Super 16 Extravaganza: Takeaways
The Champs
IKE showed that it’s not about how you start, but it’s all about how you finish. Aldine Eisenhower High School came, saw, and conquered the tournament. They were crowned Super 16 Extravaganza Champions. IKE was led by the dynamic duo “The Wonder Twins” Ja’Mere and Ja’Mare Redus. The Wonder Twins fed off of each other. It’s the first time that I’ve ever witnessed a team where no coach was present and it was only one voice being heard. There teammates trust them and don’t talk back to them during the game. Even in between games they were giving pointers and the guys was listening. Ja’Mare Redus 6’0″ PG 2019 led the team with 13.6 ppg average and 3.6 spg, while Ja’Mere Redus 6’0 PG 2019 finished with 8.8 ppg average and 4.6 spg. They are a very well rounded team that is very scrappy and aggressive defensively, as they say defense wins championships. Last year they finished 11-3 in District 16 of 6A region II and 29-8 overall. With a deep playoff push making it to the Regional Semifinals (Sweet 16), I expect them to do the same this year.
The Eagles of Atascocita
Nick Gazelas 6’2 SG 2019 Atascocita High School has been stroking the 3-ball at a high rate since July with Cooz Elite 17U. Nick averaged 15.5 ppg for the Eagles. He also attacked the rim, used his body defensively to take charges, and took blocking fouls to slow the game down. Atascocita also received good contributions from Dylan Dawson 6’2 PG 2020, Joe Rollins 5’11 PG 2019, Trey Davenport 6’2 W 2020, and Johnathan Massie 6’3 G 2021. The Eagles play great team basketball and will shoot you out of a zone if you run one. They know their offensive and defensive schemes like the back of there hands. Atascocita ran out of gas and allowed IKE to get in their heads, being mentally fatigued is just as important as being physical fatigued. Atascocita should have another great year, the team will be filled with mainly Juniors. Last year they finished 13-1 in District 21 of 6A Region III and finished 28-7 overall and had a 2nd Round exit from the playoffs. This year they are in District 22 and are expected to have the same success that they had last year.
Dickinson High School
The 3 headed monster of Dickinson High School has been on a prowl since the GASO HS Shootout in early September. At any given moment one of the three could take over the game. Deuce Guidry 5’8 PG 2020 led the way this weekend, he was taking his defender off the dribble every single time. Has a very quick first step which allows him to beat his man. He finished the tournament averaging 16 ppg. Tramon Mark 6’4 PG 2020 is a very long guard who has a quick jumper with good elevation. He finished this weekend with 14.7 ppg. The final head of the monster is Marcus Williams 6’2 CG 2020 plays great off the ball, also can take his defender off the dribble. His tenacious defense and trash talking gets the best off his opponent every time. He finished with a 14 ppg average. Last year they finished at 12-2 in district play and tied for 1st place. Finished 29-9 overall and had an early first round exit from the playoffs. They are the clear cut favorites to win District 24 of 6A Region III, and make a deep playoff push.
Can they Replicate Last Year Success
Kevin Baker Jr 6’4 PF 2019 of Sam Houston MST(Math, Science, and Technology) High School was truly the definition of a man among boys in the physical aspect of the game. This super strong Power Forward is able to gain position in the post and move his opponent off the block. He rebounded the ball very well and has good footwork down low. Kevin will be the guy to hold Sam Houston together. Finished the tourney with 16.4 ppg and 7.6 rpg. Marlon Jackson 6’4 SF 2019 showed flashes of what he can bring to the table. Looking to start where he left off last year with a 13.1 ppg average on the season. Chris Green 6’3 G 2019 and TJ Mingo 5’9 PG 2019 will also add to the mix. Defense will anchor the Tigers through this season. Last year they went 12-1 in District 18 of 6A Region III and finished 29-5 overall with an unexpected double OT loss in the Regional Semifinals of Region III.
The New Guy in Town
Gerald Doakes 6’1 PG 2020 Milby High School. Is an out of state transfer from Arkansas that brings some national attention. He plays with a high motor. Jumps very high on his jump shots. He has big time bounce. Uses his quickness to change directions. He finished the Super 16 with an average of 18 ppg. He will be the catalyst for Milby in District 23 of 5A region III. Last year finished 10-6 in district play and went 17-13 overall. They loss in the first round of the playoffs. The only returning player who averaged more than 10 points per game is Will Young 6’3 PG 2021. Last season he averaged 16 ppg as a Freshman. He too looks to have a big Sophomore year and this dynamic duo will give some teams problems but will need help for a playoff run.
The Hightower Hype
Mykel Robinson 6’6 SF 2019 Hightower High School. Is a Denver University commit. Mykel finished with 13 ppg average. He played with great energy and played above the rim. He played well in the lane. His teammate Bryce Griggs 6’2 G 2022 finished with a team high 13.6 ppg average. We knew coming in that he wasn’t going to play like this was his first rodeo. It’ll be interesting to see if they can take down Bush. They will get contribution from Chris Felix 6’3 WG 2021. Chris averaged 6 ppg last varsity season for the Hurricanes as a Freshman. Hightower went 9-5 in District 20 of 6A Region III. The Hurricanes finished 26-11 overall.
Familiar Faces in new Places
Tre Elrod 6’2 SG 2019 Morton Ranch High School. I’ve been really impressed with his game since July. He shows a great scoring IQ of when to take the right shots and when to attack the basket. He is a great addition to Morton Ranch High School. The Mavericks brings back a strong core with two National Prospects (LJ Cryer 6’0 PG 2020 25.5 ppg and Eddie Lampkin 6’10 C 2020 12.5 ppg). They haven’t played this fall, but will be playing at the Season Opener. Wesley Sellers 6’2 PG 2020 gets my hustle man award and defensive lock-down badge. Who ever is considered the best scorer, he is checking them. He also averaged a team high of 9.7 ppg. Adrian Caldwell 6’3 SF 2020 will be a major puzzle piece down the stretch. Once he produces that i can dunk everything attitude will be scary. The Mavericks went 11-3 in District 19 of 6A Region III. Finished 24-10 overall, and fell in the 2nd round of the playoffs. They are expected to make a lot of noise this year. On paper they will be one of the deepest teams in the state.
Looking to Repeat
Montavious Murphy 6’8 PF 2019 Concordia Lutheran High School. He is committed to Kansas St University. Montavious brings a defensive edge to the Crusaders as a rim protector and rebounder. He is a defensive anchor, which allows them to push the tempo in transition. He finished with a 8.7 ppg average. RJ Keene 6’5 SF 2021 was playing with an edge all weekend long. Compared to how he played in the GASO Fall HS Shootout. You can see he is getting comfortable and adjusting in the system. He finished with a team high of 13 ppg. Pierce Hellums 6’2 SG 2019 is committed to Sam Houston St. Finished with a 11.5 ppg average for the tourney. Stretches out the floor when he is on the perimeter. The Crusaders look to make another state title run. They have moved from District 3 to District 4 of TAPPS 6A. Last year they went 43-1(12-0) and won TAPPS 6A State Championship.
Dynamic Duo
Donovan ‘Stretch’ Williams 6’6 SF 2019 Elkins High School. Stretch is a Texas Longhorn commit. Williams truly separated himself from the rest of the prospect in the 2019 class. Watching him was like watching Durant his Senior year in High School. With his game-play he is truly stretching out the floor for Elkins. He will give defenders fit especially if he gets hot. Collin Warren 6’3 SG 2019 stock continues to slowly rise. Collin is a new face to Elkins that will shake things up. Every time I see him play he impresses me. Once they build up that duo chemistry they will be a force to be reckoned with. Last year they went 14-2 in District 23 of 5A Region III. They finished 29-12 overall making it to the Regional Finals (Elite 8). This year they will be 6A Region III of District 20.
Overlooked
2019 Kharee McDaniel 5’11 PG 2019 Klein Forest High School. Kharee is committed to Central Oklahoma. Played with a point to prove to the Greater Houston hoop community. He has been the same wolf from the Spring/Summer. I have seen the growth in his shot selection and reading his defender while on the attack. He scored from all 3 levels and played hard nosed defense. He will be the anchor for this team. Finished with a 21 ppg average this tourney. He will have Calvin Solomon 6’7 SF 2019 alongside him wreaking havoc in the paint defensively. He finished with an 11.7 ppg average from the event. Solomon has the ability to stretch the floor out. He can thrive from the wing and short corners off the court offensively. The Eagles went 12-2 in District 15 of 6A Region II. Finished with 28-6 record. They loss in the quarter finals of the playoffs.
Other Standout Prospects:
- Isaiah LeBlanc 6’2 PG 2020 Ridge Point High School.
- Jahari Long 6’4 PG 2020 Episcopal High School.
- Rubin Jones 6’4 CG 2020 Jack Yates High School.
- D’Avian Houston 6’2 G 2020 Episcopal High School.
- Christyon Eugene 6’2 G 2019 Spring High School.
- Javier Francis 6’7 F 2021 Westbury Christian High School.
- Nathan Clover 6’8 PF 2020 Port Arthur Memorial High School.