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December 2001

Congratulations to two of our Houston Hotshots!  They have been nominated as McDonalds All Americans:

Melanie Lane 6'2  Tyler, Texas Terra Andrews  5'11  Dulles High School

 

December 2001

Goss is all business on the court

 By MK BOWER
Staff

ALVIN - As La Porte and Sterling battled for third place in the boys division of the 15th Holiday Classic, several Madison girls players, led by senior guard Courtney Goss, were having fun dunking imaginary basketballs on a lowered rim nearby.

Their playful exchanges were in stark contrast to the demeanor they exhibited on the court less than half an hour later.

With Madison, winning always seems business as usual. And as the Lady Marlins rolled to the tournament title with a 63-45 win over North Shore, Goss displayed that serious, focused attitude between the lines that is a big reason behind Madison's success.

Goss scored a game-high 22 points, including 18 in a runaway first half, to earn Chronicle Girls Athlete of the Week honors.

On defense, Goss harassed North Shore's ball-handlers into several rushed passes and a number of crucial turnovers, instrumental in Madison holding North Shore without a field goal for a 6:47 stretch in the first quarter. Goss was equally aggressive on the offensive end, converting a three-point play for a 13-4 Madison lead on a tough baseline drive with 2:38 left in the period.

"She's aggressive all the time," Lady Marlins coach Anthony Fields said. "That's the way she plays, and we expect that out of her. She gives that to us day in and day out."

Goss was even more of a force in the second quarter, scoring 11 of Madison's 13 points. She grabbed three offensive rebounds, converting two into baskets. Goss also sank five free throws and grabbed a loose ball in the backcourt and went in for a lay-up and a 34-17 Madison lead late in the first half.

It was an impressive display of basketball by the 5-9 Goss.

"I just came out really focused, and I was trying to get my team going in the first half," Goss said. "Our posts were in foul trouble, so I just had to step up and play the position that (Fields) asked me to play. That's what I did.

"I saw that they were calling the fouls, so I just took it inside and went to the free-throw line."

Goss, who had 17 points in a 68-62 semifinal win over South Houston, was one of three Lady Marlins to earn all-tournament honors.

"It seems like every day, a different person steps up and it's been that way all year long," Fields said. "This day was her day."

 

December 2001

South Houston Latoya Davis Player of the Week

By MK BOWER
December 11, 2001
Houston Chronicle

South Houston senior post LaToya Davis is leading the Greater Houston area in scoring at 30.4 points per game. That does not qualify as news, especially when one considers the fact that Davis averaged 19.2 points per game as a freshman and led the area in scoring in both her sophomore (25.3 ppg) and junior seasons (24.1 ppg). What is shocking is the number of career postseason points Davis has scored -- zero.

That statistic was a preseason topic of discussion between Davis and Lady Trojans coach Ron Oliver.

"We had a talk at the beginning of the year about her being one of the better players in the Greater Houston area the last few years and not being in the playoffs," Oliver said. "We said that we were not going to allow her to graduate and never play in a playoff game. We're on a mission that we are going to get this done."

South Houston (12-1) won the Pasadena ISD Tournament over the weekend, knocking off a pair of 2001 playoff teams -- Clear Brook in the semifinals and nemesis Dobie in the final. Davis was named MVP after scoring a school-record 51 points in a win over C.E. King and 57 total points in the victories over the Lady Wolverines and Lady Horns.

And while Davis' excellence most certainly helps, it has been the play of her teammates that has South Houston off to such a blazing start.

"It's all the other kids," Oliver said. "In the past, I don't think the other kids had the confidence to get it done. But we have six seniors on the varsity, so it's just the maturity of the kids this year."

That and a couple of near postseason misses over the past two years. After placing fourth two years ago, South Houston finished in a tie for third with Humble last season, but lost a tiebreaker for the final postseason spot. That has served to motivate returnees Marquita Philbert, Tacho Richard, Mira Franco and Katie Horrigan, as well as Davis.

"With the idea of having four starters back that got that close, you would assume they would be better,' Oliver said. "Last year we lost a lot of close games and this year we are winning them."

 

November 2001

Soriaga delivers point for A&M Consolidated

By MK BOWER
2001 Houston Chronicle

A&M Consolidated was the last team standing in last week's 35-team, four-day Lovelady Tournament, winning the championship Saturday night 65-44 over San Antonio Clark.

And while the Tigers were as solid a choice to win the marathon tournament as any -- A&M finished last season with a 26-7 record -- any time one can sweep five games in three days, there is reason for celebration. Of course, having senior point guard Angie Soriaga running the show makes the task of victory a bit easier.

Proving she is one of the best backcourt players in the state, Soriaga scored 88 points over the weekend to lead the Tigers to the championship and earn Chronicle Girls Athlete of the Week accolades.

"I think the first couple of games (of the season) she was a little slow, but against The Woodlands she became herself again," Tigers coach Sue Betts said. "Then throughout the tournament, she was definitely a big leader and a big scorer for us. The team looks up to her, and whatever she does they kind of follow suit."

Tuesday, the Tigers got in one last tuneup before Lovelady against the Lady Highlanders, and Soriaga came through with 26 points in a win. Wednesday, A&M topped Lufkin and Grapeland behind 30 more points from Soriaga. And as the stakes got higher, Soriaga stepped up her game.

After A&M had Thanksgiving off, the Tigers returned to action with a win over Port Aransas on Friday, a game in which Soriaga tallied 12 points. That victory pushed the Tigers into the semifinals, where Soriaga scored 20 points in a triumph over Kingwood.

She capped off her blazing week with 26 points in the title game against Clark, showing to the numerous college coaches in attendance that stamina is one of her strengths.

"She's pretty much a 12-months-of-the-year player," Betts said. "She plays all summer in tournaments (with her club team) and also plays in our summer league tournaments.

"Angie being the 12-month player that she is and having the dedication that she has to the game of basketball, it's just a tribute to her."

The 5-5 Soriaga averaged 17.2 points and 4.6 assists per game as a junior, earning All-District 16-5A honors in the process. And if the Tigers are to improve upon last year's first-round playoff exit, they will need more of the effort Soriaga gave this weekend. After all, the competition in 16-5A is as tough as ever, as is the rest of Region II.

"I think Angie, along with several others that we've got, is what you call a floor leader," Betts said. "This weekend we were able to see what we might see throughout the season. I think that it's going to be a tough district as it was last year, but I think we can play with most of them."

November 2001

The following Houston Hotshots girls made the all Greater Houston Preseason Team.
 
1st Team All-City
Sarah Davis    6'2"    Cypress Falls
Latoya Davis    6'1"    South Houston
 
2nd Team All-City
Courtney Goss    5'9"    Madison
Angie Soriaga      5'6"    A & M Consolidated
 
3rd Team All-City
Kibria Lewis    5'5"    Baytown Sterling
Dominique Thomas    5'6"    Angleton
Mian Williams    5'9"    North Shore

August 2001

Congratulations to Houston Hotshot Angie Soriaga (17 Gold Team-#12). She was elected by opposing coaches as an AAU-All American.

July 2001

Houston Hotshots 17 Gold at AAU Nationals in Orlando, Florida:
1st in Pool Play
Made Sweet Sixteen & Top Eight
Finished in 7th Place Nationally

July 2001

Congratulations to Houston Hotshot Angie Soriaga (17 Gold Team-#12). She was elected by opposing coaches as an AAU-All American.

July 2001

The Houston Hotshots will represent the Gulf Association at AAU Nationals this July in the following age groups:
2001 is a Great Year to 
Be a Houston Hotshot!

June 2001
Area Hotshots sharpen skills
Published June 04, 2001
HOUSTON — Four area basketball players have sharpened their skills by playing for the Amateur Athletic Union Houston Hotshots 17 and Under Bombers.

http://web.baytownsun.com/story.lasso?-datasource=4Dsource&-table=story&ID=1025&-search

April 2001
Congratulations to Houston Hotshot Candis Cook!

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March 2001

 Local athletes go that extra mile

By G. Michael Graham
The Baytown Sun

Published March 15, 2001 12:56 AM CST

At least four area players plan to spend the summer sharpening their basketball skills in Amateur Athletic Union competition.

Sterling Lady Rangers sophomore Kirbria Lewis and junior Shauna Singleton and Barbers Hill junior Jennifer Maris and senior Amy Barker will play for the Houston Hot Shot Bombers.

Ellis Duncan has coached the team since the summer of 1994, before his daughter, Jennifer, entered her senior year at Houston Clear Lake. Jennifer Duncan and former Rice University point guard Charonda Wilson are assistants.

"This is a good opportunity to be seen at a higher level," Duncan said. "The girls play against the elite girls in the state and the nation.

"In high school, they are the stars of their team. Now, they are one of 10 stars on the team, as opposed to the one that carries the team."

The registration fee for each player is $350. The schedule includes 10 to 11 tournaments. The Hot Shots are scheduled to play six tournaments in the Houston area and five out of town.

Sterling coach Patti Rau said she encourages her players to participate in organized off-season basketball. She said other players, like junior Meredith Smith, play in 3-on-3 summer leagues.

"It's like getting an extra season," Rau said. "If you want to keep up with the competition then you need to do that. It depends upon how dedicated to the game you are. The more you play, the more confident you will be."

Barbers Hill coach Pennee Hall said some of the returning players will play with an AAU team and will be coached by 2000 graduate Charla Denmon. The team, the Barbers Hill Hornets, is for girls 16 and younger.

"I think in this day in age the athletic ability of players is such to a level that if people want to be seen by the colleges, to expect some type of college scholarship, they have to play summer ball because that's when college (coaches) are out," Hall said.

"There's pros and cons to it. I would have died to play against people like that when I was in school. But by the same token, I could see where the kids are getting pressured into being sports specific to get the scholarship. That's unfortunate."

Lewis is excited about a "second season." She averaged 17 points in 10 District 23-5A games for the Lady Eagles, who were 23-11 overall and reached the Class 5A regional semifinals.

"I'm just coming out with the same enthusiasm of playing I had this year to help my game," Lewis said. "I also hope to take things one game at a time and see where we go."

Singleton wants to improve her aggressiveness both offensively and defensively. She will most likely be asked to do more in the post since fellow "twin tower" Brittany Bell is graduating.

Singleton played both organized volleyball and basketball last summer, but she's sticking to basketball this summer. She averaged 6.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game this past season.

Singleton said she is looking forward to playing with Maris. Maris averaged 13.1 points and 9.7 rebounds per game for Barbers Hill and Barker averaged 14.8 points and 9.6 rebounds.

"I've always wanted to play with her," Singleton said. "I think we'll play real well together since we have about the same size and weight. It's going to be awesome."

Maris wants to improve her physical presence inside. She said she feels that playing with Singleton will help her do that.

"I definitely need to build up my strength and improve my shot," Maris said. "I have to build my consistency and hope to hold my own (ground) on the court."

Barker is attending Sam Houston State University this fall with Denmon. She debated for a while whether to play.

"Everyone said it would help playing with people that will play in college," Barker said. "I'll try to work on ball handling and quickness, trying to become a better player."

Contact G. Michael Graham by e-mail at ggraham@baytownsun.com or by phone at (281) 425-8024.

March 2001
Good Luck at State to All the Lady Vikings & Houston Hotshots
Andrea Everline, Jere' Adams, Terra Andrews & Karina Amaya

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February 2001
Congratulations to Hotshots Emily Niemann and Her Teammates
TAPPS Girls AAA State Champions

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February 2001
Congratulations to Hotshots Jere'  Adams, Terra Andrews, Andrea Everline and Karina Amaya of Dulles
Region Three AAAAA Champions

Congratulations to Hotshots Erika Pink and Courtney Goss of Madison
Region Three AAAAA Runners Up

Congratulations to Hotshots Kelly Bekelja and April McBride of Clear Creek and Kibria Lewis, Shauna Singleton and Brittany Bell of Baytown Sterling
Region Three AAAAA Finalists

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February 2001
Congratulations to Morgan Mayon of the Houston Hotshots for this honor.

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February 2001
Congratulations to the Houston Hotshots 11 and under team for finishing  2nd in the AAU Winter League.


February 2001
Congratulations to Lisa Martinez of the Houston Hotshots for this honor.

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February 2001

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January 2001
Congratulations to Andrea Everline of the Houston Hotshots for this honor.


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January 2001
Congratulations to Morgan Mayon of the Houston Hotshots for this honor.

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January 2001

Cook an asset to A&M Consolidated girls basketball
By ROBERT PREMEAUX JR.
Eagle Staff Writer

For the record, Candis Cook has no trouble getting out of bed in the morning. The A&M Consolidated senior begins each day at the same speed as everybody else, maybe even a bit faster.

The record should also show that Cook can play some basketball. Her one-on-one abilities on offense and defense may be unequaled in District 16-5A. And every night out, her understanding of her new guard position continues to catch up with her physical talent.

But something bordering on the paranormal can lull Cook into an early stupor every night. Normally quick and aggressive, this Lady Tiger often appears sluggish in the first half.

And Cook isn’t sure why.

“I can’t really describe it,” Cook says.

Consol coach Sue Betts says Cook starts well when she — is this too simple? — starts well. “If she gets that first basket,” Betts says, “you’ll see her stay hot.”

Cook insists that she doesn’t get “down” when she misses an early shot or two, but conscious or not, Betts says Cook’s slow starts often boil down to frustration.

“Candis is one that wants to do well so bad that she tries to bring the game to her rather than letting it come to her,” Betts said. “Once she lets it come to her, she’s going to be all right.”

Freud might be needed here. The more one tries analyzing the dilemma of a slow starter, the less one feels they understand it.

“Coach [Sue] Betts says its like I go into another dimension or something,” Cook said, “but I don’t know what really runs through my head at the beginning of games. Sometimes I come out slow, and sometimes I come out ready. It’s really unpredictable, actually.”

Woe is the team catching Cook on the backside of one of these early slow spells. Cook hit Langham Creek with 14 second-half points on Tuesday in Consol’s 60-39 victory.

Scoring has been an up and down proposition for Cook this season. She is averaging 13 points a game, but has scored as many as 24 and as few as five in league games. Though she makes no excuses for her offensive inconsistency, one obvious one exists: a position change.

At 5-foot, 10-inches, Cook played inside last season. Call it power forward, center or post — it amounted to a station on the block where she averaged 10.3 points and 7.6 rebounds a game.

This summer Cook moved outside to play wing for the Houston Hotshots Gold squad, an Amateur Athletic Union team that Consol guard Angie Soriaga also played for. Cook’s new position could be called shooting guard or small forward, but when Betts saw her former post out there this summer, she labeled it Cook’s new home.

“I saw her play a couple of games,” Betts said, “and I said to [Consol assistant coach Gwen Elder], ‘Hey. We’ve got to move her out. She’s going to score more points and probably get as many if not more rebounds because she sees the ball coming down.’”

So Betts and the Consol coaching staff scraped plans to keep Cook at the post and picked up where the Houston AAU team left off. Training Cook at the three position has been an ongoing project, but Cook says it has been fun. It’s also been productive as her points average has risen while her rebounds per game (seven) has remained about the same.

“This year’s been a learning experience as far as facing the goal and realizing how many different shots I have,” Cook said. “Now that I’m out, I can see the goal, and I have more shot opportunities. I like it.”

Cook, who didn’t begin playing basketball until the seventh grade, has attracted more college attention now that she is playing outside, even if her outside game is still in its infant stages.

“I tell a lot of colleges that she’s still green,” Betts said, “and the only thing they’re going to see for the next four years is her get better. I think she learns something from that position each week that we play her at it.”

Cook has had one of the Brazos Valley’s best outside players for a mentor — and a friend — in Soriaga. The two began playing together last season for Consol then continued building their relationship this summer on the Houston Hotshots Gold.

“We have a friendship and a bond that goes beyond basketball,” Cook said of Soriaga, “and when we’re on the court, it really shows that we’ve been playing with each other for awhile. And we enjoy it.”

Soriaga, Consol’s 5-6 point guard, has averaged 22 points over Consol’s last three games while Cook has averaged just nine. That kind of imbalance, however, doesn’t affect their friendship.

“There’s no competition between us — no envy or anything like that,” Cook said. “It’s just two teammates playing hard, helping the team out and helping each other out.”

Both Soriaga and Cook are capable of dominating games. Against Cypress Springs earlier this season, Cook hit five straight shots and Soriaga hit 3 of 4 3-pointers — all in the first quarter.

“Every once in awhile,” Cook said, “she’ll tell me ‘Wow! You’re awesome. You did this. You did that.’ And I’ll be like, ‘No, you’re awesome! You did this. You did that.’ And so we go back and forth.”

NOTES — Cook and the 20th-ranked Lady Tigers have their biggest game of the season Friday night at home against 10th-ranked Jersey Village. Consol is 23-5 overall, 8-2 in league action, one game back of J-Village (22-5, 9-1) with four games left in the regular season. ... Among the colleges interested in Cook are Arkansas-Little Rock, Lamar, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, St. Edwards, Incarnate Word, Tarleton State, Tyler Junior College, McLennan Community College and South Plains Junior College. ... Cook said she could handle playing for a small school or junior college and trying to transfer to a bigger school. Whatever she decides, though, will have to wait. “Coach Betts said it would be better to wait until the end of the season because I’m playing a new position,” Cook said, “and more schools would get to see me at that position, and I would get more offers. And she was right. We really don’t have time to decide right now because the season’s not over.”