Chris Owens (Texas Elite)This tournament gave us b’ball fanatics in the Lone Star State an early peak at what the two mega-metropolitan cities talent look like in the classes of 2016 and 2017. Although we were expected to see some teams get completely overwhelmed, instead we were treated with some pleasant surprises. However, some of last year’s stars started this new season stronger than how they finished last year. All in all, the crowds were huge and the games were great, but at the end, the Houston side drove away with the title.
Top Performers Part 1
Chris Owens #00 Texas Elite
The 6’3” big fella’ was HUGE on the boards and in the paint, he was a force that many did not want to challenge. He also found ways to position himself for several putbacks and also showed a couple dazzling but strong post moves.
J.J Caldwell #23 Houston Defenders Select 2016
This point guard is arguably the best in the Lone Star State and this weekend he showed why. So many breath-taking dimes’ dropped off, so many defensive stops, so many perfectly timed long range jumpshots, so many of the RIGHT plays that put his teammates in easy positions to score. Kid does it all and you can tell he loves doing it.
Brandon Conwright #15 Team BiznessThis young man showed great poise getting to the cup on many occasions. He worked his deadly jumpshot from all over the floor. I was impressed with his ability to run in transition and finish baskets off strong. His defensive skills were tough and tenacious.
Tristen Wallace #6 DFW Defenders Select
The 6’2’’ Boss’ was big in both of his team’s games. He scored at will, he defended inside and outside, he rebounded the ball, and he dropped off a few dimes that wooed the crowd on several occasions. Boss’ ran the floor with authority throughout the tournament.
Chad Bowie #4 Gulf Coast Blue ChipsThis youngster transferred in from the Sunshine State of Florida. His poised demeanor handling the ball and knocking down big shots were off the chain. He showed outstanding defensive skills and had outrageous playmaking abilities that gave his opponents fits. He’s the son of former NBA player Anthony Bowie but he’s making a name for his own in Texas.
Terrance Ferguson #1 Texas Lightening
The 6’3” wing was letting it fly throughout this tournament, hitting shots from downtown every game. He gave his team some timely quality rebounds that helped his team stay in games. Although his team struggled in this tournament, he was by far the lone consistent standout for his team.
Sean Shanklin #23 Texas EliteThis youngsta’ packed a mean jumper that literally killed his opponents. He was big on boards in the clutch. He was ‘charlie Hustle’ in every game, diving for loose balls, sacrificing his body to take charges. Plays the game as fundamentally as possible but has a flare to him that made me enjoy watching him.
Jordan Houston #25 Houston Defenders Select
This sharpshooting guard was hitting on all cylinders in this tournament. Kid has range and can hit from behind the arc like its nothing. His defensive skills put him in position to score on many breakaways. He also showed that he knows how to get to the hole’ with authority.
