SAN ANTONIO GIRLS HS BBALL TOP 10 1-3-16

As I was watching Star Wars: The Force Awakens, I thought I had a better chance of finding out where Luke Skywalker was hiding than trying to figure out what the city's Top Ten teams look like.

One thing for sure, the dynamics of District races has changed through the years. It was almost a given to predict which teams were coming out from each District into the State playoffs. In some cases, it was a given in what numerical seeds those teams were going to be as well.

But with the emergence of Club ball around the city as well as with a lot of quality trainers, High School teams are getting more and more competitive because there are more quality players around the city.

For the record, in my opinion, the term "Elite Player" is used too loosely by some.

But it's almost starting to feel like the days where a team that fielded an "Elite Player" or "Players"  that would just walk through all the competition are over for now. So many quality players all around the city are making a difference and also making it interesting in predicting who is going to win over who. 

Looking at the box scores, many teams on the outside looking in have come close to posting so called upsets.

But in reality there is no such thing as upsets this High School girls basketball season because PARITY has taken hold.

Team A beats team B by 30pts and then Team B beats a team that beat Team A! What!!!!

But thats the beauty of sports, as long as you have a chance no matter how small and minute, your team has RELEVANCE!!!!

Most like and cherish the underdog role but deep down aim and long to be the TEAM to beat!
It's just Human Nature.
Aren't the best movies or stories about overcoming all odds and coming out on top!

Isn't that why Star Wars movies and characters are so adorned!

So District play has started for most teams and your team might be down or they might be up, remember the most important stretch is upon us!

I have some advice to all the teams 
"May the Force be with YOU!"

Here are my Top 10 teams for the City....

1) Steele- Wins: John Tyler, Argyle, Brandeis, Floresville, Brennan, O'Connor, Austin Bowie Losses: Austin Bowie

2) Clark-  Wins: Incarnate Word, Brandeis Losses: Killeen, Argyle Liberty Christian

3) Antonian-  Wins: Johnson (Twice), Brennan, Brandeis, Amarillo Losses: Johnson, Devine, Boerne

4) Incarnate Word- WINS: Westbury Christian(Twice), Kinkaid, Wagner, SA Cole, Johnson, Floresville LOSSES: Georgetown, Westbury Christian, Richardson, Fayetville, AR

5) Johnson- WINS Antonian, Wagner, Brandeis, Lee LOSSES: Antonian (Twice), Taft, Incarnate Word, Brennan

6) Wagner- WINS: Brandeis, Brennan, Plano Prestonwood, Clemens LOSSES: Incarnate Word, South Grand Prairie, Galena North Shore, Johnson, Richardson, Cedar Hill, Plano

7) Clemens- WINS: Judson, Brandeis LOSSES: Johnson, Brandeis, Wagner

8) Judson- WINS: RR Westwood, Killeen, O'Connor(Twice) LOSSES: Cedar Vista Ridge, Madison, Clemens

9)Brandeis- WINS: Amarillo, Taft Losses: Antonian, Steele, Wagner, Brennan, Judson, Johnson, Clark, Clemens

Tied: O'Connor, Brennan, Reagan, Taft

Special Shout Out to Devine and Floresville girls basketball teams playing some great basketball as well!

Games of note:

Tuesday January 5th, 2016
Clemens at Steele 7pm
Wagner at Judson 7pm
Taft at Clark 630pm
Johnson vs Reagan 630pm

Friday January 8th, 2016
Steele at Wagner 7pm

Don't underestimate the Power of Girls Basketball, its force is great!

GO SUPPORT GIRLS HS BASKETBALL!!!!!!!

SAN ANTONIO GIRLS HS BBALL TOP 10 12-16-15

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!!!!!

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!

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!!!!!!!!

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Tara Molina

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.

Belle Tovar

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.

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

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!

Alexia Torres

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!!!!!

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

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

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

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