Florida Top 250 Expo: Top 10 performers
At the Florida leg of the Top 250, kids came out ready to make a name. Impressive showings by many underclassmen and upperclassmen makes my job of narrowing it down to a top 10 nearly impossible, but here’s my attempt.
1. Niven Glover- Villages Charter
One of the most talented players in the state and by far the most athletic, Glover put on a show at the expo. His mindset currently is to destroy everything in his way as he prepares for his last two high school seasons. He’s doing a good job of that.
2. Zavien Smith- University High
The newly transferred Smith is one of the craftiest players around, such a fun player to watch. He is one of the smoothest players I’ve had the pleasure of watching. Getting to the basket at will and showing off his limitless range, Zavien impressed everyone in attendance.
3. Madiaw Niang- DME Academy
The big man dominated in Daytona. Bucket after bucket, rebound after rebound, block after block. Niang showed why he’s well on his way to a huge season. His turnaround jumper is what stood out to me on Saturday.
4. Jalan Black- North Florida Christian
Black, a virtual unknown coming into the session used the platform for what it’s all about, making a name. Getting to the basket at will and finishing in traffic was his specialty. A strong guard who I’m looking forward to seeing big things from as a sophomore.
5. Thomas Bernard- Cypress Creek
One of our favorites here at prep hoops Florida, Thomas came to the expo looking to continue building off the summer that has brought him from unknown to the forefront of a lot of college coaches. The tough no nonsense defender, did not remove that part of his game during the day, showcase or not. The most talkative player on defense whenever he plays, Bernard is going to have a huge season.
6. Dionte Blanch- East Lake
Blanch is an impressive young player, turning heads left and right during the morning session. A slasher who finishes strong at the basket, with a smooth jumper. He was one of the most impressive guys during the drill portion of the day and carried that over to the scrimmages.
7. Ashton Singleton- John Carroll
Singleton was a fun player to watch, from setting up his teammates to creating for himself, Ashton was locked in. The easy to coach point guard, took instructions and executed them perfectly, the type of player you love to coach. He showed that when during a timeout with his team trailing by 1 point with just seconds left, he executed the pick and pop play to perfection, finding Midiaw Niang for the game winning bucket.
8. Princezion Collins- West Orange
A bully, Collins bullies his way to the basket and shows off his strength down low. A very skilled player who knocks down the three ball consistently had a very impressive outing during the event. Collins is a key member to a West Orange team which is poised to make a run this season.
9. Tyrick Brascom- Tampa Bay Tech
Brascom is one of the most fun players to watch, finishing with contact all day, circus shots, and hitting the open man made Tyrick one of the standouts of the day. He possesses blow by speed, which allows him to get to the rim whenever he wants, where he can finish in multiple ways. Such an impressive player.
10. Floyd Rideau- Holy Trinity
Tall and long, Rideau was at his best attacking the defense. He is a matchup nightmare, as his perimeter skills makes it a must that you respect his outside shot, but once you press up on him, Floyd will just fly by you on his way to the basket. Rideau is going to be key for Holy Trinity.