There is nothing like being in an over-crowded hot basketball gym in January when the weather is crisp outside. It’s like a muggy summer afternoon after a rain shower in the inner city.
Fans feel like they are an arms- length away from the action, as coaches struggle to shout instructions over the cheerleaders and bustling student sections.
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Ooos and ahhhs fill the air with every ankle-breaking move, dunk and three-pointer. Whether it’s the Campbell Center in Aldine ISD, College Park in north Houston or Seven Lakes in Katy ISD, Houston boys and girls basketball is a vibe. It’s gritty and tough. On a Friday night, it’s friends and family hanging on every dribble. It’s playing for Houston... it’s playing for the community.
So, here’s a valid question. Why in the heck are some of Houston’s top talent LEAVING for prep schools, in Houston or out-of-state?
Recent names like John Clark of Klein Cain, Nasir Price of Seven Lakes, Chris Johnson of Elkins, Byrce Griggs of Hightower, Tyler Smith of Bush, Zion Pipkin of Westfield, Montana Wheeler of Houston Christian, Logan Alexander of CE King, Luke Cochran, Tompkins, Ashtyn Smith of Nimitz, Bryson Wheatfall of Summer Creek and Tyrus Rathan-Mayes of Langham Creek have left for so-called greener pastures.
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Should I keep going?
You wouldn’t want to leave a legacy or be the ultimate Big Man on Campus at your respective school... or play in front of no one with zero pomp and circumstance?
Look at Zion Williamson’s mix tape. Did that look like any fun?
As the girls’ game continues to grow in popularity at a historic rate, it won’t be long until H-Town’s finest start looking around at a landing spot that promises recruiting relationships with college coaches.
You are recruited at the AAU level. The high school game is for making life-long memories and relationships.
Take my advice, stay home.