#4040JohnLucas Texas Tip Sheet
Desiree Caldwell, Kianna Willaims and Deja Kelly
THE WOODLANDS, Texas- The one and only reason I became involved in writing and evaluating was because of the fact that I felt that Texas players weren’t getting enough national recognition and I probably was considered a nuisance a decade ago due to my excessive arguments which sometimes were over the edge. Well a lot has changed over the years and one thing remains the same, I was right about the talent and now a lot of college coaches agree which is part of the reason more players are playing all across the country but the main reason that’s happening is because they can play. With several next level players from the state participating at “The Combine”, some already committed to BCS programs, some also are going to be in the mix for McDonald’s All American and numerous other honors throughout their careers. As a point, Deauzya Richards, Chasity Patterson and Charli Collier will be on another list but here are some others you need to know about
2016
Kianna Ray-6’0 guard-Austin, TX (Bowie HS) I saw her as an 8th grader on the “Dream Team” and new she would be creating nightmares not only in high school. Ray is smooth as silk and can score in the flow and her length and skill set makes her, well a nightmare to defend. She’s solid enough to play multiple positions in college and has already committed to TCU
Mikayla Christian- 5’9 guard-Round Rock, TX (Vista Ridge HS) Another former “Dream Team” star that caught my eye early simply because I could see the fire she put on the floor and the desire over the years to get better. She has been solid to say the least and showed she continues to take it up a notch at “The Combine” and has too committed to TCU
Monique Terry-6’2 forward/post-San Antonio, TX (Brennan HS) hard work usually pays off and watching Terry closely the past few months shows me she has been working on her game. She battled tirelessly at “The Combine” and fought for everything and with her length and agility, I’m expecting her to make some serious noise this season
Victoria Shelton-5’6 guard-San Antonio, TX (Cornerstone HS) Had a good look at Shelton over the summer and an even better one at “The Combine” as she put together quite a few impressive performances not only in the skill work but games as well. Nice midrange and ball handling was impressive
Kianna Ray
2017
Kianna Williams-5’7 guard-San Antonio, TX (Wagner HS) This hashtag works #BCSLock and I could stop right there however this young lady over a very good player not settling. She’s been working and what I saw her do over the summer against who she did it against solidifies everything I expected and she’s a perfect example of “it’s not what you do, it’s who you do it against”
Lexi Gordon-6’1 guard/forward- Fort Worth, TX (LD Bell HS) Let me play on words with her city, she’s Worth the Fort and let me also add that she might be one of the most underrated players in her class, I’m talking nationally. She scores almost at will back to the basket or facing it and the killer is she does it in the flow
2018
Desiree Caldwell-5’6 guard- San Antonio, TX (Johnson HS) As a 5th or 6th grader, these years are going so fast, I called this young lady a potential Top 100 player and as usual, I was correct. Watching her the past two seasons shows me she’s going to make a legitimate MDAA run and I would actually pay to watch her handle the ball, sometimes like a yoyo
Kayla White-5’7 guard-Desoto, TX (Desoto HS) they stopped making the car over 50 years ago but the talent coming through Desoto is mind-boggling. White impressed me so much I had to hunt down her name, this was two years ago and if you use the search bar you can see that. Take note and I mean now, this young lady is super athletic and super explosive, bang-bang!
Angel Hastings-5’4 guard-San Antonio, TX (Gervin Academy) Don’t recall seeing this young lady before but I’m glad she was on hand at “The Combine” simply because there are a lot of guards out there and this group was among the best so not only did Hastings perform, she performed well. Good speed, attacks well off dribble and can defend
Danasia Hood-6’0 post- San Antonio, TX (Wagner HS) I hadn’t seen Hood before either but judging from all the symbols I have jotted down looking like a periodic table, she definitely left an impression. Good body and footwork helped her stay in the mix and I see plenty of upside plus with her strength, I’m going to enjoy watching her the next few seasons
2020
Deja Kelly-5’8 guard-San Antonio, TX (Luna MS) I’m typing with me reading glasses however I didn’t them for this 2020 the first time I saw her because I knew. I’ve had that feeling many times and watching this young lady continues to progress and not just settle will have colleges all over her. Wait, that’s already happening as BCS schools are knocking loudly but her game speaks for itself as it would be easier for me to say what she can’t do