Houston Defender January 03, 2019

ONES TO WATCH

NATIONAL | POLITICS | ENTERTAINMENT | COLLEGE/PRO SPORTS AND HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

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Volume 88 | Number 10 JANUARY 3, 2019 |FREE

ter Turner Mayor Sylves

Beyoncé

ONES TO

WATCH IN 2019

Colin Kaepernick

woman Congress ia rc Sylvia Ga

Middleton Ft. Bend D.A. Brian

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 3 | 2019

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Local, state newsmakers to WATCH IN 2019

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

T

he arrival of a new year signals new opportunities and challenges in the city and state in areas ranging from education to criminal justice. Influential AfricanAmericans across Texas will play a role in the lives of its citizens. Here are some of the newsmakers to watch in the coming year.

The 'Black Girl Magic' campaign was set up to broaden the diversity of the Houston area's judiciary ( blackgirlmagic.com )

A.J. Crabill

As deputy commissioner of Governance with the Texas Education Agency, A.J. Crabill could play a major role in the future of HISD as the district faces a state takeover due to several chronically low-performing schools. Crabill’s responsibilities include overseeing the TEA Accreditation and School Improvement Division, which has a goal of A.J. Crabill “improving low-performing schools by reviewing, evaluating, monitoring, and intervening with campuses and their districts to ensure excellence in education for all students.”

Community activists

Look for local activists to advocate for Black

Houstonians. Bishop James Dixon of Community of Faith Church speaks out against injustice and works to improve the lives of young people.

Pastor E.A. Deckard of Green House International Church and Deric Muhammad have marched for peace in Sunnyside and counseled young men at Muhammad’s annual Smart’n Up Black Male Summit. National Black United Front chair Kofi Taharka recently focused attention on the remains of freed slaves found at a Fort Bend ISD construction site last year. SHAPE Community Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019 and co-founder/ director Deloyd Parker has impacted countless lives in

Third Ward and beyond.

Black women judges

Political history was made in Harris County as a record 21 Black women ran for judge in the Nov. 6 election and 19 won their races. It also marked the first time in history that 21 Black women ran for judicial seats in one county. The women include experienced judges and newcomers to the bench. They promised honesty, integrity, toughness and fairness.

Mayor Yolanda Ford

New Missouri City Mayor Yolanda Ford will be under the microscope as the first woman and first AfricanAmerican elected to the position. Ford’s vision includes creating a culturally diverse city that offers destination venues, a strong commercial base and safe neighborhoods. She wants to increase revenue, encourage redevelContinued on Page 8

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JANUARY 3 | 2019 | DEFENDER

national Political people to

WATCH IN 2019 A

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

s newly elected officials take office in 2019, other politicians are looking ahead to 2020 and beyond. The Defender takes a look at today’s rising stars and what tomorrow might hold for some of them.

Mayor London Breed

In the national wave of Black women handling their business in politics from “sea to shining sea,” some may have missed Breed becoming San Francisco’s first Black female mayor.

That fact, coupled with the reality that she survived a grueling election, are reasons enough to keep our eyes on Breed during 2019. Like far too many others, Breed’s history of activism and grassroots support lifted her to victory, not rousing support from her party. Will Breed and others push the Democratic Party to a more progressive and inclusive stance?

U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris

In terms of potential 2020 presidential candidates representing the Democratic Party, a number of names have been mentioned, but not as often as California U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris. The political shining star and Howard University alum has made a name for herself as a respected and feared member of the Senate Judiciary Committee for her fearless questioning

Beto O’Rourke

of wielders of power. Though she hasn’t decided whether or not she will actually make a bid to become the second Black commander-in-chief, don’t bet against her doing so, and simultaneously becoming the nation’s first female POTUS.

Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke

For most politicians, a lost election at the state level would disqualify them for even grander offices. Not so with former El Paso Congressman Beto O’Rourke. Even in defeat to the solidly entrenched Ted Cruz, O’Rourke led a campaign that energized an entire nation. His mix of no-nonsense straight talk, combined with energy, humanity and relatability, had many wondering if he was “Change we can believe in.” When asked if a presidential run was in the cards, O’Rourke refused to rule Continued on Page 9

Kamala Harris

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 3 | 2019 defendernetwork.com

entertainment

Entertainment celebrities to IN

WATCH

2019

BY RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

2019 promises to be a big year on the entertainment front as stars of stage, screen and television appeal to their audiences. Check out the celebrities expected to make waves in the industry this year.

Kevin Hart

If anyone thought Hart had any intentions of slowing down, they’d be wrong. The Oscars may have snubbed Hart over a past joke that offended LGBT people, but he gets the last laugh. According to Forbes, the "Jumanji" star is now the second-highestpaid comedian in the world behind none other than Jerry Seinfeld.

The pint-sized powerhouse ranks second with $57 million, only $500,000 behind Seinfeld. The Kevin Hart Irresponsible Tour, which was the biggest comedy tour of 2018, topped 1 million tickets sold and banked Hart more than $30 million. He also starred in the wildly successful “Jumanji” remake, which grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide. While he’s building his comedy empire, he’s still doing his own thing, with his company, HartBeat Productions. With a social media presence that is a force of its own, and several movies in the works, Hart is definitely one to watch.

non-scripted. It’s gonna be digital. It’s gonna be film, television.

It’s gonna be video games.”

Ryan Coogler

Ryan Coogler’s first foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe may have catapulted the “Black Panther” filmmaker to the top of the box office and straight into the franchise filmmaking record books, but the “Fruitvale Station” and “Creed” director shows no signs of slowing down. He’s working on “Black Panther 2,” and dedicated to making the film bigger and better than the original blockbuster.

Regina King

King recently won best supporting actress from the New York Film Critics Circle for her heartwarming turn in "If Beale Street Could Talk," the new romantic drama based on James Baldwin's 1974 novel.

The honor is the first of many expected to come her way this season for "Beale Street" (released on Christmas Day). Also named best supporting actress by the National Board of Review, King is nominated in the same category at the Golden Globe and Critics' Choice awards, and is the favorite to take home an Oscar according to some awards prognosticators at.

When she's not directing (she will return to “Insecure” and other projects this year) or promoting “Beale Street,” King is shooting HBO's highly anticipated "Watchmen," a project that's based on a comic book, and she's sworn to secrecy about her Superhero character.

Michael B. Jordan

Expect to see big things from the “Creed” and “Black Panther” star’s production company, as he plans to dabble in all genres. “I want to create projects for Brad Pitt, but at the same time I want to be able to create a movie for Will Smith, or Denzel, or Lupita or Tessa [Thompson],” he said. “It’s gonna be eclectic. It’s gonna be animation. It’s gonna be

Michael B. Jordan

Kevin Hart

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Yara Shahidi

Shahidi's career began when she was only 6 years old in TV and print ads for various companies, but most people know her for her hilarious role on ABC's "Black-ish." Her relatable presence and perfect comedic timing led to her own spin-off, "Grown-ish," with her character heading off to college for her own collegiate adventures. On top of her budding career, the teen is an activist.

Her powerful words on representation and race resonate with other teens who don't see themselves represented in the media landscape.

She also had her own mentoring group in high school and is attending Harvard University.

Cardi B

Cardi B. has been on our radar since she blasted through in September 2017 and dethroned Taylor Swift from the top of the charts. She then proved that she is no one-hit-wonder in the first week of 2018 after becoming only the third artist and first rapper in history to have her first three Billboard 100 singles on the chart's Top 10 at the same time — a feat accomplished by just the Beatles and Ashanti previously. In 2018, Cardi B didn't just dominate the airwaves (with her debut album, Invasion of Privacy) or awards shows (she took home three AMAs, three VMAs and a BBMA); she also owned the internet, from memes to GIFs and everything in between. And despite a very public breakup with rapper Offset, in 2019, Cardi B says there is nothing but more great things to come.

Chance the Rapper

Chancelor Bennett (his real name) has had a remarkable rise. The music industry has seen plenty of wunderkinds who rise to the top of the charts in their late teens or early 20s.

What makes Chance exceptional is that he's done it without the backing of a major record label — or any label at all. He's launched himself to stratosphere status on the sheer strength of his talent and by taking advantage of new distribution methods like SoundCloud and Spotify. And though it's unorthodox by industry standards, the industry has embraced him. He won a 2017 Grammy for best new artist, the first person to do so with a streaming-only album.

Jordan Peele

Peele demanded respect in Hollywood with his blockbuster film, “Get Out,” which he won an Oscar for in 2018. And he’s back with the “social-horror thriller” “Us.” While details are being kept under wraps, we know that the film will star Oscar winning Lupita Nyong’o ("12 Years a Slave"), her “Black Panther” co-star Winston Duke, and Elisabeth Moss ("The Handmaid’s Tale") and it’s already getting major buzz. Peele is parlaying his success into multiple other projects that will place him in Hollywood’s elite directing class for years to come.

kick off on the singer’s birthday, March 26, and will include an exclusive two-day global release of “Diana Ross: Her Life, Love and Legacy,” and “Diana Ross: Live in Central Park.”

Travis Scott

Scott, the Missouri City artist and producer affiliated with Kanye West's GOOD Music and T.I.'s Grand Hustle, first became known for his heavily auto-tuned half-sung/half-rapped vocal style. Born Jacques Webster, Scott was a teen when he first started making music. After dropping out of college, Scott moved to Los Angeles and began recording music on his own. He met T.I. and eventually West. He has parlayed his success into a mega career. He will join Maroon 5 during the SuperBowl halftime show in Atlanta on Feb. 3, for what is arguably the biggest gig in music. Scott also has the hottest tour going, a huge single with Drake and is generating big Grammy buzz. His three shows during Grammy week (Vegas, San Diego, L.A.) are nearly sold out after presale and rumor has it he will add another show at the Forum that week.

Ava DuVernay

The Emmy-winning director has signed a multi-year and multi-genre overall deal with Warner Brothers.

DuVernay and her Forward Movement will cover drama and comedy series, documentaries, digital content, event projects and longer-form projects for broadcast and cable, premium cable, streaming services and other platforms. It’s DuVernay’s first pact with any studio and is set to start in January. The deal is reportedly in the $100 million range. The Oscar-nominated director (for her documentary “13th”) also keeps bringing us the popular “Queen Sugar” series on OWN, “Red Line” on CBS, and has a Prince documentary and movie based on the Central Park Five in the works. DuVernay will also direct a big-budget adaptation of “The New Gods” for Warner Bros. Pictures down the line.

That will be the second such film for DuVernay, who was the first woman of color to helm a $100 million-plus live-action film with Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time” earlier this year.

Cardi B

Diana Ross

Yes, that Diana Ross – the iconic singer – is on the watch list because she’s turning 75 this year and doing things as only a diva can do. She plans to celebrate the milestone year by launching the Diamond Diana Celebration, a year-long celebration of her birthday. The festivities, presented

by Fathom Events, will

Travis Scott

Yara Shahidi

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 3 | 2019

Ones to WAT

By RESHONDA T Def

F

rom politics to entertainment to sports, there are plenty of pers answered as well. What can Houstonians expect from Mayor Tu Kaepernick ever play in the NFL again? The

Mayor Sylvester Turner

The mayor tops the list because in his fourth year, his work is far from over. A contentious city issue around Proposition B has left him with having to lay off personnel and working overtime to fix the fallout from the ordinance which gave firefighters raises.

Turner will also host the Black Mayor’s Conference. This is a city election year so he will also be busy running for re-election. His plans for the future include continuing the fight for Hurricane Harvey flood recovery and workforce development.

HISD/TEA

HISD will be closely watched as we wait to see who will take the helm of the embattled district. A nonprofit formed by city of Houston leaders may seek temporary control of up to 15 Houston ISD campuses in neighborhoods with historically lowperforming schools. That’s just one of the efforts being done to help HISD stave off state sanctions tied to academic failures at some of those campuses. HISD faces the possibility of forced campus closures or a state takeover by the TEA of the district’s locally elected board of trustees if any one of the district’s four longest-struggling campuses fails to meet state academic standards in 2019. HISD administrators and trustees have shown little appetite for relinquishing control of district schools, though that could change as a February 2019 deadline for submitting partnership plans to the state approaches. HISD – which will continue the search for a permanent superintendent – has spent the past few months making few moves on the private partnership front, despite reports that TEA would prefer to replace HISD’s school board rather than close schools.

Beyoncé Mayor Sylvester Turner

The Queen Bee is forever hustling. She’s expected to continue surprising us with music, but one of her biggest endeavors will come this summer when she whisks up back to Pride Rock to re-live all of your favorite memories with “The Lion King.”

Beyoncé will be voicing Nala, joining other Black cast members: James Earl Jones as

Colin Kaepernick bama Michelle O

burn James Cly

Mufasa, Alfre Woodard as Sarabi, John Ka Kasumba as Shenzi, Keegan-Michael Key and Shahadi Wright Joseph as Young Nala. the booking of different stadiums for a solo (Brazil and Argentina) is the departure of a making boss moves, releasing a new album

Michelle Obama

The world is watching Michelle Obam her best-selling book, “Becoming.” The for cities to her book tour and Houston in on th Carpet when she heads to the Toyota Cente

Key Black members

The Congressional Black Caucus (CB powerful bloc in the U.S. House when Dem bers to lead at least five committees and mo increase the likelihood of conflict with the been forceful critics of President Donald Tr be in the House and the chairmen will be am to issue subpoenas to get information from saying they want to probe Trump’s short-liv migrant families and hold hearings and inv the GOP, among other areas.

U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters of Californi vices Committee. Rep. James E. Clyburn (D Democratic Caucus, the No. 3 leadership p was elected chair of the Caucus, the numbe elected the new chair of the CBC. Addition Marcia Fudge (D-OH) and Barbara Lee (D will chair or co-chair at least five House co

Shelia Jackson Lee

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ATCH IN 2019

TATE BILLINGSLEY fender

sonalities to watch as we enter the new year. There are questions to be urner? How will HISD fare with the Texas Education Agency? Will Colin e Defender takes a look at those leading the pack.

ani as Rafiki, Eric Andre as Azizi, Florence as Kamari, J.D. McCrary as Young Simba . Beyoncé is in talks with Live Nation for o tour in 2019. Currently, Latin America a world-class tour in 2019. All this while m and being mom to three kids.

ma as she breaks all kinds of records with rmer first lady is so on fire that she added 21 hat list. The Bayou City will roll out the Red er on March 2.

s of Congress

BC) is on the verge of becoming the most mocrats take control this month, with memore than a dozen subcommittees. That could White House, as Black Democrats have rump. More than 50 Black members will mong the most powerful, with the ability m the Trump administration. They’re already ved policy of separating undocumented vestigate allegations of voter suppression by

ia expected to chair the Financial SerD-SC) was elected majority whip of the position. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) er five spot. Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) was nally, Reps. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), D-CA) are among the CBC members who ommittees and more than two dozen House

subcommittees. Elijah Cummings will be incoming chairman of the House Oversight Committee and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and Al Green (D-TX) will continue to have leadership roles on the House Judiciary Committee and The House Committee on Financial Services, respectively.

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia

The Houston Democrat cruised to a barrier-breaking victory in the race for Texas’ 29th Congressional District, becoming one of the first Latinas elected to Congress in the state’s 172-year history. The former social worker and lawyer who represented east and north Houston in the Texas Senate is a longtime advocate for Houston’s most vulnerable residents and has humble roots tracing back to rural south Texas.

Colin Kaepernick

The hopes of Colin Kaepernick making it onto an NFL team are fading, but the former quarterback and activist will soon take a seat rather than a knee. He has a grievance hearing set in February 2019, where he will finally be given the opportunity to explain his side of the story. The 31-year-old hasn’t played for any team since December of 2016. He remains unsigned to this day despite posting decent numbers in five years with the San Francisco 49ers. Last year, Kaepernick was back in the public eye after signing an endorsement deal with Nike.

County Judge Lina Hidalgo

Hidalgo, a Democreat, defeated longtime incumbent Harris County Judge Ed Emmett during the 2018 midterms elections. The 27-year old immigrated to the U.S. in 2005 after spending her childhood in Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Hidalgo is a Stanford University graduate with a bachelor's degree in political science. She is the first in her family to attend a United States college. She said her focus was on working together with the community to be aware due to the inconsistent nature of disasters and she will be charged with overseeing the budget for the most populous county in the state.

Al Green

the Houston area for over 88 years

Sylvia Garcia

Beyoncé

lgo Lina Hida

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 3 | 2019

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State Sen. Royce West

WATCH IN 2019... Continued from Newstalk page 2 opment along major corridors and implement economic development strategies for small businesses.

Black state legislators

The Texas Legislature convenes its 86th session on Jan. 8 in Austin and pressing issues include the state budget, tax reform, education, healthcare and criminal justice.

Expect to see Black state legislators on the forefront of issues impacting constituents.

African-Americans in the Senate are State Sens. Royce West of Dallas and Borris Miles of Houston. African-Americans representing the Houston area in the House are State Reps. Alma Allen, Garnet Coleman, Harold Dutton, Jarvis Johnson, Ron Reynolds (currently serving jail time), Shawn Thierry and Senfronia Thompson. All are Democrats in a Republican-controlled Legislature.

District Attorney Brian Middleton

Like Mayor Ford, Brian Middleton is ushering in a new era in Fort Bend County as its first African-American district attorney. He supports "second chance" programs for non-violent offenders who demonstrate responsibility and pro-social behavior.

He believes in programs which promote positive interactions between youth and law enforcement to help eliminate the school-to-prison pipeline and discourage gang activity. Middleton said resources should be prioritized so there is an emphasis on prosecuting and incarcerating violent offenders and career criminals.

Dr. Ruth Simmons

Pastor E.A. Deckard and Deric Muhammad

Looking forward together

The president of Prairie View A&M University will address a “long list” of priorities, including faculty expansion, salary issues, reducState Sen. Borris Miles ing the teaching load and working with Spelman and Morehouse Colleges to facilitate faculty development. Simmons wants to increase the number of students in STEM subjects and the university is receiving $1 million to revamp its curriculum with a new African-American Studies initiative.

Dr. Austin Lane

The president of Texas Southern University will focus on student success and completion, academic program quality and research, staying true to the mission of educating students and improving partnerships and finances. In addition, a $60-million state-of-the-art library and learning center is scheduled to open this summer. Lane said TSU is revisiting its campus master plan “and looking to see what we’ll look like in 10-15 years. “

Reaching any goal is easier when you have a good plan. And a strong financial plan is built on solid financial decisions. With our tools and services, we can help you create your own road map to financial security.

County Commissioner Rodney Ellis

Call, click, or stop by and talk to a banker today.

Expect the Harris County Precinct One commissioner to continue promoting business programs that reflect demographics. Ellis wants to see MWBEs get their fair share with the county, Metro and the Port of Houston. “Far too many minority and women business owners have encountered roadblocks on their path to opportunity, which has undermined fair competition and held them back from reaching their full economic potential,” he said.

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WATCH IN 2019... Continued from National page 3 it out and met with former President Barack Obama for what some believed was an exploratory conversation into a potential 2020 run. We shall see in 2019.

Black attorney general. Not only did Letitia “Tish” James win by a landslide but never has a state office held such power on the national stage. In her victory speech, James pledged to fight against corruption, voter suppression and illegal gun sales, and to dive into the Trump Organization to unearth any possible wrongdoings. Check out what James T:4.79”

Attorney General Letitia “Tish” James She’s New York State’s first

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Former Mayor Andrew Gillum

Though outgoing Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum lost in his bid to become governor of Florida, his presence, unashamed pride in his Blackness and stellar debate performances against his opponent Ron DeSantis earned him not only national respect and admiration, but media attention. Several names have been mentioned as possible 2020 Democratic presidential candidates, with Gillum’s being as viable as any of them. Gillum’s integrity, legislative skill and ability to withstand unwarranted FBI scrutiny have people

comparing him to a former political rising star who eventually became the nation’s first Black president.

U.S. Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez

No one gave the 29-year-old a chance to beat the longtime Democratic incumbent and career politician who ran New York’s 14th Congressional district. Yet, OcasioCortez’s campaign resonated so much that her ads went viral as did her popularity. Not only did she win a seat in Congress, she won the hearts of countless everyday Americans.

She also won a special place in the crosshairs of Fox News and other political conservatives. As thousands cheer Ocasio-Cortez for coming out swinging even before taking office, and for giving “We the people” a close-up look at the political process through her social media posts, opponents target her daily with mean tweets and disparaging words. All the more reason we’ll be watching Ocasio-Cortez in 2019.

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 3 | 2019

Sports

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Sports figures to IN

WATCH T

By MAX EDISON Defender

2019

he new year brings new questions about local favorites on the collegiate and pro levels. Here are some people to watch in 2019.

Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni

After winning an NBA best 65 games in the 20172018 season, the Rockets are playing sub- .500 basketball. How bad is this year’s team? If the playoffs began today, the Rockets would be on the outside looking in. It’s difficult to pinpoint the problem, but someone has to take the fall and if the team doesn’t play better quickly, that someone could be Mike D’Antoni. Rockets fans should remember that former coach Kevin McHale was fired 11 games into the 2015 season after the team made it to the Western Conference Finals the previous year.

Clarence McKinney

Indians. Brantley is a three-time All-Star and 2014 Silver Slugger Award-winner. At 31, Brantley is a much-needed, left-handed batter in the heavily right-handed Astros lineup. He battled injuries in 2016 and 2017, but came back with a huge 2018. He hit .309 with 17 homers and 76 RBIs. He also scored 89 runs in 143 games and posted an .832 OPS. He figures to start in left field.

Rockets GM Daryl Morey

Morey has been relentless in his pursuit to make the Rockets a perennial challenger for the Western Conference crown. That means defeating the Golden State Warriors. He was so close to the Finals last season that he could smell NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s breath. Then the unthinkable occurred. Chris Paul injured his hamstring in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals and the Rockets lost the series in seven games. So far this Mike D’Antoni season the Rockets have been a hot mess. Morey has alMcKinney has the perfect resume for Texas Southern ways been a wizard when it comes to trades and free agent University. Unfortunately for TSU football fans, they’ve had little acquisitions, but a host of new Rockets faces to cheer about over the last 10 years, and when you don’t win fans have yet to materialize in wins. As the trade don’t show up. The football team has performed poorly and fans deadline approaches, what can Morey do have avoided BBVA-Compass Stadium like the plague. McKinto shake his team out of the doldrums? ney needs to quickly give the TSU faithful a reason to believe and How patient will owner Tilman Fertitta support the program. Getting beat down by PVAMU 60-14 is not be?

Stay tuned. the way.

TSU football coach Clarence McKinney

Gerald Green

H-Town boys Gerald Green, Danuel House

For the Rockets to be able to get back to their winning ways they need a stronger defensive presence and consistent scoring off the bench. Cue the basketball version of the H-Town Boys, Gerald Green (Gulf Shore Academy) and Danuel House Jr. (Hightower), a pair of 6-foot-7 small forwards that are athletic and can provide instant offense off the bench. If this dynamic duo can continue to perform well, perhaps the Rockets can climb back into contention in the Western Conference.

New Astros outfielder Michael Brantley

The Astros agreed to a two-year, $32 million-contract with outfielder Michael Brantley, a 2018 All-Star with the Cleveland

Danuel House Michael Brantley

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JANUARY 3 | 2019 | DEFENDER

HS sports Athletes to

Zach Evans

WATCH IN 2019

By JODIE B. JILES Defender

M

any of the Houston-area high school athletes who thrilled sports fans in 2018 will return to the field and court in 2019. Some will continue to cross over and excel in more than one sport. Here’s a look at student-athletes to watch.

Zach Evans North Shore, football As one of the brightest stars on a team loaded with them, Zach Evans made his presence felt in both his sophomore campaign last year and junior campaign this season. The sky is the limit for Evans, who is now considered one of the top three running backs in the nation for the 2020 class by multiple recruiting databases.

Demond Demas North Forest, football/ basketball/track Texas A&M University commit Demond Demas is lightning in a bottle. On the football field Demas displays his physicality and long jump abilities running through or leaping over defenders for touchdowns. On the hardwood, Demas seems to pull at least one Zion Williamson-type dunk every game. On the track and field, Demas is considered a front runner for the state championship in the long jump, 100-meter sprint and 4x100-meter relays.

Devon Achane Marshall, football/track

Speed kills when you see Achane do what he does best – finding ways to score touchdowns. It seems that almost every time he touches the football you expect him to score no matter the down and distance. On the track, Achane is really able to show off his speed by helping his 4x100-meter team secure a state title in seasons past.

Malik Hornsby Marshall, football/track Now that Hornsby has more talent around him at Marshall, expectations are higher for the junior quarterback in 2019. Fans should also expect to see Hornsby improve his already top-notch speed as he joins a state championship caliber track and field program in spring.

Kailei Collins Cypress Ranch, track Track fans can look forward to seeing 100-meter and 200-meter dash runner Collins close out a stellar high school

career this season as the spring draws near. Collins took home both the 100-meter and 200-meter gold at the Victor Lopez Classic last year.

Kayla Carter Westside, volleyball When Carter spikes a ball, it looks like a speeding bullet coming at you on the volleyball court. Her height, agility and power give fans something to see when Carter is in action. Coach Andre King has helped develop Carter’s game each year making her a player to watch in 2019.

Micah Peavy Duncanville, basketball The 6-foot-5 sophomore guard is a threat attacking the basket and creating offense for himself and others. He has a wet jumper that he probably worked on with his father, David Peavy, who just happens to be his head coach. Coaches’ sons are often some of the best players on the team and Peavy is no exception.

Joquarius Valrie

Donovan Williams Elkins, basketball Williams, a talented senior shooting guard currently committed to the University of Texas, possesses a quick Hardenesque first step that allows him to get to the basket with little to no difficulty. Williams’ mid-range shooting game is also a big deal.

Joquarius Valrie Yates, basketball The long-armed, 6-foot-1 guard can rebound, defend, distribute and shoot from long range. He came off the bench last season as the sixth and seventh man in the rotation. It would be good to see how Valrie’s game develops with more minutes as a starter in his senior year.

Telisha Brown Wheatley, basketball Brown looked like the female A.I. – Allen Iverson – at times last year grabbing points in bunches. Brown has big shoes to fill this year after coming off of a deep state championship run last season. Expect Brown and teammate guard Laila Blair to form one of the better backcourts in the area by season’s end.

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Kailei Collins

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 3 | 2019

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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com

topevents

FREE COMMUNITY HOLIDAY BREAKFAST….. To celebrate its many Academy representatives Allen Rojas and Raymond Gonzales, welcomed volunteers SHAPE Community Center hosted a Free Community Holiday attendees including Prentice Collins, Carmen Wilson, Brandy Jones, Tonia Breakfast at its 3815 Live Oak location. Center director Deloyd Parker Wells, A.J. Richardson, Jada Paul, Matt Musil (KHOU) and hundreds played host while SHAPE board member and chef Nedzra Ward prepared others…….. CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE’S 24th a feast for the hundreds that came to enjoy the food, fellowship, vendors and ANNUAL TOYS FOR KIDS….. Well over 10,000 people were in attendance entertainment by Two Black Guys, Lovely Washington and others. Attendees at Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s 24th Annual Toys for Kids event held at included Debbie White, Leah Whitehead, Shirley Fox, the GRB where toys were given away to many of the city’s Anika & Osakwe Rikonjda, Elsie McGowan, Gayla underserved youth. Simone Biles received a proclamation Grantham, Chyrel Parker, Shondra Muhammad, Abdul Defender TOP EVENTS from Congresswoman Lee in front of representatives from Eatmon, Phyllis Huntsberry, Secunda Joseph and many the many sponsoring organizations including the Houston More photos on defendernetwork.com more…….. CHRIS PAUL FAMILY FOUNDATION Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Department, HOLIDAY GIFT-GIVING….. The Chris Paul Family Houston Fire Department, NASA Astronauts, Houston Zoo, Foundation, together with 30 of their family members and Academy Sports Coca-Cola, Oprah Winfrey Network, Ensemble Theatre, Houston Ballet and partnered to surprise children at the Urban Enrichment Institute with an incredible others. Attendees included Clutch the Rocket Bear, local and national entertainers present—bikes for Christmas. Two hundred children between 5-11 years old and Santa, along with Lil’ Jesse, Judson Robinson III, Janice Weaver, Kathy had a very merry Christmas thanks to the new bikes each received courtesy of Griffin-Grinan, Judge-Elect Lina Hidalgo, Jonathan Martin (FOX26), the Chris Paul Family Foundation and Academy Sports. Paul’s parents Charles Constable Alan Rosen, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Robin Paul, Charles Savage (Urban Enrichment Institute director) and and thousands more.

Debbie White, Leah Whitehead, Shirley Fox

Deloyd Parker, Lovely Washington

Charles Paul, Charles Savage, Robin Paul

Judge-Elect Lina Hidalgo, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Jonathan Martin

Brandy Jones, Tonia Wells

Kids receiving gifts

Edith Selegary, Shondra Muhammad

Chris Paul Family Foundation Members

Hazel Sims, Simone Biles

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