Bellaire loaded with hoopers; footballers

Athletes are busting from the seams at Bellaire High School in Houston.  

Defensive end Joe Okafor has verbally committed to Oklahoma State and is having a solid season for the 3-2 Cardinals.  

“He’s a football player now,” coach Trey Herrmann said. “He’s getting his pads lower and exploding. He has some work to do but he’s going to be a talent in college.”  

Okafor already in the fold, colleges are beginning to hone in on receiver Derwyn Lauderdale.  

“He’s going to be playing somewhere on Saturdays,” he said. “Nevada and Louisiana Tech have offered him and I’m expecting more schools to come in on him.”  

Quarterback Adrian Nelson (6-foot-4, 190-pounds) seems to be headed to the junior college ranks.  

While football is in season, the Cardinal basketball practice is teaming with college scouts. Center Tobi Oyedeji has committed to Texas A&M, while forward Kene Anyigbo is nearing a decision.  

Anyigbo is down to Houston, Western Kentucky and Memphis.  

“I think if Memphis offers, I would go there,” he said. “I like Houston and Western Kentucky a lot and want to sign in the early period.”  

Guard Jamel Outler has verbally committed to Texas Tech and junior guard Sheldon McClellan has committed to the University of Texas. Guard Sebastian Douglas is a move-in from DeKaney High School in Sping and officially visits the University of Houston in two weeks.  

“I visit them soon and really like their program,” he said. “I want to sign before the season and Houston just might be the sport for me.”