Denton Record-Chronicle

All-Area Basketball Team 2016-17

Boys Girls
First team Most Valuable
player
Most Valuable
player
First team
Grayson Carter Jamie Means
Guyer, F, Jr. Denton, F, Jr.
Carter was a key addition to the Wildcats roster in The Lady Broncos were led by Means all-around
what ended up being a breakthrough year on the state game. Along with the offensive imprint she has on
Class 6A landscape. Guyer was ranked in the state the team to the tune of 12 points per game, Means
poll for much of the season before bowing out in the was also a defensive anchor as she averaged five
first round of the playoffs. Carter, a 6-9 force in the rebounds per game to go along with her two blocks
middle, averaged 11.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.9 per contest. Means athleticism stood out as she was
blocks per game as a true rim protector. a first-team selection in District 5-5A.

David Davis Madison Ralston

Argyle, G, Sr. Argyle, F, Sr.
Nathan Priddy wasnt the only cant-miss shooter Ralston, like Vivian Gray, was a four-year starter for the
Argyle had in its arsenal. Davis, a senior, averaged highly successful Argyle program and started in eight
13.2 points and led the Eagles in assists with 178 in career state tournament games. The 6-foot, all-state
a monster year for the program. If Priddy wasnt lead- forward was Argyles second leading scorer (11.7
ing the charge, the Eagles always had Davis right there points per game) and pulled down 4.9 rebounds to
to pick up the slack. He finished with 155 rebounds go with 3.7 assists per game. She also averaged 1.6
and 78 steals. steals and nearly a block per game.

Gabriel Douglas Rhett Robinson

Ryan, G, Jr.
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.
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 teams 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
programs all-time leading scorer.
Krum, F, Jr.
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
Nathan Priddy Vivian Gray steals and 4.7 rebounds per contest.
Argyle, G, Sr. Argyle, F, Sr.
The run that Argyle made to this years state tournament in San Antonio may have come as a surprise to some people, but no one was shocked by 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 Gabby Standifer
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 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 Argyle, G, Jr.
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 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 sea- In her second season at Argyle, Standifer once again
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 sons 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 proved to be a lethal shooting threat for the Lady
while collecting an impressive 159 assists and 140 steals. all categories except assists. She was selected as the Texas Girls Coaches Association player of the year for Class 4A-1A. Eagles that allowed their inside threats to have their
way with opponents. The Fresno State commit aver-
aged 10.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game to go
impact player of the year co-offensive player of the year co-newcomer of the year impact player of the year with her 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals. The all-state guard
shot 38 percent from beyond the arc.

Tye Schluter Jalen Wilson Gabi Grisso Kaia Williams

Ponder, G, Jr. Guyer, G, So. Aubrey, F, Fr. Ponder, G, So.
As part of a potent Grisso averaged 11.2
Paired with Harris, Schluter drove Ponders offense sophomore duo with points and grabbed Williams was the engine that made the Lady Lions
with 14.1 points per game and was also a deadly guard DeVion Har- 8.9 rebounds per offense run. She averaged 11.2 points, 4.2 rebounds,
threat from beyond the arc. Schluter shot 39 percent mon, Wilson elevated game. She led the 4.6 assists and 2.9 steals per game as a standout
on his attempts from 3-point range. He oftentimes his game to another team in scoring and floor general. Williams helped Ponder reach the area
got the offense started and dished out a team-high level after a breakout was a first-team all- round before falling to a tough Sunnyvale squad and
2.8 assists per game to go with his 3.3 rebounds per freshman season. The district selection. The she was recognized as a first-team selection in District
game. 6-7 athletic and ver- 5-7 forward attacks 9-3A.
satile player averaged the boards and is very
second team 16.3 points per game
as a standout shooter
effective driving the
lane while mixing in second team
as well as an affin- a nice jumper. Grisso
Jalin Brown ity for getting to the and her young team- Tatum Barber
Denton, F, Sr. hoop. He also pulled mates are poised to Liberty Christian, G, Sr.
down 6.3 rebounds make Aubrey a force
As a District 5-5A first-team selection, Brown was all DeVion Harmon per game. down the road. Lauren Heard It was a difficult season for the Lady Warriors, espe-
over the court for the co-district champion Broncos. Guyer, G, So. Guyer, G, Jr. cially after winning a TAPPS state title in each of the
Brown was one of the teams top scorers with 12 In a starting lineup loaded with elite college-level talent, the Its impossible to overlook Heards eye-popping numbers. The previous two seasons. But the senior guard did all she
points per game while leading the Broncos with a point guard stood alone. Harmon was named Co-MVP of District TCU signee and all-state guard scored 2,018 career points and could to keep the recent tradition going while averag-
team-high 6.5 rebounds per game. He also dished out 6-6A after leading his team in points (18.7), assists (4.8) and led her team in every major statistical category. Her impact was ing 16.4 points per game. Barber also averaged six
just more than two assists per game as the Broncos steals (1.6) per game. He also pulled down 4.2 rebounds per evident as she kept the Lady Wildcats postseason hopes alive rebounds per game to go with her nearly two assists
boasted several scoring options. game while consistently serving as a lockdown defender tasked entering the final game of the season. Heard averaged 24.5 per game.
with shutting down some of the areas top guards. points, nine rebounds, 3.7 assists and 4.1 steals per game.
LeTre Darthard Cyera Coleman
Guyer, G, Jr. Ryan, G, Sr.
Darthard was often an overlooked key piece to Guyers newcomer offensive Coleman became a major factor in Ryans run to an
success. As one of the five Guyer players who averaged
double figures, there were plenty of scoring chances to
of the Year player of unbeaten record in District 5-5A and its subsequent

go around and he made the most of them. The athletic Jay Wilson the Year trip to the Class 5A Region I tournament, where it lost
to eventual state champion Canyon. Coleman aver-
wing player scored 10.8 points per game to go with Ryan, F, Fr. aged 7.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1
5.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per contest. He was also The 6-5 forward aver- JaKeiya steals. She was the hero in a second-round win over
an 88 percent foul shooter.
aged 11.2 points and Morgan Grapevine in which she drilled six 3-pointers.
4.4 rebounds per Ryan, G, Sr.
Joseph Frisby game, and showed how Morgan transferred in Brielle Grove
Denton, G, Jr. good he can be while from Lewisville and
immediately made an
Lake Dallas, G, Sr.
consistently being relied
The Broncos offense had been lacking a 3-point upon in clutch situa- co-offensive player of the year co-newcomer of the year impact while averaging Grove was a bright spot for a struggling Lake Dallas
threat for a few seasons, but the District 5-5A first- tions. In a late-season 12.6 points, 5.2 re- squad. The sharp-shooting guard averaged 10 points,
team selection was a consistent threat from outside
with 2.5 3-pointers made per game. He also averaged
game against district Tyrus Johnson Kaia Saylor bounds, 2.4 steals and 2.6 rebounds and dished out just more than two
rival Denton, Wilson led Denton, G, Jr. Aubrey, C, Fr. 1.5 assists. She finished assists per game. Grove shot a blistering 40 percent
12 points per game and fit nicely into their transition a furious charge in the her senior year shoot- from beyond the arc in District 14-5A play against
offense while dishing out just shy of two assists per Voted the District 5-5A co-offensive player of the year, Johnson simply did Saylor excels in volleyball and basketball, but basketball is where she
second half to pick up everything for the co-district champs. Offensively, he was a nightmare to made the Lady Chaps a playoff contender for years to come. Saylor is ing 50 percent from some top-notch competition and 38 percent on the
game. a win that eventually the field. With Morgan full season.
guard, leading his team with 16.3 points per game with an array of of- a part of a squad without a senior on the roster. She helped the young
led to Ryan sharing the fensive moves. He also had the intangible late-game knack to knock down squad reach the area round of the playoffs while averaging 11.1 points helping lead the charge,
James Helzer District 5-5A title with game-winning 3-pointers, free throws or layups all season. Along with his and 8.6 rebounds per game. Her contributions helped Aubrey (23-10) Ryan advanced to the Sydney Meador
Calvary, F, Sr. the Broncos. six rebounds per game, Johnson averaged 3.5 steals per game. squeak into the last playoff spot in a competitive district. 5A Region I tournament. Guyer, G, Sr.
Some would say Helzer played against lesser competi- Guyer got off to a hot start in District 6-6A play before
tion in a small TAPPS classification, but the stats dont Defensive defensive a second-half fade, and Meador was a big reason for
lie. The Calvary big man led the Denton area with 21 Coach of the year player of player of Coach of the year the Lady Wildcats success. As a legitimate scoring
points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and shot 53 per- threat aside from superstar leading scorer Lauren
cent from the field. Opposing coaches will be happy the year the Year Heard, Meador averaged 11.2 points per game to go
to see Helzer move on after a few years of leading the with 1.1 assists and 1.4 steals. She also averaged
Lions in just about every way. 4.1 rebounds per game.
Javon Traeli
Damond Jordan Modester Calhoun Gracie Sammons
Aubrey, G, Sr. Ryan, G, Sr. Ryan, C, Sr. Calvary, G, So.
At 5-8 and pushing Calhoun being
Jordan was a force for the Chaparrals, who just named the defensive Sammons is a shifty guard who helped the Lady Lions
maybe 150 pounds,
narrowly missed the playoffs. Jordan averaged 14.1 standout is a bit reach the third round of the TAPPS 2A playoffs. She
Modester was not
points and used his defensive quickness to average of a misnomer as led the team in scoring with 13.4 points per game.
the biggest guy
3.3 steals per game. The shifty guard was known to she was the Lady She pulled down 5.1 rebounds, added 3.5 assists
in Ryans lineup.
weave through defenses with his impressive ball han- and ripped 3.9 steals per contest. Sammons is sure
But the first-year Raiders leading
dling and often scored thanks to his ability to finish at to lead the Lady Lions back to the playoffs for years to
starter was not scorer with 14.5 come with her ability to score from anywhere.
the bucket. points per game.
afraid to drive the
lane. A great on-ball But she was every
Third team Russell Perkins
Argyle
defender and a one-
man press break,
bit the gamechanger
as well, and that
Skip Townsend
Argyle Third team
Name, school Pos. Year Notable Perkins ability to turn Argyle into a nearly unbeatable force late Modester averaged showed in her in- For the second time in his 44-year career, the legendary coach Name, school Pos. Year Notable
Cody Collinsworth, Pilot Point F/C So. As an inside force, he averaged in the regular season and playoffs cannot be understated. Argyle 9.7 points, 2.4 as- timidating presence won three straight state championships, and this time it was on Tija Burns, Ryan G Jr. Averaged 6.5 points, 4.6 rebounds
8 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks played five state-ranked teams in the postseason, losing only to sists, 2.6 rebounds on both ends of the his way out of the business. Townsend led Argyle to four straight for district champion Ryan
Dan Dickenson, Ryan G Sr. Part of balanced Ryan scoring attack the eventual state champions, Silsbee, in the state semifinals. and 2.5 steals to floor. The Cisco Col- state championship games and won the last three before retiring Kathimae Dow, Aubrey G Fr. One of three star freshmen for Aubrey
averaged 10.3 points, 3.7 rebounds The Eagles success was predicated on Perkins insistence on help Ryan to a share lege signee averaged last month. He ended his career with nine state championships averaged 9 points and 4 steals
Quincy Kemp, Pilot Point G Jr. Led Bearcats with 9 points per game, playing team basketball highlighted by an unrelenting defense of the District 5-5A 6.3 rebounds and while finishing his career with a 1,081-395 record. In the past Jocelyn Pierce, Argyle F Sr. Standout post defender averaged 5.6
also averaged 5 rebounds, 4 assists that allowed two teams to score 50 or more points this season. title. 2.4 steals. four years, he tallied a 140-10 record at Argyle. points, 6 rebounds, 2.4 assists
MJ Leslie, Braswell G Fr. Made eye-popping 52 of 101 shots Brooke Rollins, Sanger G So. Well-rounded sophomore averaged
from beyond arc, averaged 13 points Photos by Jeff Woo/Denton Record-Chronicle, courtesy photos and file photos 8 points, 5 boards, 5 assists, 3 steals
Braven Smith, Sanger F Sr. A bright spot in a down year, he Taylor Schertz, Krum C Sr. Averaged 11.9 points, 5.4 rebounds
averaged 14.5 points, 10.3 boards The All-Area Basketball team was selected by the Denton Record-Chronicles sports staff in consultation with area high school coaches to go with 1.1 assists, 1.9 steals