Prep Hoops Colorado Top 250 Expo Preview: 2018 Point Guards
The official start of the 2016-17 high school basketball season in Colorado is still more than two months away, but we can go ahead and call Saturday it’s unofficial start.
That’s because you won’t find a better event in the state to get you ready for the season than the Prep Hoops Colorado Top 250 Expo, which will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Gold Crown Fieldhouse in Lakewood.
There are more than 200 players who will be in attendance at the event, with great coaches putting them through skill work before having the chance to compete in games against their talented peers. There is simply no better stage for players to grow their game, face stern competition and get exposure in front of the Prep Hoops staff.
With that, we continue our preview of the Top 250 with the 2018 class, which through Sunday had 92 players registered. Below are some players who we expect to make noise at the event. If you’re not on the list, you’re still in the right place, with a chance to show us what you’ve got come Saturday!
Point Guards
Michaleke Baker, the 5-7 point guard out of Gateway, is a tough player for his size. Can defend bigger guards well because he has good defensive quickness. He handles the ball well and can push it in transition.
Dewayne Carter is a player on the rise. The 6-2 Hinkley guard is tenacious with the ball in his hand. He’s got good speed to the basket and really finishes with toughness. Can defend multiple guard spots.
Tyson Gilbert will be one of the most talented players at the Expo. The 6-0 Rock Canyon guard can really shoot it, with that being the biggest area among many in his game that saw improvement during the spring and summer. Gilbert simply has an outstanding feel for the game and plays longer than his height would suggest. One of the top all-around point guards in the state, regardless of class.
Kevin Jimenez got a good feel for increased competition while playing with the top Colorado Chaos 16U team this season. That experience should carry over as he begins a junior season at Northglenn, where he was already the team’s top player as a sophomore. It will be interesting to see the improvements Jimenez makes. He’s another player with good feel for the game and willingness to involve his teammates.
Luke Johnson, the 5-10 guard out of Longmont, was excellent for the Colorado Titans this past grassroots season. That was no surprise given that he had impressive moments playing varsity as a sophomore on an experienced Longmont squad that marched to the 4A Final Four. He plays with great confidence, knows how to attack and is a strong shooter.
Noah Martinez, 5-10, had a strong sophomore season at Falcon, where he averaged 8.2 points, 3.3 assists and 2.1 rebounds per game. He’s a solid playmaker who plays with a strong motor.
Nick Oster is a 6-1 guard out of ThunderRidge who is coming off a good summer with the Elevation Flyers. He’s a smart, disciplined player who plays with good toughness.
Tucson Redding, a 6-0 guard out of Overland should be ready to play a big role for a Trailblazers team that is losing a lot in the backcourt from its past two championship teams. He ran the point guard spot well for the Colorado Hawks’ second 16U team this season, displaying good quickness.
Nieyeme Smyer-Williams boasts what no other point guard at the Expo can: A state title ring. Williams, at 6-0, was a key cog for a Pueblo West team that upset Valor Christian to win the 4A state title last year. WIlliams is a strong and capable ball-handler, and the lefty can attack the basket with consistency. Plays unselfishly.