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Some of the stars of 2022-23 Fulshear Girls Basketball
SHOWING UP: Fulshear GBB primed for the UIL State Tourney
Fulshear celebrates following their Regional Finals victory (2/25/23)Photo acquired from Fulshear GBB Twitter: @FulshearGBB
Fulshear’s season has been nothing short of utterly dominant, enjoying a 28-5 regular season record, an undefeated (14-0) district title campaign, and the five subsequent wins that have led to this moment.
However, according to coach D’Shanna Brown, nothing has been handed to them.
“We’ve been tested this season,” said Brown. “We’ve battled a lot of adversity but the girls still continued to fight through. They've challenged themselves and believed in each other and set a standard that no one would believe we could accomplish. These girls have gone through it all and still continue to show up each and every day ready to work.”
Talent has been in ample supply for the Fulshear squad, with an explosive offense and stonewall defense allowing the Chargers to triumph over every obstacle they’ve matched up against.
“I feel as if everyone has stood out in some way,” Brown said. “Over the course of games and playoffs, we've received tremendous help from Kimora Lopez, Kennedy Hill, Jada Morgan and Sophia Semmler. But for sure our dynamic guard duo in both, Ese Ogbevire (Sr.-G) and Ruke Ogbevire (Soph.-G) -- have helped in ways that just make us tick. It's just great when you have a team that on any given night anyone could step up and be a top performer.”
Fulshear's Ese Ogbevire
That “dynamic duo” of the Ogbevire sisters has been an exceptional addition to the already adept team. The two have undoubtedly been the catalysts for Fulshear’s energy, with both young athletes averaging 15 PPG, 5 RPG and 3.5 SPG throughout the course of their tremendous season.
Fulshear, who happens to be on a 17-game winning streak, will look to cap off their year with the program’s first State Title. It will take everything they have, but they’ve got plenty of support to back them up.
“I expect the girls to just continue to have fun and love each other,” said Brown. “The more fun they have together, the better we become. I think it [a State Championship] would mean the world to everyone involved. It’s exactly what any athlete would like to accomplish in their career and, unfortunately, not many people have this opportunity. So, this would truly be a blessing and a moment in history to cherish forever.”
Ruke Ogbevire
Fulshear's Ese Ogbevire
THE TOTAL PACKAGE: Ogbevire is Face of Fulshear Basketball
“I’m a three-level scorer,” said Ogbevire. “I’m pretty fast off the dribble and I try to be explosive. My strength is being able to shoot from mid-range, the three-point line, or getting to the basket. That makes me stand out .”
That isn’t the only thing that makes her stand out.
Having a strong, family-oriented dynamic has helped her become the hub of connectivity inside the Fulshear locker room and on the court.
“I try to lead by setting an example,” Ogbevire said.“ That’s what my coach looks to me for. I’m trying to be more vocal, too. I need to motivate my teammates, get them together and make sure we’re all on the right track, so we can reach our goal, which is the State Tournament.”
Some of the standouts of the 2022-23 Fulshear Girls Basketball
While she shines in athleticism and leadership, Ogbevire also leads in the classroom.
“Academics is really important in my family,” Ogbevire said. “My brother is in medical school and my sister is in a dental school in Houston. When I graduate, I want to major in Computer Science to be an IT technician. I know that I do want to play [basketball] in college. After that, I think I’m going to take more of the 'real-world job’ route.”
As she inches closer to the “real world”, the senior likes to get lost in an imaginary one as well.
“I love anime,” she said. “It[anime] just touches you. The shows you watch — there are fighting anime, and there are some emotional ones. They can really make you be in tune with the characters and want to pay attention. People like that .”