Cooley

Based on his resume, he's only here 1-2 years!

Good point! Duncanville girls upset the state's #1 DeSoto Eagles tonight. DeSoto boys takes #1 Duncanville into overtime and loses on a 3 pointer at the buzzer. Sold out Sandra Meadows Memorial Arena for the Channel 21 HS game of the week (Saturday 11:00 am)

DeSoto's Top Ranked Girls to Face Duncanville Test January 10, 2008 Rob Harman DeSoto's girls basketball team has four players who have signed with Division I programs, a couple more who could sign in the spring, an unbeaten record and a top ranking by both TexasHoops.com and the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches going to Duncanville on Friday. Is Coach Larry Goad worried about his players getting a big head as they prepare for their big District 8-5A showdown? "No, the kids have handled that really well," Goad said. "They've enjoyed being ranked number one and I've been really pleased with their humbleness and their 'down-to-earthness' about it – if earthness is a word." The Lady Eagles (26-0) are led by D-I signees Sydney Carter (Texas A&M), Keandra "Keke" Goodson (Northwestern State in Louisiana), Vanessa Obafemi (Western Kentucky) and Jasmine Johnson (Western Kentucky), all averaging between nine and 13 points. The sixth-ranked Pantherettes (23-2), meanwhile, may not have as many stars but they may even be deeper than DeSoto. "We are really spread out," Duncanville coach Cathy Self-Morgan said. "I don't have that one go-to player to make the basket when we have to have it. I have eight girls who are really getting it done and I'm about 12 deep." Duncanville does have Teranie Thomas (Western Kentucky) and Veronica Mergerson (UTA) who have signed and Carneta Henderson who has "two D-I offers on the table." DeSoto, Duncanville and Arlington Bowie have been battling for District 8-5A supremacy – and often a top-of-the-state ranking for several years. Last year, DeSoto swept through the district unbeaten before finishing 35-3 after a loss to Mansfield Summit in the Region I finals. Self-Morgan says the Lady Eagles may have been even tougher a few years ago. "Actually, it was my first year here," she said. "We lost to them in the quarterfinals, then they lost to Bowie who won state. That was an unbelievable team." Goad compares the atmosphere like the Red River Shoot-Out, with the records going in have very little meaning. "We're going to have to keep playing good defense and control the boards," Goad said. "They're real tough on the boards." DeSoto won three tournaments: the Pasadena Invitational, the DeSoto Tournament and the DISD Coca-Cola Classic. Nobody has played DeSoto closer than seven points. Goad believes his Lady Eagles have yet to peak. "We played well during the tournament season [but] we're still working on tweaking a few things," he said. "There are several areas where we can still get better. So that's a good thing. Our best basketball is still ahead of us." Duncanville's only losses came against district-foe Cedar Hill before Christmas and Frisco, ranked No. 1 in Class 4A, at the Sandra Meadows Invitational. The Pantherettes have wins over Dallas Bishop Lynch, Mansfield Summit and Fort Worth Dunbar. "The fact that they're undefeated and we have two losses is big," Self-Morgan said. "Unfortunately, one of those was in district. We can't afford to lose another one." Self-Morgan says there will be an intense, playoff atmosphere all night Friday at Sandra Meadows Arena. After the girls game at 6:30 p.m., top-ranked Duncanville (22-1) will play 18th-ranked DeSoto (16-4) in an equally big boys match-up at 8 p.m.

Nothing new to report on his recruitment other than to state that he is having a great year for Kimball. Thibodeaux has had UNT listed as a favorite for sometime. I had not been in favor of signing him in the past but the kid continues to shoot lights out. Doesn't put up huge numbers; because of the other D1 guards. While I still believe we have other needs, the kid has me reconsidering. He can't create his own shot but he is a poor man's Collin Dennis. All 3 Kimball guards are playing the best ball of their careers: London "Cotton" Giles, 6-3 signed with Nevada David Kyles, 6-3 signed with Wichita State Darian Thibodeau, 6-3 open. In other local HS news, North Dallas Jr PG Roger Dowell has enrolled at Duncanville. (his residence for some time) Dowell is one of the top recruits in the class of 2009. Julian Washburn, a 6-7 soph transfer from Kimball will become eligible at Duncanville any day know. Stranger things could always happen in the playoffs, but look for Duncanville to repeat as Class 5-A State Champs in 08 and 3-peat in 09. Duncanville Panthers Kevin Butler, 6-5 TCU signee Brian Talley, 5-9 Southern signee Roger Franklin, 6-5 Jr - Mid-Major recruit in 2009 Shawn Williams, 6-7 Jr - Mid-High Major recruit in 2009 Julian Washburn, 6-7 So. Mid-High Major recruit in 2010 Roger Dowell, 5-11 Jr - Mid Major recruit in 2009 Top 2009 recruit Nick Russell of Arlington Grace Prep (Duncanville resident) committed to transfer back to Duncanville in December but mom and dad could not agree. Dad & Nick was for the transfer but mom said no. Rumor Mill Weatherford JC's Roderick Fleming is considering the Baylor Bears.

I would like to know who the board administrator's are? Have the names (handles) changed over the years?

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=280070249

Don't think they can pony up enough money to build an island around the hilltop. Anyway, this is surely a red flag to the NCAA; in which they should start checking the monthly slush fund statement. They could save alot of money and just buy a CUSA trophy.

I knew Russell was the better player but have never seen him play. I am so pissed because I had planned on attending this game (against Bishop Dunne) I thought the game was Saturday night but found out they played Friday night. My youngest son graduated from Bishop Dunne and it would have been a great opportunity to see them as well. I believe their tallest kid is 6-3.

Could not have said that better SilverEagle! Thank you sir!

His sister plays for Dallas Lincoln and would be a heck of a recruit for Slinker (If she is still around)

The Texas defense allowed 371.2 yards per game this year, the seventh-worst total in school history. Mac Duff earned $300,000 this season.

Come on guys, be patient. Ben Knox is not in school yet

Son of former UNT great Donnell Hayden. A Target of UNT during the 2007 recruiting period. Hayden Back Home For Now January 2, 2008 TexasHoops.com Recruiting Staff Sometimes home is simply where the heart is. When Kevin Busby-Hayden first made the choice to start his college career at South Alabama, he thought he had found his future home for the next four years. Unfortunately, the underrated 6-foot-1, 165-pound combo guard from Spruce High School in Dallas saw things differently once he was on campus. So after the first semester, Hayden decided to pack his bags and come back to Texas for at least one year. Busby-Hayden has left South Alabama and will finish out the school year at McLennan College. "Kevin just wanted to get closer to home and Waco is much closer to Dallas than Mobile, Alabama," said McLennan assistant coach Laren Silver. "We're excited to have him and he should work out for us. He'll sit out this spring and then be eligible to play next season." Busby-Hayden appeared in six games for the Jaguars before deciding to leave. In an average of 4.8 minutes a contest, he only scored two points but dished out seven assists. While his statistics were meager as a true freshman, he'll obviously get more playing time for McLennan as a sophomore in 2008-09. "He's a definite combo guard and he can really shoot it," Silver said. "He has a good understanding of the game as well. We're happy to have him." Texas Hoops Analysis (Fall 2006): KEVIN is a very fast and quick guard that has a good feel for the game. He has good handles and gets his teammates involved. He moves without the ball and works to get open. He has a quick release and strokes the three. He can also penetrate and finish at the rim and can find the open man.

I think you take a project when you are already covered in the post. We are not! We are going to have to settle for our 4's playing 5. Besides, this kid was signed early. Why?

http://meangreen.beloblog.com/

Rack up another impressive tournament championship from a DFW HS. (D'ville 69 to 57)

First, starting CB Lendy Holmes (SOC) was declared ineligible for OU's bowl game due to grades. Now DT Demarcus Granger (Kimball) for shoplifting. Granger is pro-material. S T U P I D! http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls07/news/story?id=3174861

They are one of the top 3 teams in Texas (5A). Unfortunately, they play in perhaps the toughest region in Texas (Region 1) They must get by DeSoto to get to Austin (Currently #1) but also Grandbury, Duncanville, Cedar Hill and Amarillo. I heard the championship game against Liberty Christian was a great game against a great player in W. Hand (OU signee) I haven't seen any of these girls play but I know the road to Austin will go through the City of Mansfield or possibly DeSoto. Houston Bellaire or Cy-Fair awaits the DFW representative.

Texas Holds Its Own against Out-of-State Foes December 30, 2007 Rob Harman In recent years, Texas schools have gotten more opportunities to test their basketball skills against highly-regarded out-of-state competition. And 2007 has been a banner year. * At the Campbell Center, Houston area teams posted a 9-1 record against national teams at the Houston vs. The Nation national basketball invitational. On Saturday night, Houston Yates (12-2) posted a 66-60 win over St. Patrick of Elizabeth, N.J., ranked No. 1 nationally by ESPN and No. 3 by USA Today. * At Mytle Beach, S.C., Duncanville (18-1), ranked No. 2 in USA Today's Super 25, defended its lofty ranking by defeating Monsignor Pace (Fla.), 67-61, to earn a berth in the finals of the Beach Ball Classic. Duncanville will play Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.), in the championship game at 7:30 p.m. Monday. * In Fort Worth, North Crowley (20-1) cruised past Monroe (La.) Carroll, 72-60 in the finals of the 50th annual Whataburger Tournament. Here's a quick look at some of the top tournaments: Houston Vs. The Nation Kingwood (14-5) defeated Hastings (15-5) for the Texas Championship, 47-38. Nick James and Tevin Svihovec split 24 points for Kngwood. Lionel Foster had 13 points and 10 rebounds for Hastings. On Friday night, Cy Springs (20-2), fresh off its win at the Houston Jaycees tournament, gave Montverde Academy (Fla.) its first loss in two years, 65-59. Montverde was ranked No. 2 in the nation by ESPN. Phillip McDonald and Erick Williams led Cy Springs with 26 and 23 points respectively. Williams came back with 28 points in Cy Springs' 67-63 win over St. Thomas on Saturday. Also on Saturday, Klein Collins (16-3) used key free throws late to edge Montverde, 45-43. Whataburger Invitational North Crowley star Willie Warren scored 12 of his team-high 23 points in the fourth quarter, including hitting six free throws in the final 1:43, as the Panthers defeated Monroe, 72-60, for the Orange (Big School) championship. It was North Crowley's second win over Monroe, beating the Louisiana power, 69-62, in the finals of the Fayetteville, Ark., tournament in early December. Fort Worth Dunbar (17-2) outscored defending champ Plano West, 108-97, in the third-place game. Darious Jones led Dunbar with 33 points. Jackson Jeffcoat had 29 points and 14 rebounds for West. In the White (4A) division, Hebron (15-5) used 37 points by Trey Anderson in a 99-96 win over Fort Worth Southwest (15-4). In the Blue (Small School) division, MVP Calvin Redfearn scored 21 points to lead Ponder (20-2) past Fort Worth Nolan (13-5), 48-44. Beach Ball Classic In South Carolina, Duncanville, Texas' top-ranked team, received 20 points from both Shawn Williams and Roger Franklin to earn its berth in Monday's finals with a 67-61 win over Monsignor Pace (Fla.). Duncanville's only loss this season came against Oak Hill Academy (Va.), 78-77, at the inaugural Dallas DunkFest in early December. Dallas Coca-Cola Tournament No out-of-state teams here, but Dallas area teams made up for it with a sterling shooting display. Kimball (13-6) hit 18 3-pointers in a 81-56 win over Skyline for the championship of the 65th annual tournament. MVP London Giles hit eight of the 3s and finished with 27 points. Highland Park (16-3), which suffered through 12 3-points from Kimball in the semifinals, holed off for a 51-48 win over Mesquite Horn in the third-place game. Horn star Quincy Acy led all scorers with 16 points.

Skipped the local tournaments this weekend to compete in S. Carolina. Will play tomorrow night for the championship. The Panthers have upended many of the countries best and continues to get better. Not mentioned in the attached Mytle Beach article is the transfer of top 6-7 sophomore Julian Washburn from Dallas Kimball. Washburn should be eligible in a week. Props to the boys of Duncanville, Tx (The City of Champions) http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/sports/story/297903.html

I picked Pittsburg (Blue Division) & Crowley (White Division) to win the championship at Whataburger. Not exactly what happened but they both won the consolation championships.

The Results are in: Sandra Meadow Girls Tournament Winner Houston Bellaire Predictions Buford - Duncanville Green Bat - Duncanville Cooley - Houston Bellaire Whataburger Tournament Winner North Crowley Predictions Buford - FW Dunbar Green Bat - LA Crenshaw Cooley - North Crowley FT Worth Tournament Winner Killeen Predictions Buford - Lewisville Cooley - Killeen DISD Coca Cola Tournament No Contest Winners Thanks for playing guys!

I broke tradition today and watched the semi-finals and championship game of the girls tournament in Duncanville. Houston Bellaire defeated Frisco for the 57th annual championship. UNT signee Tamara Torru made the All-Tournament team for the 2nd straight year. Bellaire has a very deep team with maybe one very good player (PG Jazman Hartman). Torru is a role player for Bellaire and scored 7 points tonight. Frisco should again make a run at Austin in March. They were not as deep as Bellaire but took out Duncanville in one semi-final game. Faces in the crowd included Jalee Mitchell cheering on her Pantherettes and former Heisman trophy winner and Dallas Cowboy, Tony Dorsett. TD was on hand for the night cap cheering on his daughter #33 for Frisco. It's been a while since I attended the Duncanville tournament but the local Lion's Club runs a very good tournament. Oh by the way, did I mentioned that I picked Bellaire to win the tournament?

I'll take Killeen in FW. I think Will Weathers is hurt

Coca-Cola Tournament (Dallas ISD) Tournament Champions Highland Park Scots over DeSoto Consolation Champion Dallas Pinkston over Dallas Skyline Whataburger Tournament (FT Worth) Orange Champions North Crowley HS White Champions Crowley HS Blue Champions Pittsburg HS Sandra Meadows Tournament (Girls - Duncanville) Tournament Champions Houston Bellaire (Featuring UNT signee Tamara Torru)