Top 250 Expo- Owen’s Standouts

<p>The Minnesota Top 250 Expo was amazing with so many players showing what they can do! Here are some of the players that caught my eye on Saturday in Wayzata!</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1284233" first="Xavier" last="Lumpkin"](6’0 2023 PG, Benilde St. Margrets)- I really liked what I saw out of Lumpkin in his second game of the day, and I think he’s going to be one of those guys fighting his way to earn a spot and earn attention. Xavier showed great defense and hustle using his quick feet and on the offensive side of the ball, he had great eyesight for teammates and always looking to get open. Add in some more confidence and he’ll be a ’23 guard to watch.</p> <p>Kayser Hassan(6’5 2022 G Eastview)- Kayser caught my eye the second I started watching him. He is explosive on offense using his size to grab boards or throwing it down. Probably one of the most electric dunks I’ve ever seen in transition with a defender trailing. His quickness in transition and scrappiness on defense could help the lightning a lot this winter. He’s a guy that is flying under the radar but should be on people’s minds.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1221149" first="Tajon" last="Pearson"](5’7 2023 PG Kennedy)- I caught Pearson in his second game and I’m glad I did. He’s a junior that is a great floor general. He helps teammates get open, takes the open looks and hustles on defense. Despite his size, he is physical and won’t back down to anyone. Watch out for him this winter as he should play a big role in the Eagles playbook.</p> <p>Jace Howland(5’11 2023 G Rochester John Marshall)- Howland showed his range from deep going 4-4 in his first game on Saturday. Not only was he taking open looks but when they weren’t he’d drive to the hoop and kick it out to an open teammate or score. He made his team better not just focusing on himself. On the defensive end, he showed great hustle, making some turnovers and making the outlet pass. Focus on him down south this winter.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1161947" first="Joshua" last="Ofori"](6’5 2023 G Prior Lake)- Josh displayed some great basketball in the game I saw. He’s a big that has very go<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/07/Joshua-Ofori-2.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1254917 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/07/Joshua-Ofori-2-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="185" height="123" /></a>od athleticism. The way he moved in transition with his height and being a junior surprised me. He took control of the game when he felt it was necessary. He’s good on both sides of the boards and a very good defender. He protected the paint and then used the paint to score on the other end. Currently ranked 42nd in his class, he just needs to bring in some more consistent shooting and he’ll be good for the Lakers.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>