Best in Texas?

[Raider Boy]

Just a quick question. Who is the best high school girls basketball player in the state of Texas? Alesha Robertson, Tiffany Jackson or Leah Rush?

Robertson signed with Tech...Jackson signed with Texas....and Rush signed with Oklahoma.

[35TangoTango]

Just a quick answer - yes.

[swok34]

Have to go with Tiffany Jackson.


Tiffany Jackson 6'3 F, Duncanville TX, Duncanville HS USA Today Junior All-America, Street & Smith All-America First Team (2002), HM (2001); USA Youth Development Festival South Team, Showtime Nationals All-America, Metro Newcomer of the Year (2001), adidas Top Ten Camp Underclass All-Star co-MVP (2001), Upperclass All-Star, TGCA 4A All-State First Team, All-Area First Team (2002). 18 ppg, 8.5 rpg. AGS no. 4, ASGR no. 2, BS no. 2. Signed with Texas.


Leah Rush 6'1 PF, Amarillo TX, Amarillo HS USA Youth Development Festival South Team, adidas Top Ten Camp Underclass All-Star (2001), Nike All-America Camp (2002), Street & Smith All-America HM (2001, 2002), TABC 5A All-State First Team (2002), TGCA 5A All-State Second Team (2002). AGS no. 26, ASGR no. 18, BS no 28. Signed with Oklahoma.


Alesha Robertson5'10 W, Plainview TX, Plainview HS Street & Smith All-America Sixth Team (2002), USA Youth Development Festival South Team, AAU 17U All-America (2002), TABC and TGCA 4A All-State First Team (2002). ASGR no. 65, BS no. 22. Signed with Texas Tech.

[RaiderPower1]

Alesha's numbers were almost exactly equal to TJ's of last season. If I can remember correctly, Alesha and Welch of OU had the almost exact numbers as well. It was something like 18 ppg and 8.1 rpg so the stats aren't too different between AR and TJ.

Just a reminder: AR had 30 or 34 points in the state championship game. TJ had something like 12?

[Press]

They're all great players and they all bring something different to the floor. TJ's a super athlete, Leah is tough and a workhorse and Robertson is a very good at all four positions. If I have to pick just one, I would to say that TJ, with her athleticism and ability to play inside and outside. (I still think she's better inside.) I think Alesha is by far the most offensive-minded of the three and has a very high basketball IQ. Her stock has gone up significantly over the summer, now at #29 by the All-Star Girls Report.

Alesha Robertson the quintessential West Texas gbb player.




[This message has been edited by Press (edited 11-18-2002).]

[doubleT]

Why didn't you post Robertson's or Rush's stats? Their stats look about the same as Jackson's...

As a junior, Robertson averaged 18.3 points and 8.5 rebounds and poured in 30 in her season opener against Trinity Christian.

Rush, also as a junior, averaged 17 points and 13.5 rebounds.

Tech's Robertson and Baughman along with OU's Rush and Welch all played for the same AAU team who won the national Championship.

I can't say much about Jackson..her stats and honors look great, but I saw her play three times last year and was not impressed. Two of those games were in the playoffs...one of which Alesha Robertson upstaged Jackson in the state title game by scoring 34 points on 12-of-13 shooting...

Who's 4-A team won the state championship the last 2 years? Not Jackson's...it was Robertson's Plainview team.

Who was the tournament MVP? Not Jacskon...it was Robertson.

I think Robertson lost a lot of stock when she ended her school search before her junior year even started. She verballed to Tech over a year ago and I think that does play into how the recruiting process and rankings are affected. The recruiting gurus and rankings can say what they want, but I don't neccessarily agree after seeing both players play...especially in head-to-head action.

I think Rush will be a great player...but I feel that she is a project. Much like Cisti Greenwalt at TTU...she will need a lot of work to live up to her potential.

I think Robertson is tech's answer to the three spot and will fill a piece of the puzzle for a team who looks to be the best it's ever been. Here's what Marsha said about Robertson after she signed with Tech...

"Alesha has the chance to be one of the best power forwards to ever play at Tech," Sharp said. "We see her playing at the three position on the perimeter for us. There is no question that she immediately brings a mentality and a scoring ability that we will really enjoy having."

Here's a quote from Robertson's high school coach...

“The thing that makes Alesha so tough is that she is so versatile,” Wrenn said. “She can do so many things. She can shoot the 3. She can take you off the dribble. She can post you up. She can play facing the basket or with her back to the basket. She has a lot of offensive skills and that causes problems for people. Who do you put on her? Somebody that´s big? She will just go outside and go by them. If you use somebody small, she will just go post them up.”

...everyone makes a lot of Jackson's versatility, but Robertson is just as versatile...Jackson has some height on Robertson, but Robertson has great hops and is quicker. just remember, Robertson has defended Jackson and Jackson has defended her...and Robertson won the battle...

Sorry for the long post...this is just my two cents on the match-ups...I personally think Robertson is as good of a recruit, if not better than Jackson. One thing I do follow closely is H.S. basketball and recruting. I never understood why Jackson was rated so much higher than Robertson. But the good thing for Jackson this year is she won't have to go up against Robertson. Since Jackson transfered to 5-A Duncanville, she won't have to play Robertson again until Texas and Tech meet next year. Lucky for Jackson http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/wink.gif

Just for a fun mental picture...Robertson used to play basketball on rollerskates...LOL...would love to see that...

Go http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/ttu.gif

[Bobcat4956]

Well I have not seen Robertson play so I cannot comment on her. I have heard she is a great player and I am sure Tech is glad to have her. HOWEVER, I would take Tiffany over her in a minute. Don't think the likes of UConn, Duke, Tennessee, LSU etc. would be after her if she was not HIGHLY regarded. I am THRILLED to have her at Texas. I think one of the reasons her stats are not more impressive offensively, is because of two things. One - she was put in and pulled out of games alot at Lincoln. Two - she is a GREAT defensive player with unbelievable quickness. She is the best high school women's athlete I have seen since Tamika Catchings. Her upside is tremendous. STATS CAN BE DECEIVING. TIME WILL TELL.

[Press]

I saw Lincoln play a couple times last year and they had no discipline and that coach didn't use his players effectively. They could never harness all that athleticism enough to put too much consistancy together. It will be interesting to see TJ play in another system this year at Duncanville. I'm sure her numbers will be better because they'll build it around her.

[doubleT]

bobcat4956...my point in illustrating the matchup between the two in the title game was to show that not TJ, nor anyone else on her team, could contain Alesha...where's the "GREAT" D? Alesha was the MVP with 34 points...TJ had 12. Do you see my point here? I have seen them play in head-to-head competition...on that particular day, Alesha blew TJ out of the water. We'll have to wait and see what happens this year, but so far I'm completely sold on Alesha and not on TJ...this is based just what I've seen in person.

As I explained earlier...why would Tenn, Uconn, LSU, Duke, etc. continue to pursue Alesha when Tech was the only school on her list? She was barely 16 and just starting her junior year in high school when she gave her verbal to Tech. Other coaches knew it was a lost cause...that's why Robertson was never a "high profile recruit." She knew where she was going before she was even 12 years old...she wasn't interested in what any other school had to offer.

TJ's numbers may increase being at Duncanville now, but I'm sure Alesha's will also since Welch is not there to share the scoring load. Everything in these posts is heresay...but I'm trying to use the facts to support my claim that Alesha is the best HS player in Texas. I guess it's hard to say for sure...but I do know that Alesha took care of business and put away TJ and co. last season.

[This message has been edited by doubleT (edited 11-19-2002).]

[swok34]

Why didn't you post Robertson's or Rush's stats? Their stats look about the same as Jackson's...

Because I cut and pasted the information directly from Sibyl's site http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif I was more interested in posting the recruiting ranking numbers, since there's no way I'm going to be partial...

I'm going to say Leah Rush, simply because she's coming to OU and I'm a homer......I've never seen a single one of them play.
Though the recruiting ranking numbers support Jackson as being the best player out of Texas.



[This message has been edited by swok34 (edited 11-19-2002).]

[Bobcat4956]

Well Double T I am sure above all else that simply because Alesha is going to Texas Tech that she HAS to be the best player in the state. The fact that she will be attending Tech makes her the best player. You should let all the experts know that they are wrong for ranking Tiffany anywhere from No. 1 to No. 3 in the Nation. So you have Alesha and I am sure she is a fine player, but I WILL TAKE TIFFANY ANY DAY. Like I said, only time will tell. I can tell you one thing for sure. I AM VERY HAPPY WITH OUR RECRUITING CLASSES THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. GO HORNS!!!!!

[BigUtFan]

Ditto Bobcat to doubleT.....TJ is THE number 1 player in the state of Texas, anywhere from #'s 1 thru 4 nationally and I could continue but I won't. Of course we are all proud of the players our schools recruited, but I would take TJ over Roberstson any day. I have seen her play and will see her play tonight in Duncanville. She is an incredible athlete and her versatility to play at any position is astounding. Let's see, if I'm not mistaken Ms. Conradt has signed the top Texas playerS three out of the last four years and SWOOPED into the panhandle for two really good players last year and this year as well. The number 2 recruiting class nationally...hmmmmm, perhaps another trend here. Am I being sarcastic, yes. You have already started smack about players that haven't even played a collegiate game yet. And of course, anyone that signs with TT is going to be better than anyone else. I guess the media and coaches(who really know more about the game than we do) got all of TJ's stats wrong. Last statement....Coach Conradt gave up her AD responsibilities and she is back with a renewed passion and her team reflects it. LOOK OUT............SHE'S BACK!!!!

[grojc]

Ditto Bigutfan. This has got to be the most ridiculous thread I've seen on this board. We got a good recruit. Some people can't deal with that.

[Guns Up!]

But, TJ wants to play out of position! ....will Jody let her?

[Bobcat4956]

I am not so sure you people who are not Texas fans should worry about what Coach Conradt will do with Tiffany. We are just happy to have her. Interesting you would say out of position. She handles the ball better and is quicker than most guards I have seen. Like I said, time will tell. GO HORNS!!!!!

[BigUtFan]

Originally posted by grojc:
Ditto Bigutfan. This has got to be the most ridiculous thread I've seen on this board. We got a good recruit. Some people can't deal with that.

AGREED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Press]

Originally posted by BigUtFan:
Ditto Bobcat to doubleT.....TJ is THE number 1 player in the state of Texas, anywhere from #'s 1 thru 4 nationally and I could continue but I won't. Of course we are all proud of the players our schools recruited, but I would take TJ over Roberstson any day. I have seen her play and will see her play tonight in Duncanville. She is an incredible athlete and her versatility to play at any position is astounding. Let's see, if I'm not mistaken Ms. Conradt has signed the top Texas playerS three out of the last four years and SWOOPED into the panhandle for two really good players last year and this year as well. The number 2 recruiting class nationally...hmmmmm, perhaps another trend here. Am I being sarcastic, yes. You have already started smack about players that haven't even played a collegiate game yet. And of course, anyone that signs with TT is going to be better than anyone else. I guess the media and coaches(who really know more about the game than we do) got all of TJ's stats wrong. Last statement....Coach Conradt gave up her AD responsibilities and she is back with a renewed passion and her team reflects it. LOOK OUT............SHE'S BACK!!!!

And I vote you, BigUTFan, the "quintessential" UT Fan! I thought I was reading the Horn football board for a min. http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/biggrin.gif http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/wink.gif

Tit for tat, rankings are always personal opinions anyway, so I don't think their is an "official" answer to this question. D1 ball is alot different that HS, I don't care where they play. Some players respond quickly, some take more time and some just never cut the mustard. We'll find out whose best in a few years, but until then, I'm glad they're all great players and I'm still pissed that Rush left the state. http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/frown.gif

[This message has been edited by Press (edited 11-19-2002).]

[JK]

Not all great recruits make great college players. Ashley Robinson was the number two recruit nationally and... I think the key is that a recruit picks the program that best suits them. For example, IMO, one of the best choices Swoopes ever made was leaving UT and going to Juco and then on to Tech. She was exactly what Tech needed and and vice versa. Had Ashley Robinson gone to Texas instead of Tennessee, I am convinced she'd be a star by now. Say what you will about her injuries and whatever, but Tennessee over recruits. Both Jody and Marsha are good at strategically recruiting in alternating years, so not to be overloaded at one position and short-handed at another -- rather than hoarding up every All-American they can get their hands on regardless of position. I'm sure Robertson and Jackson are both gong to solve some significant issues for their respective college teams. I know this, TJ is just what WE need!!! Ditto Bobcat, I am thrilled to have her.!!!

[BigUtFan]

Originally posted by Press:
And I vote you, BigUTFan, the "quintessential" UT Fan! I thought I was reading the Horn football board for a min. http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/biggrin.gif http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/wink.gif Thanks..........I'll wear it with pride!!!! http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif

Tit for tat, rankings are always personal opinions anyway, so I don't think their is an "official" answer to this question. D1 ball is alot different that HS, I don't care where they play. Some players respond quickly, some take more time and some just never cut the mustard. We'll find out whose best in a few years, but until then, I'm glad they're all great players and I'm still pissed that Rush left the state. http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/frown.gif

[This message has been edited by Press (edited 11-19-2002).]

[doubleT]

OK...UT fans...you're missing my point...and you are being homers about your recruit just as you say I am...I would have loved to have landed TJ too, but I strongly feel we got the better recruit, the one we really needed...who would I want playing the 3 on my team...I would take Robertson over TJ (GASP, how could that be...)

because in head-to-head competition...Robertson was the BETTER of the two...they both have the same stats...but Alesha has been a champion, has a very high basketball IQ and is ready to impact her team immediately. Everyone knows TJ has great potential, but I'm sorry, she's still a project. Head to head competition is my proof and that's all I need to know that Alesha is better...since most of you have probably never seen either of them play, you'll just have to wait for another year to pass to see them go up against each other again. So, Homer or not...I have seen the proof...

those who live and die by the "expert's" rankings are dillusional, so with everything that I've said... I will not post any more on these two athletes until they are playing D1 ball since this is like arguing with my dog...doesn't matter what I say, I'm wrong, right? Well we'll see...

[This message has been edited by doubleT (edited 11-19-2002).]

[35TangoTango]

Absolutely the dumbest thread we've had on here since Cardinal was around.

[BigUtFan]

AMEN............Double T just doesn't seem to get it. No more from me either...it just does not rate a response.

[TXSNOS]

Rather than have to chose between Jackson and Robertson, let me be the first to say that I would have wanted them both. Just imagine how good your team would be with both of them on the floor at the same time!!

TXs N Os

[RaiderPower1]

I think it is a good discussion, but it would be kinda crazy for a Tech fan to say that TJ is better and for a Longhorn fan to say Alesha is better. That would be weird because we are all homers.

I mean take last year's class for example. Who would UT fans rather have? Erin Grant or Nina Norman? I think just about every longhorn fan on this board would have picked the recruit they signed: Nina Norman. Now the question that can be answered THIS year is which is the better of THESE two? My point is, let us not focus on how NEXT year's recruits will match up against each other NEXT year cause so many things can happen between now and then. Both players could develop tremendously, or one could be left in the dust, who knows?

Now, I am interested in how Erin Grant and Nina Norman will match up! Fortunately, we will get to see them go head to head this season.

But just for the record, I would rather have Alesha. http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/wink.gif http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/wink.gif http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/wink.gif

[Press]

I would have loved to have seen this game between Plainview and Amarillo High. Plainview, ranked #1 in 4-A, wins this won convincingly 69-43, over Amarillo, the #6 ranked 5-A team in the state.

Texas Tech signee Robertson poured in 33 points, and Rush, an Oklahoma signee, led Amarillo High with 12 points and hauled down nine rebounds.
http://www.panhandlesports.com/stories/112302/vol_plainview.shtml