DALLAS, Texas– The 2013 Texas “three-step” started in Dallas and ended in San Antonio. First stop on our stroll through Texas was Premier Basketball Report’s (PBR) Super 64 then a 45 minute ride over to the Big State Flava Jam and ultimately concluded at the She’s Ballin BluePrint. All three events had a multitude of talented prospects from all over the country and enjoyed the presence of hundreds of college coaches representing levels and programs nationwide. Each event stood out in its own way and below are several players that caught our attention.
Growing up one of my favorite cartoons to watch was Road Runner and Wylie Coyote. Wylie Coyote had at the tools and tricks to try and catch the Road Runner but he never could. Watching talented 5-8 guard Nyah Green from Wylie, Texas reminded me of the exploits of wishful coyote and the elusive bird with one exception, Green’s game was a combination of both cartoon characters. She’s very quick with a sweet crossover and hesitation dribble that leaves opponents standing still. Green, just a member of the 2019 class, grabbed my attention by playing against players four and five years older. She has excellent command of her dribble and makes good decisions. There’s a nice three point stroke and an ability to defend effectively. She plays with a lot of energy and needs to add strength. All the tools are there and with continued development Green has a chance to be a high major prospect.
During the Spring Evaluation period 5-6 Alexis Morris was playing on the DFW Elite Team SchollyMe younger team comprised of 2016′,17’s and18’s, but is now currently playing on DFW Elite top team T-Jack. The 2017 Morris is proving that she can definitely play at this level. A Beaumont, Texas native, she’s an explosive combo guard with great hops and excellent ball handling skills. Morris has a sweet stroke that extends just beyond the three point arc and isn’t afraid to pull the trigger in clutch situations. There’s an ultra-fast first step that will get her past most defenders en route to attacking the basket. Her athletic build allows her to attack the paint and finish with contact. Morris is an excellent passer with a high basketball IQ. With continued growth she has a chance to be yet add another legacy to the successful recruiting record of the DFW Elite program.
Athletic post players are a commodity especially when you’re a program that likes to play an up-tempo style of basketball. Jordan Hosey from Pearland, Texas is exactly that but keep looking. The 6-2 Hosey has already committed to Coach Karen Aston and the Longhorns at Texas. She has long arms, the speed and agility to defend multiple positions, displayed the ability to defend in the post or be a solid on ball defender on the perimeter. Hosey rebounded the ball well at both ends and showed that she can push the ball on the fast break. She is a good leaper that finishes strong in paint. With a nice stroke she consistently knocked down shots out to 19 feet.
Cathy Okwilagwe, a 6-2 forward from Garland, Texas, is long, athletic and very active at both ends of the floor. Okwilagwe runs the floor extremely well and she handles the ball well for her length and size. She plays tough hard-nosed defense in the post making opponents scrap and earn every point. Okwilagwe has a nice low post game on the offensive end to go with a nice midrange game and the ability to hit the three ball. She also likes to face up and put the ball on the floor to attack the rim where she finishes well with contact. Okwilagwe, a rising junior, will garner attention from several major D-I programs.
McKenzie Calvert, a 5-9 combo guard from Cibolo, Texas and recent Baylor de-commit, is an athletic guard with strong handles, good passing skills and court vision. She rebounds well from the perimeter and pushes the ball with the ability to create on the break. Calvert showed that she can be a very effective shooting guard by knocking down multiple threes including a devastating between the legs step back from deep. The senior to be has a good basketball IQ and communicates well with teammates. After Calvert’s showing at the Big State Flava Jam the already large contingent of coaches excited about her reopening her recruitment are even more intent on getting her attention. Let the calls begin…again.
Michelle Nwokedi, a 6-2 uncommitted forward, is a high energy prospect that hails from Missouri City, Texas. Nwokedi is an intriguing player. She has length and athleticism while possessing decent ball-handling skills. Just to keep opposing bigs on their toes, she loves to run the floor. Nwokdeki is an excellent on ball defender and a force as a shot blocker in the low post. She has the skills to face up and attack off the dribble as well.
It’s always good to see the development of players right before your very eyes. This was our second viewing of 5-9 Arleighshya McElroy. Since the first time we saw McElroy as an eighth grader, the Sunnyvale, Texas native has molded her frame and game to that of a prototypical college combo guard. A 2016 prospect, she has a sweet three point shot, attacks off the bounce while playing with a great knack for creating buckets. McElroy has great court vision and isn’t afraid to take the big shot. The ability is there to be a lockdown defender making her a solid BCS prospect.
Evaluators are always on the lookout for good shooters and the 2015 class appears to be somewhat thin for that attribute. However, Kiara Scott of Baton Rouge, Louisiana fits the bill. Scott shot lights out knocking down six of eight three pointers in a highly competitive contest and showed off a nice mid-range jumper to boot. Even her missed shots looked good. She defends well on the perimeter and hustles, often diving for loose balls. If that’s not enough, Scott rebounds well for a guard. Good handles go hand in hand with sharp court vision as well. If you’re looking for a shooter, Scott should be on your recruiting radar.
