GASO: Cleaning out the Houston Notebook

A few things were made clear over the weekend in Houston as the Great American Shoot-Out made its first of three stops around the state for the 2016 Fall Classic.

Jordan Turner, for at least one game, was the best overall performer, Matthew Mayer did nothing to lose his spot as the reigning class of 2018 No.1 player. However, on the flip side of that statement, Quentin Grimes showed that he could easily be crowned "Best in Class." Jacobi Gordon shined and proved to the TexasHoops/GASO staff that he could do things that he should on a consistent basis. Miller Kopp gave the fans and the staff reasons to believe that he was one of the day's top players. Micah Peavy is ready for the varsity season, and uncommitted 2017 forward, A.J. Bullard is an intriguing prospect.

TexasHoops.com analyst Blue Zertuche dives into to these topics and much more.

Even with big names like Matthew Mayer and Jacobi Gordon on the minds of staff members and fans, Jordan Turner quickly took the attention off the "stars" and was hands down the best player on the floor. Turner, a member of the class of 2019, dropped in three-pointers and slashed to the basket using his length to score. Turner is a skinny forward and at first glance, there can't be too many people that expected the 6-foot-7 prospect to garner all the focus, but after making jaw-dropping plays, the stage was set. Turner's teammates even recognized how well he was playing and yelled from the bench to give Turner the ball. The class of 2019 rankings isn't due out until February/March, but Turner left a huge impression on the TexasHoops/GASO staff and will be closely watched from here on out as he plays for the CWA/LOH team, a Houston-based academy.

Turner has taken unofficial visits to Baylor, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and TCU. He has received offers from Oklahoma, Texas A&M and TCU.

Thing 1 and Thing 2, Thing 2 and Thing 1, any way you slice it, it's unclear who will be the No.1 player in the state or if there are any changes at all between Austin Westlake's Austin Matthew Mayer and The Woodlands College Park's Quentin Grimes (Don't forget that the GASO Fall Classic will also be held in Dallas and San Antonio).

Both players have their own style and make plays in their own way.

Mayer looks to have added some pounds and muscle to his 6-foot-7 statute and is playing with more confidence after taking a spill at the July GASO in Duncanville, which he suffered a summer ending concussion.

Saturday, Mayer wasted no time banking in shots and scooping in layups. Mayer is capable of playing all three guard positions and plays with ease. Not sure if Mayer has caught on to how good he can be, but the versatile prospect is polished with court vision and passing ability.

While Mayer is more finesse, Grimes is an in your face guard that will be physical with his body, creating contact on his way to the basket. Grimes pounds the ball on the court and attacks the rim, strolling by defenders.

Fans who attended the GASO were treated to a Westlake/College Park match up where Westlake handled College Park and won by 20+ points.

After the game, both Mayer and Grimes shook hands at mid-court and talked for a few minutes. This was the first time that either player lined up opposite of each other. Mayer and Grimes were both complimentary of each other's game.

Miller Kopp's late summer run has spilled over into his junior year. Though it is early, Kopp looks to be a reliable perimeter scorer for Houston Christian. Kopp put in work during his games hitting step-backs and generating space between him and his defender to sink the three-ball. Kopp has improved in the area of dependability from the three-point line, but he also showed he could come off the bounce and get himself out of traps as a skilled ball handler.

The No.6 overall player in the state, Jacobi Gordon gave the staff of TexasHoops/GASO a little more to think about with his play this past weekend. Gordon was flying around rebounding and defending and hitting shots. The 6-foot-7 forward who suits up for the CWA/LOH did all these things with a high motor and was active around the rim on both sides of the ball.

His athleticism and body made it hard for his opponents to body up against him. As long as he stays engaged and energetic in all phases of the game, and he did just that.

Newcomer Micah Peavy told TexasHoops.com that he was comfortable and was ready to do what his team needed him to do. Well, if it was scoring that Spring DeKaney needed, the freshman did just that.

Peavy, the younger brother of the highly ranked junior guard D.J., and son to head DeKaney coach, David, played within the offense, scoring from all levels on the court. The lanky class of 2020 standout still made a few mistakes here and there, but he was great in the open court and hitting shots after finding holes in the defense.

There is plenty to be intrigued about after watching class of 2017 available A.J. Bullard. The thin 6-foot-8 stretch four man from The Woodlands High School has a fluid stroke from behind the arc that is picture perfect and has a high skill set. Bullard sees over defenders to pass the ball around and runs the floor. Bullard is the son of 11 year NBA veteran Matt Bullard, who currently does commentary for the Houston Rockets.

Bullard has Interest from Central Michigan, Colorado, and Santa Clara.