Texas Top 250 Expo 2023 Wings (Part 1/2)

<p>There was plenty of talent on display at the Prep Hoops Texas Top 250 Expo in Dallas. This is my in-depth analysis of each of the players in attendance. Be on the lookout for the rest of my top player’s list and my coverage of all the athletes.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1295899" first="Matthew" last="Hampton"] 2023 6’2 Wakeland High School @Mattxhampton</p> <p>Matthew is a great leaper who works and skies for every rebound. He boxes out well and does all of the little things right. I was impressed with his ability to put the ball on the floor and get his shot off the bounce. He even displayed strong facilitating ability and found his teammates for easy looks. I would like to see him be more aggressive when attacking the rim and finishing in the paint. I would also like to see continued development with a live dribble and his ability to beat defenders off the bounce.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1295825" first="Micah" last="Smalls"] 2023 6’4 VR Eaton High School</p> <p>Micah is an impressive athlete with great size. He is a patient scorer with his back to the basket and really works hard in the paint. He can put the ball on the floor out of the triple threat or the post and get to his spots in the lane. I would like to see him work on setting strong screens and quickly opening up. I would also like to see him stay patient when he has a live dribble and not get rushed into uncomfortable shots for him.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1295846" first="David" last="Martini"] 2023 6’2 Ranchview</p> <p>David is the definition of a hard-working rim running wing. He thrives in transition and is not afraid to finish with contact at the rim. I was very impressed with his hard work all around the floor and the energy he brought to his team. I would like to see him work on screening and opening up towards his guards to be ready to receive a pass. I would also like to see him work on his ability to knock down shots off the catch and incorporating the pick and pop into his game.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1295884" first="Jahid" last="Karim"] 2023 6’3 Venus High School @Jahidk_5</p> <p>Jahid is an explosive athlete who provides energy on both ends of the floor. He is a high-level player who provides energy and tenacity to his team. He is an elite on-ball defender but is also a great back-side defender. He is a loud player who likes to call out switches and incoming screens.  Karim is the definition of the ideal team defender. On offense, he has a reliable jump shot, especially from the corners and wings. He can handle the ball well and put the ball on the floor to get to the paint. I would like to see continued development with his shot off the dribble behind the arc.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1176704" first="Rylan" last="Kennedy"] 2023 6’5 Lake Ridge High School @OnlyRylan</p> <p>Rylan is an athletic wing who knows how to finish with the best of them at the rim. He is a very impressive finisher; he bullies opponents out of the way when attacking the rim. He is a very aware player on the offensive end of the floor, he is a great passer out to his shooters, especially after he draws the attention of the defense. He is a great help defender and can slide out and guard positions 1-4 with ease. I would like to see him work on staying engaged and aggressive on defense. His jumper needs work as well, but he has time to correct some basic things with his shot and really transform his game and take it to the next level.</p>