2021 Rankings Update: Newcomers pt 2
In this article:
I wrote earlier about me having a moment writing about Gabby Owens Gabby Owens 5'10" | PF George Ranch | 2021 State TX , well let me get back on track because here’s another hard one as I drop part…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingI wrote earlier about me having a moment writing about Gabby Owens Gabby Owens 5'10" | PF George Ranch | 2021 State TX , well let me get back on track because here’s another hard one as I drop part 2 on combo guards because, in 2014, I met Mia Topping Mia Topping 5'8" | CG Timber Creek | 2021 State TX for the first time while earlier that same year, I was one of the coaches for Shanna Petty Shanna Petty 5'10" | CG Westside | 2021 State TX when it was really AAU. Topping was in the 7th grade performing at the inaugural HoopAHolics Individual Showcase when we INVADED Dallas in December without permission, I’ll never forget wondering if I would have to go the trunk and Petty was still in the 6th Grade heading to the 7th earlier in March but here are the combo guards
No. 15 Kaiya Wynn Kaiya Wynn 6'0" | CG Foster | 2021 State TX -6’0 (Foster)
Transferred into Texas and definitely sent a message and I’m not talking about her averaging a lot of points, “it’s not what you do, it’s who you do it against” and for her to help keep her team within striking distance against the best team in the city, Cy Creek, they lost by 12 twice, that speaks volumes, well at least to me but my hearing is a little different than most. Yes she overpowered guards, rebounded on both ends, and controlled the tempo but more importantly, she made those around her better, that’s the key so whether she was running the 2 or the 1, she got things done
No. 49 Evelyn Quiroz Evelyn Quiroz 5'6" | CG Laredo United | 2021 State TX -5’6 (Laredo United)
There are Under The Radar players everywhere and for her to be in Texas and make this type of jump after my initial sighting should tell you not only am I paying attention but you need to put yourselves in a position to be seen, I’m talking about by me because she immediately showed me she was legit before scoring. She threw a no-look for an assist, she broke the press, she played the passing lane and got out of traps with ease, yet her poise in doing those things just stood out. Then it was on as she took over offensively dazzling defenders with crossovers and step-backs, I was dazzled as well and that mid to long-range
No. 70 Sarai Estupian Sarai Estupian 5'5" | CG Cedar Park | 2021 State TX -5’5 (Cedar Park)
I was reminded the game starts at the tip, technically that’s right but once it gets going, you need someone who can be the coach on the floor and her ability to hit teammates, handle the ball under pressure as well as be a vocal leader helped Cedar Park win the UIL 5A State Championship and for her efforts, she was named to the All-Tournament team. Efforts I say, yes efforts because when a big basket was needed, she came through, when a big was needed, she came through and those two statements helped thwart a couple of ferocious runs from Frisco Liberty
No. 92 Mia Topping Mia Topping 5'8" | CG Timber Creek | 2021 State TX -5’8 (Keller Timber Creek)
Watching her move gracefully with the ball, handling it under pressure last season took me back, first at the MT Rice Tournament and then at one of the PBR events, and I was thinking, she has got to be added. Playing within herself has always stood out to me yet she can score when needed, well she can take over when needed and her first step gets her by defenders to either finish or dish, yes she sees the floor well but she also can create her shot and knock it down mid to long-range but let me also give her a plus for her tenacity on defense, on the ball and playing the passing lane
No. 105 Shanna Petty Shanna Petty 5'10" | CG Westside | 2021 State TX -5’10 (Westside)
If I gave a Most Improved Player award, I bet you I could make a case for giving it to Shanna multiple times because first of all, she’s one of those “never takes a play off, type of player” she showed that at an early age but she also showed that “you won’t outwork me” as well and watching her come back from injuries after establishing herself as one of the top defensive guards in the state, what else could you ask for. She had a slight growth spurt and her shooting just took off, which showed her commitment as she scored off the dribble finishing with contact as well as the mid to long-range and will but she also rebounds like there is no tomorrow, she’s a BATTLER