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Monday, November 10, 2008
City is loaded with talent, top programs
Houston, TX
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Girls’ Basketball Preview
Now things get really interesting.
Before the 2007-08 season, the Cy-Fair Bobcats were heavily favored to win the 5A state title. Win it, they did, almost too easily.
Cy-Fair may have lost a handful of seniors, but the Bobcats still look to junior Chiney Ogwumike, who has been to the state basketball twice already and to the state volleyball once. Ogwumike, without the help of sister Nneka (who will be seen in Stanford red this season), is hoping to get her team right back to the Frank Erwin Center. Ogwumike has the talent to do so. She was already a force in the paint, but has improved her outside game significantly.
This year, the tables have turned. While Cy-Fair will still be a force to be reckoned with, the Bobcats will be in Region II and Region III is suddenly up for grabs.
That said, all eyes have turned to the Dulles Vikings and post Kelsey Bone, who is arguably the best player in the state. Bone has the guard play surrounding her with senior Jasmine Henderson to get the Vikings back to the Region III Tournament and maybe even further this year.
Across town though, 6-foot-8 superstar Britney Griner and the Nimitz Cougars are waiting for their chance to shine on the stage in Austin. Griner and point guard Jessica Diamond, both headed to Baylor, have been leading the Cougars since they were a pair of sophomores and just missed the Region III Tourney last year after falling to Cinco Ranch in the playoffs. Griner, who grew another inch this year, is aching to show off more than her highlight-worthy dunks this season. She had 11 triple-doubles last year and could double that number this season with her size, length and sheer athleticism.
While Bone and Griner continue to be the talk of Region III this year, North Shore point guard Lauren Flores is quietly planning big things for the Mustangs. Flores, who committed to Texas last year, is the quickest guard in the area and has the best hands around. With a little help, she and the Mustangs will make a lot of noise this year.
In Region II, things will get heated in District 13-5A. The Woodlands boasts one of the best players in the area with Amanda Anderson, while College Park has its entire team back from last year.
The Woodlands can get the job done offensively, but watch out for the Cavaliers when it comes to defense. Guard Monique Smalls (Texas Tech) averaged more than 12 steals per game last season. When the rivals meet twice this year, it will make for a couple of very good games.
There is some definite movement to note. Katy star player Savannah Buck transferred to Tomball which should be a huge help to the Cougars. Katy is small this year, but coach Dean Darrow said he has a lot of speed. This will be the first year in five that a Gilbreath sister won’t be running the show at Cinco Ranch. Both Briana and Stefanie are at USC now, but don’t count out the Cougars. Point guard Kellie Ros showed great improvement last year and Demi Clinch and her three-point shooting skills will return. Katy area coaches all say that Morton Ranch is primed for a breakout season as well.
The other district to watch will be 24-5A. The Dickinson Gators have been running the show in Region III-4A the last two years. They went to state twice and now the Gators are going to make a run in 5A. They have a new coach, but do have returning starter Marissa Ashton.•
6 Must-See Players
Kelsey Bone, Dulles - The senior post player has been a staple on the Vikings’ squad for three seasons and enters her senior year as one of the top players in the area. Bone can beat you with her sheer athleticism in the paint and her continuous improvement has made her one of the top players in the nation.
Britney Griner, Nimitz - The 6-foot-8 post burst on the scene her sophomore year by impressing the nation with her dunking skills. Now Griner, headed to Baylor, is more than just a a tall body. She has improved her skills shooting and rebounding and will no doubt put up a few triple-doubles this year thanks to her blocking skills.
Lauren Flores, North Shore - The Texas-bound guard has two of the best hands around. She runs the offense, and the defense for the Mustangs and her quick-as-lightning speed baffles opponents.
Amanda Anderson, The Woodlands - The 6-foot-3 guard led the area in scoring for most of the 2007-08 season and will be a threat again this season. She is comfortable in the paint or on the perimeter and has the size and speed to play all over the court.
Monique Smalls, College Park - Smalls is the best thief in the area, averaging over 12 steals per game in 2007-08. The guard is committed to Texas Tech and will be a pest to opposing offenses again this year.
Chiney Ogwumike, Cy-Fair - Ogwumike already has a state championship. She has been to state three times, once in volleyball and twice in basktball. Mixed with her competiveness is a 6-foot-3 frame and a lot of skill. Ogwumike is no longer just a threat in the paint. Watch for her much-improved perimeter play.
Top 10
Class 5A
1. Dulles
2. Cy-Fair
3. North Shore
4. Nimitz
5. College Park
6. Cinco Ranch
7. The Woodlands
8. Dickinson
9. Westfield
10. Madison
Top 10
Class 4A
1. Yates
2. Livingston
3. Montgomery
4. Friendswood
5. Huntsville
6. Jones
7. Worthing
8. Westbury
9. CE King
10. Kingwood Park
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