Hutchinson is a scorer, Johnson is tough, Froe looking to breakout, & more
Mark McKee takes a dive into some player spotlights as we headed into the season. Keep TexasHoops.Rivals locked in as we cover the news from around the state.
* Look for the impact of 5’10” Aaron Hutchinson (2021) of Klein. The senior point guard was named All-Region a year ago and has shown he can dominate a game with his ability to get to the rim and shoot from range. He has attracted little attention thus far from colleges, but he is a player. Keep an eye on him this season. He is strong with the ball and explosive to the basket.
* The Bryan Vikings return six lettermen and four starters from last seasons 14-17 campaign. Vikings Coach Jonathan Hines is welcoming back 6’5” Rodney Johnson (2021) to lead his troops. “Johnson is athletic and very physical,” Derek Taylor of Texas Hoops commented. Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Sam Houston, Central Arkansas and Blinn JC have shown interest in Rodney. “He has a strong medium range game with a quick first step with the ability to elevate,” Coach Hines said. The second year coach is also hoping for big things this season from his two inside threats, 6’5” Chris Maxey (2023) and 6’6” Sam Esan (2022). “We have a much tougher district this year so we have to improve and get tougher every game,” Johnson said.
* Klein Forest has made some deep runs in the playoffs over the last few years. In 2017 the Eagles were undefeated and top ranked when they were upset by Dallas Skyline in regionals. The 2019 crew advanced all the way to the state finals losing to Duncanville. Coach Cary Black is back again with another talented group. The Eagles will be led by senior guard, Marion Williams, a three-year starter. “Marion is the key for us,” Black said. The Eagles welcome back four starters from a 19-12 unit that lost in the first round of the playoffs. “We are pretty much the same team as a year ago and we are a work in progress with the virus,” Coach Black explained. The Eagles will continue their dribble drive attack on offense and primarily man to man on the defensive end of the court. Coach Black is looking for big things this year from 5’8” Jalen Collins (2022) and 6’5” Chandler Williams (2023). Collins shares the point guard duties with Williams. Albert Thomas will be coming out of football and was a starter a year ago. 6’5” Jalen Curry (2021) was impressive at the GASO this past fall with his ability to shoot the three and get to the basket. Look for the Eagles to be ready to make another deep run in the playoffs this year.
* Dayvaughn Froe (2022) of Katy High garnered a lot of attention with his performances throughout the fall. The 6’3” guard plays the point, shoots from range, gets to the basket and plays with an attitude. Coach Danny Russell is excited about the return of the multitalented junior. Coach Russell returns for his 9th at the helm for the Tigers. “We have high expectations this year and in order to be successful Dayvaughn needs to play well for us,” Russell explained. Froe has several schools showing interest in him. William & Mary, TCU, East Texas, Baylor, Butler, UTSA and UTEP.
* Dickinson advanced to the state tournament a year ago and welcomes back another very competitive group, coached by Jason Wilson. Coach Wilson has several players coming out of football that will be joining the team. “They are being heavily recruited in football, but they’ll play big roles for us this season,” Coach Wilson said. Donavan Green, Keith Cooper, Jathan Caldwell and Patrick Williams will all be welcomed additions. Seth Jones (2022) will play a key role for the Gator’s if he can get eligible, as he is coming over from Clear Creek this year. If eligible, Jones will be an impact player for Coach Wilson. Jones has the ability to shoot it deep, penetrate and handle the ball as well as distribute. Don’t be fooled by his slight build, he can definitely play. “He should be one of the top players in the Houston area,” Coach Wilson exclaimed. As Coach Wilson enters his 7th season with the Gators, his team appears loaded for another run at state.