PG can make things go on both ends. Steele is at their best when they play with intensity on the defensive end creating easy buckets. This is a toss up in my eyes if both teams bring their A game.
O'Connor vs East Central. O'Connor should just keep on doing what has worked all season. Team defense, great ball movement, trust in each other etc. O'Connor is the only team in the city that hasn't lost to any other team in the City. Of al the match ups in the first round, O'Connor should be the most heavy favorite to move on. They are sitting in a very good place in the overall Bracket.
In my Rankings, O'Connor biggest threat comes in their bracket is at the hands of a 6th seed or latter.
Whereas, the other Bracket has my #2, #3, #4, #5 teams duking it out to see who advances.
For my Rankings, I eliminated all teams that didn't make the playoffs. If a team lost to a non playoff team, then that loss was posted. Only wins against playoff teams were posted.
1. O'Connor: Wins- Johnson, Madison, Steele, Brennan (Twice), Brandeis, Clark. Losses-
2.Brennan: Wins- Wagner, Madison (Twice), Steele, Johnson, Brandeis, Clark. Losses- Reagan, O'Connor(Twice)
3. Wagner: Wins- Johnson, Brandeis, Schertz Clemens(Twice), Steele (Twice) Losses-Brennan, Madison, Antonian, Reagan
4. Johnson: Wins-Brandeis (3 times), Stevens, IWHS, Brandeis, Churchill, Madison. Losses- O'Connor, Wagner, Carroll, Brennan, Antonian, Churchill
5. Brandeis: Wins- Antonian, Clemens, Clark(Twice) Losses-Churchill, Johnson (3 Times), Steele, Madison, Wagner, Madison, Brennan, OConnor, Jay
6. Schetz Clemens: Wins-Steele( Twice), Roosevelt. Losses- Brandeis, Wagner(Twice)
7. Madison: Wins-Wagner, Brandeis, Stevens, IWHS, Churchill. Losses-Brennan, Clark, O'Connor, Johnson(Twice), Reagan, Roosevelt
9. Churchill: Wins- Brandeis, Roosevelt, Johnson. Losses- Clark(Twice), Antonian, Johnson, Madison, Roosevelt, Madison
10. Roosevelt: Wins- Churchill (Twice), Antonian, Madison. Losses Clemens, Churchill, Johnson, Smithson Valley, Reagan
Honorable Mention
Incarnate Word, Southwest, Steele
OK, Rankings are one thing, throw them out the window. Who is gonna bring it in the playoffs? That's all that matters now. Win and move on. Lose and go home.
Only 1 team is going to win 5 games to move on to State!
Will a team from Corpus steal the Glory. Only time will tell.
GO SUPPORT HS GIRLS BASKETBALL!!!!!!!
Thursday, January 29, 2015
TOP 10 TEAMS HIGH SCHOOL SA GIRLS BASKETBALL 1-29-15
Just like the Oscar's are upon us celebrating and awarding the Years Best Pictures and Best Actors/Actresses, so are the Girls Basketball HS Playoffs around the corner.
Teams are jockeying for positions and rankings. Players are putting on performances on the court, hoping it will be enough to be recognized at the end, when its all said and done.
Just like the Oscar's where you have a lot of Movie Pictures worthy of Best Movie, you also have a lot of teams worthy of being the best team in the City. But from witnessing last night's performance, one team has shot up as the favorite to win it all.
Last night, O"Connor beat Brennan with an effort worthy of Best Team Performance (Ensemble Cast)!
Maybe I am making too much of it, but the 5 starters had 11, 11, 11, 11 and 10 points Respectivelly! Pretty Amazing! Can you have any more team balance than that? Just the same defensively, O'Connor players seemed to have more sense of urgency hustling for loose balls and rebounds, tying up ball when other team got the rebound, poking the ball away from offensive players, deflecting passes and you get the Picture. It almost seems you can't take a break and get a moment rest against them. I mean this in a good way, the team is pesky and they can frustrate the heck out of you.
Offensively, they moved the ball well making 3, 4, 5 passes before someone shot. They have the mindset of flying across the court for fast break opportunities from steals or defensive rebounds. I've been saying it since early last year, don't underestimate their guard play.
But one game doesn't necessarily determine ones team fate if you still qualify for the Big Dance. Anything can happen once that starts.
Brennan is still going to be a tough out come playoff time. They have great size across the board, depth and guard play just to mention a few of their strong points. They beat a real good Clark team pretty handily just a few days ago.
Last night though belonged to O'Connor.
Saturday, O'Connor vs Clark 2pm Paul Taylor Gym
A lot of people including myself have been saying how good Clark is all season. This is a game Clark can make a statement they belong in the Best of the City category. For O'Connor, they can solidify their grip as the Best Team in the City with a win.
Looking ahead, One game Can definitely determine a team's fate though when it comes to making the playoffs.
Case in point, going down the Standings in each District, starting with District 25-6A, Smithson Valley needs to virtually win out to have a chance to make the playoffs. Judson is probably in with 1 more win unless SV does sweep, they need two wins in the last 3 games. Wagner and Clemens are in. Steele needs to win 2 out of 4 to safely assure their playoff spot.
In District 26-6A, Johnson and Madison are locks to make the playoffs. The last 2 spots are between Roosevelt, Churchill and Reagan. I feel the magic number 7 wins in District will be enough to get you in the playoffs in this district. That means Roosevelt needs a win from either Madison, Johnson or Churchill to go in. No easy task. Churchill needs to win 3 out of 4. Two of those games are against the bottom 2 teams in district. If they take care of business there, then they need to beat either Reagan or Roosevelt and Churchill is in. Reagan has the toughest road. I feel they have to beat Churchill for starters. Then they have to beat either Madison or Johnson and take care of MacArthur.
In District 27-6A, O'Connor, Brennan, Brandeis, Clark are almost locks. Other teams are mathematically still in it but it's just a matter of playing out the remaining games. Brennan, Clark and Brandeis are all tied for number 2 seed and will be fighting for positioning. It may not seem like much but number 4 seed gets CC Carroll in the first round.
In District 28-6A, Carroll, Southwest, CC Ray and East Central are locked in for the playoff spots. Southwest is playing much better now and may be peaking. East Central can be dangerous with their dynamic young center.
In the Large Private School side, Incarnate Word got a good win over Antonian and then followed that up by beating Private School State Ranked #10 St. Stephens in Austin. IWHS and Antonian should represent well once the playoff starts. Antonian is deep. IWHS is playing well on both ends of the court.
Who will eventually be the best in the City? Just like the Oscar's, is it going to be the favorite or is there going to be an upset.
Which team has the best players? Who has the best Coach? Who has the best supporting cast?
Following are my teams going down the RED CARPET to the playoffs, all contenders. Everyone take your seats, the Show will begin shortly.....
1. O'Connor: Wins- Johnson, Madison, Reagan, Steele, Brennan (Twice), Brandeis. Losses- Waco La Vega, #1 3A Wall, Amarillo
2.Brennan: Wins- Wagner, Manvel, Madison (Twice), Reagan, Steele, Johnson, Brandeis, Clark. Losses- Reagan, Georgetown, #1 5A Vista Ridge, #1 6A North Shore, Amarillo, O'Connor(Twice)
3. Wagner: Wins- Johnson, Steven, Brandeis, Schertz Clemens(Twice), Steele Losses-Brennan, Madison, Antonian, Argyle, Reagan, Cedar Ridge, Austin Westlake, Pflugerville
4. Schetz Clemens: Wins-Reagan, Steele, Roosevelt, Round Rock. Losses-Corpus Christi Carroll, Liberty Christian, Brandeis, Wagner(Twice)
5. Clark: Wins-Madison, Cedar Park, Churchill. Losses- Liberty Christian, Brandeis, Brennan
6. Johnson: Wins-Brandeis (3 times), Stevens, Reagan, IWHS, Brandeis, Churchill, Madison. Losses- O'Connor, Wagner, Carroll, Amarillo, Brennan, Antonian, Churchill
7. Madison: Wins-Wagner, Brandeis, Stevens, IWHS, Reagan, Churchill. Losses-Brennan, Clark, O'Connor, Johnson
8. Brandeis: Wins- Antonian, Clemens, Clark Losses-Churchill, Johnson (3 Times), Steele, Madison, Wagner, Madison, Brennan, OConnor
9. Roosevelt: Wins- Reagan, Churchill, Antonian. Losses Clemens, Churchill
Tied for 10th
Reagan: Wins- Wagner, Brennan, Steele, Judson, Smithson Valley. Losses- Stevens, Carrol, MacArthur, RR Cedar Ridge, Clemens, Johnson, O'Connor, Madison, Churchill, Roosevelt
Churchill: Wins- Brandeis, Roosevelt, Reagan, Johnson. Losses- Clark(Twice), Antonian, Johnson, Madison, Roosevelt, Madison
Honorable Mention
Incarnate Word, Southwest, Steele, Antonian, Judson, Smithson Valley
Remember, Anything can happen, I'm sure there will be plenty of surprises.
So try and Relax and Enjoy the Show........
Go Support Girls High School Basketball!!!!
Teams are jockeying for positions and rankings. Players are putting on performances on the court, hoping it will be enough to be recognized at the end, when its all said and done.
Just like the Oscar's where you have a lot of Movie Pictures worthy of Best Movie, you also have a lot of teams worthy of being the best team in the City. But from witnessing last night's performance, one team has shot up as the favorite to win it all.
Last night, O"Connor beat Brennan with an effort worthy of Best Team Performance (Ensemble Cast)!
Maybe I am making too much of it, but the 5 starters had 11, 11, 11, 11 and 10 points Respectivelly! Pretty Amazing! Can you have any more team balance than that? Just the same defensively, O'Connor players seemed to have more sense of urgency hustling for loose balls and rebounds, tying up ball when other team got the rebound, poking the ball away from offensive players, deflecting passes and you get the Picture. It almost seems you can't take a break and get a moment rest against them. I mean this in a good way, the team is pesky and they can frustrate the heck out of you.
Offensively, they moved the ball well making 3, 4, 5 passes before someone shot. They have the mindset of flying across the court for fast break opportunities from steals or defensive rebounds. I've been saying it since early last year, don't underestimate their guard play.
But one game doesn't necessarily determine ones team fate if you still qualify for the Big Dance. Anything can happen once that starts.
Brennan is still going to be a tough out come playoff time. They have great size across the board, depth and guard play just to mention a few of their strong points. They beat a real good Clark team pretty handily just a few days ago.
Last night though belonged to O'Connor.
Saturday, O'Connor vs Clark 2pm Paul Taylor Gym
A lot of people including myself have been saying how good Clark is all season. This is a game Clark can make a statement they belong in the Best of the City category. For O'Connor, they can solidify their grip as the Best Team in the City with a win.
Looking ahead, One game Can definitely determine a team's fate though when it comes to making the playoffs.
Case in point, going down the Standings in each District, starting with District 25-6A, Smithson Valley needs to virtually win out to have a chance to make the playoffs. Judson is probably in with 1 more win unless SV does sweep, they need two wins in the last 3 games. Wagner and Clemens are in. Steele needs to win 2 out of 4 to safely assure their playoff spot.
In District 26-6A, Johnson and Madison are locks to make the playoffs. The last 2 spots are between Roosevelt, Churchill and Reagan. I feel the magic number 7 wins in District will be enough to get you in the playoffs in this district. That means Roosevelt needs a win from either Madison, Johnson or Churchill to go in. No easy task. Churchill needs to win 3 out of 4. Two of those games are against the bottom 2 teams in district. If they take care of business there, then they need to beat either Reagan or Roosevelt and Churchill is in. Reagan has the toughest road. I feel they have to beat Churchill for starters. Then they have to beat either Madison or Johnson and take care of MacArthur.
In District 27-6A, O'Connor, Brennan, Brandeis, Clark are almost locks. Other teams are mathematically still in it but it's just a matter of playing out the remaining games. Brennan, Clark and Brandeis are all tied for number 2 seed and will be fighting for positioning. It may not seem like much but number 4 seed gets CC Carroll in the first round.
In District 28-6A, Carroll, Southwest, CC Ray and East Central are locked in for the playoff spots. Southwest is playing much better now and may be peaking. East Central can be dangerous with their dynamic young center.
In the Large Private School side, Incarnate Word got a good win over Antonian and then followed that up by beating Private School State Ranked #10 St. Stephens in Austin. IWHS and Antonian should represent well once the playoff starts. Antonian is deep. IWHS is playing well on both ends of the court.
Who will eventually be the best in the City? Just like the Oscar's, is it going to be the favorite or is there going to be an upset.
Which team has the best players? Who has the best Coach? Who has the best supporting cast?
Following are my teams going down the RED CARPET to the playoffs, all contenders. Everyone take your seats, the Show will begin shortly.....
1. O'Connor: Wins- Johnson, Madison, Reagan, Steele, Brennan (Twice), Brandeis. Losses- Waco La Vega, #1 3A Wall, Amarillo
2.Brennan: Wins- Wagner, Manvel, Madison (Twice), Reagan, Steele, Johnson, Brandeis, Clark. Losses- Reagan, Georgetown, #1 5A Vista Ridge, #1 6A North Shore, Amarillo, O'Connor(Twice)
3. Wagner: Wins- Johnson, Steven, Brandeis, Schertz Clemens(Twice), Steele Losses-Brennan, Madison, Antonian, Argyle, Reagan, Cedar Ridge, Austin Westlake, Pflugerville
4. Schetz Clemens: Wins-Reagan, Steele, Roosevelt, Round Rock. Losses-Corpus Christi Carroll, Liberty Christian, Brandeis, Wagner(Twice)
5. Clark: Wins-Madison, Cedar Park, Churchill. Losses- Liberty Christian, Brandeis, Brennan
6. Johnson: Wins-Brandeis (3 times), Stevens, Reagan, IWHS, Brandeis, Churchill, Madison. Losses- O'Connor, Wagner, Carroll, Amarillo, Brennan, Antonian, Churchill
7. Madison: Wins-Wagner, Brandeis, Stevens, IWHS, Reagan, Churchill. Losses-Brennan, Clark, O'Connor, Johnson
9. Roosevelt: Wins- Reagan, Churchill, Antonian. Losses Clemens, Churchill
Tied for 10th
Reagan: Wins- Wagner, Brennan, Steele, Judson, Smithson Valley. Losses- Stevens, Carrol, MacArthur, RR Cedar Ridge, Clemens, Johnson, O'Connor, Madison, Churchill, Roosevelt
Churchill: Wins- Brandeis, Roosevelt, Reagan, Johnson. Losses- Clark(Twice), Antonian, Johnson, Madison, Roosevelt, Madison
Honorable Mention
Incarnate Word, Southwest, Steele, Antonian, Judson, Smithson Valley
Remember, Anything can happen, I'm sure there will be plenty of surprises.
So try and Relax and Enjoy the Show........
Go Support Girls High School Basketball!!!!
Sunday, January 25, 2015
2016 ANABELLE "Belle" TOVAR
Anabelle "Belle" Tovar has been an Islander since middle school. Along with Alexia Torres and Tara Molina, the trio form a backcourt that have played Club Ball together going into 4 years.
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| Belle with Islanders Tara Molina, Lexi Torres |
Along the way, Belle has put on some shows on the basketball court!
Look up Baller in the Sports Dictionary and you will find that it's definition literally means Belle Tovar! Ok, better yet, one thing no one can argue about, is that Belle Tovar is a BALLER!
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| Belle Tovar |
Behind the fierce competitor, the tough no nonsense player you see on the court is undeniably a joking, jovial, free spirited, easy going, friendly young lady.
Her family is a huge support group. Family is very important to her. Every now and then, you can hear her 4 now 5 yr old brother Ayden getting after her when she misses a shot. She is very close to her family which fits perfect with our relatively small Islander Player-Parent Organization.
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| Ayden, Mom Brenda, Belle, Matt |
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| Belle, Brothers Matt, Ayden |
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| La Familia! |
She is anxious and ready to show her skills and talents on the court. Soon, she begins full time basketball training and vigorous strength and conditioning workouts after an ACL injury sidelined her the last few months.
Her basketball IQ, instincts on the court, skill level, defensive prowess, shooters mentality and ability to score in a variety of ways have her on the list of many colleges around the country.
She is Hungry to say the least!
She is a mainstay to the SA Islander Black team. She plays with Passion and Hates to lose. She simply brings to the table so many intangibles that just can't be coached.
Her range is from deep, I mean from a different zip code. A lot of kids can hit open shots from behind the arc, she is one of a few players with an aggressive defender on her face that create space for herself and hit an open 3 point shot with remarkable consistency.
Below is a Question and Answer with her.
It will give you a little insight of what a great young lady she is.
A Future Leader in our community!
1) What have you learned playing with the Islanders?
I learned about being a Leader on and off the court. To learn from your mistakes and applying what you have learned.
2) What does being an Islander represent?
Being an Islander represents that there is more to life than just basketball and its also important to having family around.
3) Who is your favorite basketball player?
Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)
4) What were your thoughts about basketball as you went through surgery and rehab?
That it was just a minor setback. I was just thinking about how to get myself back to the way I was and I couldn't let anything get in the way of that.
5) What do love about the game?
I love it because it is my second home. It is my stress reliever. I just love the game of basketball in general, I have been playing for so long that everything feels like second nature like its just part of me.
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| Belle with College letters |
6) Once College Coaches were able to call you, you had plenty of Coaches calling you when you were still in the middle of rehab, how did that make you feel?
Having a lot of Colleges call on me just justifies all the hard work I have put in to the game and that it has really paid off. Basically that I'm not doing this for nothing. Especially with my injury, having College Coaches still calling me is indescribable. It just gave me a lot of confidence that I have lost when I got hurt. It just makes me believe more in myself and makes me realize that I am that much closer to my dreams!
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| Belle's family #1 Fans |
When it comes to lives Challenges, you can either ask "Why Me?" or you can meet those Challenges head on. Belle chose the latter which speaks a lot about her Character and Personality!
And in case you need a reminder of what she can do, check out both videos below
Belle with No Ordinary 3pt shot
Belle Highlights
TAKE NOTICE, Belle Tovar is coming to a gym near you!
SA Islanders
La Familia!