Heart of Texas: Day 2 Standouts (2022s)
I had the opportunity to see a ton of talented Texas prospects this weekend at the Premier Heart of Texas Showcase in Mansfield. With the grassroots season now in full swing, teams and individuals are really beginning to hit their…
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Continue ReadingI had the opportunity to see a ton of talented Texas prospects this weekend at the Premier Heart of Texas Showcase in Mansfield. With the grassroots season now in full swing, teams and individuals are really beginning to hit their stride and show what they are capable of. With that in mind, here are six standout 2022 prospects from the tournament:
Michayla Gatewood Michayla Gatewood 5'8" | PG DeSoto | 2022 State TX | 2022 | 5’8” Point Guard | Team Lex Tar Heels | DeSoto HS – Gatewood looked great in her lead guard role. She was a vocal leader and a terrific playmaker. The Texas Tech commit confidently quarterbacked the offense, making good decisions and accurate passes while utilizing her excellent court vision. She was also an opportunistic defender.
Briley Barnes | 2022 | 6’1” Small Forward | Texas LoneStar Black – 3SSB | Amarillo HS – Barnes is a skilled forward with good size. The Amarillo prospect showed that she can space the floor with her three-point shooting. She was responsible for some brilliant finishes at the basket too. Beyond that, Barnes was versatile at the other end, defending both perimeter and interior players.
Mercedes Mancha Mercedes Mancha 5'7" | CG Alvin | 2022 State TX | 2022 | 5’6” Combo Guard | Houston Skyrise Elite (Edmond) | Manvel HS – Mancha was fantastic as a shooter in the day 2 matchup I saw her play in. She knocked down three triples, all from the catch. Furthermore, the 2022 guard did some damage inside the arc as well, draining a stop-and-pop jumper from mid-range and a deep runner.
Ada Anamekwe | 2022 | 5’11” Small Forward/Power Forward | DC Queens (White) | Plano East HS – Anamekwe was physical on the boards, snatching tons of rebounds on day 2. She played great in transition, running the floor and filling the lane while also showing that she is comfortable handling the ball in the open court. On defense, the Plano East forward defended multiple positions, displaying her two-way ability.
Maurdaisha Powell Maurdaisha Powell 5'10" | SF Dulles | 2022 State TX | 2022 | 6’0” Combo Guard | Houston Skyrise Elite (Edmond) | Fort Bend Dulles HS – Powell is an athletic guard with great size for her position. She sees over the defense and makes good reads. The 2022 guard was responsible for a few picture-perfect passes on Saturday, including a full court inbounds pass that resulted in an assist and sent one of her games into overtime. Beyond that, Powell was a slippery finisher at the basket and a capable shooter from deep.
R’Mani Taylor R’Mani Taylor 5'7" | PG Shadow Creek | 2022 State TX | 2022 | 5’7” Point Guard | Houston Skyrise Elite (Edmond) | Shadow Creek HS – Taylor is electric when she steps on the court. She is an outstanding ball handler who can knock down jumpers off the bounce and from the catch. The Shadow Creek floor general was fabulous when attacking the basket off the dribble too, converting some crafty finishes at the rim while displaying good body control.