2025 TEXAS INVITATIONAL

By LaQuita Thompson

Houston, Tx – The Texas Invitational has arrived, drawing teams from across the Texas Triangle region for an exciting competition. This tournament, a partnership between the city of Pasadena and Pasadena ISD, holds significant prestige for both girls’ and boys’ teams. Beyond the thrill of the games, the event generates millions of dollars for the city, which plays a crucial role in funding essential projects within the school district and beyond.

The tournament showcased several standout teams and players, particularly highlighting the champions. Seven Lakes has consistently fielded a talented girls’ basketball team, competing at the highest levels for several years.

Although they lost Justice Carlton, a top-five rated player who now plays for the University of Texas, her sister Madison has emerged as a promising talent. Madison caught the attention of many as a freshman, demonstrating her skills and potential on the court.

Madison Carlton is a tall player with a strong rebounding ability, and I’ve noticed significant growth in her gameplay. She has a reliable short jumper and consistently strives to finish strong around the rim. Next year, she plans to take her talents to the University of Houston.

Breona Kirtz, a 5-7 junior guard, showcases an aggressive approach when driving to the basket. With her robust athletic build, she excels at absorbing contact to penetrate defenses, yet she remains a threat from the perimeter, confidently taking open shots when available.

I was particularly impressed by the physicality of Junior Guard Willtrace Ngoh. Her impressive physique allows her to move effectively on the court, and she isn’t afraid to battle for rebounds. While I didn’t get a clear sense of her offensive capabilities, her size and athletic build certainly stood out to me.

SB Memorial has captured my admiration for several years. Their style of play is impressive, and the coach excels at maximizing each player’s potential. Ivy Oliver, a 5-9 senior point guard, stands out as a true floor general. She skillfully navigates through traffic and has a knack for scoring. Her ability to make timely decisions is crucial, highlighting the essential qualities of an effective point guard.

Allison Moss, a 6-0 senior small forward, and Saniyah Paulus, a 5-9 sophomore power forward, are both vital assets to the team. Moss excels as a sharp shooter, consistently making her mark with quick catch-and-shoot opportunities. In contrast, Paulus brings a physical presence to the court, utilizing her strength and impressive footwork to dominate inside the paint.

Draden Moss, a 6-foot senior shooting guard committed to Princeton, is truly a standout talent. Her footwork is the smoothest I’ve observed this preseason, allowing her to score effortlessly from all three levels.

I am particularly impressed by her finesse, especially in her fadeaway shots and one-legged finishes. Watching her play is a delight, and I have no doubt she will make a significant impact at Princeton next year.

SA Judson is a challenging team that demands respect on the court; complacency is not an option when facing them. While their collective effort is commendable, the standout player is undoubtedly senior point guard Laney Arredondo.

Despite her smaller stature, her influence during games is profound, showcasing skills that surpass many players observed over the weekend. Arredondo is not only adept at scoring from all three levels but also plays with a strategic mindset that enhances her performance on both offense and defense. Next year, she will take her talents to McNeese, where her impact is sure to continue.

Barber’s Hill is a team I highlighted two weeks ago during another tournament, and they continue to climb the ranks in terms of visibility. Among the players catching my attention are 2026 Autumn Lecompte and 2027;s Brooklyn Roberson and stand-out guard Jayci Lackey, all of whom are on my radar for their impressive performances.

Summer Creek is a team I love watching and previously highlighted, but this time, I was particularly impressed by Junior Guard/Forward Kaylen Alexander. Her length allows her to contest shots effectively, grab rebounds, and create defensive chaos.

What surprised me was her scoring ability from the perimeter; she can confidently sink three-pointers and has a smooth short elbow jumper. My admiration for her grew even more this weekend.

Boswell is an up-and-coming team that showcases a tenacious defensive style and a relentless approach to shooting three-pointers.

Among the players to keep an eye on are sophomore guards Aniya Jones and Blessing Washington, along with senior guards Selena Carrasco, Destiny O’Connor, and Kaliyah Hyman. Their collective talent and determination make them a formidable presence on the court.

Cypress Creek is renowned for producing standout athletes, including the celebrated champions Rori Harmon currently a UT Longhorns stand-out and Kyndall Hunter currently with the UH Cougars.

This season, keep an eye on 5-9 sophomore guard Kaycie Hanks, who excels at shooting from beyond the arc. Her impressive mid-range jumper and adept ball-handling skills allow her to thrive under pressure, making her a player to watch.

Aubrey Hampton, a 6-3 senior post player, boasts a powerful physique that makes her a powerful presence in the paint.

She excels at finishing strong around the rim and grabbing rebounds, but her skills extend beyond the key; she can also knock down a three-pointer when the opportunity arises. Next year, she will take her talents to Georgia State University.

The championship teams are brimming with talent. SA Brennan and Hoopfest champions Pearland Dawson stand out as two formidable contenders that I believe will not only secure high seeds for the playoffs but also make a strong showing as the tournament progresses.

Dawson’s trio, featuring 2026’s Kendall Ford (committed to Tarleton State), Journey Lovett (committed to Bradley), and 2027’s Faith Etienne, This presents a significant challenge for both offensive and defensive strategies.

When all three players are in sync, they can dominate the game, showcasing their exceptional skills. This group is arguably among the finest two-way players in the city and ranks highly within the state, making them a significant threat to any opponent.

The champions of the 2025 Texas Invitational, SA Brennan, are led by senior guard Bella Flemings, a five-star recruit set to continue her basketball journey at Duke University.

Flemings is a versatile player who excels in multiple aspects of the game. She possesses the ability to score effectively, showcasing her strength and athleticism. Whether finishing through contact in the paint or executing a smooth pull-up jumper, she consistently makes an impact. Additionally, her commitment to defense is evident as she excels in one-on-one situations, making her presence on the court intimidating.

Senior guard Janea Walls the University of North Texas in Dallas commit is a dynamic player who proves difficult to defend. With her aggressive approach to driving into the paint and a fierce intensity that exemplifies strong leadership, she brings a valuable skill set to the team. UNT is certainly gaining a remarkable talent.

One player I’m closely monitoring is Deylamore Tapia, a 5-9 freshman combo guard. She showcases impressive athleticism and a knack for scoring, making her a standout on the court. Additionally, her skills as a lockdown defender allow her to create opportunities for steals and fast-break points. I’m definitely keeping an eye on her development.