Top 250 Expo: Junior Preview
The Top 250 Expo has been quite beneficial to 2018 kids around the country so far as it’s put a lot of new names in the minds of coaches and everybody else. Minnesota juniors to watch this weekend? Here is…
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Continue ReadingThe Top 250 Expo has been quite beneficial to 2018 kids around the country so far as it’s put a lot of new names in the minds of coaches and everybody else. Minnesota juniors to watch this weekend? Here is a list of guys we can see breaking out.
Jordan Belka of Rogers. A 6-foot-6/6-foot-7 big that runs very well, has long arms, and he played more consistently this Grassroots season as the year went on. Jordan developed a lot since the high school season finished and the NHR Combine will show us where he’s now at, and what more he could potentially do.
Colton Codute of Orono. This could be a really big weekend for Colton. He’s a tough, smart, and gritty lead guard entering his upperclassmen years for the Spartans. Can he be a top playmaker at the event? What will he do in skills drills? That’s something to watch close tomorrow.
Jerome Cunningham of Fridley. Once upon a time Jerome Cunningham was playing 15u basketball and blew everybody away with some of the explosive bouncy plays he made to the rim in Grassroots Hoops. He has potential but how have the skills come along? Tomorrow should help shed some light.
Mitchell Irlbeck of Redwood Valley. We’ve talked about Irlbeck a lot in the off-season because his motor never stops. What are his skills like away from the rim? They’ve been good in limited views. Looking forward to seeing Mitch put his motor to work against players from around the metro and around the state.
Manny Jingco of Stillwater. The Stillwater guard earned all state 16u honors for his work ethic and consistent play from the spring and summer. He will again be a key factor for the Ponies. This weekend it will be fun to see what he does against other top guards.
Trevor Kaiser of Dassel-Cokato. The Charger leader was one of the top spring surprises in terms of production. He was a player that Comets Stumpf could count on for toughness and regular strong number production. Would love to see him play against some of the better wings at the event.
Goodnews Kpeogel of North St. Paul. The Polar talent can play three positions on the floor and has the height to defend some high school bigs as well. He’s versatile and talented. The type of kid that can definitely bring home the MVP award and get his name listed among the top Prep Hoops 250 Expo players around the nation. We are looking forward to seeing how his game has grown. College coaches following along at home will be too.
Garrett Maag of St. Croix Lutheran. Garrett was playing exceptionally well before he got hurt and at 6-foot-4 he’s got a good build, growing skills, and works hard. Maag has a chance to really grow as a prospect, potentially could be a top 40-50 guy we think. Eyes will be on him close tomorrow.
Nathan Macho of Apple Valley. Helped the Minnesota Eagles have another great AAU year and then was really good for the Eagles in the Breakdown State Tournament and Sweet 16 events. Can do just about everything at 6-foot-4 on the wing. Really looking forward to seeing what type of prospect he is.
Mitchell Plombom of St. Cloud Cathedral. As a 15U kid he was physically at a huge advantage in terms of build, agility, and size at 6-foot-5/6-foot-6. How far has his game come in the last 12 months? That’s something we are really looking forward to seeing.
Andrew Niebhuhr of Jordan. Standing 6-foot-9 now and showing glimpses this summer of taking steps, this is a weekend that Andrew will have eyes on him. What everyone will look at is the potential he has and how much he has grown. Andrew will be one of the biggest players at the event.
Bryce Phillips of North St. Paul. Bryce took some huge steps this year playing with the Polars and then at 16U with Minnesota Heat. Let’s see it as it is, Bryce is way better than we knew and likely better than most people knew. But where is he among the best in state? He was one of the top 16U lead guards this AAU season for sure.
Deundra Robinson of Columbia Heights. Absolutely loved watching him compete at Williams Arena in June at the Gopher Team Camp. An explosive guard with physical gifts of burst and speed that few have. A guy we really think can be one of the best 2018s at this event, and maybe push his way near the top of the list in terms of PGs in his class.
Rieshaun Satar of Henry Sibley. Satar has shown he can shoot, he can get some separation, and he can handle. At his size what he also really needs to do is consistently run a team and this weekend could be a glimpse of what he could do for new Sibley Coach John Carrier.