RCS Sports’ “Season Opener” kicks off the Greater Houston Area basketball season. Every November teams can find out exactly who they are early in the year thanks to this event. The M.O Campbell center should be rocking as teams and fans are eager to get the season started. With several state champions, and regional finalists on the docket, this event will be a treat for fans. Here are my predictions for each game.
10:30AM- Nimitz vs North Shore
North Shore, coming off a 26-10 season, has a deep and talented roster led by 2019 F Keiman Capers. He’s expected to be the leader of this group along with 6’7 senior Jalen Means. Sophomore guards Deveon Taylor and Jakari Marshall will add some scoring from the perimeter. Nimitz didn’t have a great showing at the RCS Super 16 last month, but they look to bounce back and send a message in their home away from home, the Campbell Center. Led by 2019 Andre Washington & 2020 Reggie Comeaux, Nimitz won’t be an easy out for the Mustangs.
Prediction: Northshore 61- Nimitz 52
NOON- Humble vs Houston Christian
Sans Sahvir Wheeler, Houston Christian will have to fill his void with a combination of 2021 guards. Noah Kon, & Kobe Haynes will be counted on heavily to keep this team afloat until their leaders gets back from injury. With several guys on the roster who won the SPC championship last year, look for HC to use its experience to its advantage. 2019 guard Ty Archibald has added some toughness, and scoring, he had a really good fall with his new team. After a 30-9 season last year, Humble brings back a ton of depth, looking to make a run at Atascocita for the 22-6A crown. 2019 Kendrick Gathe, 2020’s Dylan Miles & Malik Nash are the 3 headed monster that will lead the charge for the Wildcats. Humble is a little deeper than HC, and I think they maybe a little better than what people think.
PREDICTION: Humble 67- Houston Christian 64
1:30 PM- Sam Houston vs Spring Woods
This should be a highly contested game as both squads have seniors who’ve combined for more than 120 varsity game starts. Sam Houston is coming off a good fall, getting to the championship game in the Super 16. Chris Green, TJ Mingo, & Marlon Jackson are looking to jump their senior year off with a bang. Coach Ralph Barreras brings an attitude of toughness and intensity and this team will reflect that on the court. Spring Woods also has a trio of 2019’s who’ve been around the block a time or two. UTEP signee Jesse Zarzuela, Nico Hardin, and Darian Gibson are looking to help the Tigers take the next step from an average team to a good one, a win vs Sam Houston would be a big time start.
PREDICTION: Sam Houston 75-Spring Woods 63
3PM- Dickinson vs Morton Ranch
Morton Ranch, the preseason #1 team in the city is loaded. With four starters coming back, and getting 3 new transfers, they will be the team to beat in the greater Houston area. Injuries have prevented them from being at full strength this fall, so it will be interesting to see how they look on Saturday. Dickinson just got the tough news that junior guard Marcus Williams was ruled ineligible, which a major blow to the Gators. The anticipated match up of 2020 lead guards Tramon Mark vs LJ Cryer is something we’ve all been waiting for. This will also be a battle of “Robin’s”… Dickinson’s 2020 guard Deuce Guidry will be counted on to show up big, as will Morton Ranch’s 6’10 monster big Eddie Lampkin. I think the depth & size of Morton Ranch will be too much for Dickinson.
Morton Ranch 74- Dickinson 67
4:30PM- Yates vs Beaumont United
One team has a rich tradition and history, & the other is trying create their own legacy. Yates is coming off another regional final appearance, and is positioned to make a run at rival Silsbee. United is starting their 1st varsity season and to get the inaugural “W” vs Yates would be special. The individual match up of 2020 point guards Rubin Jones vs Kasen Harrison will be one to keep an eye on, as both guards look to continue to build their resume for college coaches. Yates junior guard Antwon Norman & senior Kayden Rose bring outside shooting and experience, which is what will be the difference in this game. This will be entertaining and fast paced due to the full court pressure of both teams.
PREDICTION: Yates 83- Beaumont United 70
6PM Concordia Lutheran vs Port Arthur Memorial
The battle of state champions collide as the 5A kings take on the reigning TAPPS 6A champs. Both teams had some kinks to work out in the fall, with the addition and subtractions of new players. CL added 6’7 Kansas State signee Montavious Murphy, and guard Evan Palmquist to an already stacked group, headlined by Sam Houston pledge, Pierce Hellums. PA Memorial added freshman guard Amare Abrams to their mix, after losing valuable players like Darion Chatman, Jamyus Jones, and Jomard Valsin. The Titans inside 2020 duo of Kenneth Lofton JR, and Nate Clover will be a tall task for Concordia Lutheran, and Murphy. This game will feature contrasting styles of play, with excellent defense being the one similarity between the teams, it will come down to who executes the best.
PREDICTION: Concordia Lutheran 80- PA Memorial 70
7:30PM- Eisenhower vs Klein Forest
Save the best game of the day for last. By the time this game starts it will be time to put the women and children to bed! A school separated by 7 miles, these kids are neighbors and have played against each other since 3rd grade. KF’s Kharee McDaniel will have the pleasure to tango with the Redus twins (2019’s Ja’Mare and Ja’Mere). Calvin Solomon will be the X factor for the Golden Eagles, if he can continue to be a threat offensively, it may be a long night for Ike. Eisenhower will have a committee of players trying to keep up with the 6’7 Solomon, with the job lying primarily with 2019 forward Faybeon Shelton. Ike’s Matthew Barber and Patrick Punch will be need to step up and provide energy and toughness for the Eagles to have a chance in this game. I’m going with my head and my heart on this one.
PREDICTION: Eisenhower 75- Klein Forest 70