Senior Leadership at 250 Expo KC

<p>The Expo gathered players from all over Kansas and Missouri, and grouped them by position. So there were players of all ages, from 2022 to 2025, mixed together.</p> <p>Most of the 2022s are vets who are familiar with every kind of club ball style. Some of the younger players, however, might have been unfamiliar (and maybe a little intimidated) by the setup.</p> <p>Not every team had a 2022 player, but in some cases, seniors played important leadership roles for their teams.</p> <p>Here are some seniors who showed mature leadership at the 250 Expo KC:</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1268821" first="Seth" last="Clark"], Team 2, 6-foot-2 guard, Junction City:</p> <p>Probably the thing Clark did best Sunday was exhibit a joy for the game. Most players were on a play on/sit one schedule. But Clark just kept showing up in every game, jumping in anywhere there was a need for a body. It didn’t matter whether he was on the court or on the bench, he was engaged and having a blast. He was positive and encouraging, but mixed in just enough playful banter against opponents to spark some competitiveness.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1300826" first="Aaron" last="Doria"], Team 10, 6-foot-2 guard, Frontenac (pictured):</p> <p>Doria may have demonstrated some of the best leadership of the weekend. He was constantly dialoguing with his coach, and trying to do what he was directed. Jamborees like the 250 Expo can devolve into run-and-gun chaos. But Doria was running offense, directing teammates and playing within a team framework. He showed a lot of character, as well as some serious skill.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1300793" first="Trent" last="Duffey"], Team 3, 6-foot-2 guard, Hayden:</p> <p>No surprise that Duffey played hard, disciplined basketball at both ends. He’s not a flashy guy. He plays team ball, doesn’t get out of control, and does everything a team might need. Duffey is disciplined in the Hayden fundamentals and shows how to be a good teammate.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1300797" first="Jaylen" last="Gray"], Team 1, 6-foot-1 guard, Shawnee Mission North:</p> <p>Gray just played the game the right way Sunday. He moved without the ball, didn’t tie up the flow with too much dribbling, and brought a lot of competitiveness and toughness. He used his fine ball handling to get other guys involved, rather than just create his own shot.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="946270" first="Trent" last="Stimac"], Team 7, 6-foot-2 guard, Bonner Springs:</p> <p>Perhaps no senior was more impressive than Stimac. He might not throw down rim-rattling dunks or light it up from deep, but he is doing everything a team needs to win. He defends and produces turnovers, he takes care of the ball and produces shots for teammates, and he can knife through a defense for easy buckets. He plays hard and does the stuff good teams get from their leaders.</p> <p><strong>Alex Watt</strong>, Team 8, 6-foot guard, Junction City:</p> <p>Watt doesn’t jump out at you at first. But the longer you watch, the more you appreciate his game. He’s a blue-collar guard if there ever was one. He plays with tenacity and aggressiveness, diving to the floor for every ball, and running hard to make plays. He has solid all-around skills and contributes in every area.</p>