Colorado Top 250 Expo: Top 2020 & 2021 Performances
Nearly 100 freshman and sophomores brought great energy to the Gold Crown Fieldhouse on Sunday afternoon during their four-hour session at the Top 250 Expo. Both in individual drills and the team games that followed, there were a number of players who put their best foot forward. That made the task of selecting top standouts for the camp (in no particular order) a difficult one. But accounting for effort on both ends, playmaking, efficiency in drills and several other factors we made our list, which also includes some honorable mentions.
MVP: Jalen Weaver, 6-2 2021 guard, Smoky Hill
Weaver simply couldn’t miss from the outside during the event. We first noticed his ability to shoot from deep during summer team camps with Smoky Hill, and the consistency is what is sticking out, particularly for a player his age. Weaver also has great size for his position and will be able to matchup physically at the varsity level as a freshman.
Sebastian Cole, 5-11 2020 guard, Cherry Creek
Cole has quick footwork and is highly elusive in the open court. He constantly got to the basket during the event, and he’s a strong finisher. There was one play that really stood out. Cole caught the ball on the wing, head faked every so slightly to get his defender off balance and then darted to the basket in a flash for the score. When you add that speed to those fundamentals, it can be a dangerous combination.
Jaden Gale, 6-6 2020 guard, Rangeview
His length constantly causes problems, and he’s able to defend virtually every player on the court. He has a guard’s fluidity and moves well laterally on the defensive end. If commits to being locked in and engaged on that end, he has the tools to be a plus defender at the next level. Just a sophomore, he already has a college frame.
Zion Ruckard, 5-9 2020 guard, Eaglecrest
Ruckard is simply a playmaker who knows how to create shots or get open looks for teammates. He shoots it well pulling up off the dribble from mid-range. And he plays with active hands on the defensive end. Solid all-around player who brings energy at both ends.
Caleb McGill, 6-5 2020 forward, Grandview
McGill has really made strides in increasing the fluidity of his game, and that was on display during the Expo. He ran the floor well and protected the rim with consistency. He’s got great natural touch as a passer and shooter.
Elijah Thatch, 5-11 2020 guard, DSST Byers
Hatch was a creator throughout the event. He’s always around the ball on defense and forced multiple turnovers during games. He does a good job involving others, and he impressed with his ability to embrace contact and finish through it.
Alonzo Paul, 5-5 2021 guard, Regis Jesuit
Brought great energy throughout the day. He’s undersized, but he makes up for it with good quickness and sound decision-making with the ball in his hands. What stood out most about Paul was simply how in control he was as the point guard. He takes good care of the basketball and does a nice job orchestrating offense in the open floor.
Ty Foster, 6-0 2020 guard, Lincoln
Foster showed that he is one of the most athletic players in the state regardless of class. He is not afraid to elevate and from anywhere near the key and attempt to flush the finish in traffic. He can jump out of the gym. But we’re also seeing well-rounded growth from Foster in terms of his defensive footwork and his willingness to be a distributor with the ball in his hands. He’s still got room to grow there, but he’s a dynamic natural talent.
Kobe Sanders, 6-0 2020 guard, Chaparral
Sanders is a knockdown shooter who really found his rhythm about midway through the games period. He’s got an effortless and quick release that makes him difficult to defend. He’s mature beyond his years when it comes to running the game from the point guard spot. He already has a full year as a varsity starter at the position under his belt.
Colton Gillingham, 5-9 2021 guard, Greeley West
Gillingham stood out as one of the top defenders at the event. He was consistently aggressive on that end of the floor and is not afraid to get into the man he’s guarding. Colton seems like he’s learned a thing or two from his older brother, Cordell Gillingham, a sophomore at Concordia University in Nebraska.
Jesus Valenzuela, 6-3 2020 forward, Lakewood
Bursted out of the gates during the first game with great energy, and he sustained that pace through much of the afternoon. He handles it well for a big in the open court and went coast to coast on a number of occasions. He’s also got nice touch on his outside jumper. Does a little bit of everything for his team.