Prep Hoops Missouri Top 250 Expo: 2018 Point Guards/Combo Guards
The inaugural Missouri Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo was held last weekend in St. Louis. More than 200 players were on hand to participate in this very successful event. It is now time for our positional breakdowns from the Top 250 Expo. Let’s start with the top Class of 2018 point guards and combo guards who were at the event.
R.J. Lawrence 5’11” Blue Springs: The talented combo guard earned a spot in the Top 10 players at the camp with his all-around playmaking and scoring ability. Lawrence did an excellent job of getting buckets at all three levels. He can get to the basket and finish at the rim, plus has has a nice float game and a mid-range jumper. His 3-point shooting makes his offensive game complete because he can get it off the catch or off the dribble.
Landon Harrison 5’10” Helias: A very aggressive guard who loved to attack the basket off the dribble despite being a smaller guard. Landon is strong physically and very determined, which makes it hard to keep him from getting to the hoop. He is a good passer and a very acceptable 3-point shooter for a player who loves to get to the rim. He loves to compete.
Jai Love 5’8″ CBC: This young man was a problem for defenders with his quickness, ball handling ability and scoring prowess. First of all, he is an excellent 3-point shooter who can really knock them down off the catch. Toss in the fact that he can beat people off the dribble with his speed and score on floaters and short jumpers and you have a tough cover.
Zach Niemeyer 5’11” Christian-O’Fallon: Niemeyer was one of the top stock-risers at the event after his excellent performance. He has a high motor who was looking to push the pace and make plays at every opportunity. He displayed good penetrating skills off the dribble and threw some nifty passes with both hands. He also knocked down several jumpers on the move and showed some 3-point range.
Marco Powells 5’11” Fort Zumwalt North: A physically strong combo guard who was very good at playing through contact and getting to the basket, where he was a good finisher. He is very aggressive, but always under control when it comes to making his attacks to the rim. Powells is also a very solid defensive player.
R.J. Wright 6’0″ Webster Groves: Wright enjoyed an excellent July evaluation period and that continued with a good showing at the Top 250 Expo. He is an excellent 3-point shooter with range from well beyond the 3-point line. The slender sniper also displayed some nice ball handling skills and some good drives to the basket when defenders closed out on him.
Jake Hampton 6’1″ Fort Zumwalt West: Another kid who saw his stock rise after a very solid showing. He handled both backcourt positions well. He did not try to force things, but he got a lot done while playing off the ball. He always seemed to be in the right spot to make an open 3-point shot or score off a nice cut to the basket. He was also good with the ball in his hands.
Levi Woods 5’11” Puxico: A very stout point guard who was strong and played with a lot of savvy and poise. I liked how he could pass the basketball. He was very good on the move and delivered the rock to open teammates. Levi is also a very good offensive player who has the ability to create for himself. He showcased some crafty moves to the basket and good 3-point shooting range.
Titus Fields 5’7″ Scott County Central: This young point guard was one of the quickest guards in the camp. He played at a fast and furious pace with good dribble penetration and he wasn’t afraid to pick up people defensively. He was at his best offensively when he was getting to the basket, but he did knock down a few 3-pointers.
Jaden Henderson 5’8″ McCluer South-Berkeley: One of the quicker performers among the 2018 guards, Henderson made good use of his speed with his ability to penetrate in the lane and operate in the open court. He is an excellent passer on the move with good court vision. He can also make open 3-pointers off the catch.
Nathan Elmer 6’1″ Nixa: A solid combo guard who has a nice set of skills where he can excel at the point or on the wing. He is a good passer who is also strong on the drive. Elmer also has a nice 3-point stroke with a quick release.