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Alief Taylor's Nataliyah Gray
TOP OF THE LINE: Taylor's Gray cementing status as an Alief legend
Of all the names that make up Alief ISD Hoops, one stands alone...Nataliyah Gray.
Taylor’s senior forward is a generational talent. No doubt about it.
Gray’s proficiency as a scorer is unmatched in the district, as she surpassed the 2000-point and 1000-rebound milestones in 2023, to earn herself the distinction of being crowned the 23-6A Offensive Player of the Year once again.
Furthermore, she was named to the TABC All-Region team for the third consecutive year.
Most would assume that she aspires to be like WNBA sensations Angel Reese (Chicago Sky) or Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever), just as many young athletes do.
Think again.
“If anybody else wants to say it, most would say (Angel) Reese or (Caitlin) Clark,” Gray said. “But for me, I love A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces). I think she impacts the game in so many ways. She’s a three-level scorer and that’s what I strive to do.
“I try to be more consistent in every single column – shooting threes, finding the mid-range points, and being able to drive to the basket. So, I definitely model my game after her.”
Gray also takes after her mother, Chontel Reynolds, who played for the University of Houston before reaching the WNBA.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Speaking of universities, Taylor’s leading scorer (20.8 ppg in 2023) finally announced where she’ll call home in the foreseeable future, as she signed with Mississippi State in November
“Going on my official visit there gave me a lot of perspective – how I can physically see myself going into that program. I feel like I have a real connection with Coach (Sam) Purcell and his staff, and I think they can help guide me towards my goal of joining the WNBA one day."
Her imminent collegiate career aside, Gray will soon embark on the final stretch of her time with the Lions.
Coach Brandy Jones’ squad went 20-15 last winter, which included an appearance in the Area Round of the postseason.
Now that they move into a new district (20-6A), what’s it going to take for Gray and company to reach that next step?
“I think it’s going to relate to our confidence and trust,” she said. “We need to be able to trust in each other in order to go far. Consistency will come through the work we put in at practice, for when we actually get going in the season.
“Our schedule is going to be a little harder this year. So, we’re going to match up against some good competition, which is definitely going to have us ready for the playoffs.”
Given her reputation and unquestionable talent, fans might very well see Gray on a professional court one day.
As a team, Taylor has the depth to make a considerable run into 2025, when the season heats up in December.
Although, regardless of what may come, she’s already solidified her standing as an all-time great to emerge from Alief ISD.
Davis fuels Katy past Clear Springs in season-opener, 49-16
HOUSTON - Seth Davis entered this season knowing exactly how many yards he needs to obtain the title of greatest running back in Katy football history.
It was 2,537 yards.
Davis, fresh off a junior campaign that saw him rack up 2,454 yards, picked up right where he left off in 2021. In fact, it was nearly a career- night for the Mississippi State-commit.
In a 49-16 victory over Clear Springs - the KPRC2 Football Game of the Week - Davis electrified the Katy crowd with a 79-yard touchdown run in the opening minutes. That set the tone for the entire night.
Davis finished with 23 carries for 277 yards and three scores.
"Seth Davis is a good football player and more and more people are seeing that," Joseph said. "You kind of expect those things, expect those kinds of games out of him. As long as he does that, we have a chance offensively to improve and get better."
Davis, who is chasing the all-time Katy rushing record, now sits 2,260 yards away after his first performance of the season, which he credits the big men up front for.
"It was great, I give it all to my offensive lineman," Davis said. "Without them creating those big holes, I wouldn't be able to do that."
VYPE @KPRC2 Football Game of the Week Player of the Game: @_SethDavis21 of @Katyfootball rushed for 277 yards and 3 scores on 23 carries. He is verbally committed to @HailStateFB | #txhsfb @Perroni247 @TruMaroonNation @brianhadad @JacobEgg58 @KPRC2RandyMc @PJ247Sports pic.twitter.com/Nsch80uyfK
— VYPE Houston (@vypehouston) August 27, 2022
Other Notes from Katy Win
- JR Ceyanes is going to be a problem for opposing teams. The way Katy uses Ceyanes in the offense is impressive. He is just a big receiver that you have to respect going down the field. If you sellout on stopping the run, which Seth Davis, Dallas Glass and Ramarian Tillman are going to rotate in the backfield, then Ceyanes will burn you. He is the prototypical big receiver target for Katy. Quarterback Caleb Koger does a good job of selling the run and then rolling out to hit Ceyanes on the run. Koger looked good on his roll outs tonight as well.
- On the defense, Easton Schultz, Tyler Willis and Broderick Johnson always seemed to be around the football. I also liked the play of Blake Geiman. The front defensive line of Katy seemed very physical and early on was getting into the backfield often to disrupt the rhythm of Julian Salazar as the sophomore tried to settle in.
"I thought they did a good job against the running game and slowing that down," Joseph said of the defense. "A couple of young kids had to step up and play tonight because of injuries. That's what non-district's for."
- Micah Koenig is dangerous on kick returns. He housed a punt for 74 yards in the first half and has the speed to continuously do it.
- This was win No. 242 for Gary Joseph. He is set to reach career win No. 250 this season leading Katy in his 19th season as the head coach of the Tigers.
VYPE Postgame: @Katyfootball HC Gary Joseph talks with us after the big Katy Tigers win. #txhsfb @_SethDavis21 @KPRC2RandyMc @KatyISDAthletic @CeyanesJr @CalebKoger3 @JacobEgg58 @FootballKaty @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/SZu6KiArFJ
— VYPE Houston (@vypehouston) August 27, 2022