The 2022-23 RCS Girls B-Ball Team w/ Coach Steve Krantz
TAKING FLIGHT: Krantz has foundation, Athletes for a special season
Krantz, who also serves as the athletic director, has reached eight Final Fours and won the State Title in 2011.
“When we started, we struggled to get enough kids out to practice,” he said. “We’ve come a long way and God has provided what we have needed over the years. It’s been a blessing.”
Mercy FreemanBradley Collier (Vype)
With the return of some key pieces along with new additions to the roster, the Eagles will be loaded in 2022-23. All-state returner Mercy Freeman is a three-sport athlete who has size and athleticism. Point guard Alex Smith and senior Lacie Williams were first-team, all-district selections last year, and Destiny Williams was an honorable-mention pick.
Alex Smith
“I’m really excited about this season and the success could have,” he said.“We are going to play very fast. I love going 4-on-3 and 3-on-2, instead of 5-on-5. To be a good team, you have to be able to execute in the half-court and we can do that too.”
Twin forwards Madison and Caitlin Wilson have transferred from Klein Cain. The pair were varsity players as freshmen, last season, and have had a big summer on the circuit. The Wilsons will be huge contributors.
“I’m going to be tasked to figure out the rotation because we have a lot of talented players,” he said. “We could have a new star emerge every night.”
While Krantz has enjoyed tremendous success over the years and should have a big season in 2023, his program goes back to his tried-and-true pillars of success.
Destiny Williams
“It ’s really a culture and I’m more concerned about what these girls are made of off the court rather than on the court,” Krantz said.“It’s all about respect, being a great teammate, and working hard to just get a little bit better every day."
With a formula of uptempo play, experience, and athleticism at each position, along with an old-school mentality, the pieces are in place for a ninth Final Four and beyond for the Eagles.
The Episcopal Knights
THE LIST: Houston Christian; Second Baptist headline VYPE Top 5 private schools
AT THE TAPPS LEVEL, SECOND BAPTIST, ROSEHILL CHRISTIAN AND LEGACY PREP WERE ON THE CUSP OF BRINGING HOME THE HARDWARE LAST SEASON AND HAVE VISIONS OF HOISTING THE TROPHY IN 2023.
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THE TOP 5 PRIVATE SCHOOL GIRLS TEAMS
No. 1 Houston Christian
What will they do after an undefeated season last year and an SPC Title? More dominance from the likes of D’Asia Thomas (Georgia Tech) and Loghan Johnson (Texas Tech) as the pair are both nationally-ranked. Throw in Madison Williams and Jalayah Ingram, and the ‘Stangs should be fitting for SPC rings today.
No. 2 Second Baptist School
The Eagles of Second Baptist School have been so close to a TAPPS State Title the past few seasons under the direction of John Herndon. This year, the Eagles will lead the conversation again as all-state selection Livy Sauvageau runs the offense, entering her junior season. Her game continues to develop, as well as her leadership skills. Seniors Ella Ryan, Olivia Walker and Kate Marshall will all play huge roles in the Eagles’ success.
No. 3 Rosehill Christian
Coach Steve Krantz has reached eight Final Fours and won the State Title in 2011. With the return of some key pieces, along with new additions to the roster, the Eagles will be loaded in 2022-23. All-state returner Mercy Freeman is a three-sport athlete who has size and athleticism. Point guard Alex Smith and senior Lacie Williams were first-team, all-district selections last year and Destiny Williams was an honorable-mention pick. Twin forwards Madison and Caitlin Wilson have transferred from Klein Cain to help.
No. 4 Episcopal
The Episcopal Knights will likely battle Houston Christian for the SPC Title this spring. The Knights are led by junior point guard Emrie Holt and a special move-in Me’arah O’Neal. The name sound familiar? She is Shaquille O’Neal’s daughter, who stands 6-foot-4 and is a national recruit with dozens of collegiate offers. With her deft shooting touch and ability to get to the rim, Episcopal will be in the title conversation.
Legacy Prep Christian Academy
After narrowly losing in the State Championship last season, Legacy Prep is back with a “State Title or Bust” mentality. This team is capable with junior team MVP Molly Steed and seniors MK Kloesel, Aubrey Davis and Georgia Freeman leading the way. Watch for sophomores Charlotte and Ginger Freeman, and freshman Ava Brieger to make their presence felt.
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