Houston Playoff Rd. 1 Sleepers
This week began one of the most action packed times in the high school basketball season. In short, this is the goal every team has been striving for: PLAYOFFS. There were some upsets as well as some expected victories happening…
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Continue ReadingThis week began one of the most action packed times in the high school basketball season. In short, this is the goal every team has been striving for: PLAYOFFS. There were some upsets as well as some expected victories happening around the greater Houston area early in the week for Round 1. Let’s evaluate some athletes who were difference makers
for their squads, regardless of the result of their game.
Clarence Payia Clarence Payia 6’6″ | SG Beaumont United | 2024 State TX was a big time key scorer in Beaumont United’s first round dominating victory over Dobie at Dayton High School. He was almost unstoppable scoring the ball at the basket this game, driving through defenders left and right to get easy buckets and keep his team out front. The 6’5 Class of 2024 forward possesses a long wingspan and uses his reach to come down with rebounds under the rim and play the passing lanes on defense. Clarence has shown that he can also shoot the ball extremely well from outside, but due to the large lead did not really have to use that part of his skillset this contest. He has one of those versatile skillsets that a coach at every level covets: being able to score from all three levels, playing fundamental defense, and also is a great hustle player. Payia is currently committed to LA Tech and joins a class there along with AJ Bates from Seven Lakes.
Julio Cisneros
Julio Cisneros
Julio was one of the big time scorers in Dobie’s first round loss to BMT United on Tuesday night. Cisneros showed sniper ability from long range and was able to knock down several three pointers to keep Dobie in the game for at least the first half of this contest as well as helping sway momentum to the Longhorns at some key moments. Cisneros also had some clutch defensive stops, helping to contain his matchup numerous times and was able to come down with some rebounds as well as notch some steals. This is my 2nd or 3rd time getting to watch Julio play and he is definitely one of the top unsigned 2024 sleepers in the city. A college will be happy to add him to its roster because this kid knows how to put the work in. Julio recently gained an offer from the University of St. Thomas here in Houston!
Kameron Newsome
Kameron Newsome
Kameron is a key component of Fort Bend Travis’ offense and is a willing facilitator as well as a scorer, showing multiple times now that he can play either role. I really admire Newsome’s hustle as a big part of his game and he always has the mentality to keep playing no matter whether his team is up or down on the scoreboard. Kameron can score the ball at all three levels of the floor and is effective hitting jumpers either off the dribble or the catch and shoot. From the times I have watched him play, Kameron has demonstrated that he is one of the best rebounding 2025 guards in the entire city of greater Houston. He is willing to crash the boards for second chance points and also has great court awareness to reset the offense if necessary. Look for his stock to continue to rise into the summer for AAU season.
Ashton Green Ashton Green 5’6″ | PG Beaumont United | 2025 TX came into the game during the second half of BMT United’s first round rout of Dobie and made a major difference. Green single handedly swung the momentum, knocking down at least three long range bombs in a matter of only a few minutes. Ashton does not let his size dictate how he plays the game and is a major fighter on the defensive end, not being afraid to be physical with his opponent and put his body on the line for loose balls. He checked into the contest midway through the 3rd quarter and never looked back, leading the offense with all of the Wolves’ starters sitting on the bench amidst the blowout. Ashton shows a lot of heart and willingness to take tough shots and be a team player despite his size and his vocality is also something to be desired.
Isaac Saavedra
Isaac Saavedra
Isaac plays an excellent role for the Mustangs in their offense as a knockdown shooter and facilitating combo guard. Saavedra uses his speed and acceleration to breeze past matchups to the basket and finish through contact as well as light up the defense from any spot on the outside three point line. The factor that impresses me most about his game is how he facilitates and plays the game with great calm and poise, and he rarely takes a bad shot. His lateral quickness is also impressive, having great awareness when guarding the perimeter on the defensive end.