Top 250 Expo: Top Sleepers
The PrepHoops Top 250 Expo for Oregon took place on Saturday at Parkrose High School, and 40 of the top players in the state gathered for some high level competition in front of numerous observers in attendance including a number of college coaches.
While we had seen many of the players at the Expo play previously, there were a handful that we saw for the first time that really caught our eye – our Top Surprises or Sleepers if you will. Here’s a recap:
Tyler Newsom, Pendeton (2019) (Top Sleeper)
We made note of Newsom’s performance in our Event Recap and the Top Performers (2021). Newsom noted at the event that his goal is to play at the NCAA Division II level – after all, that’s the level where former Pendleton teammate Caden Smith ended up at (St. Martin’s). With his blend of athleticism and skills, Newsom definitely has a chance if he has a big senior season, especially against top-level 5A opponents.
Ameer Muhammad, David Douglas (2019)
We have had Muhammad ranked largely on reputation but after getting a good look at his game we will have to make some adjustments to his ranking. The senior is well-built and plays like a power guard – his bread and butter were his physical drives to the basket where he had the ability to power up for buckets. Muhammad wasn’t all about scoring off the dribble as he hit some perimeter jumpers as well. At his 5-foot-11 size he may have to develop more point guard skills for the next level but he should be a big-time scorer at David Douglas this season.
Riley Marshall, Gaston (2019)
Marshall started off a little slow but he started making an impact with his style of play as the Expo went on. The 6-foot-2 senior may be physically built more like a long distance runner but that played to his advantage as he played with relentless intensity the entire day. Marshall was all over the floor on both ends and as the Expo progressed he started to hit some outside shots. Junior college may be where his post-high school career starts off at but it should be a good level for him to continue developing physically and with his overall skills.
Shaun Briggs, Parkrose (2019)
A late registrant, Briggs wasn’t listed on the roster so we aren’t even totally sure of his height (we estimate he is about 5-foot-9). But the senior is most definitely a point guard type and he felt right at home on his home floor at Parkrose. Briggs took it to the basket strong and was able to get layups up over taller defenders. He was quick on defense and in transition, and seemed to have a limitless amount of energy – at the end of the day when everyone else was dragging, Briggs was still going at full speed.
Cam Feik, Wilsonville (2019)
An Idaho native, Feik played last season at Lakeridge but will be joining a talented group at Wilsonville in 2018-19. A firey 5-foot-11 point guard, he played with energy throughout the event on both ends and didn’t force things offensively. A true competitor who ran with Deep III in AAU ball this summer, it will be interesting to see how he fits into the scheme with the returning veteran group of Wildcats under head coach Chris Roche.