This Week In Hoops: 2021 & 2023
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A big with a top 5 to choose from, an under the radar wing, and a trio of sophomores driving their teams toward winning basketball. This sixth week of Texas basketball was a good one, even if one of our…
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Continue ReadingA big with a top 5 to choose from, an under the radar wing, and a trio of sophomores driving their teams toward winning basketball. This sixth week of Texas basketball was a good one, even if one of our five featured athletes posted eye popping numbers a few weeks ago.
Tyrone Baker Tyrone Baker 6'10" | PF Fort Bend Hightower | 2021 State TX | Hightower | 2021
At 6-11, Baker is a consistent rim runner and one of the productive bigs in the state. The Florida transplant has been an instant double-double threat since his junior year, and it’s not slowing down alongside 5-star guard Bryce Griggs Bryce Griggs 6'3" | PG Overtime Elite | 2022 TX . Baker is a good run and jump athlete that excels as a shot blocker. In his most recent outing, 17 points and 14 rebounds show his consistency while the handful of blocks highlight his rim protection. Baker cut his list down to 5 schools in November. Whoever gets his service is getting a two way big that’ll only get better in a division 1 workout facility.
Tomaray Jackson Tomaray Jackson 6'5" | SF Waco | 2021 TX | Waco High School | 2021
A few minutes into Desoto’s 25 point win, it was obvious to see he was one of the most impactful players on the floor was Jackson. He’s listed at 6-5 and plays out of position for his high school. There’s a lot of energy in his game that leads to and 1 buckets around the rim and deflections on defense. Jackson’s physicals are intriguing. He’s a good athlete with length, and it shows on the break. The 2021 prospect will need some offensive polish, but the shot making and ball skills he flashes are promising.
Nakia Smith | Desoto | 2023
Smith caught my eye with a three quarter court lob he threw to a teammate that was broken up. On the next possession, he rifles a left-hand pass to the corner for an assist. A minute into the third he leads the break, finding a teammate cutting baseline for a quick pass that soured over the heads of three defenders. This is a bit of a down year for Desoto, but on the bright side, they’ll have a young point guard that can really put the ball on the money.
Bishop Jones | Lone Star | 2023
Jones is going to fight for offensive rebounds every chance he gets. He racked up 3 offensive rebounds before halftime. The sophomore is still raw, but his production, frame, and growing athleticism are all worth watching. Back-to-back double-doubles indicate he may be closer to his break out with conference play just around the corner. He has a habit of collecting assists from cutting teammates. Flashes of a face up game helped him to 21 points.
Jayce Spann Jayce Spann 6'2" | PG Richardson | 2023 State TX | Lone Star | 2023
Spann is at his best when he’s in attack mode. Don’t get me wrong, he can play floor general and run the offense, but an aggressive Spann gets downhill with just a few dribbles. He picked apart Reedy High School’s zone by attacking gaps. He showed athleticism and speed on the break, flushing a big two-hand dunk after snagging the ball from a closing passing lane. Add him to the growing list of shifty, quick ball handlers in the talent rich DFW.