Denton Record-Chronicle
All-Area Basketball Team 2016-17 Boys
Girls
First team
Most Valuable player
First team
Most Valuable player
Grayson Carter
Jamie Means
Guyer, F, Jr.
Denton, F, Jr.
Carter was a key addition to the Wildcats’ roster in what ended up being a breakthrough year on the state Class 6A landscape. Guyer was ranked in the state poll for much of the season before bowing out in the first round of the playoffs. Carter, a 6-9 force in the middle, averaged 11.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game as a true rim protector.
The Lady Broncos were led by Means’ all-around game. Along with the offensive imprint she has on the team to the tune of 12 points per game, Means was also a defensive anchor as she averaged five rebounds per game to go along with her two blocks per contest. Means’ athleticism stood out as she was a first-team selection in District 5-5A.
David Davis
Madison Ralston
Nathan Priddy wasn’t the only can’t-miss shooter Argyle had in its arsenal. Davis, a senior, averaged 13.2 points and led the Eagles in assists with 178 in a monster year for the program. If Priddy wasn’t leading the charge, the Eagles always had Davis right there to pick up the slack. He finished with 155 rebounds and 78 steals.
Ralston, like Vivian Gray, was a four-year starter for the highly successful Argyle program and started in eight career state tournament games. The 6-foot, all-state forward was Argyle’s second leading scorer (11.7 points per game) and pulled down 4.9 rebounds to go with 3.7 assists per game. She also averaged 1.6 steals and nearly a block per game.
Gabriel Douglas
Rhett Robinson
Douglas proved he is more than just a standout wide receiver for the Raiders’ state-title contending football team. The Texas Tech football commit averaged 12.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and was a crack shot from 3-point range late in the season in his first year to start on varsity. He was the co-offensive player of the year in District 5-5A.
The two-sport start also excels on the volleyball court, but on the basketball floor, the lengthy Krum forward is always fighting hard on both sides of the ball. She was the second leading scorer in District 9-4A behind Argyle star Vivian Gray with 16.2 points per game. She also played a large role on defense, averaging 2.1 steals and 4.7 rebounds per contest.
Argyle, F, Sr.
Argyle, G, Sr.
Ryan, G, Jr.
Chase Harris Ponder, G, Sr.
As a four-year starter for the Lions, who came up a game short of the Class 3A state tournament, Harris was the the team’s go-to scorer. The sharp-shooting guard averaged 17.5 points per game to go with his 4.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. He shot 36 percent from beyond the arc and became the storied program’s all-time leading scorer.
Krum, F, Jr.
Nathan Priddy
Vivian Gray
The run that Argyle made to this year’s state tournament in San Antonio may have come as a surprise to some people, but no one was shocked by the standout play of senior point guard Nathan Priddy — the engine that made everything go for the Eagles. Whether he was taking the ball down the court, playing suffocating defense, or hitting a fall-away 3-pointer in the corner, Priddy was a constant on both ends of the floor. He finished his senior year averaging 17.6 points per game with a whopping 46.9 shooting percentage from downtown. He also led Argyle with 187 rebounds while collecting an impressive 159 assists and 140 steals.
It is no stretch to call Gray one of the most decorated girls basketball players in recent memory — not just in this area, but in the entire state. The senior, who turned down several big-time college offers to sign with Division II power Fort Lewis College, finished her career as a four-year starter at Argyle with 2,893 points. As a senior, Gray led her team to a third straight state championship in her fourth straight season to play in the season’s final game. She averaged 22.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game to go with 3.6 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.4 blocks — leading her team in all categories except assists. She was selected as the Texas Girls Coaches Association player of the year for Class 4A-1A.
Argyle, G, Sr.
impact player of the year
Tye Schluter Paired with Harris, Schluter drove Ponder’s offense with 14.1 points per game and was also a deadly threat from beyond the arc. Schluter shot 39 percent on his attempts from 3-point range. He oftentimes got the offense started and dished out a team-high 2.8 assists per game to go with his 3.3 rebounds per game.
second team Jalin Brown Denton, F, Sr.
Le’Tre Darthard Guyer, G, Jr.
Darthard was often an overlooked key piece to Guyer’s success. As one of the five Guyer players who averaged double figures, there were plenty of scoring chances to go around and he made the most of them. The athletic wing player scored 10.8 points per game to go with 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per contest. He was also an 88 percent foul shooter.
Joseph Frisby Denton, G, Jr.
The Broncos’ offense had been lacking a 3-point threat for a few seasons, but the District 5-5A firstteam selection was a consistent threat from outside with 2.5 3-pointers made per game. He also averaged 12 points per game and fit nicely into their transition offense while dishing out just shy of two assists per game.
James Helzer Calvary, F, Sr.
Some would say Helzer played against lesser competition in a small TAPPS classification, but the stats don’t lie. The Calvary big man led the Denton area with 21 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and shot 53 percent from the field. Opposing coaches will be happy to see Helzer move on after a few years of leading the Lions’ in just about every way.
De’Vion Harmon Guyer, G, So.
Gabi Grisso
As part of a potent sophomore duo with guard De’Vion Harmon, Wilson elevated his game to another level after a breakout freshman season. The 6-7 athletic and versatile player averaged 16.3 points per game as a standout shooter as well as an affinity for getting to the hoop. He also pulled down 6.3 rebounds per game.
Grisso averaged 11.2 points and grabbed 8.9 rebounds per game. She led the team in scoring and was a first-team alldistrict selection. The 5-7 forward attacks the boards and is very effective driving the lane while mixing in a nice jumper. Grisso and her young teammates are poised to make Aubrey a force down the road.
Ponder, G, So.
second team Tatum Barber
Liberty Christian, G, Sr.
Lauren Heard Guyer, G, Jr.
It’s impossible to overlook Heard’s eye-popping numbers. The TCU signee and all-state guard scored 2,018 career points and led her team in every major statistical category. Her impact was evident as she kept the Lady Wildcats’ postseason hopes alive entering the final game of the season. Heard averaged 24.5 points, nine rebounds, 3.7 assists and 4.1 steals per game.
Ryan, F, Fr.
JaKeiya Morgan
Ryan, G, Sr.
co-offensive player of the year
co-newcomer of the year
Tyrus Johnson
Kaia Saylor
Denton, G, Jr.
Voted the District 5-5A co-offensive player of the year, Johnson simply did everything for the co-district champs. Offensively, he was a nightmare to guard, leading his team with 16.3 points per game with an array of offensive moves. He also had the intangible late-game knack to knock down game-winning 3-pointers, free throws or layups all season. Along with his six rebounds per game, Johnson averaged 3.5 steals per game.
Coach of the year
Russell Perkins Argyle
Perkins’ ability to turn Argyle into a nearly unbeatable force late in the regular season and playoffs cannot be understated. Argyle played five state-ranked teams in the postseason, losing only to the eventual state champions, Silsbee, in the state semifinals. The Eagles’ success was predicated on Perkins’ insistence on playing team basketball — highlighted by an unrelenting defense that allowed two teams to score 50 or more points this season.
Aubrey, C, Fr.
defensive player of the Year
Javon Modester
Traeli Calhoun
Ryan, G, Sr.
At 5-8 and pushing maybe 150 pounds, Modester was not the biggest guy in Ryan’s lineup. But the first-year starter was not afraid to drive the lane. A great on-ball defender and a oneman press break, Modester averaged 9.7 points, 2.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 steals to help Ryan to a share of the District 5-5A title.
Morgan transferred in from Lewisville and immediately made an impact while averaging 12.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 steals and 1.5 assists. She finished her senior year shooting 50 percent from the field. With Morgan helping lead the charge, Ryan advanced to the 5A Region I tournament.
Saylor excels in volleyball and basketball, but basketball is where she made the Lady Chaps a playoff contender for years to come. Saylor is a part of a squad without a senior on the roster. She helped the young squad reach the area round of the playoffs while averaging 11.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Her contributions helped Aubrey (23-10) squeak into the last playoff spot in a competitive district.
Defensive player of the year
Coach of the year
It was a difficult season for the Lady Warriors, especially after winning a TAPPS state title in each of the previous two seasons. But the senior guard did all she could to keep the recent tradition going while averaging 16.4 points per game. Barber also averaged six rebounds per game to go with her nearly two assists per game.
C’yera Coleman Ryan, G, Sr.
Coleman became a major factor in Ryan’s run to an unbeaten record in District 5-5A and its subsequent trip to the Class 5A Region I tournament, where it lost to eventual state champion Canyon. Coleman averaged 7.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals. She was the hero in a second-round win over Grapevine in which she drilled six 3-pointers.
Brielle Grove
Lake Dallas, G, Sr. Grove was a bright spot for a struggling Lake Dallas squad. The sharp-shooting guard averaged 10 points, 2.6 rebounds and dished out just more than two assists per game. Grove shot a blistering 40 percent from beyond the arc in District 14-5A play against some top-notch competition and 38 percent on the full season.
Sydney Meador Guyer, G, Sr.
Guyer got off to a hot start in District 6-6A play before a second-half fade, and Meador was a big reason for the Lady Wildcats’ success. As a legitimate scoring threat aside from superstar leading scorer Lauren Heard, Meador averaged 11.2 points per game to go with 1.1 assists and 1.4 steals. She also averaged 4.1 rebounds per game.
Gracie Sammons
Ryan, C, Sr.
Calhoun being named the defensive standout is a bit of a misnomer as she was the Lady Raiders’ leading scorer with 14.5 points per game. But she was every bit the gamechanger as well, and that showed in her intimidating presence on both ends of the floor. The Cisco College signee averaged 6.3 rebounds and 2.4 steals.
Argyle, G, Jr.
In her second season at Argyle, Standifer once again proved to be a lethal shooting threat for the Lady Eagles that allowed their inside threats to have their way with opponents. The Fresno State commit averaged 10.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game to go with her 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals. The all-state guard shot 38 percent from beyond the arc.
Williams was the engine that made the Lady Lions’ offense run. She averaged 11.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.9 steals per game as a standout floor general. Williams helped Ponder reach the area round before falling to a tough Sunnyvale squad and she was recognized as a first-team selection in District 9-3A.
Jay Wilson The 6-5 forward averaged 11.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, and showed how good he can be while consistently being relied upon in clutch situations. In a late-season game against district rival Denton, Wilson led a furious charge in the second half to pick up a win that eventually led to Ryan sharing the District 5-5A title with the Broncos.
Gabby Standifer
Kaia Williams
Aubrey, F, Fr.
offensive player of the Year
Jordan was a force for the Chaparrals, who just narrowly missed the playoffs. Jordan averaged 14.1 points and used his defensive quickness to average 3.3 steals per game. The shifty guard was known to weave through defenses with his impressive ball handling and often scored thanks to his ability to finish at the bucket.
Notable As an inside force, he averaged 8 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks Part of balanced Ryan scoring attack averaged 10.3 points, 3.7 rebounds Led Bearcats with 9 points per game, also averaged 5 rebounds, 4 assists Made eye-popping 52 of 101 shots from beyond arc, averaged 13 points A bright spot in a down year, he averaged 14.5 points, 10.3 boards
Jalen Wilson
impact player of the year
newcomer of the Year
Aubrey, G, Sr.
Name, school Pos. Year Cody Collinsworth, Pilot Point F/C So. Dan Dickenson, Ryan G Sr. Quincy Kemp, Pilot Point G Jr. MJ Leslie, Braswell G Fr. Braven Smith, Sanger F Sr.
co-newcomer of the year
In a starting lineup loaded with elite college-level talent, the point guard stood alone. Harmon was named Co-MVP of District 6-6A after leading his team in points (18.7), assists (4.8) and steals (1.6) per game. He also pulled down 4.2 rebounds per game while consistently serving as a lockdown defender tasked with shutting down some of the area’s top guards.
Damond Jordan
Third team
co-offensive player of the year Guyer, G, So.
Ponder, G, Jr.
As a District 5-5A first-team selection, Brown was all over the court for the co-district champion Broncos. Brown was one of the team’s top scorers with 12 points per game while leading the Broncos with a team-high 6.5 rebounds per game. He also dished out just more than two assists per game as the Broncos boasted several scoring options.
Argyle, F, Sr.
Calvary, G, So.
Sammons is a shifty guard who helped the Lady Lions reach the third round of the TAPPS 2A playoffs. She led the team in scoring with 13.4 points per game. She pulled down 5.1 rebounds, added 3.5 assists and ripped 3.9 steals per contest. Sammons is sure to lead the Lady Lions back to the playoffs for years to come with her ability to score from anywhere.
Skip Townsend Argyle
For the second time in his 44-year career, the legendary coach won three straight state championships, and this time it was on his way out of the business. Townsend led Argyle to four straight state championship games and won the last three before retiring last month. He ended his career with nine state championships while finishing his career with a 1,081-395 record. In the past four years, he tallied a 140-10 record at Argyle.
Photos by Jeff Woo/Denton Record-Chronicle, courtesy photos and file photos
The All-Area Basketball team was selected by the Denton Record-Chronicle’s sports staff in consultation with area high school coaches
Third team Name, school Pos. Year Tija Burns, Ryan G Jr. Kathimae Dow, Aubrey G Fr. Jocelyn Pierce, Argyle F Sr. Brooke Rollins, Sanger G So. Taylor Schertz, Krum C Sr.
Notable Averaged 6.5 points, 4.6 rebounds for district champion Ryan One of three star freshmen for Aubrey averaged 9 points and 4 steals Standout post defender averaged 5.6 points, 6 rebounds, 2.4 assists Well-rounded sophomore averaged 8 points, 5 boards, 5 assists, 3 steals Averaged 11.9 points, 5.4 rebounds to go with 1.1 assists, 1.9 steals