Neighborhood rivals showcase next-up talent

Hendrickson and Weiss are separated by little more than a short walk, but when these two programs meet, the intensity stretches far beyond geography. This year's installment of the neighborhood rivalry delivered once again, and more importantly, it revealed a strong group of players who will shape the future of both programs.    Toughness defines Hardge's game. He's a fearless guard who embraces contact and competition on both ends. One part of Hendrickson's deep guard quartet, Hardge plays with poise and intent. His three-point shot is reliable but selective, and he consistently gets to his spots using angles, a quick first step, and strong body control. He's effective in the pull-up and floater game and finishes through contact at the rim. Defensively, he applies constant pressure on the ball and jumps passing lanes from the help side. He's a tone-setter with clear upside.     Samuel brings balance and feel to the backcourt. He checks every fundamental box: solid handle, dependable three-point shooting, consistent mid-range touch, and a willingness to defend and rebound. He complements Hardge well, understanding when to push pace and when to execute in the half-court. What stands out most is his confidence in big moments; he knocked down timely threes when the game was tight, helping Hendrickson seize control. His frame is still developing, and added strength will only elevate his already well-rounded game. His trajectory is pointing up.     Elliott is the sparkplug and emotional engine of the Hawks. Despite his size, he plays much bigger than the numbers suggest. As the primary lead guard, he controlled tempo, organized the offense, and consistently delivered teammates clean looks. Defensively, he's relentlessly pressuring the ball, challenging bigger players, and setting the tone with energy. His defensive intensity was pivotal in erasing a Weiss lead and flipping the momentum. Elliott's role will be critical as Hendrickson enters district play.     Longoria may not jump off the page physically, but he's a confident, cold-blooded shooter. He's at his best moving without the ball, and he benefits from guards who see the floor and deliver on time. His catch-and-shoot game is a real weapon, and he's not hesitant to let it fly. Longoria can also create off the dribble with a smooth pull-up. While quickness isn't his strength defensively, his effort level is consistent and dependable. He rounds out a versatile and dangerous Hendrickson guard group.     Wright is the physical anchor for a young Weiss squad. Strong and competitive, he embraces contact and does the heavy lifting, rebounding in traffic, defending multiple positions, and protecting the rim. Offensively, his game starts with downhill pressure. He finishes through contact, elevates for powerful dunks, and uses his handle to push the break after rebounds. His three-point shot is still streaky but trending upward. With Wright setting the tone, Weiss has a foundational piece to build around.     Ross is the Wolves' backcourt leader and one of the smoothest players on the floor. He gets into the paint with ease and can score from the mid-range or at the rim. His pull-up game is polished, and the three-point shot is a legitimate part of his arsenal. Ross also excels at drawing contact and getting to the free-throw line, something he did early and often to help Weiss build a first-quarter lead. He defends well, rebounds his position, and can initiate transition offense. Ross is a true combo guard with a bright future.     Collins has made noticeable strides since the summer, and his impact shows up in effort and activity. He's an aggressive rim protector who challenges shots, competes for loose balls, and plays with high motor. That aggressiveness can lead to foul trouble, but the mindset is exactly what you want from a young big. Offensively, he's developing his back-to-the-basket game, has improved, runs the floor well, and he's eager to finish above the rim. As his body and skill set mature, Collins has the potential to become one of Central Texas' most impactful bigs.     Hardeman is a steady, high-IQ guard who understands how to manage the game. He can score in spurts, particularly from deep, where his three-point shot is a real threat. His handle is deceptive, allowing him to get into the paint for pull-ups or timely kick-outs. Defensively, he's sound both on the ball and within team concepts, and he contributes in transition. As he continues to add strength, his overall impact will grow. Weiss is still finding its footing, but Hardeman will be central to that progression.

Hendrickson and Weiss are separated by little more than a short walk, but when these two programs meet, the intensity stretches far beyond geography. This year's installment of the neighborhood rivalry delivered once again, and more importantly, it revealed a strong group of players who will shape the future of both programs.