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The stars of 2025-26 Nimitz Girls Basketball
THE LAYUP LINE: Venzant has No. 21 Nimitz rolling
No. 21 — NIMITZ COUGARS
Nimitz turned heads a year ago, going 13-1 in district play and advancing to the 6A-D1 Regional Semifinals before bowing
out to eventual state finalist Cedar Hill.
The Kendra Venzant-led Cougars closed the year at 26-9, further cementing their place as one of the area’s well-run organizations. As the new season unfolds, Nimitz looks to extend its playoff streak to six straight appearances — a goal made realistic by a sturdy foundation of returning talent.
Junior Tatiyana Cole (6.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.1 bpg), a first-team, all-district honoree, anchors the interior with her physical presence and defensive instincts, while sophomore Alayia Hutchinson (4 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2 apg)— a second-team pick — brings energy to the backcourt.
Also expected to contribute are Jamyla Thomas and Johnielys Clemente Quinones, who round out a roster built on resilience.
Adversity will come, but if there’s one thing the Cougars have proven, it’s that they’re built to handle the grind.
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Nimitz Sr. QB Albert "AJ" Brown Jr.
MAN WITH A PLAN: Nimitz's Brown possesses a skillset, mentality that few can replicate
The calm before a storm reveals the most about a team -- and its leader. For Nimitz, that leader is Albert "AJ" Brown Jr., the seasoned senior quarterback whose presence in the huddle has become synonymous with poise, power, and purpose.
Coming off a standout 2024 season, Brown enters his final high school campaign with both confidence and unfinished business.
The reigning District 14-6A Offensive MVP threw for nearly 2,300 yards and 26 touchdowns last year, while also rushing for six scores — a dual-threat force that helped guide Nimitz to a 7-4 record and a hard-earned playoff berth.
Though their postseason run ended early with a first-round loss to The Woodlands, Brown’s impact was undeniable.
Now, with another year under his belt and the fall season well underway, Brown’s mindset is sharp.
“We know what we’re capable of,” Brown said. “The main goal is to win; ‘W-I-N’. That means showing up everyday, controlling everything that’s within our reach before Friday night – whether that’s in practice, the weight room, film study – all of it. In order to get up front on people we need to capture and maintain that victory mindset.”

The Cougars, led by head coach Cornelius Harmon, have carved out a reputation as a playoff-caliber program — a reputation Brown is determined to uphold and elevate.
For him, it’s not just about stats or highlight plays; it’s about execution.
That growth has come not only physically but mentally. As Brown reflects on his evolution under center, he emphasizes how much the signal-caller role demands beyond athleticism.
“Being a quarterback requires more than just knowing the play-call,” he explained. “You have to be able to analyze and control the flow of the offense to generate the best outcome in games. Football is a game of inches, so there’s a level of situational awareness and comprehension that’s needed to put us in the best position.”
Despite not having made a college commitment yet, Brown remains a hot name in recruiting circles. As of July, he holds an offer from Grambling State — as tarting point that likely won’t be the end of his recruiting journey. Coaches across the state have taken notice of his complete skill set and mature approach.
When asked about the future, Brown’s response speaks volumes about his values.

“Of course, I’m going to lean towards education first,” he said. “As a man, you always have to be planning for the future and be sure to have options to support yourself and your family. Secondly, I’ll just be grateful for an opportunity to surround myself with guys who know what it’s like to compete at the next level, and be able to show why I belong.”
Brown models his game after NFL stars like Cam Ward, Patrick Mahomes, and Jalen Hurts — admiring Hurts most for his physicality and ability to elevate the players around him. It’s a fitting parallel. Brown isn’t trying to be flashy — he’s trying to be effective, to lead, and to earn everything in front of him.
Whether it leads to more offers or deeper playoff runs, AJ Brown Jr.’s presence under center already means something at Nimitz. And as the 2025 season unfolds, it’s that steady presence that might end up being his greatest weapon.

































