COLUMN: If you want to keep tabs of TXHSGBB, it’s this year

This year, Texas is the best state that carries the national talent load and this year is  the richest it has been in quite a while. While the coronavirus has been rocking and changing the sports world and has affected fall sports in a big way, the door opens for basketball to get the exposure and platform that the girls side works hard to strive for. 

We at TXHSGBB.com aim to change the outlook, perspective and how girls’ basketball in the state is perceived, bringing women’s basketball out of the shadow of the men’s side.

This year, if you plan to get involved or keep tabs of girls’ basketball, this is the year to do just that. Talent is scattered all across the state and even some picking up national talent with eight players ranked in the ESPN HoopGurlz recruiting rankings top 100 in the nation.

If you are not the recruiting type, you don’t have to travel far as there is a good chance, in your local area, that there is a standout on your favorite team, your cross-town rival or another player you may have seen highlights on your local news, the write-ups in the local newspaper, or the buzz created on social media. 

If you are not attracted to girls’ basketball or just not sure what mindset to give, give the sport a chance. Some girls’ players show more toughness on the floor, more mentally tough and can hold more leadership traits than most, if not all boys players. 

For the new crowd wanting to jump in, expect a different game of basketball rather than you do in the men’s game. 

You don’t have to field the best team on the floor, but it can take one key player to make an ‘okay’ team to a ‘decent’ team. Obviously, there are dunks that electrify the crowd and alley-oops. 

For the women’s game, more teamwork is emphasized, there is no ‘one-player’ factor in the women’s game and of course, no dunks. 

Of course, there is the notable dunk in the state tournament by Brittney Griner. 

So, what should you expect from the women’s game? 

Expect a slower pace of basketball. This is not due to the inability of playing at a fast pace. 

Obviously, there are no dunks and that should not be the topic that turns you away from the sport. In the high school game and upwards, the three-point shot is the ‘slam dunk’ of the girls’ game and can turn the game’s momentum. 

The most important value any new fan should take away is the teamwork involved. It is very rare for a player to ‘take over’ a game single-handedly and lead their team to a blow-out victory. The guard spot is known for carrying a leadership trait on and off the floor, just like the men, and more scoring threats are utilized on the floor to increase their chances at winning.

Viewing the women’s game may be hard and getting used to for the untrained, seasoned fan. But, most importantly, fans will be playing a key role this season on all levels of basketball as they support their local and favorite teams. After all, with gender aside, we are all supporting the same sport that we enjoy watching and love the most, basketball.