Noble Classic Team Preview – The Colony

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Colony Cougars enter the 2024-25 season under the leadership of head coach <strong>Cleve Ryan</strong>, looking to build on last year's momentum and further establish themselves as a serious contender in their district. With a talented and athletic roster that features a mix of returning veterans and promising young players, expectations are high for The Colony to make a strong run this year. Coach Ryan has crafted a team that excels on both ends of the floor, with a fast-paced, defense-first mentality that makes them tough to compete against.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team is led by standout juniors like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1560901' first='Dakari' last='Spear']</strong>, a top-ranked player in the state, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590879' first='Bryce' last='Dixon']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1560912' first='Xavier' last='Green']</strong>, all of whom are expected to be major contributors. With these young stars paired with experienced players like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2233759' first='Thor' last='Grissom']</strong>, The Colony has the depth and versatility to make a deep playoff run. The key will be balancing the team's athleticism with discipline on both offense and defense, ensuring they capitalize on their opportunities and limit mistakes against top competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560901"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-670edb113dd8b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dakari is the undisputed star of this team, already ranked as one of the top prospects in Texas despite being just a junior. His size, combined with his ability to play the 1-3, makes him a matchup nightmare. Spear excels in transition, where his speed and length allow him to finish with authority at the rim. He's also a consistent perimeter threat, which will make him even more dangerous as the season progresses. Expect him to be a double-double machine and the focal point of The Colony's offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560912"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-670edb113ddf3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Though slightly undersized, [player_tooltip player_id='2382175' first='Xavier' last=''] Green is a quick and crafty point guard with a tremendous feel for the game. His court vision and playmaking ability allow him to create opportunities for his teammates, making him the engine that drives The Colony's offense. Green is also a tenacious defender, using his speed to disrupt opposing guards. His basketball IQ and leadership qualities are mature beyond his years, and he will be essential in orchestrating the team's offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1590879"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-670edb113de3b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1590879' first='Bryce' last='Dixon'] is an all-around offensive threat and one of the most versatile forwards for the Cougars. He can play above the rim, guard every position, rebound, and protect the rim with his shot-blocking ability. His development has been nothing short of amazing, making him a top 5 player in Texas on any given day. Offensively, Dixon consistently makes shots from everywhere on the floor, whether it's mid-range jumpers or finishing at the rim. His ability to stretch the defense complements his strong interior game, adding crucial balance to the offense alongside perimeter players like Green and Spear.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2233759"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-670edb113deb8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2233759' first='Thor' last='Grissom'] is a returning upperclassman who will play a vital role as a veteran leader for The Colony this season. Known for his perimeter shooting, he has the ability to guard multiple positions, making him a versatile asset on both ends of the floor. Grissom's experience and toughness will be crucial, particularly in close games where his composure and ability to knock down shots under pressure could be the deciding factor. It's also worth noting that Thor is widely regarded as one of the Top 5 shooters in the state, further solidifying his importance to the team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2233734"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-670edb113defe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2233734' first='Jordyn' last='Goodman'] may be underappreciated in the rankings, but his value to the Cougars is undeniable. He brings exceptional defensive intensity and energy, using his quickness on the perimeter to consistently disrupt opposing ball handlers. Offensively, Goodman possesses an excellent handle and can consistently hit shots from deep, making him a threat on both ends of the floor. As a versatile player, Goodman is poised to play a critical role this season, proving that his talent and impact extend well beyond what the rankings suggest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Season Outlook:</strong> The Colony Cougars are an experienced team with most of their key players being juniors, setting them up for a bright future as they continue to grow and mature together. With a battle-tested roster, the Cougars are prepared to compete at a high level this season. Their depth and experience will be critical as they navigate a challenging schedule, which includes matchups against nationally ranked teams like <strong>Duncanville and Melissa at the prestigious Noble Classic Showcase on November 15th and 16th.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This talented group will rely on their fast-paced, transition-heavy style of play, with dynamic guards like [player_tooltip player_id='2382175' first='Xavier' last=''] Green and versatile wings like [player_tooltip player_id='1560901' first='Dakari' last='Spear'] leading the charge. Defensively, the Cougars will be a tough matchup, featuring strong interior defenders like [player_tooltip player_id='1590879' first='Bryce' last='Dixon'] and quick perimeter defenders such as Goodman and Green.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking ahead, with so many of their key players returning this season, The Colony is not only a team to watch this year but is also poised for future success. Their upcoming games at the Noble Classic will be a key test and a chance to prove themselves on a national stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch for College Commitments:</strong> With juniors like [player_tooltip player_id='1560901' first='Dakari' last='Spear'], [player_tooltip player_id='1590879' first='Bryce' last='Dixon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2382175' first='Xavier' last=''] Green already attracting attention from major collegiate programs, their performances this season will be closely followed by scouts. These matchups against high-level competition could solidify their status as top recruits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->