Expo Top 250 preview-players I am excited to watch part 2
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In part one, I covered a few players from teams 1-4. I will cover teams 5-9 in this article. As I mentioned in the first article, I will no doubt come away with some valuable player reviews that I don’t…
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Continue ReadingIn part one, I covered a few players from teams 1-4. I will cover teams 5-9 in this article. As I mentioned in the first article, I will no doubt come away with some valuable player reviews that I don’t cover here. I will be watching for the head turners not listed here.
Team 5-
This kid has a ton of potential. At 6’6, he’s only a sophomore and will likely be growing more. In height and game. As it is, he’s a skilled enough big man to take notice. Excited to see what he brings this weekend in Bellevue. He’s shown a nice skill set that is booming with growth potential.
He got big minutes as a freshman for Rogers last season. He more than held his own and played beyond his years. A good shooter with a strong floor game. He played under control and didn’t make freshman mistakes very often. He’s got quick feet on defense, and he showed the ability to score off the dribble and knock down mid-range jumpers. He should be ready to make a much bigger impact as a sophomore with valuable varsity experience.
Highlights
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Chase Staymates
He seems to be a good candidate to be a force in the paint with his shot blocking skills and no fear style of play. He is active and not afraid to do the dirty work. As he continues to build on his offensive game, he can be a force on the block. He saw varsity action as a freshman, enough to show a lot of upside for the next three years.
Team 6-
Another top prospect in the field, I am a big fan of his game. He averaged 17 points and a double double as a freshman for a young but loaded Annie Wright team last year. He can do it all. He’s a great athlete and his mid-range and ability to score off the dribble is impressive. He’s a true competitor, and that is what I like most about his game. He will no doubt be getting a lot of attention from college coaches, and probably needs no introduction here. He highlights my list of players to watch. I would sign this kid today and he’s only a sophomore.
With this trio, I would expect this to be one of the stronger teams in the field. He’s a tough guard who has shown that he can score from all spots. Very strong and good at getting to the basket. He’s one whose game should continue to flourish with another year under his belt. Hard nosed, tough player.
Highlights
Team 7-
The first thing I notice is that he has a beautiful and effortless shot and shoots it from well beyond the arc. He will be one of the better guards in this event. He plays with good speed and under control. He knows how and when to change speeds and has good vision to find the open man. Just a very solid all around guard who should be getting some looks at the next level. He will put up some big-time numbers in the next two years and should be one of the top guards in the 2024 class.
I have seen him play in person and I was impressed. He’s a relentless attacker who gets downhill with a purpose. He can finish well around the basket and has great body control. He is a good shooter as well and is another one who might be flying under the radar a bit. He’s built solid and is deceptively quick with the dribble. I expect him to have a good showing, just as he did the last time I saw him. He knows how to get buckets!
He comes over from Oregon and Tigard high school school. I have not seen a lot of him but I did see some, and I like what I saw. He’s well rounded and plays smart. His skill level and basketball IQ seem to be a catalyst that has propelled his game to a different level. Excited to watch what he can do. This team has a great backcourt.
Highlights
Team 8-
I have been really impressed with what I have seen from this kid on film. He’s a quick guard with some flash to his game. He doesn’t struggle to put the ball in the basket. He was great last year as a sophomore, and will be a lot better this year. He’ll be a handful for opposing teams.
Highlights
An incoming freshman who has recently transferred to Lincoln high school of Tacoma from Life Christian. He’s a highly skilled point guard who excels at dropping dimes. He’s a lefty, and a creative one, whether it’s getting into the lane, or shooting off the bounce, he can get it done. He will show up and I would not expect him to be intimidated by anyone. He’s skilled enough to believe in his own game. He’s a blur out there and a tough kid to keep in front of you
I have written about his teammate at Blaine, Carson Lehnert Carson Lehnert 6’3″ | SG Blaine | 2023 State WA a few times. That takes nothing away from the game that this kid has. He, like Lehnert can shoot it from distance. He’s got size for a guard. He can shoot off the bounce and is strong on the finish. Blaine has a chance to be really good in class 1A next season. They also have Mathew Russ, to make for a three headed monster. I’m excited to see what Lucas brings to the table tomorrow in Bellevue. He’s got some game no question!
Team 9-
I have seen him play in Bellevue once before and he put on a clinic in the game I watched. He was constantly attacking and getting downhill. He had the best mid-range pull up I saw all day, and finished with some crafty moves. He would size up the defense and do as he wished. He knocked down shots, but I was most impressed with his ability to shake the defense and do a blow by. If you want to be entertained, I would suggest giving him a look. As, a, sophomore his, skill set is, one of the best in the field.
Highlights
I have not yet seen this kid play but have heard some great things about him. I’m excited to watch him. He could be ready for a break-out season, and that’s why he’s on the list.
Big time scorer, he should really fill it up this weekend. He’s lightning quick and able to finish shots you think he has no chance of doing. For a smaller guard he excels at finishing. He can also catch fire from long distance and does so often. He’ll be one of the top guards in the field.