Closing January Stock Risers
As we mentioned in the last article, the end of January is a big time to gain a foothold in district standings when it comes to high school basketball. Multiple hoopers from all over Houston have had their names in…
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Continue ReadingAs we mentioned in the last article, the end of January is a big time to gain a foothold in district standings when it comes to high school basketball. Multiple hoopers from all over Houston have had their names in the spotlight this month, and many have stepped up to the plate with ease. Let’s evaluate four young men who helped their team to key victories over these past couple weeks…
Kendarius Johnson
Kendarius Johnson
KJ was a huge source of offense for his team in their road district win this past week over a tough Cy Creek squad. Johnson was able to showcase his presence on both ends of the floor and come away with several highlights this contest. He uses his long wingspan and athleticism to get past the defense and glide to the basket with ease as well as draining several jumpers from midrange and deep behind the three point line. I really enjoyed watching KJ’s sense of awareness on the court this game as he was always the most vocal one on the defensive end and when he was needed to score the rock, he did not hesitate to take the wide open shot. Look for Johnson to be a huge player in the Cy Fair starting lineup moving forward as a 2025 athlete this season.
Deadric Fikes
Deadric Fikes
Deadric was a huge contributor underneath the basket in Davis’ road win over district rival Dekaney. Fikes was consistent scoring from all levels of the floor and pretty much scoring the ball at ease. He also blocked several shots at the basket and showed good lateral quickness defending ball handlers on the perimeter as well. He has made huge strides this scholastic season, continuing big time momentum from playing AAU over the summer and putting his name with the biggest stock risers in the city. Deadric can handle the ball behind the three point line or drive to the basket and finish the contact layup/dunk, showing he can beat the defense in multiple ways. Fikes also has big time hustle for a post player and is never afraid to put himself on the line for a loose ball or a tough rebound. showing great leadership and emotion.
Christian Thomas Christian Thomas 6'6" | SF C.E. King | 2025 State #325 Nation TX
Christian Thomas Christian Thomas 6'6" | SF C.E. King | 2025 State #325 Nation TX
Christian played the role of offensive catalyst for the Panthers in their home upset yesterday of Beaumont United. Thomas was making it look easy on the offensive end, but make no mistake about it. Christian was working hard for all his points, driving in and grabbing rebounds over taller defenders, making the and- one basket on multiple occasions. He also showed great consistency at the free throw line, never missing a foul shot the entire duration of the contest and staying locked in. Thomas never let his frustration get the better of him, picking up three or four fouls late into the second half, but keeping his head to the grindstone and staying focused. What I found most impressive about this young mans game is the amount of passion he plays with; you can just tell every time he steps on the court, he is there on a mission and to do one thing: help his team get the win by any means possible. He has easily made his mark lately as one of the most underrated 2025 prospects in the city, if not the state. Christian finished the game with 25 points and 12 rebounds.
Kiran Tutt
Kiran Tutt
Kiran was the main playmaker/facilitator of the offense in the Dragons road win over Kingwood Park. MaxPreps has Tutt shooting 75% on the season so far and he also shoots over 40% from three point range. He showed great ability and IQ to control the pace of the contest on both ends and was aggressive on defense, never afraid to hand check his matchup and come away with several key steals turning into fastbreak points. Kiran was masterful with the ball in his hands, using the pick and roll to perfection either beating his matchup to the rim for an easy bucket or diming a teammate for 2 points to further the lead. Nacogdoches overall was a fun team to watch and Kiran was a big reason for that. Look for him to continue to lead the offense to new heights and further his stock as the season comes to a climax soon.