Prep Hoops So-Cal 250 Expo: Top Sleepers

FOUNTAIN VALLEY -   The inaugural Prep Hoops So-Cal 250 Expo provided Southern California players with another opportunity to showcase their talents to top writers, scouts and a handful of college coaches. While a number of household names attended the showcase at Fountain Valley High School, several under-the-radar players emerged with fresh "buzz" they hope to carry into their high-school seasons. Here's a list of some of the camp's top "sleepers."   Aaron Jelks, 5-9 2018 PG, Carson - No player took better advantage of the setting to make a name for himself than Jelks (pictured above), a wiry and explosive lead guard from Los Angeles' South Bay. Jelks terrorized opposing guard with his quick hands and tenacious approach to on-ball defense, and created easy scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates in the process. Jelks impressed coaches with his nonstop motor and his leadership intangibles. If Sunday is any indication, Jelks is primed for a breakout season for the Colts. Adam Bell, 6-5 2018 WF, Twentynine Palms - Bell, who played his summer travel ball for Team Eleate, came into the camp with a reputation as a "glue guy" who defended and rebounded. He left leaving scouts intrigued with his improving perimeter skill. A bigger-bodied wing, Bell knocked down multiple threes from the corner and wing, and played relentless defense against perimeter players. Division II schools would be wise to monitor. Jonathan Hill, 5-9 2019 PG, Long Beach Poly - It's hard to be a sleeper when you play for one of Southern California's top programs, but count Hill in that category - for now. The cat-quick point guard blew by defenders with his potent first step, and scored it from all three-levels. Despite his compact build, Hill has some strength, as evidenced by a couple of strong finishes through contact. He'll need to improve his left hand, and his three-point shooting is streaky at times, but there's a lot to like with his performance on Sunday. Aiden Gilbert, 5-8 2019 PG, Crean Lutheran - With Gilbert, looks can be deceiving - in a good way. The nondescript point guard is a seasoned floor general who plays with excellent pace, and is as crafty as they come. Despite having less-than-desirable measurements, Gilbert attacks the basket and finishes plays through contact, or sets up teammates for open scores. Bryant Howing, 6-2 2018 G, Los Altos - He often plays third-fiddle on a very good Los Altos team, but Howing is a solid college prospect in his own right. The lanky combo guard has a deceptive first step that he uses to get into the lane and score off the bounce or find open teammates on the perimeter or in the paint. Howing is also a solid scorer from mid-range, knocking down several nice pull-up jumpers throughout the day. He plays with great pace, and with added strength and improved lateral quickness, could be a sleeper point guard prospect at the Division 3 level, or higher after a junior college stint. Albert Matute, 6-2 2020 G, Etiwanda - Matute caught my eye and the eyes of my colleage, Devin Ugland, on Sunday. A smooth combo guard with good size and feel, Matute drained shots all afternoon from three and from midrange off the bounce. Defensively, he was solid on the ball and played the passing lanes for steals in the half court. He might not be a household name now, but should be if he plays like this during the season.