Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo: Do-It-All Players

<p>Players who are able to impact the game in multiple ways, on both ends of the court, provide loads of value, regardless of their ’peak’ ability. Although maybe not an A+ in any particular basketball category, they aren’t a F or D in any category, either. Without any glaring weaknesses, these types of players earn the trust of coaches and are subbed out less often for fear of their weaknesses being targeted and exploited.  While watching the Iowa Top 250 Expo, these are the five players who had impact all over the court.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Jack Craig - Urbandale (23’)</span></p> <p>Jack was an excellent off-ball option for Team 6, knocking down threes when they were available, swinging the ball, and constantly moving and probing. Another very underrated skill he has is the entry pass. He knows how and where to get a big the ball. If the big was open but not from his current angle, he would dribble out, pretending to abandon the entry before turning back around and dropping it in at the new angle.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Drew Schreurs - Ankeny Centennial (23’)</span></p> <p>Drew showed ability to run a little offense for the group without disrupting flow. He selectively chose his spots to attack, like a veteran, and was able to make one, sometimes two counters to however the defense responded to him. He ignited transition several times, while also sprinting back to cover opponent transition opportunities. He has quickness, which he uses to maneuver screens and cover lots of space.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Aidan Cord - Des Moines Lincoln (22’)</span></p> <p>He won’t outjump anyone in the paint, but Aidan showed a knack for finding the ball off missed shots, especially the long rebounds. The value in Aidan’s game comes after he grabs the board, because he can sprint the ball up court himself or hit the outlet pass to initiate transition. He has an awareness of when to be where on the court. On defense he rotates on time because sees the rotation ahead of time. The same story exists for him on offense, as he is able to rotate and find open space as the offense progresses.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">[player_tooltip player_id="964876" first="Brayden" last="Farver"] - Washington (21’)</span></p> <p>I’d guess whoever had to box out Brayden at any point in the Expo walked out with a few bruises. He used a low center of gravity to displace opponents under the basket and scoop up the loose ball. He had several putbacks in these scenarios, but never forced it and made the right kick out pass when necessary. His frame makes for great screen-setting and had a few rolls that were rewarded with assists. All-around effort and focus on each possession are the staples of his game.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">[player_tooltip player_id="962617" first="Noah" last="Allen"] - Pella (22’)</span></p> <p>Now able to move his body with much more control, Noah is expanding his offensive ability. He is a dangerous and confident outside shooter off the dribble or off the catch. He is able to put it on the floor and get into the chest of his man. From there he can score with a midrange stepback or take it all the way to the hole. He showed more playmaking at the Expo than I’ve seen in past performances, and I see improvement on defense, too. His improved body control has made him a more stout on-ball defender.</p>