Top 250 Expo Preview: Senior Showcase
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Because players across at least four grades of high school gather to play together at the Kansas Top 250 Expo, older players provide leadership. Teams are made up of players of all ages, most of whom have never met each…
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Continue ReadingBecause players across at least four grades of high school gather to play together at the Kansas Top 250 Expo, older players provide leadership. Teams are made up of players of all ages, most of whom have never met each other, much less practiced together. The older players can be a steadying influence on their teams.
The Expo will highlight a lot of well-established stars on the Kansas scene. But a few seniors will be looking to grow their games and prepare for big final seasons.
Here are some seniors who will try to take advantage of the Kansas Top 250 Expo to establish themselves (in alphabetical order):
The lights-out lefty shooter can really impress in club events when he heats up. He has limitless range and knows how to hunt shots. He continues to grow and fill out, making him even more capable of guarding in the paint and rebounding. He will be called on to take an even bigger role for the Trojans this year. While this shooter has one outstanding skill, he puts in the work and continues to develop.
Highlights
An important piece of the 5A state runners-up a year ago, Johnson (pictured) has worked hard to prep for a big senior campaign. This guy is a gritty, well-rounded guard who handles the ball and fearlessly attacks defenses. He keeps his eyes up and never fails to find a teammate with the ball. His toughness is always on display, and his leadership and selflessness will play well at the Expo.
Highlights
Perhaps one of the most interesting players to watch Saturday will be McCallop, who missed all last season with a leg injury. Think it’s slowed him down much? Well he took second in the 400 meters and sixth in the 200 meters at 4A state last spring, and he’s been a terror on the football field this fall. It’s time to see where he stands heading into basketball season in a couple of months. He’s a blur with the basketball and creates offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates.
There will be a lot of guys McDowell’s size in KC on Saturday, giving him a real test heading into this senior campaign. He is a defender of the rim and a powerful presence in the lane. Bigs have to really run if they are going to contribute offensively at the Expo. It will be fun to watch how Girard’s big man has developed since he helped them go to state last spring.
Highlights
This baseball star is a hooper to watch too. He can really light it up from deep and push it in up-tempo fashion. He really impressed with Drive-5 last summer, pointing to a much bigger role as a senior. Graduation depleted the Blue Valley Southwest roster, so he should add to his 4 points and 1.5 assists per game as a junior.