GASO Fall Classic San Antonio Preview
The final HS Great American Shoot-Out of the preseason tips off at Mission Concepcion Sports Complex tomorrow, with several state contenders and highly ranked prospects in attendance. TexasHoops.com's Lyndon Cook previews some of the most matchups in the shootout and talks about some of the players to keep an eye out for.
Offensive clarity at last for Austin Westlake?
Last season no team in the state boasted more high caliber talent than Austin Westlake. Three top-15 players in the 2018 class, with a top-3 2019 in Will Baker holding it down in the middle. But with that much talent it seemed at times like a case of too many mouths to feed, and could lead to some disjointed offense for the Chaps. With the likes of Cunningham, Mayer, and Kennedy now plying their trade at the college level, the offense will likely have one objective: Get the ball to Baker.
6-foot-11 players who can handle, pass and score are rare at any level, and make no mistake Baker will be the focal point of this offense. The addition of SMU pledge Darius McBride is where things get really interesting. McBride is one of the most versatile players in the state, and will offer a strong counter-punch to Baker. Who steps up to fill in the gaps on offense remains to be seen, but the duo of Baker and McBride has the potential to carry Westlake to the same heights they hit last season in a more simplified offense.
Wagner still has weapons, even without McCullar
Kevin McCullar may have forgone his senior season to go out to Lubbock a semester early, but Wagner will still have the talent to be a dangerous team after dropping down to 5A. In UNT bound point guard Jalen Jackson they have one of the state's best true PG's, although he will be on his official visit this weekend. However, his absence opens up plenty of opportunities for any less-heralded players to make their presence known.
Journee Phillips had a productive summer with Texas Tigers and will likely be the focal point for the Thunderbirds' offense, but this weekend could also serve as a launching pad for the career of Jalen's little brother Jasean Jackson, who will likely have to take over PG duties. Tests against 6A powers Lake Travis and Waco Midway mean that some of the less experienced players will need to learn on the fly without their floor general with them.
Who will be this year's surprise team out of SA?
The competition within San Antonio makes it one of the hardest regions to come out of, but for the teams that make it out, the state tournament may well be within their grasp. Neither Somerset nor Alamo Heights were favorites to win their regions, but both did exactly that. This year the surprise teams remain to be seen, but tomorrow's events could give us some idea of who it will be. My tentative pick: O'Connor. Brendan Wenzel had a breakout summer that earned him a scholarship to hoop at UTEP, and will link up with Adam Benhayoune, giving OC one of the most potent scoring attacks in the city.
Catch Them If You Can - Matchups To Watch
Lake Travis vs. Waco Midway, 10:10 AM
Austin Westlake vs. Cibolo Steele, 10:10 AM
Austin Anderson vs. SA Marshall, 11:20 AM
Humble vs. SA Warren, 11:20 AM
SA O'Connor vs. Austin LBJ, 12:30 PM
SA Antonian vs. Edinburg Vela, 12:30 PM
SA Wagner vs. Waco Midway, 1:40 PM
Dallas Jesuit vs. Lake Travis, 2:50 PM
SA Central Catholic vs. San Marcos, 2:50 PM
Schertz Clemens vs. SA Stevens, 4:00 PM
Lake Travis vs. SA Wagner, 5:10 PM
Round Rock vs. SA O'Connor, 6:20 PM
SA Warren vs. Dallas Jesuit, 7:30 PM