Bellaire/West U roundup: Jags in best ever start

It's been a record-breaking season so far for the Emery/Weiner girls basketball team.

After struggling to a 2-25 mark a year ago, the Jaguars took a 16-2 record to the recent Fort Bend Baptist Holiday Classic. By far, it's the best start in the program's history.

"We're 16-2, but we easily could be 18-0," said Terry Tucker, Emery/Weiner's second-year head coach. "Our two losses were by two and three points. We've been in every game."

Among the highlights to date are a title at the Beren/Emery Yaffe Invitational Basketball Tournament and victories over Duchesne, Incarnate Word, John Cooper, St. Thomas Episcopal and Sugar Land Logos Prep.

But Tucker said the competition will get considerably tougher, with TAPPS District 4-4A play around the corner. Emery/Weiner will be severely tested by the likes of reigning TAPPS Class 4A state champion and top-ranked Westbury Christian, No. 4 Tomball Concordia Lutheran and No. 18 Second Baptist.

"I can't think of any district in Texas that compares to ours," Tucker said.

Still, the Jaguars are confident they can hold their own against the rest of the league and earn a high seeding at the TAPPS District 4-4A Tournament. Emery/Weiner has its best shot ever of advancing to the postseason.

Part of Tucker's optimism is due to the emergence of freshman Sarah Friedman. The 6-foot-4 post is averaging 20 points and 20 rebounds while giving the Jaguars an inside presence they've lacked in the past. Friedman was named most valuable player at the Yaffe tourney.

"Sarah is still very raw at this point. I look at her as a blank canvas," Tucker said. "I coached her in middle school and she continues to improve. She's becoming a stronger offensive player and she's getting there defensively."

Emery/Weiner, which opens league play at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Lutheran South, is starting a second freshman, Mikela Tucker. The coach's daughter, the 6-2 Tucker continues to develop at the power forward position, giving Emery/Weiner a second threat inside the paint. She is putting up 10.5 points and 10 rebounds.

"Mikela is becoming a better outside shooter, but she's pretty consistent from the free throw line in," Tucker said. "For a ninth-grader, she's doing very well."

The two freshmen have been difference-makers, but the rest of the starting line-up includes seniors.

Taylor Bookstaff, a 5-2 senior, is the point guard and the Jaguars' emotional leader. Bookstaff was Emery/Weiner's top scorer a year ago, but she's accepted more of a supporting role (three points, six assists) for the good of the team.

"Taylor is perfect for the system we're trying to run," Tucker said. "She's done a tremendous job getting the ball to our freshmen. She's such an unselfish player."

The two wings are 5-4 senior Abby Lyon and 5-4 senior Danielle Berger. Lyon is the third-leading scorer at 10 points per game.

"Abby has great court awareness and sees the entire floor well," Tucker said. "Danielle is really learning. It's her senior year and she's starting to turn it on."

The Jaguars' bench includes 5-6 sophomore Danielle Resh at the wing, 5-2 senior Michelle Cohen at point guard/wing and 5-11 freshman Jill Rosenkrantz at forward/post.

Tucker said Emery/Weiner's players are enjoying their newfound success, but they've barely scratched the surface.

"We don't have a junior varsity, so all five of our freshmen are playing varsity," Tucker said. "It's going to help them down the road. We're going to be very good the next two to three years."

Jesuit swimmers excel

If Strake Jesuit were still in a private school league, the Crusaders would be vying for state championships in swimming and diving.

Since joining the University Interscholastic League a few years go, Strake Jesuit has found the competition considerably tougher.

"We've sent a number of swimmers to regionals, but none to state so far," said fourth-year head coach Thomas Walker.

With Strake Jesuit now in District 19-5A with the Katy ISD schools and Memorial, the odds get even longer. However, Walker believes he has several athletes who can hold their own with the likes of Katy Taylor, Seven Lakes and Memorial.

"We should be anywhere from third to fifth in the district," Walker said. "But we still have some outstanding individuals and all relays have a chance to qualify for the regional meet."

The District 19-5A Swimming and Diving Championships will be Jan. 28-29 at the Katy High Natatorium.

Walker said sophomore diver Zachary Stockton has already broken the pool and school records.

"Our school record stood since 1985," Walker said. "For Zachary to break it as a 10th-grader is a good sign for the future."

Senior Gabe Puccini is Strake Jesuit's top swimmer. Puccini is a potential district medalist in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle races, although he may try the 100 breaststroke.

"Gabe is our team captain," Walker said. "He's the leader of our relays. I fully expect him to make it to regionals."

"Gabe is our team captain," Walker said. "He's the leader of our relays. I fully expect him to make it to regionals."

Junior Nate Zuiker is a middle-distance swimmer who excels in the 100 and 200 freestyle. With his endurance, Walker said the 500 freestyle remains a possibility.

Junior Allen Glass could be a factor in the 50 and 100 freestyle races, while senior captain Chris Than, senior Aldo Sordelli and sophomore Michael Stolte might surprise in the 100 butterfly. All four swim on the Crusaders' relays.

Junior Allen Glass could be a factor in the 50 and 100 freestyle races, while senior captain Chris Than, senior Aldo Sordelli and sophomore Michael Stolte might surprise in the 100 butterfly. All four swim on the Crusaders' relays.

Other swimmers to watch include sophomore A.J. Nelson in the 500 freestyle and possibly the 100 backstroke and senior Michael Shemenski and junior David Bhrlik, both former regional qualifiers in the 100 breaststroke.

Strake Jesuit's relays are terrific. The 200 medley relay will feature Bhrlik, Nelson, Puccini and Than. However, Walker is considering various combinations for the 200 and 400 freestyle relays, with Glass, Puccini, Sordelli, Stolte, Than and Zuiker all candidates.

"We have some talented sprint freestylers," Walker said. "Most of them are involved in water polo, too."

The Crusaders have performed well to date, winning duals against Clear Creek, Memorial, Katy and Cy Springs, while losing to Clear Lake, Dallas Jesuit and Lamar. Strake Jesuit also traveled to New York and New Jersey for several meets.

But the Crusaders are hoping to peak in time for the District 19-5A meet, not to mention the Class 5A-Region 5 Swimming and Diving Championships on Feb. 4-5 at the University of Houston.

"We only have one more meet before district," said Walker, alluding to a dual at Morton Ranch at 6 p.m. Jan. 18. "It's time to put everything together."

Tourney to honor Webb

The Friends of Drew Webb will host the first annual "7's for 7" Lacrosse Tournament on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 7-8, at the South Campus Sports Association's fields, 10001 Stella Link Road.

The inaugural event honors the memory of former Episcopal lacrosse star Drew Webb, who wore the #7 jersey in middle and high school and also on his collegiate team at Cornell University.

The 7-on-7 format is designed to be fun, and players don't need a full roster to field a team. The tournament will feature a maximum of 36 teams, with high school (varsity/junior varsity), middle school (seventh and eighth grade) and adult club divisions.

The goal for "7's for 7" is to raise funds for mental health care in young adults and to increase awareness of mental illness among young athletes, encouraging them to be treated like athletes with sports injuries or chronic illnesses rather than outcasts or weaklings.

Proceeds from the tournament go to the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance in Houston (www.dbsahousong.org). Fee for a full team is $500, with a maximum of five games guaranteed. To register, go to www.7sfor7.com.