New England Top-250 Expo Players to Watch

With the Prep Hoops New England Top-250 Expo right around the corner, it’s time that we explored and previewed the attendees and players who will be competing. There is going to be a plethora of talent there, so let’s dive in and break down some the players to watch while attending the expo.

Mason Cottrell Mason Cottrell 6'3" | PG East Catholic | 2023 State NLG 6’3″ East Catholic (CT) 2023

A lockdown defender and relentless finisher, Cottrell is a player that I’ll be watching closing at the expo. He’s a 6’3″ guard that plays downhill and is always finding ways to get to the basket. He’s developing as a 3-point shooter and playmaking facilitator, and I’m excited to see how he performs as a shooter and passer at the event. Cottrell is a player that’s worth monitoring simply due to his excellent physical tools and half-court scoring ability, and there’s a strong likelihood that he’ll impress at the event.

Maxwell Crawford 6’3″ Attleboro (MA) 2024

Crawford is an amazing 3-point shooter that has a high-point release. He’s capable of drifting and finding his spots on the court. This excellent off-ball movement and ability that Crawford possesses makes him lethal from 3-point territory. Combine this skill with his jump-shooting, and Crawford is certainly going to be a player that’s knocking down triples at the event. I’m excited to see what Crawford can do outside of the 3-point line, too. Can he score in the half-court? Can he create off-the-bounce for himself and teammates? We’ll see next weekend.

Korbin Dixon Korbin Dixon 6'5" | SG Wilbraham And Monson Academy | 2024 State NLG 6’5″ Wilbraham and Monson Academy 2024

An offensive weapon thanks to his 6’5″ frame and athleticism, Dixon is going to worth keeping an eye on at the expo. Dixon is a physical, lengthy guard that can score in transition and in the half-court. He’s got an elite first step and long strides that really help him get by defenders. Dixon is also an excellent off-ball movement player, and he’s great at finding holes in the defense and cutting to the basket. Defensively, Dixon’s athleticism really shines through. His length and activity come in handy, but his instincts and leaping ability are what separate him from the rest.

London Jemison London Jemison 6'8" | SF Northwest Catholic | 2024 State NLG 6’7″ Northwest Catholic 2024

Arguably one of the best players attending the expo and event, Jemison is a legit 3-level scorer. He can score on the fast break. He can score in the half-court. He has a beautifully-looking shot and he’s able to create for himself off-the-dribble. He was just born to score the basketball. Jemison flashed all of this ability against high-level competition while playing in the Nike EYBL for Expressions. He’s consistently played at a high level against top-tier competition. Jemison is going to score, and score a lot at the New England Top-250 Expo, and he’s going to impress a lot of people.

Malik Matanmi 6’7″ Shea High School 2023

Matanmi is simply a freakish athlete. He physically-imposing player with broad shoulders, a lengthy frame, and grown-man strength, Matanmi is difficult to stop. He plays high above the rim thanks to his elite leaping ability and bounce. He can jump off either one-foot or two feet. Furthermore, this leaping ability makes Matanmi a great rebounder and rim protector. He’s still coming along as a passer and shooter, but he’s made strides and I expect to see him stretch his game out at the expo. Matanmi is going to make a lot of noise with his highlight-reel throw-downs and blocks, but if he can flash some shooting upside, that’s yet another reason to get excited.

Julio Goodridge 6’2″ Virginia Prep Sports Academy 2023

Goodridge is going to shoot the lights out of the gym at the event. He’s that good of a shooter where he can consistently and effectively drain 3-pointer after 3-pointer. But there’s a lot more to his game than just jump-shooting. Goodridge can score off-the-dribble in space as well to compliment his catch-and-shoot abilities. He’s also a very active defender, and he loves to pressure ball-handlers. Expect Goodridge to pester guards full-court and rack up a few steals at the event. I can’t wait to watch Goodridge’s shooting ability, but I’m more excited to see how he performs as a undersized defender.

Jayson Njoroge 6’0″ Saint Johns 2023

Njoroge is a very hard-working basketball player. He’s active defensively with his hands and feet. He’s always looking to make the right plays on offense. But, to add on to it, Njoroge is a tireless hustler. He’ll dive after loose balls. He’s willing to step in and take charges. He’ll run from baseline to baseline to try and stop fast breaks. Simply put, he works hard and goes all out on both ends. He’s a capable 3-point shooter but he’ll make a lot of noise at the event just because of how hard he goes offensively and defensively.

Amir Panagiotis 6’0″ St. Andrews School 2025

Panagiotis is a 6’0″ Class of 2025 player. He’s still got plenty of time to grow and develop, but he’s already flashed a ton of skill and upside as a player. Panagiotis has a really good handle that helps him create for himself in the half-court. He’s also super athletic, and this athleticism really makes him an elite, high-level defender. But most of all, Panagiotis can finish and slash with the best of them. A younger player will tons of room to prosper, Panagiotis could really continue climbing with another impressive performance at the expo.

Malachi Polson Malachi Polson 6'2" | CG Friends Academy | 2023 State NY 6’0″ Friends Academy 2023

Polson is a physical, strong guard that’s able to score and pass. He’s a really polished, well-refined offensive player. Polson is able to slash and find creative ways to get to the basket. He’s a super crafty player that simply can put the ball in the basket. He’s also great at finding his teammates for opportunities, as he always has his eyes up and he’s always looking to make the right play. Polson also impacts the game on the defensive end, as well. He’s strong, he’s active, and he moves his hands and feet well.