HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
Boys
Chris McDermott, Soph., Washington Notable: McDermott had four strong performances at the Brazosport tournament, but none was more impressive than his monster game in the finale against Angleton. The 6-8 sophomore collected a career-high 47 points on 19-for-25 shooting, grabbed 13 rebounds and finished with nine steals and four blocks in an 88-71 victory. McDermott is averaging 21.7 points, 15.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.8 blocks and 2.6 steals per game for Washington, which went 3-1 at the tournament and is 14-4 overall and 5-0 in District 23-4A.
What coach Vincent Grayson said: “Chris came out doing what he does every game — playing
hard and going after every basketball. He was more aggressive on the offensive side of the ball because our leading scorer was not playing. Chris was hitting on all cylinders, making jumps shots, free throws, left- and righthanded jump hooks. It was really something to see.”
Other nominees
Christian Jones, Fr., Mayde Creek: Jones was an all-tournament selection at the Glenn Holiday Classic. The freshman guard had 11 points and eight assists in the opener, then scored 23 and 14 points, respectively, in the final two games, which included a 66-63 loss to Del Valle in the championship game. Jones also had 15 points and 13 assists against Northbrook in a non-district game Friday.
Orlando Horton Jr., Jr., Clear Falls: In the Eric Medina Classic in Pasadena, Horton scored 23 points in a victory over Pearland and poured in 31 during a win against Cypress Woods. Clear Falls went 3-1 at the tournament and is 16-5 this season.
Trey Miller, Sr., Concordia Lutheran: Miller was named most valuable player of the Houston Private School Classic after three strong games. The senior guard averaged 22 points and six assists per game for the Crusaders, who won the gold bracket championship game against Grace Christian.
Girls
Zachara Perkins, Soph., St. Pius X Notable: Perkins produced an immaculate three-day showing at the Lake Travis tournament, guiding her team to a 2-2 record. Perkins had a triple-double with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 10 blocks against tournament runner-up Liberty Hill. She also had scoring and rebounding double-doubles of 27/10, 26/11 and 33/16 in the other three games. Perkins is averaging 23.6 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.7 blocks and 2.9 assists per game for the 13-6 Panthers.
What coach DeMya Walker Wheatfall said: “What’s most impressive about Z right now for me is her open-court, fastbreak passing. Her vision has been phenomenal. She is truly blossoming into one of the best in her class nationally.”
Other nominees
Brandolyn Freeman, Dickinson: The senior forward poured in a season-high 26 points during a 84-28 triumph over Brazoswood as the Gators secured their first District 24-6A victory.
Imani Ivery, Sr., Foster: In a 62-58 non-district victory over Waller, the senior guard collected 19 points, six rebounds, five assists, four steals and three blocks as Foster picked up its fifth consecutive win. Ivery is averaging 17.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 4.1 assists for the 12-7 Falcons, who are 5-0 in District 24-5A.
Aniyah Sanford, Jr., Langham Creek: Ina 70-30 non-district victory over Klein Forest, the junior guard finished with a team-high 15 points, four steals and three assists. Sanford is averaging 9.5 points, 3.9 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.7 steals per game for the 14-6 Lobos, who are 3-0 in District 16-6A action.