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Hightower’s Ogechi Okeke
THE FURTURISTS: Class of 2027 filled with future household names
The popularity of girls’ basketball has completely skyrocketed. Names like Caitlyn, Angel, A’ja, Breanna, Kelsey and Sabina are mainstream, household brands, who are changing the game as it relates to marketing and how the game is played.
So, who could be the next big name?
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Jemini Mitchell exploded onto the Houston high school scene with a breakout season alongside South Carolina-commit Ayla McDowell. The dynamic duo has the potential to be cutting down the nets inside the Alamodome this March. The 6-foot-3 star can do it all.
Cy Springs' Jemini MitchellBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I think she’s the most versatile recruit for the Class of 2027 in the country,” Cy Springs coach Taneisha Rogers said. “Her versatility is what sets her apart. She can guard anyone on the court.”
Relatively new to the game is Hightower’s Ogechi Okeke, who is the centerpiece for the Hurricanes’ present and future.
“She hasn’t been playing very long but she is a sponge,” Hightower coach Jasmine Brewer said. “She was starting on varsity as a 14-year- old. Her ability to be coachable and pick up concepts is really impressive. She’s a great teammate and student as well.”
Kinkaid coach Stacey Marshall has the luxury of having three sophomore game- changers on one team... Ma’Ryiah Alfred, Lauren Hull and her daughter Sydney Marshall.
The stars of 2024-25 Kinkaid Girls BasketballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“This is a one of the best all-around classes I’ve ever seen here, and Houston has been a hotspot for recruiting for decades,” she said. “Sydney has an advanced understanding of the game and can really shoot the ball, while Lauren hasn’t even tapped her ceiling. She is an elite defender and can really finish around the rim. Ma’Ryiah is one of those ‘Three and D’ players who is so creative. She will also make the extra pass and has a high motor. Those three are high-level recruits.”
Down south is Pearland, home to A’Zyua Blair and Shiloh Grays, who also had big freshman seasons. They are getting a lot of recruiting attention already.
Pearland's A'Zyua BlairBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“A’Zyua really pushes the pace and will be a great college floor general,” Pearland coach Jere’ Adams said. “She gets her teammates involved and know when her teammates need her to take over. Shiloh is not her sister, RyLee. They are two different players. Shiloh can play inside and out and is a great rebounder. We call her a ‘walking double-double’.”
With a stellar sophomore class in H-Town, the future looks healthy for the Space City. It will be exciting to see how they develop and where they end up at the college level.
Could they be the game’s next household name?
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2022-23 Pearland High School Girls Basketball
MAKING HISTORY: Pearland GBB back in State Tourney after four decades
Pearland GBB following their victory over Summer Creek in the Regional FinalsPhoto acquired via Pearland ISD Twitter: @PearlandISD
Their skill was put on full display in their recent 39-26 win over Summer Creek in the 6A-3 Regional Finals, as they punched their ticket to San Antonio to face off against DeSoto this Friday for the opportunity to contend for the UIL State Title.
“This season has been truly fun and special,” said coach Jere’ Adams. “These ladies are so funny and it’s been a joy to watch them grow over this season. The most important thing has been buy-in and strong leadership. Since losing last year, the kids have been intentional and focused on achieving our goals this year. Our three seniors have done a great job leading the team.”
Pearland's RyLee GraysJuan De Leon (VYPE)
Said seniors, standout North Carolina-signee RyLee Grays (17 PPG, 11 RPG) has been lighting up the scoreboard, as well as guards, Paige Bonner (4 SPG, 3 APG) and Janae Tucker (3 APG, 2 SPG), have both exhibited defensive prowess all season.
Furthermore, junior Nyah Hardy (10 PPG, 3 RPG, 78% FT) along with junior La’Niah Thornton’s three-point proficiency, has provided the extra firepower that has led the Lady Oilers to become seemingly unstoppable.
Pearland's Nyah HardyJuan De Leon (VYPE)
However, the Lady Oilers aren’t finished yet. After returning to the final four on the heels of a State Tourney drought that lasted over four decades, Pearland does not intend to return home empty-handed.
“I am expecting my team to continue to work hard every day for the goals we have set ourselves,” Adams said. “Winning it all would be a blessing. We’ve worked so hard this year and this group is so special, so to end the year with a victory would be absolutely spectacular.”
Janae Tucker
