Top 250 Expo: The Top Two-Way Players
The Top 250 Expo took place this past Sunday with many of the state’s top prospects lined up to compete in one gym. The opportunity was there for certain players to make a name for themselves, and others to back…
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Continue ReadingThe Top 250 Expo took place this past Sunday with many of the state’s top prospects lined up to compete in one gym. The opportunity was there for certain players to make a name for themselves, and others to back up their reputation among the state’s elite. We detail seven of the players who impressed us with their play on both ends of the floor.
Glentrel Carter (6′ 2020 G, Patrick Henry HS)- Glentrel came into this weekend with a chip on his shoulder. On a day when Taison Chatman seemingly couldn’t be stopped offensively, Glentrel was easily the most successful I saw in slowing him down. Very quick laterally to go along with his intensity and competitive spirit, Carter played with a passion not always found in events where you’re found teaming up with new faces. Matching his lock-down defense, Glentrel proved to be a threat on the offensive end as well. He used his quickness to blow by defenders and get to the rack. Even with opposing size nearing, he showed no fear in finishing around the rim. Definitely a name to watch this season in the Minneapolis City Conference.
Josh Rogers (6’3 2020 G, Minneapolis Washburn)- Speaking of City Conference players to watch, Josh Rogers continued to elevate his stock over the weekend. A long and lanky wing-guard, Josh excelled at applying ball pressure which led to a handful of turnovers and eventually transition buckets for himself. Though he won’t impress you with anything flashy offensively, Josh is consistently competing for tough finishes around the rim, and is a threat from distance when left open. He was the best rebounding guard I saw all day, as he fights for position and consistently grabs the ball at the peak of his jump. A true two-way player who always finds ways to contribute even when his shot isn’t falling.
Cole Chapman (6’10 2020 C, Mahtomedi)- Consistency on both ends of the floor. That’s what Cole Chapman brought to the table on Sunday. Poised for a productive senior campaign, Cole showed off his soft touch around the rim, as well as improved footwork that led to a vast amount of open looks in the paint. Most impressive in his offensive game was his confidence from beyond the arc, and his ability to beat a man off the dribble to get to the rim on multiple occasions. Defensively he used his size to block shots, while also making sure to alter just about every attempt from inside the paint. After a shot went up Cole was always putting a body on a man, using his size to box out and pull in rebounds in bunches.
Tre Holloman (6’2 2022 PG, Cretin-Derham Hall)- Despite being only a sophomore, we have already come to expect lock-down defense and advanced playmaking ability out of Tre. He delivered both of those on Sunday. Always willing to pressure full court, Holloman made full use out of his quickness and long arms, causing opposing point guards fits with his defense. He forced multiple turnovers in the one game of his I watched, and as always he was able to create points for his team in transition. Offensively his ability to penetrate the defense led to scores for himself, and his teammates off of kick-out passes. Trejuan came into this event with not much to play for, yet he still played with intensity on both ends of the floor, and that competitive spirit is part of what makes him a national level prospect.
Erick Burgess (6’4 2021 W, Cristo Rey Jesuit)- Erick delivered on of the most all around seasons in the Twin Cities as a sophomore, and continued that productivity into the Top 250 Expo. A lengthy and athletic wing prospect, Erick found success slashing to the rim on offense, both off the dribble and making cuts to the hoop. He didn’t force a lot offensively, but was efficient and made the most out of the shots he took. Defensively Erick exceled as a rim protector, blocking shots in both transition and in half-court defense, using great timing on his leaps to get a hand on multiple attempts. Erick has a lot to offer as a prospect, as he has size, athleticism, defensive effort, and can do a little bit of everything. Look for his recruitment to start to pick up a bit as his junior year progresses.
Muja Burton (6’3 2022 G, Columbia Heights)- Muja was a double digit scorer as a freshman, but came into this event and proved he can do more than just shoot the ball. On defense he was thrown into a difficult situation of having to face off against players of 6’10 and 6’9… both in the same game. Despite giving up half a foot of height, Muja fought and scrapped for every inch of position, and was able to hold his own in the paint. On the other end of the floor he was his usual self, proving to be one of the most dangerous shooters on the floor at any given time. If he sees his man with a hand down, he’s able to get a shot off and hits at a consistent rate. He showed that he has also improved at beating his man off the dribble leading to some inside scores as well.
DJ Akpati (5’11 2021 G, Totino-Grace)- Facing off against a plethora of talented guards in his first game of the day, DJ more than held his own on the floor. An extremely quick player, that agility as well as vocal leadership made him a constant on the defensive side of the floor. Fighting for loose balls, pressuring his man on-ball, and calling out screens were all constants for DJ. With the ball in his hands he proved to be a threat to penetrate with his tight handles, while also being able to knock down outside jumpers. Currently ranked 24th in the 2021 class, DJ lived up to the hype in Burnsville.eric