PHC Top 250 Expo Recap: Top Guards In Skill Sessions
By Morgan Dzakowic
The Prep Hoops Colorado Top 250 Expo was underway on Saturday at the Gold Crown Fieldhouse in Lakewood, and boy was it a grand showing with 240 players in attendance, up from 75 players last year. Players from high schools all over the state, from Denver East to Rifle, suited up to work on skills under direction from exceptional coaches, like Chauncey Billups D1 training center director of basketball Nick Graham, and scrimmage other top players from all different age groups.
Here are some of the top performing guards at the Expo from the morning skills session:
Jamison Washington, Denver East (2017)
Washington stuck out as a very all-around talented player who had great ball control and exhibited athleticism and quickness. The 6-2 point guard fired off great shots and easily controlled the game tempo during the afternoon scrimmages.
Keisan Crosby, Valor Christian (2017)
The 5-11 point guard moved the ball around well in drills and was quick getting to the basket. He was tough in the defensive position during drills.
Damien Murillo, Fort Collins (2017)
Murillo always finished well at the basket and moved with ease. The 6-1 combo guard handled the ball nicely and was aggressive on the defense side.
Kenny Foster, Smoky Hill (2019)
Foster breezed through the skill session. He was extremely quick, his movements were smooth and he handled the ball exceptionally well before making a shot from wherever he wanted.
Quinten Rock, Smoky Hill (2020)
Rock was explosive in the drills and really showcased his ball handling. He was fearless driving to the basket and played tough.
Oscar Maldonado, Northridge (2017)
The lengthy 6-3 shooting guard really has the hops and was nearly dunking in an early layup drill. He was quick and explosive in his drives towards the basket and finished very strong at the rim. He was tough defensively too.
Daijon Smith, Overland (2018)
The 6-0 guard was very good at taking and making shots during the drills. His biggest strength was his shooting and he stood out because of it.
Tyson Gilbert, Rock Canyon (2018)
Gilbert was insane driving to the basket and shot it well from basically anywhere on the floor. He was also a tough defender, very athletic and had a commanding presence on the court.
Tyler Unger, Grandview (2019)
The 6-1 guard showcased his handles during the skills session and was unafraid of making contact with other players on either side.
Hunter Shkapich, Colorado Academy (2019)
The 5-11 guard is clearly explosive, as he showed during an impromptu dunk contest after the skill sessions. During them, Hunter impressed with his ability to not get sped up. He forces the defender to play at his pace because he’s so skilled and strong with the ball.
Levi Dombro, Grandview (2019)
He was especially impressive during catch-and-shoot drills. He doesn’t need a lot of space to get his shot off. And he showed the ability to knock it down on the move.
Andre Sepeda, Greeley West (2019)
Another young guard who constantly puts the pressure on. One-on-one drills are a great way to showcase a player’s toughness, and Sepeda never backs down from a challenge.
Luke Johnson, Longmont (2018)
He has strong hands and has a quick swing-through once he catches the ball, allowing him to generate quick space. He’s also a knockdown shooter.
Ty Foster, Lincoln (2020)
The 5-11 freshman showed a lot of promise Saturday. During skill sessions, what impressed most was his ability to elevate and get his shot up over defenders while attacking the basket. He’s got a quick first step.
Gunner Rigsby, Fruita Monument (2017)
Rigsby is moving up from 3A to 5A this year, and he certainly appears ready for the challenge. Rigsby is quick and decisive when attacking the basket, and he is very creative once he gets there. He had a beautiful up-and-under finish during one drill, punctuating a blow-by with a great reverse layup.