Texas GASO – Austin: Texas Takeover Elite Spotlight
The Texas Great American Shootout events (GASO) have traditionally been some of the biggest and most competitive events of the season. This weekend in Austin, TX, was an opportunity for organizations to see how they measured up against outside competition…
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Continue ReadingThe Texas Great American Shootout events (GASO) have traditionally been some of the biggest and most competitive events of the season. This weekend in Austin, TX, was an opportunity for organizations to see how they measured up against outside competition and teams looked primed and ready. I followed a Prep Hoops Circuit organization, Texas Takeover Elite, to see if they were indeed “Elite” and they were up to the task. They came into this event with four teams and here’s what I saw.
Texas Takeover Elite – Major 17U
TTE – Major was undefeated on the weekend and won their bracket’s championship, seemingly with ease. This team hung their hat on defense, led by a foursome of guards that are absolutely tenacious on the side of the court. This team isn’t extremely big inside but every player can play multiple positions at a high level and their chemistry is great. This weekend they were able to consistently play their style of basketball and made other teams conform to what they were doing. And when an opposing teams does that…trouble for that team is soon to follow.
GASO MVP
Dylan Mackey – 6’0 PG, Aldine Davis HS 2021
Dylan was consistent all weekend. He relentlessly attacked the rim and countered that by shooting the ball extremely efficient from three. His perimeter defense was great and he was able to find open teammates and get them the ball in favorable positions.
GASO Offensive Player of the Weekend
Robert Williams – 6’2 Guard, Humble HS 2021
Rob’s athleticism was on full display throughout the weekend. He ran the floor extremely well, got to his spots and was able to knock down outside shots consistently. In addition, he aggressively attacked the rim, using a tight handle and a quick first step to get by his initial defender.
GASO Defensive Player(s) of the Weekend
Trevon Clay – 5’10 PG, Westbury HS 2021
Treshon Clay – 5’10 PG, Westbury HS 2021
Okay. It is NOT a fluke. These twins are truly great on defense. BOTH OF THEM!! Their perimeter defense is stingy and aggressive, they force a ton of turnovers, and both can turn their defense into easy offense for everyone on the team. They played well offensively too, but my goodness, their defense is just different.
Texas Takeover Elite – Kemp 17U
TTE – Kemp knew heading into the weekend that if they won their 1st game, there 2nd game would be against one of the toughest teams for the city of Houston, the Under Armour Houston Defenders. They were up to the challenge when they faced off in an extremely competitive game. At the end, the UA Houston Defenders ended up winning by a buzzer beater courtesy of DJ Richards and TTE – Kemp took their frustrations out on the remainder of the teams they faced. They ended their weekend going 3 – 1 and winning the consolation championship.
GASO MVP
JaDyn Chaney – 6’1 PG, Westfield HS 2021
If anyone has a “Stock Risers” article in the state of Texas, JaDyn Chaney’s name belongs on there. This weekend, with college coaches in attendance, JaDyn displayed an array of skills all while limiting turnovers. He attacked the basket and finished through contact and his vision was simply incredible. Defensively, he played the passing lane effectively and capitalized on the turnovers he caused.
GASO Offensive Player of the Weekend
Jake Arnold Jake Arnold 6'3" | SG Katy Taylor | 2021 State TX – 6’2 Guard, Katy Taylor HS 2021
I am nearly to the point to where I am going to stop writing about how well Jake Arnold Jake Arnold 6'3" | SG Katy Taylor | 2021 State TX scores (lol). At this point it is expected and no longer news worthy when he scores 20 points. Yet and still, at the GASO he found a plethora of ways to tickle the twine and his defense on the perimeter was stellar. Level 1 [X], Level 2 [X], Level 3 [X], Off the dribble [X], Spotting up [X], Jake Arnold Jake Arnold 6'3" | SG Katy Taylor | 2021 State TX checks all the boxes scoring wise.
GASO Defensive Player of the Weekend
Chris Wiseman – 6’6 Forward, Langham Creek HS 2021
It was difficult to NOT make Chris Wiseman the MVP for this team, but still he was extremely effective particularly on the boards and on defense. He averaged nearly 4 blocks per game and swallowed up every rebound that bounced off the rim. He wasn’t bad on offense either, often turning his offensive rebounds in to points. Another “Stock Riser” to add to the list in this early summer season.
Texas Takeover Elite – Thompson 17U
TTE – Thompson start the weekend off extremely hot from the field. They played themselves into the semi-finals of the championship bracket based strongly off of their offensive production. On the perimeter, they have a strong core of guards and down low they have versatile bigs that are effective in a number of ways. Unfortunately, they came up short, losing an extremely tough overtime game, closing out their weekend in 4th place. Still, a good weekend for this talented bunch.
GASO MVP
Jefferson Morris – 6’7 Forward / Guard, Bush HS 2021
Jeff is extremely long and possesses a versatile game. He was able to use these attributes to his advantage by scoring the ball efficiently and guarding multiple positions. It was interesting to see how he was able to stay poised in all situations, only letting his emotions show when he produced a highlight play that amped everyone up. He shot well from three, and was able to finish through contact in the paint. Definitely a prospect that should be on your radar.
GASO Offensive Player of the Weekend
Jullian Camper – 6’0 PG, George Ranch HS 2021
Opposing guards had their hands full trying to stay in front of Jullian. He was able to get to the rim, seemingly, whenever he wanted to. Once he was inside the teeth of the defense he was able to finish constantly which resulted in some “and-1s” and that complimented his ability to shoot from the perimeter. He poured in the points all weekend
GASO Defensive Player of the Weekend
Haywood Pittman – 6’4 Forward / Guard, Ridge Point HS 2021
Pittman was the heart and soul of this team all weekend long. When he felt that the team was starting to lull, he took it upon himself to increase his aggression and get the team back on track. He guarded multiple positions effectively, rebounded well and was able to make timely buckets.