Prep Hoops Missouri Top 250 Expo: Top Performers (2017-2018)
The inaugural Prep Hoops Missouri Top 250 Expo was held at the Center of St. Louis Sports last weekend. Nearly 200 players were on hand to participate in what was a very successful event. Throughout the week, we will have several reports from the Top 250 Expo.
Here is a breakdown of the top performers from Session 2 of the Top 250 Expo, which featured athletes from the 2017 and 2018 Classes.
Matt Austin 6’1″ St. Joe Central ’17 (MVP): This excellent two-way combo guard enjoyed an outstanding day. Defensively, Austin had the quickest set of hands in the event as he created many turnovers. He had his share of steals by shooting the passing lanes and had many strips of many unsuspecting ball handlers. Offensively, Austin got to the basket almost any time he wanted and really finished well at the rim at both ends. He has a quick and explosive first step to the basket, plus he plays with good strength and balance. He also displayed the ability to knock down pull up jumpers on the move and 3-pointers off the catch.
Isaac Weider 6’3″ Vienna ’18: The small-school scoring machine was the most impressive perimeter shooter during the day. His shooting range has no limits and it was in full display. In his first game, Weider knocked down five consecutive bombs from 22-25 feet from the same spot on the left wing. He was just getting started as he shot the ball well throughout the long day of games and workouts. If defenders closed out on him, he could get to the basket on the bounce and get buckets. He has a nice float game and can also score in the post when he could use his size against smaller guards.
Isaiah Sears 6’7″ Life Prep ’17: A long and lanky combo forward who was a big matchup problem with his size and versatility. Sears plays the Stretch 4 position to perfection with his ability to catch and shoot 3-pointers. He knocked down several from long distance during the day. Not only can he shoot the 3-pointer, but Sears can also score off the bounce with smooth moves to the bucket. Sears also has a nice post-up game with good moves and an excellent turnaround jumper on the baseline.
R.J. Lawrence 5’11” Blue Springs ’18: A very potent combo guard who displayed the ability to get buckets from almost anywhere on the court. Lawrence showed the ability to facilitate and find teammates, but he can really score and he can do it at all three levels. He is so good at changing speeds and directions and keeping defenders off balance while getting to the basket for layups and floaters. What makes his offensive game complete is his ability to make 3-pointers off the dribble, where he can do it off the catch or on the stop and pop.
Tyler Dancy 6’7″ Belleville West (IL) ’17: A big bopper from the across the river in Illinois who made a living in the low post throughout the day. While most of the players at the camp were guards and Stretch 4’s, Dancy is an old-school post player who pretty much had his way in the low blocks with his size, footwork and nice lefty shooting touch around the basket. Dancy has good mobility and he really knows how to seal his defender and make him disappear behind his big frame. He has a nice jump hook and he can score with both hands.
Deontei Johnson 6’3″ Willard ’17: The athletic wing player was excellent on both ends of the court. He worked as hard at stopping guys from getting buckets as he did at getting his own buckets. He challenged guys defensively, he blocked shots and had several steals. Offensively, he attacked the basket and scored on several drives and had some very impressive dunks in traffic. Johnson also displayed a nice pull up jumper on the move. His motor never stops.
Jaiden Bristol 6’0″ St. Joe Central ’17: A speedy point guard who played with a ton of energy and poise throughout the day. He was strong with the ball and played with plenty of pace. He had several impressive coast-to-coast drives that ended up in layups. Bristol was putting constant pressure on the opposing defense. He shot the ball well and did a nice job defensively. I was very impressed with his ability to rebound. Despite being one of the smallest guys on the court, Bristol got inside and grabbed more than his share of rebounds.
Jhaylen Covington-Berry 6’2″ Hazelwood Central ’18: These showcase events always provide an opportunity for a young player to emerge with a breakout performance after living under the radar. Covington-Berry was that player at this event. An athletic combo guard, JCB attacked the basket with strength and ferocity and got plenty of buckets. He played with tremendous confidence as he handled the ball, scored off the bounce and knocked down jumpers off the dribble. He was also tough in transition as he finished time after time.
DuVonte Beard 6’5″ Ruskin ’17: Beard is the epitome of an all-purpose player. He played several positions, competed hard at both ends of the floor and did it with a high motor. His combination of size, athletic ability and quickness enabled him to guard every position. He attacks the basket on the dribble and rebounds with great energy. He also got out on the break and beat opposing bigs down the floor for fast break buckets. When needed to, he could handle the ball and make a play with his passing.
Isaiah Burton 6’3″ Raytown ’17: A long, slender athlete who looks like the prototype shooting guard with good size and the ability to score at all three levels. Burton is a natural scorer with a excellent shooting stroke from 3-point range. He made several from long distance during the day. He can also put the ball on the floor and get to the rim and also pull up and knock down a nice mid-range jumper. He is one of those scorers who gets buckets without looking like he’s putting much effort into it.