Dallas GASO Fall Classic Takeaways: Part 2

Part Two of the GASO Takeaways series features defending state and regional champs, the No.1 2019 prospect in the state, and a few other big name teams who could be lifting some hardware come March. TexasHoops.com's Lyndon Cook
jumps right back in to bring you more observations from Saturday's games.

Mansfield Timberview cut down the nets in San Antonio last season and will think they have what it takes to repeat as 5A champs. The Timberwolves boast a pair of top prospects and proven winners in 5A Championship Game MVP Chris Mullins and Fresno State-bound Isaac Likekele, and the two will be hungry to protect their gold. Timberview were a noticeably different team without Likekele on the floor, as he missed out Saturday after committing to Fresno State. But with depth at guard in Desmond Clark and all that experience coming back they will still be favorites for the title going into the season. However, first they must navigate a loaded district with Waxahachie, Midlothian, Mansfield Summit, and Lancaster before even thinking about going back-to-back.

Avery Anderson fired a warning shot to the rest of 5A Region 1 on Saturday, letting them know that stopping Justin Northwest from repeating as regional champs will be no easy task. Oh, and to not jump with him (see below). Anderson went through the full repertoire of skillful finishes and tough shot makes, leading his team to a comeback win over North Crowley in the process. Mason Hix gives Northwest a proven No.2 scoring option they didn't have last year with his blend of range and skill. Jordan Keys looked dangerous as an off-guard, and Sammie Freeman has tons of upside in the middle of the paint. Expect more highlights and success from Anderson and the rest of the Texans this season.

5-Star Tyrese Maxey and state No.14 ranked Chris Harris enjoyed a ton of success on the recruiting circuit this summer with RM5, and now have turned their attention to replicating their winning ways at South Garland. Bouncing back from a disappointing exit to Rockwall last season and making a deep run into the postseason will be top priority for South Garland. Maxey showed yet again why he is the top-ranked 2019 player in the state, as lethal from behind the arc as he is on the drive. Harris and point guard Jayden Mcgrew will be responsible for the other two backcourt spots in a team that is absolutely loaded with guards.

Waxahachie ran the gauntlet of a grueling district last year, going 14-0 on the way to the district 10-5A title before district runners-up and eventual state champs Mansfield Timberview edged them out in the regional final. Qua Grant, Montre Gipson, and Larry Wise all return to form one of the most talented sets of guards in the state regardless of class. The quickness of Grant and Gipson make them a matchup nightmare for opposing guards, and Wise's proven scoring ability frees up the other two for easy buckets. If these three can perform at their same level from a year ago, Waxahachie will be looking to add a state championship to their trophy case.

South Grand Prairie haven't made it to the state tournament since 2013 when they lost in the finals to a Marcus Smart-led Flower Mound Marcus team. But in point guard and Tulsa commit Bryce Cook, they have a floor general capable of leading his team back to the final four. Cook was at his best on Saturday, leading SGP to an impressive win over Lancaster. Christian Turner was a new face for SGP who really turned heads on Saturday, and between him and Cook SGP might just be on to something special going into the season.