Prep Hoops 250 Expo: 2020 Stock Boosters

<p>The Prep Hoops 250 expo hit Colorado this past weekend and what a turnout it was. It was an event that had plenty of returning faces but what really stood out was the new faces that made stood out from not only Colorado but other states as well. In the article we take a look at some of those familiar faces that are on our rankings list that now made a push to rise even higher after a good showing. Here are five prospects from the 2020 class that had a solid showing.  </p> <p><strong>CJ Thomas – Grandview – 2020</strong></p> <p>Thomas is a player that has been difficult to put a finger on because every single time we see him he adds a different part of his game and switches it up. Sometimes it is the rebounding, sometimes it is the post play, sometimes It is just defending but this time we got to see him put a few things together, one things that really stood out at the expo was his scoring. For Thomas to had been one of the bigger players he sure was able to score the basketball on the perimeter at the event. At one of the games he was able to knock down a few 3-pointers and also create for himself off of the dribble. He was also able to set solid screens and be used as the roll man to get a few easy baskets. As soon as Thomas becomes a more consistent player the sky is the limit for him as he has all of the intangibles to be a solid all-around player. I am excited to see what he becomes this season.</p> <p><strong>AJ LaCabe – Vista Peak –2020</strong></p> <p>It is not a secret, LaCabe is a player that likes to score. What we seen at the event this time was him be able to not only get to the basket and create for himself but also was able to knock down a few mid-range jump shots and extended that from deep as well. LaCabe excelled in iso situations and has a tight handle that creates just enough space to finish. He is a playmaker that can play on and off ball and when he gets the ball he is going to try and make a play on the offensive end. He is quick and uses his height for smaller guards and he also pushes the pace which made for a solid day of scoring in bunches.</p> <p><strong>Jordan Whitaker – Smoky Hill –2020</strong></p> <p>Whitaker came in as a player I was excited to see in this type of setting. For his high school he plays his role well as a versatile combo-guard that does what is asked but in the expo we got to see him dominate and he made sure to get his on the day. Whitaker went back to the player we seen when he first jumped on the scene as one of the standout playmakers in the state that can truly affect the game in multiple ways. He scores, gets on the rim for dunks, is dangerous in the open court and also can knock down shots. On defense he is a tenacious on-ball defender that gets up on the defender and plays the passing lanes well for easy baskets. I would like to continue seeing this aggressive and attacking Whitaker, if he can keep this up watch out for that Smoky Hill squad who just might unarguably be the most athletic team in the state this upcoming year.</p> <p><strong>Isaiah Hayes – Rangeview –2020</strong></p> <p>Hayes was not his usual scoring self but one thing that you know that you are ALWAYS going to get from Hayes is energy, movement without the ball for solid floor spacing and lockdown defense. His defense creates so many turnovers and chaos for his unit that it becomes contagious and others are locked in as well. He pushed the tempo with the ball and also knocked down a few shots in the process. He is a two-way player that schools should be on and he showcased that at the expo while boosting his already high stock.</p> <p><strong>Chandler Williams – Regis Groff –2020</strong></p> <p>Williams is a big man with a high ceiling, he just has to reach it. At the expo he was able to boost his stock on a high paced team that was able to compete in pretty much every single game. He defended well and altered shots, is a big man that can run the floor with good hand-eye coordination on passes and he finished at the rim as well as hit a couple of jump shots. What I enjoy about Williams’ game is his effort on the defensive end. When his offense is not going he is still making sure to attack and go after players. He is a player that you put on the floor and he is going to make plays with his long and athletic body without too many mistakes. He rebounds well, he can start the break and he is a scorer that can get hot at any moment.</p>