Houston Elite

Blue Zertuche
May 28, 2008
TexasHoops.com Recruiting Analyst
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Houston Elite's GASO championship finally came this past weekend, and they did it in convincing style. Ricky Nelson's Elite group have been very close in the past, but by beating a stubborn San Antonio Rohawks team, Elite reached one of their goals to start the summer in a 65-59 victory.

"It is a great feeling to finally have this done," said a very happy and excited Nelson. "The kids work very hard and have stuck with it, and to have a championship against some of the teams that we played. We've been so close, and now, we have one (championship). The players feel like they don't get any respect, so I remind them that we have to win and beat some teams out here on the court and we did that. We beat some very good teams this weekend in the Bluechips Elite and the Rohawks."

A big reason for the championship is due to the guard play of sophomore point guard, Kevin Williams, and junior, Tim Frazier.

"Our guard play controlled the game from start to finish. They (Tim and Kevin) came out ready to play and they really led us with their ball handling and getting us the ball when we were open," said Matt Staff who finished with 18 points.

"We hadn't done as well as we could have in other tournaments, so we wanted to come out here and make a good impression and we did it by getting first place this weekend," added Staff.

Staff, who recently committed to New Mexico, showed more versatility this weekend.

"(Matt) has to expand his game," explained Nelson. "He has to be more than just a pick and pop player. I am challenging him and telling him that he has to be more aggressive. He did that this weekend."

In the championship game, Elite took only a two point lead into half-time. The Rohawks were playing with great team chemistry and never showed signs of giving in to the big name Elite team.

"They were very scrappy and worked hard," added Nelson. "They didn't care who we were and where our players committed to, they just came out and played as a team and they did a great job, but it was our turn this time."

Nelson continues.

"We feel like we have been here before. But this time we came out and learned how to finish a game. We took it to the next level. We have basically been together for the past two years, and players like J.J. Richardson and (Tim) Fraizer stepped up as leaders. Everyone had a hand in this title."


What does this GASO crown do for this Houston Elite squad? Staff Hopes it is signs of what to come.

"This boosts our confidence. We played well as a team and we just need to continue it throughout the rest of the summer."