Mix of stars close out Peggy Whitley coverage

Hightower was clicking on all cylinders as they won the Peggy Whitley Classic against a talented Shadow Creek squad featuring PGH Texas Top 100 players '21 Bre'Yon White and '22 R'Mani Taylor, however, the Hurricanes have three signed BCS players of their own, Taelour Purvis (Houston) Zaria Johnson (Virginia) and MVP of the tournament Destini Lombard (LSU) . Speaking of signed players in the event, Magnolia West forward Kamryn Jones (Houston) Bush sharpshooter Arianna Sturdivant (URRGV) and Galveston Ball post Chanielyn Galloway (Lamar) were also among the top performers [caption id="attachment_120731" align="alignleft" width="300"] Taelour Purvis[/caption] <strong>How good is Hightower?</strong> Their "Big Three" have all had 30 point games this season at one point or another and after an opening game loss to North Shore, they've been on a roll with some slight bumps here and there yet if healthy, they are the team to beat in R3-5A. Taelour Purvis is one of the hardest workers in the state, her length and athleticism create problems on both ends of the court because she elevates on her shot and gets it off against anyone and her defense just creates disarray [caption id="attachment_120732" align="alignright" width="196"] Zaria Johnson[/caption] Destini Lombard has gradually added more and more to her offensive game over the years, deep range, nice pull-up and exceptional body control plus she battles on the inside and rebounds on both ends of the court. The addition of transfer Zaria Johnson can be explained simply as candles on the cake because the icing was there. She's athletic and active around the paint and her mindset is she won't be denied because she's one of those "keep coming at ya" type players and I called all #D1Locks years ago [caption id="attachment_120733" align="alignleft" width="271"] Bre'Yon White &amp; R'Mani Taylor[/caption] <strong>Shadow Creek is knocking on the door</strong> R'Mani Taylor and Bre'Yon White were also tabbed can't miss by yours truly, Taylor before middle school and White in middle school so once I say it, it's all but a done deal. The good thing about them facing Hightower in the tournament is that it gave them a preview of what's coming, they're in the same district and will play each other at least two more times and possibly three or four, should they tie in the district or in the playoffs, never question me on possibilities. The heat from Da'Nae Williams on defense, Genelle Greene, Gabrielle Hamilton, and Brooklin Brown have shown they can score and the inside play of Rachel Anderson could actually pull it off and win the region [caption id="attachment_120734" align="alignright" width="300"] Elyssa Coleman[/caption] <strong>Atascocita could be a sleeper</strong> When you look at things on paper, you have to go with Summer Creek who happens to be the defending R3 champ in 6A however the game is played on the court and strange things have happened over the years simply because it's a game playoff. I've written about Dede Davis and Blake Matthews from the event but Texas signee Elyssa Coleman is healthy and at 6'3, let's just say you never know. She's powerful on the inside and her athleticism and versatility will come in handy [caption id="attachment_120745" align="alignleft" width="161"] Kylie Minter[/caption] <strong>Clear Springs firepower</strong> Niyah Johnson's improvement is scary, she's physical, athletic and she can be overpowering inside and is among the areas top post players but the intangibles she brings at 6'0 have the Chargers in the mix. It also helps to have Jermia Green, one of the top juniors in Texas, D'Nea Johnson baseline to baseline defense from the guard spot wasn't all she brought as her ability to attack from everywhere is a huge plus. The sophomore backcourt of Kenna Gibson and Kylie Minter can bring instant offense. Gibson is on the '22 PGH Texas Watch List, she is also one of the top long ball shooters in the state but the performance from Minter definitely earned her a spot. She has the floater down to a tee but her range was something to see [caption id="attachment_120735" align="alignleft" width="300"] Jalayah Ingram[/caption] <strong>Freshmen on the rise</strong> The Dawson backcourt of Kennedy Ford and Jalayah Ingram is one of the areas best rookie backcourt simply because they play like veterans, that's not a stretch and they will be a problem for years to come. I caught Ingram is the 7th grade and her explosiveness was captivating as she found ways to impress on a loaded team. Don't recall seeing Ford before the event, those rosters again, well lack of but she has some skills as well as upside. Lamar's Kahlayn Barnes definitely caught my eye a couple of seasons ago and what she did at Pass Tha Ball's event over the summer solidified her a spot on the PGH Texas Watch List &nbsp; &nbsp;