Brandon’s Friday Tournament Takeaways
Yesterday, I got a chance to take a look at two of the state’s best teams in 4A & 5A respectively. Both were playing in the consolation brackets, but will be still be a force to be reckoned with in…
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Continue ReadingYesterday, I got a chance to take a look at two of the state’s best teams in 4A & 5A respectively. Both were playing in the consolation brackets, but will be still be a force to be reckoned with in the postseason.
Class 4A: #2. Wilmer Hutchins Eagles????
The Eagles of Wilmer-Hutchins suffered a loss (to the team that will be mentioned later) in the second round of the MISD Spring Creek Barbeque Tournament. But since the loss, Hutch has been on a tear; earning victories against South Grand Prairie and the extremely talented Duncanville Panthers. Experience has a lot to do with these well fought-out victories. Here are a few of the unsigned seniors who have been the foundation for the success of Wilmer-Hutchins.
Jakevan Leftridge / 6’5″ / SF / Wilmer Hutchins / 2019
The thin-framed forward plays inside and out offensively. He also utilizes his intriguing length on the defensive end. Leftridge scored a team-high 14 points for the Eagles in their win vs. Duncanville.
Davian Sanders / 5’10″ / PG / Wilmer Hutchins / 2019
“Day Day” can blow by almost any defender whenever he wants to. He constantly was getting into the paint and making things happen. Sanders is a big plus for the Eagles ar the point guard spot because of his aggressiveness and willingness to compete on both ends. However, he must value each possession and control his emotions for the Eagles to make a trip to San Antonio.
Dyriel Empy / 5’10″ / SG / Wilmer Hutchins / 2019
Hidden Gem
The small guard has had an impressive tournament thus far. He has converted on a great percentage of his open opportunities from the perimeter. His reliable shooting fits perfectly in what the Eagles are trying to do offensively.
Class 5A: #3. Shadow Creek Sharks????
When first looking at TABC 5A rankings, I always wondered why Shadow Creek was slotted in the top three. I knew the Sharks had a talented floor general in P.J. Henry. But outside of that, I did not understand what they brought to the table. Yesterday, I found the answers to my question. The Sharks are tough-minded, selfless, well coached, and love to play defense. It was fun to see their squad play for each other on both sides of the ball. They suffered a loss to Killeen Shoemaker in the third round of the MISD Spring Barbeque Tournament. Therefore, I had to catch the Sharks in their Consolation matchup win vs. Mansfield and here are some the players who caught my eye:
P.J. Henry / 5’10″ / PG / Shadow Creek / 2019
P.J. Henry is the only prospect I knew about coming in. He is definitely an extension of the coach on the floor. The Hartford commit is tough, fearless and is always looking to make the right decisions with the rock.
Akin Newton / 6’2″ / SG / Shadow Creek / 2019
Hidden Gem
Henry and his summer teammate play well off of each other. Newton is a confident scorer from the outside and was knocking down multiple threes with a hand in his face. He has looked to be their go-to scorer offensively this season. The unsigned senior scored 16 points (four three-pointers) in their win.
Trejon Ware / 5’10″ / PG / Shadow Creek / 2020
Hidden Gem
Trejon Ware gives the Sharks another reliable floor general off the bench. The junior guard was dropping dimes left and right. He has extreme blow by quickness and is skilled at creating good looks for his team. Ware plays with a lot of confidence, but must keep improving his decision making on both ends of the floor.
Ramon Walker / 6’3″ / SF / Shadow Creek / 2019
Hidden Gem
Ramon Walker was torching Mansfield’s defense with the deep ball. The sophomore was on fire connecting on six three-pointers in the second half. Walker finished with a game-high 26 points and made seven of his nine attempts from long distance.
… And if that is not enough, just wait until Denver signee Mykell Robinson gets cleared for district play. He will give the Sharks a sixty percent Cooz Elite starting lineup that will contend for a 5A state championship.