Texas Invitational Takeaways from Cy Ranch vs Cibolo Steele

I usually attend the Texas Invitational on Thursday and Friday and catch the FBISD medal games on Saturday but I'm sort of under the weather, plus my bracket was busted for FBISD, so that won't be happening. No worries, there was plenty of action I'll break down from pool play, plus I'll be dropping stories from the Peggy Whitley Classic but I'm choosing one game, Cy Ranch vs Cibolo Steele, to give you some takeaways from because with 4 pools and 5 teams worthy of being seeded #1, this game, on paper, appeared to be one that was a "can't miss" and although the game is played on the court, this was a battle reminiscent of the old days and if you don't know.... [caption id="attachment_116197" align="alignleft" width="300"] Cibolo Steele TXINV[/caption] <strong>Cibolo Steele's starting 5 firepower</strong> One of the best starting 5 lineups in the state, no need to debate and when you throw in Aja Holmes (TCU) tying the 3 point record at 7 while Bria McClure added 6, you sort of get the picture. Zaya Price can knock it down consistently but this is their big 3 and they just make things happen. Asjha Leake uses her 6'3 body well in the paint, Aaliyah Ellis showed me even more and to think they're this deep without Aaliyah McMillan who happens to be one of the states best long ball shooters, like the Terminator, she'll be back <strong>The game has and always will start at the one</strong> Bria McClure has proven time and time again something I hashtagged, #sizedontmatter which was later amended for nonpolitical reasons, when you can play and that she can. Several college coaches raved about her game and how she was a vocal leader on the court but one intangible that was consistent, she plays hard no matter and that's something you can't teach, believe what you want and you go from good to great when you make those around you better [caption id="attachment_116198" align="alignright" width="300"] Sidney Love TXINV[/caption] <strong>Sidney Love</strong> The sophomore sensation left a lasting impression and will jump over a lot of players on my next update and I don't what impressed me more, her poise under pressure or her deliverance as she attacked at will numerous times for baskets but that pull-up is still in my head. Her upside is "wherever she desires to take it' because it's there, she has the tools &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_116199" align="alignleft" width="300"] Shira Patton TXINV[/caption] <strong>Big Three from Cy Ranch</strong> The Mustangs were down 23 early, however, I've been riding with Shira Patton (Northern Arizona), Shadiya Thomas (Air Force) and Riane Burton (Cincinnati)  since, well forever and I don't want to say 6th grade but it was at least the 7th and over the years, they have been battled tested and their amazing comeback was not a surprise, well to me. Burton carried the load in the first half, she was virtually unstoppable, be it in the paint, spinning and finishing or facing the basket while Thomas added her and there. Then in the second half, Patton went completely off, she elevates like few on the girl's side I've seen and was dropping baskets from everywhere, while Thomas again sliced and diced her way for point <strong>Big Takeaway</strong> Cibolo Steele lost to Summer Creek in the Gold semis in a tough battle while Ranch is playing Converse Judson for the Silver Championship.  Steele has the offense to do some damage and make a run, a deep run in R1 while Cy Ranch can definitely create some problems in R2