2021: 7 guards to watch at the Prep Hoops Expo

<p>The Prep Hoops Expo is finally here this weekend and we are thrilled to see plenty of players that we have not had a chance to see as well as players that we would like to see more of. There will be players from each class all wanting to be viewed and recognized for their talents in front of college coaches. Here are seven prospects that I want to get a closer look at as they all got to play a bit in their sophomore seasons but are not so recognizable just yet. A great showing at the event can change that.</p> <p><strong>Blake Butvidas – Ralston Valley</strong></p> <p>Did not play a ton but am excited to see him as he is a player that comes from a good high school that has some solid players returning. He should play a bit more but he will surely get better this year as a bigger guard who hopefully can crack the rotation this year. I want to see him be able to put it together in this even and showcase some of the things that gave him minutes here and there as a sophomore.</p> <p><strong>Sam Carlson – Monarch</strong></p> <p>Played in the second half of the season for Monarch and is a player that does not lack in confidence. He is raw but has a ton of intangibles that you can put together to make a good player. This will be an opportunity to step out as we have not seen much of him and will be a player to watch closely as he has good size and will be asked to do more this year. We get a closer look at him.</p> <p><strong>Jaylen Carizales – Vista Peak</strong></p> <p>Carizales is a player that I have not yet had the chance to see in person so this will be interesting to see. He is however a sophomore that I have heard a ton about as it seems like he will be up for a big junior season. Last year he was able to be strictly varsity as a sophomore as he every single game. His stats showed that he was a reliable guard that gave some relief and I am thrilled to see how he competes with some other solid guards coming in. He is a player I am circling in to see play often.</p> <p><strong>Quint Geck – Rock Canyon</strong></p> <p>Played in the second half of the season and while he was young, he made an impact. Geck is a guard that is not afraid to shoot it. If he sees a shot he like, he is going to go after it. I am excited to see how he plays against other top guys as I expect him to be a player we really get to know. This can be a break out opportunity for him.</p> <p><strong>Ilan Marinoff – Frederick</strong></p> <p>Marinoff is a player that did aplenty for Frederick last season as a sophomore. He was a critical part of the team and is now looking to prove that he has what it takes to standout no matter the class. Last season he averaged 5.7 points and had a few games where he exploded as he had four games where he put up double-digit scoring and also had an eruption of 17 points. Marinoff played positions 1-3 and showed he is versatile. Now he must showcase he belongs in the conversation as a player to watch moving forward.  </p> <p><strong>Camden Smithburg – Limon</strong></p> <p>One of the first players that I will be looking for once I walk into the gym is Smithburg. Limon was a standout team last year as they went a shocking 22-5 last season and their best player is returning for a much-anticipated junior season. I am excited to see him play in person as he was one of the most productive sophomores in the state last year. Smithburg put up 16.2 points a game and also put up 4.7 rebounds a game as well. I would like to see if his game translates as he is meshed with some of the best players in the entire state. With a solid performance he will jump onto our radars and immediately be a player to watch moving forward. This is the event to do it.</p> <p><strong>Tyler Uyemura – Platte Valley</strong></p> <p>Uyemura was a key part of the team last year as a sophomore, but with Bryson Becker graduating and moving on to play at the next level he will have to step up and do even more. He will be one of the most important pieces to the team and with that comes great responsibility. This season he will have to score more, shoot the ball better, get others involved and simply take over. I am excited to see what he is made of and this is his chance to prove that he belongs.</p>