Senior Natalie Kimmel and Junior Lily McWhorter go up for a block on the right side.
Photo by Marysa Barela.
Photo by Marysa Barela.
Senior Natalie Kimmel and Junior Lily McWhorter go up for a block on the right side.
Atascocita's Anthony Key
Photo by Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
The 6-foot-7 guard is ready to become the face of one of the most recognizable basketball brands in Texas, and after a productive summer on the AAU circuit, the rising junior is eager to show the Houston area what he can do.
“I’m very excited for me and my guys like Royce (Shelton), Caden (Randolph), Mike (Farinetti) and Carter (Savoy) to get even more minutes and show the city of Houston what we are all about,” Key said.
For Key, there’s nothing quite like playing under the bright lights of Region III basketball, where packed gyms and passionate crowds create an atmosphere unlike any other.
“When we play in a packed gym, it’s a real feeling,” he said. “It’s a real feeling because the crowd is so close to you. I love the opportunity to show my craft to the crowd.”
Photo by Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
GET YOUR COPY OF THE 2026–27 VYPE HOUSTON BASKETBALL MAGAZINE HERE!
SHOP PHOTOS FROM VYPE HOUSTON CITYWIDE MEDIA DAY
VIEW THE 2026–27 VYPE HOUSTON BASKETBALL DIGITAL MAGAZINE HERE!
The hype surrounding Key is well deserved. Ranked as the No. 6 player in Texas for the Class of 2028, the talented guard averaged more than 14 points and eight rebounds per game last season. Blessed with size, athleticism and versatility, he has already attracted interest from several Division I programs.
But even with his impressive résumé, Key knows there is always room to grow.
“I really worked on just getting to the basket and getting stronger,” he said with a laugh. “Everything else, however, I’m gonna keep that a secret.”
Atascocita head coach David Martinez has built a program known for its toughness and defensive intensity, and Key has embraced that identity. The Eagles will need that same commitment as they look to reload and make another deep postseason run.
“I’m not gonna lie, our practices in high school ball are really tough,” Key said. “We are built on defense first, and we work on it extensively in practice. There are no days off on defense, and that is why his teams are always so good.”
The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Atascocita Eagles basketball team.Photo by Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
As the recruiting process continues to develop, Key is looking for more than just a basketball opportunity. He wants to find the right environment to grow as a player and a person.
“Having a good group of people around me, holding each other accountable is very important to me,” he said. “A good family environment.”
And for Key, the dream stretches far beyond Texas.
“My mom is from Slovakia, and I’m working on getting my dual citizenship,” he said. “I would go play anywhere in the world to keep my basketball dream alive.”
The Eagles have a new leader, a rising star and another opportunity to chase a state championship. With Key ready for a bigger role, Atascocita's next chapter is already taking shape — and the rest of Texas will be watching.
GET YOUR COPY OF THE 2026–27 VYPE HOUSTON BASKETBALL MAGAZINE HERE!
SHOP PHOTOS FROM VYPE HOUSTON CITYWIDE MEDIA DAY
VIEW THE 2026–27 VYPE HOUSTON BASKETBALL DIGITAL MAGAZINE HERE!
TRENDING
GAMES
![7PM | 6AD1 Football: Randle vs. A&M Consolidated [AUDIO]](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy82ODY1OTI5MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTgzMTI3MzA4NX0.ChCh-N4-JIk-WdKwgePAoQ2NlCP_VcR_7PkIv9YArJY/img.jpg?width=600&height=600&quality=50&coordinates=280%2C0%2C280%2C0)
Join the #VYPETEAM
Get up to date news from all over the country!
FROM THE WEB
