High School Hopefuls: Hooping in Houston

HOUSTON, TEXAS-- Houston based film & management company, Maven Entertainment, has released a two-disc documentary, “High School Hopefuls: Hooping in Houston”. The film, directed and produced by Chicago Native, Maurice Elrod, provides an intimate look into the lives of four of Houston’s top high school basketball players, and their journeys and struggles on the road to achieve success in the competitive world of basketball. The phrase “1 City, 4 Hoop stars, 1 Dream” in the opening credits, sets the stage for a magnificent and inspirational look into the day to day experiences of the four very different, yet similar individuals.

The awe-inspiring documentary provides diverse perspectives and situational dilemmas that many high school basketball players and fans alike can relate to today. Stories such as that of DeAndre Jordon, a power forward at Christian Life Center Academy, and his experiences with a new school, new coach, and new teammates convey the emotion and constant pressure and necessary transitions that many high school basketball players face. Also chronicled is B.J Holmes, a point guard at Alief Hastings High School, who is a passionate yet underestimate basketball player with a deep love for the game. Added to this group is Jai Lucas, a Houston Bellaire High school point guard, who struggles to prove that he is a great basketball player regardless of his father’s and brother’s NBA experience, and his height. Finally, viewers are provided with the touching story of Biko Paris, a point guard at Cypress Christian High school and Hurricane Katrina survivor on his quest to be the best in the game of basketball. The documentary accurately depicts the important career crossroads and challenges that the four men endure as they make their upcoming transitions from high school to college and professional basketball.

The films creator, Maurice Elrod, an avid basketball fan and film director, devised the concept of the documentary from his desire to make a positive impact on teenagers across the world in conjunction with his love for basketball.

“When I set out to make this documentary, it was very important for me to paint a clear picture of the challenges that these four young men faced, as well as the opportunities that were being presented to them” Elrod states.

“It is my belief that this film will provide inspiration and motivation to many high school basketball players around the country, and reaffirm the fact that the sky is the limit with hard work and consistency”.