3A players to watch for in December

<p>Today we continue the trend of highlighting under-the-radar players by highlighting Texas 3A prospects. These are players worth keeping tabs on for the month of December and as the season progresses. The players below range from every position and are leading their teams in potential. These players fit within their respective team’s system makes them crucial pieces in the fight for 3A rankings. Come March, their star should burn even brighter as the playoffs heat up on the path towards UIL tournament-play. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/david-danna">David Danna</a> Harelton 2022 SG</strong></p> <p>Danna has a game like current Oklahoma Thunder rookie, Josh Giddey, in that he can do a bit of everything at a better-than-average level. Danna is a consummate role player, not nearly as flashy as his teammate, Carter Taft, but he hits shots when open. </p> <p>He’s currently averaging 7 points a game and a solid 6.1 rebounds to go along with two steals, showing his value and ability in hitting all box score categories. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/george-acosta">George Acosta</a> Aransas Pass 2023 SF</strong></p> <p>Acosta has carried over his hot shooting from his sophomore year to this season. The wing is an explosive scorer, earning a nomination this week by Corpus Christi Caller-Times as High School Athlete of the Week after dropping a combined 48 points in wins over Sinton and Roma High Schools.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/carter-taft">Carter Taft</a> Harleton 2022 Combo Guard</strong></p> <p>Taft is one of the best shooters on this list. He has great upper body strength which allows him to keep his form fluid and shot accurate throughout the course of tough, fast-paced games. Taft is a returning senior and was second-team all-district last season for the Wildcats. </p> <p>Taft is best in transition and looks to push the ball at every chance, where he can pull up from three. In a game against Bloomberg on Dec. 2, Taft chipped in 20 points on 64% shooting, his highest output of the season thus far in a 62 point win for his team. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cj-olivarez">CJ Olivarez</a> Santa Rosa Warriros 2022</strong></p> <p>Olivarez is the kind of lead guard coaches love: he plays within his abilities, fights for loose balls, and makes his teammates better. A pass-first guard with the ability to knock down from the perimeter, Olivarez is an adept passer and ball handler. </p> <p>He fights on defense as well, grabbing steals through shifty play in the passing lanes. He has enough of a handle to be able to create space beyond the arc, and can even pull up for three, although he is best in catch and shoot situations. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/trey-blackmore">[player_tooltip player_id="795729" first="Trey" last="Blackmore"]</a> San Antonio Cole 2022 SG</strong></p> <p>Blackmore was recently named to the San Antonio Express-News "Top 50 Athletes to Watch in San Antonio" for this season. Blackmore was the state’s final MVP for last season’s championship squad, scoring 34 points in the finals. for the season Blackmore averaged 22.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists and was named to the TABC all-state team. </p> <p>At 6’2, Blackmore has insane hops and a mean cross-over. HIs handles help him create space to set up teammates or pull up off the dribble for a smooth jumper. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/silas-livingston">[player_tooltip player_id="1149319" first="Silas" last="Livingston"]</a> San Antonio Cole 2022 PG</strong></p> <p>One of the main contributors to his San Antonio Cole team winning the 3A state championship last season returns to man the point for his season year. He has received a full-ride from the Division 1 University of the Incarnate Word. But he has unfinished business to do before he graduates.  </p> <p>Really love this kid’s ability on the defensive end. He can get stops against anyone and prides himself on that side of the ball. on Dec. 7 he had a massive game with 28 points and 4 assists over a very talented Steele team which included an improbable half-court heave to beat the buzzer. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/preston-cazalas">Preston Cazalas</a> Corpus Christi-London 2023 PG</strong></p> <p>Smart, heady guard who always looks for the open man. High basketball IQ player who sees the floor well to set up teammates. Is adept at breaking through traps and double teams under pressure. Rarely turns the ball over or makes errant passes.</p> <p>Also has the ability on the offensive side of the all. Can pull up for three with range and has a silky jumper he can get off in catch and shoot situations or by pulling up off the dribble. </p>