Joshua Baskin, Bowie’s standout guard, is already being called “arguably the best player in the Austin area,” and he is just one of 55 Central Texas high school basketball players ready to hit the court as UIL programs officially tip off their season this Friday. While some private schools in the Austin area have already gotten a game under their belts, the real season begins now, with teams set to be playing at least twice a week starting Monday. Get ready, because this winter is about to be wild.
The Heavy Hitters and Rising Stars Lighting Up the Hardwood
When you talk about players who can take over a game, Baskin leads the charge. The guy was a first-team all-Central Texas pick, putting up 16 points, 3.6 boards, 3.1 assists, and a ridiculous 2.5 steals per game. He’s the main reason the Bowie Bulldogs could take home the District 26-6A title, no doubt. But he is not alone. Kingston Colter, the combo guard from Manor New Tech, does everything for his Titans, coming off a season where he averaged 15.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.2 steals, and 3.8 assists. That’s a stat sheet stuffer if we have ever seen one. Then there is Colin Cook from Hyde Park, who was the area’s scoring leader last winter with a massive 27 points per game and is now pacing the Panthers’ playoff hopes in TAPPS District 3-5A.
Keep your eyes peeled for Cason Davis from Austin High. He might be the area’s best player you do not know about yet, but you should. The junior forward dropped 15.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per contest, helping the Maroons punch their ticket to the 6A playoffs. And what about the next generation? Brayden Bell, a sophomore forward from Liberty Hill, already started as a freshman and is set to take on a bigger scoring role. He could easily be one of the top players in the area within a year. Nico Cajas, a sophomore guard from St. Michael’s, is another name that will be well known by season’s end, already a top player on a Warriors team that could be the best in the area. Silas Clark, an electric junior guard for Regents, was an all-district pick, averaging 13 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.7 rebounds. Tytan Crayton, a 6-foot-5 forward from San Marcos, was all-district as a freshman with 10 points and 7 rebounds a game, and he is only going to get better. Cole Davenport, St. Stephen’s junior guard, will be their top scoring option after averaging 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Lockdown Defense and Unsung Heroes
It is not all about offense, right? Skyler Elliott, a senior guard from Hendrickson, was the American-Statesman’s defensive player of the year last winter, averaging 2.2 steals and 3 deflections a game. He is one of four returning starters for a Hawks team that went 30-7. That is serious winning. Alex Allen, a senior forward from Westlake, was a key piece in the Chaps’ run to the Class 6A Division II state championship game and is a true lockdown defender. Osas Edo, a senior forward from Pflugerville, is strong on both ends of the court, and he is a big reason the Panthers have their sights set firmly on the postseason.
The Maroons have a powerful one-two punch with Davis and senior wing Brady Ford, who shot 44 percent from the field and averaged 10.3 points and 6 rebounds. Ethan Fox, a junior guard from Vandegrift, is stepping into a major role for a Vipers program that has been perennially strong. And then there is Powell Frickenschmidt, the point guard for a Westlake team that won 32 games and finished runner-up in Class 6A Division II. He is an impactful player who probably does not get enough credit for what he brings to the court.
The court action starts heating up Monday, with teams playing twice a week. Keep an eye on these names as the Central Texas high school basketball season truly gets rolling. This winter is going to be one for the books!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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