Austin Elite still rolling at #IBC
ALEXUS DUKES
CYPRESS, Texas – Austin Elite is one of the oldest and most decorated programs going for over 20 years and both Fonzelle Martin and Tommy Gregg continue to do what they’ve done for the duration, place kids in a position to play at the next level. Both of them watched their daughters excel not only in HS and club ball but at the D1 level of the next level so like me, they have perspectives coming at you from multiple angles. Many thought this would be a rebuilding season for the program however once you have the foundation laid, the rest is easy.
On Austin Elite-RFW, Kennedy Harris just makes things happen, she’s energetic, acrobatic and finishes strong not to mention she has range but when you talk about scoring in droves, Alexus Dukes had a huge tournament scoring every way imaginable. Another long range threat is Dasia Johnson who also sees the floor well and when you talk about dropping them deep, Kryshona Carter simply launches them effortlessly and more importantly accurately. Imani Robinson is somewhat of a silent assassin, she does what she does in the flow and before you know it she’s put up double-doubles. Abby Holland just brings it on both ends; she can score, rebound and defend. Tyra Banks is another athletic guard that just brings heat baseline to baseline and to make the fire even hotter, Monae Smith jumps in and she also is a highlight waiting to happen with her body control
I touched a little on Austin Elite Black earlier and their win against Houston Premier was one of the best games I’ve seen all year as neither team would quit, wait, their overtime win and it was definitely something to see. First of all they have size starting with 6’6 Dashian Williams and she along with Korin Overton and MaKayla Bathwith created some problems in the paint. Lexi Cunningham and Brianna McClure created problems period as they both used their athleticism well to get to rim and finish and apply on defense. Cunningham also had one of the best crossovers I’ve seen this season, in fact I got lost. This team has some players that came up huge when they needed it most, Alesia McFarlin is so active on the floor, plus she can create her shot and from midrange she was on but just for fun she took defenders off the dribble. Emily Daniels hit big shots throughout the event, long and mid plus she battled on the boards and they have a squad that just keeps coming after you. Jade Jeffries and Andrea Funderburke kept applying pressure which is how AE got back in the game and down the stretch, Shianne Johnson was simply huge coming up with huge steals and baskets to seal the victory and I’m still reliving that spin move in traffic