The Hardin-Jefferson Lady Hawks brought an arsenal of talent into the 2020 season and last year's state final appearance, while impressive, left the team bereft of what could have been. H-J fought a formidable Argyle squad tough throughout the contest before foul trouble and depth ended their season with a 49-41 loss.
Coach Mike Fogo looks towards this season's playoffs with nine returning players, including district heavyweights Delberta Guillory-Smith (Defensive MVP), Ashlon Jackson (Newcomer of the Year), and Makenna Henry (1st Team All-District).
The Lady Hawks are currently ranked #3 in class 4A in the latest Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) poll.
"We're getting better," said Fogo.
"Right now we're still competing against ourselves. After last year's state final loss on the bus ride home we sat together and put together a schedule that would address what we would need to do to win the state championship this year. We wanted to put our girls in difficult spots."
One agenda point was playing tougher competition in the preseason to gauge weaknesses and to define roles for their solid depth. H-J took on multiple 6A and 5A teams with exceptional results beating larger enrollment schools such as West Brook (71-41), San Antonio Reagan (47-45), Klein Forest (64-20), and Crosby 89-38.
H-J also had a solid win over 4A counterpart and #13 ranked Jasper 70-47.
"Playing against those bigger schools brings with it the challenge of competing with their depth and learning how to play without foul trouble. Their tempo is slower than what we're used to and it forces you out of your comfort zone," said Fogo.
Along with Guillory-Smith and Henry the Lady Hawks also bring senior leadership with Asia Wheeler, Kassi Hardy, and Imrie Collier. Experience will be key in later playoff rounds where on late game decisions will often determine the outcome of winning or losing.
"This years team has an interesting characteristic in that there in not one leader. The freshmen girls lead by effort, the seniors lead by being consistent. It's easier to define roles when your team is consistent."
The Lady Hawks are currently 23-8 and 8-0 in district play and next play at Bridge City tonight.
To listen to a podcast interview with Hardin-Jefferson head girls basketball coach Mike Fogo click on the play button below.
Join Thomas Bingham, Evan Beyer and Wac as they discuss the 2020 Texas High School Lacrosse League (THSLL) and Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) spring sports cancellations and how Governor Greg Abbott's executive order affects the possible return of TAPPS and UIL. In addition, the guys celebrate Evan's final show by mentioning his top VYPE moments, including his previously unaired highlight package from the 2019 Texas high school football season.
Locker Talk ATX/SATX:Highs of the Week(How UIL Should Handle Basketball Final Four&Evan's Last Show)
www.youtube.com
For more sports coverage, follow Thomas (@Texan8thGen) and VYPE (@VYPEATX/@VYPESATX) on Twitter.
Looking to get more involved? Check out ShopVYPE for fresh gear that supports local schools and the VYPE U Ambassador Program. To sign up for the VYPE U Program, apply at VYPEU.com.
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex produced a trio of state champions during the 2019-2020 girls basketball season. Check out the 2019-2020 All-VYPE DFW Public School Girls Basketball Team to see the area athletes who excelled individually.
This year, there are a few Houston household names that are about to become the next hopeful superstar for an NFL franchise.
The NFL is standing pat with their plan to hold the 2020 NFL Draft on April 23-25. Unfortunately, not from the new home of the Las Vegas Raiders on an immaculate stage set up in front of the MGM Grand.
Instead, it will be done how most of us draft our fantasy football teams – from our homes.
So, which former Houston stars, VYPE cover kids will hear their names called in the first through third rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft? This is an update to Matt Malatesta's Mock Draft weeks ago.
VYPE scoured multiple NFL Mock Drafts to try and get a consistent answer.
Analysis: The consensus among the experts is that Jerry Jeudy is one of the best WRs in this class and a lot have him going to the Raiders. I think Lamb is a better prospect overall and the 49ers are really interesting. Remember, the 49ers played in the Super Bowl a year ago. That is not a bad team to join. Lamb would be one of the top targets for QB Jimmy Garoppolo. Last year, the 49ers top receiver was their tight end George Kittle. The 49ers need a young receiver in the corps and that's Lamb.
Josh Jones (OT), Houston (Fort Bend Bush HS)
The Experts CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – No. 14 overall to Buccaneers CBSSports.com (Bryan DeArdo) – No. 18 overall to Dolphins NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund – No. 18 overall to Dolphins Sports Illustrated Matt De Lima – No. 18 overall to Dolphins Bleacher Report Alex Ballentine – No. 22 overall to Vikings NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 27 overall to Seahawks NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – No. 27 overall to Seahawks NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 29 overall to Titans
VYPE Pick: No. 18 Dolphins
Analysis: The Dolphins are fully expected to go all-in taking a QB early. Many expect it to be Tua Tagovailoa. Remember the "Tank for Tua" campaign. Well we have arrived to judgement day to see if the Dolphins really do it. If they take him, they will definitely want to protect him. There is going to be an early run on offensive linemen. By the Dolphins' next pick at 18, Houston OT Josh Jones may be the the guy. He had a good showing at the senior bowl throwing people around. The Dolphins could also combo some picks to move up for a different OL but you figure with a rebuild you want to take as much talent in the first round as you can.
Kenneth Murray (LB), Oklahoma (Fort Bend Elkins HS)
The Experts
Good Morning Football Host Peter Schrager – No. 15 overall to Broncos NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – No. 19 overall to Raiders Bleacher Report Alex Ballentine – No. 21 overall to Jaguars NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 21 overall to Eagles CBSSports.com (Bryan DeArdo) – No. 23 overall to Patriots CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – No. 24 overall to Saints NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 28 overall to Ravens
VYPE Pick: No. 21 overall to Jacksonville
Analysis: The Jaguars need desperate help in the run defense after giving up the fifth-most yards on the ground in 2019. Overall, the Jaguars ranked 21st in defense. There seems like there could be a lot of movement in the early 20s so Murray could end up anywhere. The Jaguars need help defensively, especially since the AFC South has bolstered up – Phillip Rivers to Indianapolis and, of course DeShaun Watson in Houston.
K'Lavon Chaisson (LB), LSU (North Shore HS)
The Experts
NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund – No. 11 overall to Jets CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – No. 16 overall to Falcons Sports Illustrated Matt De Lima – No. 16 overall to Falcons Bleacher Report Alex Ballentine – No. 16 overall to Falcons Good Morning Football Host Peter Schrager – No. 16 overall to Falcons NFL.com Draft Analyst Cha Reuter – No. 16 overall to Jets NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 17 overall to Cowboys NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 23 overall to Patriots CBSSports.com (Bryan DeArdo) – No. 28 overall to Ravens
VYPE Pick: No. 16 to Falcons
Analysis: Here comes the help the Falcons need. K'Lavon Chaisson ended up having the breakout season at LSU that Ed Ogeron thought he would. The former North Shore star ended up with 6.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, two pass deflections and 60 tackles. All career highs for a single season. Why do the Falcons take him? Well, Atlanta registered only 28 sacks in 2019, which ranked third-worst in the NFL. They also had a second-worst 109 QB pressures and only blitzed 24.5 percent of the time. These numbers have to change for a team that finished 7-9 overall and ranked 23rd in the NFL in points scored against. Chaisson is the help they need.
Jalen Hurts (QB), Oklahoma (Channelview HS)Â
The Experts
NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 23 overall to Patriots CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Third Round) – No. 88 overall to Saints NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – (Third Round) – No. 102 overall to Steelers
VYPE: No. 88 to Saints
Analysis:Jalen Hurts is not going to be the hottest name at the NFL Draft. The former Alabama and Oklahoma QB showed he can play at the highest level. There's no doubt about that. But this is about fit. From the three mock drafts we found Hurts mentioned, the teams are not a surprise. The Patriots have no quarterback and will be drafting a few in this draft. The Saints and Steelers both have aging quarterbacks. I think the Saints is the best fit for Hurts for two reasons – Sean Payton and Drew Brees. First to be coached by Payton would be a big learning experience for Hurts and to learn from a future Hall of Famer in Brees, who has said he will come back for another year, would be a perfect mix. Teddy Bridgewater is off to Carolina and he would be behind Taysom Hill.
Ross Blacklock (DT), TCU (Fort Bend Elkins HS)Â
The Experts
NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund – No. 27 overall to Seahawks NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – No. 29 overall to Titans NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 31 overall to 49ers Good Morning Football Host Peter Schrager – No. 32 overall to Chiefs CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Second Round) – No. 62 overall to Packers
VYPE Pick: No. 28 to Ravens
Analysis: Pretty much from pick 27 to 32 are teams that are going to address the defensive line. The Ravens are in need of help on the DL. The loss of VYPE Hall of Famer Michael Brockers, who headed back to the Rams, and the trade of Chris Wormley, the Ravens are in need of help. Blacklock could be the best fit at No. 28.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Grant Delpit (S) – LSU (St. Thomas/IMG Academy) NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 19 overall to Raiders NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – (Second Round) – No. 43 overall to Bears
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Second Round) - No. 51 overall to Cowboys
Jordyn Brooks (LB) – Texas Tech (Stratford HS) NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – (Second Round) – No. 63 overall to Chiefs
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Third Round) – No. 84 overall to Rams
Antoine Winfield Jr. (S) – Minnesota (The Woodlands HS) CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Second Round) – No. 50 overall to Bears NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – (Third Round) – No. 78 overall to Jets
More Names to Watch: Tyrie Cleveland (Florida / Westfield HS), Darius Anderson (TCU/George Ranch HS), Quartney Davis (Texas A&M / Langham Creek HS)
